When flying into San Jose, Costa Rica, fly into SJO (Juan Santamaría International Airport). If you want to leave from a beach by the Pacific coast, the nearest airport is Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR - Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport).
Yes, you will need a passport in order to fly into Costa Rica.
There are many people in Costa Rica that do speak English, however Google Translate offline version is a good option for communication there.
Most places accept or would prefer US dollars, but I would get small change in colones (Costa Rican currency) to pay parking lot attendants or tolls if applicable.
January is considered Costa Rica's summer. Plan for hot and sunny weather with very little rain, as it is the dry season.
InterContinental has a secured parking lot. Guests are able to park for free.
The venue is about 20 minutes on a good day, one hour with traffic.
No, Costa Rica goes by Central Standard Time.