Escape the Crowds: Discover the Authentic Charm of Belén, Costa Rica.
By Silvanna Pacheco, May 15th, 2025.
Belén Heredia boasts a fascinating blend of history and progress. Once home to the indigenous Huetar people and later welcoming Spanish settlers, Belén has blossomed into a significant commercial and industrial major city.
To the eastern part of Belén you will find Free Trade Zones or Zonas Francas. This has made this city a hub for residential, commercial, and industrial development. The proximity to the Juan Santamaría International Airport and good connectivity to other development centers like San José and Alajuela make Belén an attractive location for businesses. Many international companies have established operations in Belén such as Intel, Firestone and Amanco.
The Heredia region’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, especially coffee, onions, tomatoes and corn, and it is also a region known for the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people. Belén also serves as a fantastic starting point to visit local treasures like the beautiful and scenic Poás Volcano and the renowned Starbucks Coffee Farm Hacienda Alsacia.
Belén caters to modern lifestyles with shopping destinations like La Ribera Shopping Center and a robust hotel scene featuring renowned international chains. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a warm welcome at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén.
Stepping into the Costa Rica Marriott is like stepping into an old coffee hacienda. With a very relaxing atmosphere, you will find corners adorned with curated elements from across Central and South America.
I started my visit with a fresh brew and a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast at Casa del Cafe, which also offers tempting lunch and dinner menus.
The hotel also offers four other dining experiences, including a traditional Steakhouse with beautiful decor and Bar 10, the perfect spot to catch your favorite game while enjoying a handcrafted cocktail and a lively atmosphere.
The hotel’s amenities are designed for ultimate comfort. Spacious rooms with garden views, a fully equipped fitness center to stay active, a refreshing swimming pool, the Kuö Spa offering a great selection of treatments, and a driving range that provides practice areas for pitching, driving and sand lies.
For those needing a quiet space, the Executive Lounge and business center offers privacy and exclusive menu options.
It came to my attention that many Costa Ricans visit the hotel’s restaurants, enjoying a relaxing overnight stay, or to unwind by the pool. This genuine local presence adds to the hotel’s authentic charm, as ticos themselves seek it out for weekend getaways or business meetings.
Take some time to explore the plantation and the surrounding nature areas for a genuine taste of Costa Rica’s “pura vida”. And for a truly unique and memorable stay, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén offers a blend of comfort, history, and local charm that is hard to beat. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, just moments from your arrival in this beautiful country.