San Rafael

Travel Guide

A panoramic view of a city with a mountainous backdrop and a sunset.
A panoramic view of a city with a sunset over mountains.
A cityscape at dusk with a mountain in the background.
A pathway flanked by topiary arches, leading to a building with a red dome.
A church with two domes, a red roof, and a pathway lined with neatly trimmed bushes.
InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall by IHG

InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall by IHG

5 out of 5
In Front Of Multiplaza Shopping Center San Rafael
$247 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$279 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (812 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall by IHG
Hyatt Centric San José Escazú

Hyatt Centric San José Escazú

4.5 out of 5
Plaza Tempo San Rafael
$130 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
$147 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Multiplaza Mall Escazu and National ...
Hyatt Centric San José Escazú
Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

3.5 out of 5
San Rafael Escazu San Rafael San Jose
$123 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
$139 total
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Solamente me tocó una habitación queda con la calle y el ruido de los carros no me dejó dormir ni tiene cristales contra ruido externo"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2026

Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu
See all 1,559 properties in San Rafael
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

3.5 out of 5
East side of Costa Rica Country Club San Rafael
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,057 reviews)
"Todo el personal es maravilloso y muy serviciales. Excelente desayuno y todo súper lindo y muy limpio. La piscina súper. Realmente volveremos cada que estemos en Costa Rica . 100% recomendado"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2026

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
Elegant, fully equipped residence with heated pool and great views

Elegant, fully equipped residence with heated pool and great views

San Jose San Jose Province
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions National Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Had another amazing stay at casa britto. Love coming back."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2026

Elegant, fully equipped residence with heated pool and great views
Exquisite 3-BR Condo in the heart of everything!

Exquisite 3-BR Condo in the heart of everything!

San Rafael de Escazú San José Province
Stay at this apartment in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Multiplaza Mall Escazu and National Stadium of Costa ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"We had a wonderful stay at Mijail’s apartment! The place was spacious, comfortable, and in a great location, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafés nearby. Mijail was very responsive and helpful, making everything easy from check-in to check-out. We really enjoyed our stay and would happily ..."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2026

Exquisite 3-BR Condo in the heart of everything!
See all properties in San Rafael
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular San Rafael attractions

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

9.0/10 (1,325 reviews)
During your visit to San Rafael, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Multiplaza Mall Escazu. Amble around the area's picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.
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Things to do

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

$135
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

$30
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

$63
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner
White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose

White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From San Jose

$125
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From San Jose
San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

$80
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour
Sarapiqui River Rafting

Sarapiqui River Rafting

$70
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Sarapiqui River Rafting
See all activities in San Rafael

Frequently asked questions

Is San Rafael worth visiting?
San Rafael is worth visiting for its diverse culinary scene, featuring delicious Latin American and Asian cuisine. Travelers can also explore prominent shopping and entertainment options at Multiplaza Mall Escazu and Avenida Escazú Shopping Center, making it a great spot for dining and retail experiences.
What is San Rafael known for?
San Rafael is known for its prominent shopping and entertainment centers, including Multiplaza Mall Escazu, Avenida Escazú Shopping Center, and Plaza Tempo. This city in Costa Rica also offers travelers a rich Latin American food culture to explore.
What is a good itinerary length for San Rafael?
A good itinerary length for San Rafael is one to two days to explore local shopping areas like Multiplaza Mall Escazu and Plaza Tempo, and enjoy diverse dining. For a longer trip of three to four days, you can also include a day adventure to the Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring, making the most of your visit. See San Rafael Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around San Rafael?
In San Rafael, travelers can explore the nearby Escazú area for shopping and dining, or venture further for a natural escape. Visit Multiplaza Mall Escazu for shopping, or explore the Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring for a unique natural experience.
How do I plan a trip to San Rafael?
To plan your trip to San Rafael, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Secure your spot for the Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring experience. While there, explore shopping at Multiplaza Mall Escazu, Avenida Escazú Shopping Center, and Plaza Tempo, and enjoy the local Latin American, Asian, and Italian cuisine.
What cuisines can you find in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, travelers can find South American cuisine, with dishes like empanadas, ceviche, and lomo saltado. There are also options for Mexican food, including tacos and burritos, alongside Asian dishes like Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Thai. Italian, European, and North American cuisines are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in San Rafael?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in San Rafael by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to San Rafael with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your San Rafael trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in San Rafael?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in San Rafael can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my San Rafael trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your San Rafael trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my San Rafael trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your San Rafael trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to San Rafael?
If it's your first trip to San Rafael, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my San Rafael hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your San Rafael hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near San Rafael

A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.

San José

An aerial view of a city with modern buildings, roads, and a mountainous backdrop.

San Antonio de Belen

A panoramic view of a city with a winding road, dense residential areas, and a backdrop of hills under a dramatic sunset sky.

Escazu

A cityscape under a stormy sky.

Santa Ana

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