New Moxy Hotel SJO Airport
Moxy SJO Airport Hotel Construction Begins Ahead of 2027 Opening
Updated August 29, 2026
Introduction
Construction is underway on the Moxy SJO Airport hotel at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela. AERIS confirmed in July 2026 that work had begun on the 173-room property, which is being developed by AZ Hospitality Group and EXPANDD Development and Design under Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels brand. Remington Hospitality is expected to operate it.
The latest opening target is mid-2027.
Quick Answer
The Moxy SJO Airport hotel is under construction inside the Juan Santamaría International Airport complex. The 173-room property is planned to open in mid-2027 and will connect directly to the terminal by pedestrian bridge, giving passengers, airline crews and business travelers an airport-integrated overnight option without a separate hotel transfer.
Key Facts
Construction is underway as of August 2026.
The hotel will have 173 guest rooms.
Investment is approximately US$20 million.
Opening is planned for mid-2027.
A pedestrian bridge will connect the hotel directly with the terminal.
Moxy Hotels is part of Marriott International.
Remington Hospitality is expected to operate the property.
AERIS identifies it as the first on-airport hotel in Central America and Panama directly connected to an airport terminal.
What Is Being Built at SJO?
The project is designed as an airport lifestyle hotel. Plans include a Moxy-style lobby where the bar also serves as the registration desk, social areas, collaborative workspaces and expanded food service.
AERIS also says official airport kiosks are planned inside the hotel so guests can complete airline check-in processes and print baggage tags before entering the terminal.
When Will the Moxy SJO Airport Hotel Open?
The latest official target is mid-2027. Earlier information pointed to the first quarter of 2027, but the July 2026 construction announcement updated the expected opening period.
Because the hotel remains under construction, travelers should not treat the projected date as a confirmed opening until Marriott, Remington Hospitality or the airport announces that the property is operating or accepting reservations.
Where Is the Moxy SJO Airport Hotel Located?
The hotel is being built within the Juan Santamaría International Airport complex in Alajuela, Alajuela Province. Once open, guests are expected to walk between the hotel and terminal through the dedicated pedestrian bridge rather than use a vehicle transfer.
For broader arrival planning, the Costa Rica Travel Planning Guide 2026 explains how SJO fits into multi-destination itineraries.
How Will the Hotel Affect Airport Transportation?
The main transportation change is that hotel guests will not need a road transfer between the terminal and the Moxy itself.
Travelers continuing beyond the airport complex can compare private transportation with scheduled shared shuttle services. Shared-shuttle pickup locations and departure times should be confirmed for the exact travel date rather than assumed to operate from the hotel.
Why the Project Matters for Costa Rica Tourism
AERIS says Juan Santamaría International Airport currently connects Costa Rica with 37 destinations through 25 international commercial airlines and two domestic airlines.
An airport-connected hotel can make late arrivals, early departures and overnight connections more practical while adding dedicated infrastructure for airline crews and business travelers. The long-term tourism effect will depend on the final opening date, operating performance and how travelers use the hotel as a first-night or last-night base.
What Travelers Should Know
The Moxy SJO Airport hotel is not open yet. Construction is underway and mid-2027 remains a projected opening period.
Travelers planning trips for 2027 should verify operating status before relying on the hotel for an arrival or departure night. Until an official opening is confirmed, existing airport-area accommodation and normal ground-transportation planning remain necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Moxy SJO Airport hotel open now?
No. As of August 29, 2026, the hotel is under construction. AERIS confirmed the start of works in July 2026, and the current projected opening is mid-2027. Travelers should wait for an official opening or reservation announcement before planning a stay.
How many rooms will the Moxy SJO Airport hotel have?
The latest official construction announcement confirms 173 guest rooms. Earlier announcements described the project as having more than 170 rooms, but the July 2026 update provides the more precise figure.
Will the hotel be connected directly to SJO Airport?
Yes. Plans call for a pedestrian bridge linking the hotel directly with the Juan Santamaría International Airport terminal. Guests should therefore be able to walk between the property and terminal without arranging a separate vehicle transfer.
Who is developing and operating the hotel?
AZ Hospitality Group and EXPANDD Development and Design are developing the project under Moxy Hotels, a Marriott International brand. Remington Hospitality is expected to operate the hotel after opening.
Will travelers still need transportation after staying at the Moxy?
Yes, when continuing beyond the airport complex. The bridge will solve the terminal-to-hotel connection, but travelers heading to beaches, volcano areas, resorts or other cities will still need a rental car, private transfer, shared shuttle or another onward transportation option.
Conclusion
The Moxy SJO Airport hotel has moved from planning into construction, with 173 rooms, an approximately US$20 million investment and a mid-2027 opening target. Its direct pedestrian bridge to SJO could make airport overnight stays much simpler once the property opens.
Travelers continuing beyond Alajuela can review transportation options from San José Airport and plan the next leg around flight time, destination and preferred service type.