Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén

Located just a short drive from San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén combines history, culture, and modern luxury in a unique setting. Set on a former coffee plantation, the hotel seamlessly blends colonial-era architecture with contemporary comforts, making it an excellent base for travelers visiting Costa Rica for both business and leisure. One highlight during my stay was the authentic, friendly staff who made me feel completely at home. Their warm hospitality gave the entire property a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

History

The history of Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén is deeply rooted in Costa Rica’s coffee trade. The property was established by Sebastián de Zamora in the 19th century as a coffee and tobacco plantation. The region was crucial in Costa Rica’s rise as a major coffee exporter, with beans being sent to Europe via the port of Puntarenas.

Photo by Karnav, Adobe Stock

Guests can still see remnants of the past throughout the property, including curated original artifacts like traditional oxcarts that were once used to transport coffee beans—one of which is beautifully displayed in the lobby, now filled with vibrant flowers. Additionally, several original pieces are seamlessly incorporated into the hotel’s design, such as stable wooden doors and an antique bed that has been creatively repurposed into a table, among other unique touches.

Accommodations

The hotel offers 289 rooms and 10 suites, all designed to provide a modern, comfortable experience while still evoking the charm of a traditional Costa Rican hacienda. The room I stayed in featured rich wooden furnishings, soft beige and yellow tones, and large windows with views of the surrounding mountains, the golf course, and the lush grounds of the property. Updated amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, mini-fridges, and luxury bedding ensure guests feel right at home. Each room also includes several glass bottles of water, which guests can refill using the hotel’s filtered water stations—a thoughtful initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastic.

Worth mentioning is that Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén also caters to families and business travelers, offering family-friendly rooms and flexible configurations for group stays.

Dining

Dining at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén offers a variety of local and international flavors. Hacienda Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a view of the golf course. The menu features traditional Costa Rican dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering an authentic taste of the region.

A highlight is the hotel’s on-site organic garden, which grows herbs, strawberries, and star fruit that are often used in the dishes, enhancing the farm-to-table experience.

For a more refined dining option, La Isabela Steakhouse offers expertly prepared steaks, a curated wine list, and an intimate atmosphere. During my visit, I enjoyed a unique tasting menu paired with wine painting. The Josper oven, using natural charcoal, imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the steak, making it one of the most memorable meals I’ve had.

If you’re looking for something more casual, Casa del Café serves Costa Rican coffee, pastries, and light meals 24 hours a day. I had a special coffee tasting with Orgaikos Coffee, which offers a chance to experience organic coffee and learn about sustainable farming.

For a change of pace, La Castilla offers Asian-fusion cuisine and exotic cocktails with stunning views from its outdoor terrace. Finally, Bar 10 combines a sports bar atmosphere with elevated dining, where guests can enjoy American favorites and cocktails while watching live games.

Wellness & Recreation

During my stay, I experienced Kuö Spa’s Coffee Scrub Treatment, which uses coffee from local vendors, including the hotel’s plantation. The exfoliation left my skin refreshed and soft. Inspired by the Cabécar culture, the spa incorporates natural elements like water, earth, sun, and moon. With 11 treatment rooms, including private suites with Jacuzzis overlooking the coffee fields, the spa offers a peaceful, relaxing setting.

For those staying active, the hotel features a fully equipped fitness center, two outdoor pools, a golf driving range, and tennis courts. The golf course provides a serene environment for both casual and seasoned golfers.

Winding paths throughout the grounds are perfect for morning walks. Along the way, I discovered thriving coffee plants, trees, and a charming butterfly garden with colorful blooms that attract butterflies, adding to the hotel’s natural beauty.

Sustainability

The hotel takes sustainability seriously, with several environmental initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. In 2021, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén became the first Marriott property in Latin America to install a solar-powered microgrid system. The solar panels generate energy to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 20.8 tons annually.

Beyond energy efficiency, the hotel is actively involved in the local community through its Serve 360 initiative, which supports local projects and charitable organizations like the Food Bank of Costa Rica and the Roblealto Association. They also lead environmental programs, such as the recycling of plastic bottle caps to create accessible beach paths for people with disabilities, which demonstrates the hotel’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Meetings & Events

The hotel offers over 14,000 square feet of meeting space and 28 flexible rooms for business and social events. The Juan Vázquez de Coronado ballroom accommodates up to 1,000 guests, and the Central Courtyard is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Comprehensive event services, including planning, catering, and audiovisual support, are available. The on-site chapel, the first building on the property, provides a charming and historic setting for weddings. Experienced staff are available to assist with both business and wedding planning.