Located in the mountains, just at the starting point of Costa Rica’s countryside, is the Orquideas Inn Hotel & Resort. The hotel is conveniently located at just 10 to 15 minutes from Costa Rica’s International Airport which gives Las Orquideas the advantage of being a perfect starting point for your trip to Costa Rica.

The area, famous for having one of the most ideal climates in the world, is surrounded by friendly people and beautiful vegetation indigenous to this part of the country. Spanish for Orchids, Las Orquideas hotel was once a Spanish colonial style residence of a coffee farmer. The hotel’s 10 acres have been neatly kept and worked into a relaxing and peaceful area perfect for strolls along its paths. A short walk will take you through beautiful trees adorned with vibrant colored orchids, a fish pond and Fred, the hotel’s 15 year old scarlet macaw.

The Orquideas Inn offers a total of 26 rooms that range from standard, deluxe, master suites to their unique geodesic 2 bedroom dome. All rooms have their own bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, satellite TV, safe deposit box and phone. Another feature the hotel offers is free wireless internet service in all their rooms in case you need to sneak in some work while on vacations.

The great thing about Las Orquideas has to be its location. Although you are close to Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, and downtown Alajuela, the hotel is just outside the city hustle. The hotel’s open distribution, great staff and glorious weather makes this a place to just kick back and relax.

The hotel’s social area is all located in one area thus giving privacy to the rest of the property. The restaurant, located on the second floor, overlooks the swimming pool and the property’s paths. On the first level you will find the famous Marilyn Monroe Bar where pictures of Marilyn glamorously adorn the bar’s walls. I was told that one of the hotel’s previous owners was a die hard Marilyn Monroe fan and collected her photographs. Many guests even mail back Marilyn pictures to be put up on the bar’s wall. So if you happen to have any Marilyn Monroe pictures put away somewhere in your attic, the folks over at the Orquideas Inn will be more than happy to receive them!

Now, if the Orquideas Inn’s peaceful setting isn’t already good enough, you will definitely be won over by its cuisine. The Orquideas Inn offers one of the best Costa Rican cuisines I have ever tasted! I was served Costa Rica’s typical casado dish, a wonderful combination of rice, refried beans, salad and sweet plantain. The casado is served with your preference of chicken, beef or fish. I ordered it with fish. A delicious breaded tilapia filet with tartar sauce…heavenly! I have been told that breakfast is even better … can’t imagine that!

If you are planning to come to Costa Rica, I highly recommend staying at the Orquideas Inn. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying nature, great food, relaxing settings with an inviting swimming pool and Jacuzzi as well as a magnificent view.