Find hotels in San Mateo from CA $52

Top reasons to visit San Mateo

• Outdoor Adventures: San Mateo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring stunning hiking trails and picturesque scenery.
• Beautiful Beaches: Nearby beaches offer relaxation and breathtaking sea views, perfect for unwinding.
• Rich Local Culture: Explore historic churches and vibrant botanical gardens that reflect the area's heritage.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: San Mateo is ideal for families, with activities that cater to all ages.
• Charming Accommodations: Enjoy a variety of comfortable hotels and bed and breakfasts, ensuring a memorable stay.

Find great hotels near San Mateo

San Mateo, nestled in the stunning Alajuela Province, offers a delightful selection of accommodations, including charming hotels and inviting bed and breakfasts. Ideal for families, pet lovers, and adventure seekers, you'll find options that prioritize comfort and a warm atmosphere. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and unwind in cosy beds, making your stay memorable in this beautiful region of Costa Rica.

• Fiesta Resort Central Pacific - All Inclusive: This vibrant 3.5-star resort is perfect for families seeking a fun-filled beach getaway. With unlimited food and drinks, guests can indulge in a variety of activities, including cooking and dancing lessons, mini-golf, and themed parties. The resort features a children’s club, playground, and a pool designed specifically for younger guests, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. Located 24.1km from San Mateo, Fiesta Resort offers direct beach access, making it an ideal choice for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy a lively vacation experience.
• Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel: Nestled in a serene setting 33.8km from San Mateo, this 4-star hotel combines mountain and ocean views with a relaxing spa theme. Families will appreciate the range of amenities for children, including beach toys and a children’s pool. The hotel features a comprehensive spa offering massages and treatments, ensuring parents can unwind while kids enjoy supervised fun. With its focus on wellness and relaxation, Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel is a superb choice for those looking to rejuvenate in a family-oriented environment.
• Hotel Punta Leona: A charming 3-star resort located 30.6km from San Mateo, Hotel Punta Leona is ideal for families seeking a beachside escape. Guests can enjoy direct beach access and a variety of activities, including an arcade game room and mini-golf. The resort provides essential amenities for children, such as a shared playground and first aid kit, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for young guests. With its inviting atmosphere and family-centric features, this hotel is a great option for those looking to create lasting memories by the coast.

Where to stay near San Mateo

San Mateo, nestled in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica, offers an idyllic escape for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Explore the charming nearby cities, such as San Francisco, where you can soak in stunning sea views and relax on local beaches. With its family-friendly atmosphere and tropical landscapes, San Mateo is perfect for a romantic getaway or a leisurely vacation filled with friendly locals and breathtaking scenery.

• Orotina: Orotina is a vibrant city located 4.8km from San Mateo, known for its lush landscapes and outdoor adventures. This destination attracts visitors year-round, with peak arrivals in January, April, and July. Here, you can indulge in thrilling activities like ziplining and exploring local resorts. The nearby beaches and national parks offer breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Orotina has something for everyone.
• El Mastate: Just 4.8km from San Mateo, El Mastate is a picturesque city that captivates travellers with its stunning scenery and outdoor experiences. With peak visitor numbers from January to March, El Mastate is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's natural beauty. The area features beautiful beaches and access to national state parks, making it an ideal spot for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying the great outdoors.
• Hacienda Vieja: Located a mere 4.8km from San Mateo, Hacienda Vieja is a charming city that offers an exhilarating blend of beach and adventure experiences. With peak travel periods from January to March, visitors flock to this destination for its beautiful coastlines and outdoor activities. The proximity to national parks ensures ample opportunities for hiking and exploration, allowing you to fully experience the stunning landscapes that define this region.

Things to do near San Mateo

San Mateo, located in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, is perfect for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery while exploring hiking trails and taking part in local tours. The area also features a sun terrace for relaxation, along with a resort and shopping centre for added convenience. Experience the blend of nature and leisure that San Mateo has to offer during your vacation.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in San Mateo, visit the San Ramon Municipal Market, located 17.7km away. If you're up for a drive, check out City Mall and Central Market Alajuela, both 35.4km away, offering a variety of entertainment, business, and family-friendly options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at the National Stadium of Costa Rica, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Unwind at Las Cataratas de Los Chorros, where you can immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility. For a touch of luxury, enjoy a round of golf at the Melia Cariari Golf Course, surrounded by lush landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of ziplining at Rainforest Adventures Jaco, located 33.8km from San Mateo, where you can soar through the treetops. For a family-friendly outing, head to Balneario Las Musas, a vibrant waterpark 17.7km away, offering endless fun and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in San Mateo by visiting the National Theater for a mix of culture and romance, or enjoy family-friendly entertainment at Teatro Jacó. Don't miss the Playa Guacalillo Bird Observatory for a unique experience under the stars, just a short drive away.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Mateo

To save money during your visit to San Mateo, consider travelling between September and November when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance and look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially for Tuesday stays. Utilize Expedia's price filter and consider package deals that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings. Explore free activities like local parks and markets, and use public transport to get around affordably. Always check for promo codes and free cancellation options to ensure the best deals for your trip.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in San Mateo are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in San Mateo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in San Mateo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in San Mateo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your San Mateo hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near San Mateo

San Mateo, nestled in Alajuela Province, is perfect for outdoor and adventure vacations, offering stunning scenery and a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, historic churches, and vibrant botanical gardens. This destination caters to those seeking family-friendly experiences and outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying local culture.

• Carara National Park: A serene escape, Carara National Park offers lush trails filled with vibrant wildlife. Just 19.3km from San Mateo, this secluded haven is perfect for couples seeking romance amidst nature's tranquility.
• Aguacate Mines: Located only 6.4km away, Aguacate Mines invites visitors to explore its rich history and cultural significance. The intriguing remnants of this historic mine provide a unique glimpse into the region's past.
• Minas Del Aguacate: Also situated 6.4km from San Mateo, Minas Del Aguacate is ideal for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Its picturesque scenery and recreational offerings make it a fantastic destination for all ages.

Best time to go to San Mateo

The best time to visit San Mateo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	71.1°F (21.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to San Mateo

When visiting San Mateo, Alajuela Province in Costa Rica, you can fly into several major airports. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is situated 35.4km away and has nearby hotels like the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, both offering shuttle services. Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) is 41.8km away, with accommodations such as Barceló San José and DoubleTree by Hilton, providing on-request shuttle transport. For those considering Quepos Airport (XQP), located 70.8km away, options like the luxurious Makanda by the Sea also feature 24-hour shuttle services. Each airport offers convenient access to San Mateo and nearby attractions.