The InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall
Sometimes even a short hotel stay can feel like a vacation – especially when you’re at the InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall. Located in the upscale Escazú district of San José, this IHG property offers the comforts of a city hotel with the amenities of a resort. It’s polished, well-appointed, and ideally situated just a short walk from the impressive Multiplaza Mall.
My sister and I stayed for one night before flying out of Costa Rica, and thanks to some travel rewards (thank you, Capital One points!), I booked a room with a king bed. At check-in, the front desk staff kindly switched us to a room with two queen beds – a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Great Location, Thoughtful Service
Room 674 gave us a lovely view of the hotel’s pool area and courtyard.
In addition to the two comfortable queen beds, our room had a marble bathroom with a soaking tub and walk-in shower, and amenities like plush robes and a minibar stocked with drinks and snacks. (Since I chose not to leave a credit card on file for incidentals, the minibar was locked – something to note if you plan to use it.)
We also had access to the Club Lounge, which provided a quiet evening snack spread that was just right after a long travel day. Unfortunately, our early morning departure meant we missed the full breakfast, but the lobby offered coffee and small snacks for those heading out before sunrise.
Although the InterContinental San José is considered a 5-star hotel, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, the marble bathrooms and Club Lounge perks deliver that luxe experience you’d expect, but the atmosphere is more polished and welcoming than pretentious. It reminded me of other favorite stays—just in a sleeker, more modern package. If your travel style swings between historic elegance at places like The John Rutledge House Inn or The DeSoto, and contemporary comfort with just the right touch of indulgence, this spot might be your sweet spot.
About The Skybridge and Hotel Amenities
One standout feature of this hotel is its proximity to the Multiplaza Mall – a sleek and upscale shopping destination that rivals the best malls in the U.S. While the hotel isn’t directly connected to the mall, a short stroll brings you to a convenient skybridge that helps you avoid crossing traffic. We appreciated the safe and easy access when we wanted to explore.
The property also offers a variety of amenities we didn’t get to fully enjoy this time around – including a spa with a sauna, a well-equipped gym, and several on-site restaurants. We did, however, take full advantage of the hot tub, which felt amazing after a day of travel.
Dining & Souvenir Corner
While we didn’t have time to dine at any of the on-site restaurants (a real shame – I had my eye on the sushi lounge), the InterContinental San José offers several tempting options. From the casual 24-hour eats at The Market to fine dining at Factory Steak & Lobster and Pimento’s Italian flair, there’s something for every craving. There’s also Nau Sushi Lounge for fresh seafood lovers and Zambra Bar for cocktails and tapas in a stylish setting. Next time, I’m definitely carving out time to eat my way through the hotel. (Here’s the full dining guide.)
The gift shop near the lobby is perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs, including Café Britt coffee, chocolates, and locally made items. Even if you don’t have room in your suitcase, it’s still fun to browse and pretend you’re not going to buy more coffee. (Spoiler: you probably will.)
Getting to the Airport
Taxis are available at the hotel 24/7, and the front desk helped us arrange a ride to the airport. The trip to SJO took about 25 minutes and cost $36 USD (quoted in dollars, not colones), and we arrived around 6:00 am with no issues.
Club Lounge Scoop
Because we paid for the Premium Room upgrade with points (yes, that’s code for “we got fancier for free-ish”), we were also able to access San José’s Club InterContinental Lounge – and everything that comes with it.
Discovering the InterContinental Ambassador Program
After staying at this luxurious 5-star hotel, I found myself spiraling down a rabbit hole of upgrades and perks – naturally. That’s when I discovered the InterContinental Ambassador program.
For $225 a year, members get a handful of perks that can more than pay for themselves -especially thanks to the Complimentary Weekend Night, which is essentially a BOGO night at InterContinental properties. If you’re someone who enjoys a little luxury (or just hates overpaying for it), it’s absolutely worth looking into.
Top Ambassador Perks Include:
- Guaranteed one-category room upgrade
- Late 4 PM checkout
- $20 restaurant or bar credit per stay
- Complimentary mineral water
- Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards
- The Complimentary Weekend Night – BOGO hotel magic
You can learn more about it here.
Thinking About Booking?
If you’re headed to San José and considering a stay at the InterContinental, springing for a Premium Room with Club access might be worth the upgrade—especially if you’re using points. Between the perks, the location next to Multiplaza Mall, and the little luxuries that make travel feel special, this hotel checks a lot of boxes.
A Closer Look at the Hotel
Want a better feel for the layout and vibe of the InterContinental San José? Check out this video tour created by another traveler. It gives a great overview of the rooms, amenities, and beautiful grounds—just note, it’s not my footage, but it’ll help you see even more of what the property has to offer:
Final Call
If the InterContinental Costa Rica has you dreaming of your own pura vida escape, be sure to explore more of my Costa Rican adventures. Take a look inside the San José Bites & Sights Food Tour for a taste of local flavor, see the wildlife and ocean views from La Mariposa Hotel, or unwind at a scenic Airbnb in Manuel Antonio surrounded by tropical beauty. Each post gives you another glimpse into the magic, flavor, and warmth that make Costa Rica unforgettable.
If this post gave you travel inspiration (or packing list anxiety), feel free to pin it, share it, or leave a comment. And if you’re dreaming of more pura vida moments, you’ll find plenty of ideas and trip highlights waiting in my Costa Rica travel collection.
