Sanctuary in the Sun

Monday, January 12^th

Hotel Double Tree Cariari- San Jose

            We arrived in San Juan a little it before 2 pm on Monday, January 12^th. Exhausted but excited to begin our journey, we left the airport with high spirits. Before we stepped foot on Hotel Double Tree’s wonderful grounds, we ventured through San Jose via bus. Our tour guide Manual and our bus driver Carlos led us on a sightseeing tour through the streets of San Jose. We saw the national theatre, jade museum, the national stadium and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a restaurant called Nuestra Terra.

             We arrived at the Hotel Double Tree- Cariari in the early evening. After 12 hours of travel, the open-air lobby, complimentary cookie, and Wi-Fi, this hotel felt like a sanctuary. That evening we enjoyed a delicious welcome dinner and the company of our peers. The next morning we awoke to a beautiful pool view, including a cabana and a poolside bar. In all, the hotel served us great as a San Jose hub. From this hotel we travelled throughout much of the central valley including coffee plantations such as Dota and Espirito Santo and we enjoyed a fruit tour in the Los Santos Region.

             Fun Facts:

The hotel has a Casino

It also has an excellent exercise facility

Sustainability

             In regards to sustainability, the Double Tree was a good indicator of what we grew used to in Costa Rica. There was great commitment to the community, both economically and environmentally.  One thing in particular that drew my attention about this hotel is their 4 out of 5 level of sustainability according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board. This is a good mark considering that the best level is a 5. One might wonder, in what ways and through what means does a hotel become more efficient or act more sustainability.

            In the hotel rooms, I noticed a key in the holder, that when taken out, shuts all power in the room. This is a method done in many parts of the world and is an effective way to mitigate needless emissions and pollution. The hotel is also designed in the traditional hacienda Costa Rican style, which through its tile floors, high ceilings and archways, keeps the rooms cool. This is a way the hotel is removes energy costs and use from cooling the building. 
           This hotel was a great introduction to the different levels of sustainability as well as the culture of the Costa Rican people. I hope one day to return to this hotel and investigate San Jose even more!

Marco Addonizio