Costa Rica: Juan Santamaría Airport Breaks Ground on Central America’s First On-Site Terminal Hotel
Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica has officially begun construction on the MOXY AIJS Hotel, an infrastructure project set to become Central America’s first hotel directly connected to an airport terminal via a pedestrian skywalk.
Representing an investment of approximately $20 million, the initiative is part of a strategic modernization plan led by airport operator AERIS Holdings. The project aims to meet the operational demands of transit passengers, flight crews, and corporate travelers by offering streamlined, world-class amenities.
Strategic Partnership and Hotel Infrastructure
The project is being developed by AZ Hospitality Group and EXPANDD Development and Design under the Moxy Hotels brand, part of Marriott International’s portfolio. Future management of the property will be handled by Remington Hospitality.
The development has institutional backing from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), ensuring compliance with sustainability standards, operational safety, and environmental oversight throughout the construction phase.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS, emphasized that this project marks a milestone in enhancing the competitiveness of Costa Rica’s primary gateway through a successful public-private partnership framework.
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Operational Integration and Passenger Flow
The design of the MOXY AIJS Hotel was engineered to integrate seamlessly into the airport terminal’s overall operations. According to Andrew Vickers, representative for EXPANDD Development and Design, the facility will feature:
- Direct Pedestrian Bridge: A continuous physical connection linking the hotel building directly to the passenger terminal.
- Official Self-Service Kiosks: Allowing guests to check in for their flights and print baggage tags prior to entering the main departures area.
- Accommodation Capacity: 173 rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Multifunctional Spaces: A central lobby incorporating social areas, co-working spaces, and a bar that doubles as the check-in desk.
- Food & Beverage Amenities: An extended-hours restaurant tailored to the operational schedules of flight crews and long-haul international travelers.
Impact on Regional Airport Competitiveness
Scheduled to open in mid-2027, the hotel will expand the lodging footprint directly adjacent to Costa Rica’s main gateway, positioning it as a modern, fully integrated aviation hub aligned with international industry trends.
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