The 9 Best Hotels in San José, Costa Rica
6 min readThis post was written by Emily Becker, a Costa Rica–based freelance writer for BMTM.
Now that you’ve decided to visit eco-paradise, aka Costa Rica, it’s time to decide where to stay in the country’s capital city. The best hotels in San José are here to accommodate. From quaint coffee-farm digs to high-rise hotels in the heart of it all, these are my top nine recommendations for where to stay in and around San José:
1. Grano de Oro
Warm, cozy, and colonial, Grano de Oro feels like you’re visiting Costa Rica’s bygone golden age. This hotel is in the heart of San José, within walking distance of some of the best parks and landmarks. My favorite thing about it is its emphasis on providing excellent service. The staff here is famously friendly and go out of their way to make sure guests have a comfortable stay.
Grano de Oro first opened its doors in 1991, transforming from a Victorian-style home to a 34-room boutique hotel. Travelers who love learning about a destination’s history will love staying here, as the hotel has retained much of the home’s vintage flair and furnishings. Grano de Oro is also a great pick for families, as there is a family suite with two beds in each unit, with the option to conjoin the adjacent rooms to accommodate up to five people.
2. InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza
Located in Escazú, a small city on the outskirts of San José, across the street from the Multiplaza shopping mall, the InterContinential is known for hosting the city’s most famous guests when they come to perform live shows at the national stadium, so keep your eyes out for Latin pop superstars like Karol G and Camilo!
With upscale vibes and bright, airy rooms, the InterContinential is a great place to stay before you head out on your epic Costa Rican adventure. Likewise, it’s ideal for an end-of-trip sojourn, because it’s only 30 minutes from the airport.
3. Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
As one of San José’s most recognizable hotels, Gran Hotel Costa Rica is ideal for travelers who want to be in the heart of it all, across a pedestrian street from the iconic National Theater and surrounded by hustle and bustle. With sleek white arches and a neo-baroque exterior, the hotel nods to Costa Rica’s colonial past but maintains a fresh and modern look on the inside.
Some of Gran Hotel’s features include a fitness center and restaurant with a piano bar that has a stunning view of San José. As one of the city’s best-rated hotels, guests love the sleek and luxurious facilities and attentive staff.
4. Hotel Presidente
Also in the heart of downtown San José, Hotel Presidente is the perfect launchpad for experiencing all the city has to offer. It’s only a couple of blocks from the Central Market, museums, and parks.
My favorite thing about Hotel Presidente is not its swanky digs, though. It’s the history of the building! Founded by the son of a Polish immigrant, it was named after President Kennedy visited Costa Rica in the 1960s. Housing murals and sculptures from some of the country’s most famous artists, like Margarita Berthau and Francisco Ulloa, this iconic hotel is a historical relic in itself.
Some of the best features here include the airport shuttle, free breakfast, luggage storage (in case you arrive early or need to leave hours after check out), and coworking spaces. Hotel Presidente is also pet-friendly and great for families, thanks to the spacious rooms and suites.
5. Finca Rosa Blanca Inn & Coffee Plantation
While not technically in San José, Finca Rosa Blanca is just a 20-minute drive from the airport and about 50 minutes from the city center. This is a fantastic choice for travelers who are just landing in the country and want to save their San José exploration for the tail end of their trip. Staying at Finca Rosa Blanca is an experience in itself, as guests can explore a functioning coffee farm and begin their trip in a serene location before hitting the road to see the rest of Costa Rica.
Focusing on sustainability and warm hospitality, Finca Rosa Blanca’s rooms, villas, and suites feature handpainted murals depicting Costa Rica’s coffee cultivation culture, handcrafted wood furniture, and lush greenery outside every window. The farm is located in a forested area of Heredia Province, and some suites offer stunning views of rolling hills that go on for miles. You’ll also find a pool, spa, and en suite hot tubs, adding to the relaxing vibe of Finca Rosa Blanca.
6. Hotel Don Ernesto by Hacienda La Chimba
Keeping in line with the coffee-farm theme, Hotel Don Ernesto is on a working plantation that is closer to San José, just a 25-minute drive from downtown. The hotel is part of Hacienda La Chimba, which I wrote about here. It’s also a short walk from where I live, so while I haven’t stayed at the hotel, I can wholeheartedly vouch for the location. The best part of staying here is that you have the benefit of being in the mountains, away from the bustle of San José, but you can easily get to the city via Uber for around $12.
Hotel Don Ernesto keeps its architecture traditional, and the small casitas and rooms have gorgeous antique wooden furniture and quaint paintings decorating the walls. There’s also a small pool and terrace where you can take in the breathtaking mountainous views on a sunny day. When you’re not chilling by the pool, you can explore the trails in the coffee farm, which lead to impressive lookouts over the Central Valley.
7. Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel
With just 11 rooms, Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel is a quaint slice of paradise near the airport, ready for travelers who want to relax and unwind before or after their grand Costa Rican adventure. This residential home-turned-boutique hotel has four stars and has received numerous awards, including the Booking Award of Excellence. Looking at recent guest reviews, it’s easy to understand why: people love this place! One guest even wrote that the hotel staff made her son a birthday cake, on the house.
Terrazas de Golf is next to Cariari Country Club golf course, so if you’d like to squeeze in a round while you stay, the hotel is happy to arrange that for you. They also offer a car rental service, airport pickup, free laundry, and private club access (with an Olympic swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and other amenities).
8. Posada el Quijote
At Posada el Quijote in Escazú, you’ll be far enough from downtown San José to be in a comfortable country setting, free from the congestion and noise of the capital but close enough to enjoy easy access to the city center, shopping, markets, and museums. Staying in Escazú is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the quaint side of the San José area, as this town is bursting with old-timey colonial vibes and a slower pace of life.
Perched on a mountainside overlooking the Central Valley, Posada el Quijote’s airy rooms open up to a swimming pool and sun terrace. Standard and deluxe rooms are available, as well as a fully equipped studio apartment, which is well suited for families. The hotel can arrange airport pickup and dropoff for guests and has a complimentary American breakfast as well.
9. Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel
Did you know that San José has its own Central Park? Sure, it doesn’t hold a candle to the one in NYC, but Parque La Sabana is Costa Rica’s version. It has lakes, swimming pools, sports facilities, native trees, rolling green hills, and the country’s largest stadium. Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel overlooks La Sabana, offering guests a prime location for their urban stay.
With free breakfast and a free airport taxi, recent guests agree that Parque del Lago is the best bang for your buck. The hotel’s staff shine too, with guests reporting that they went above and beyond to organize tours and help them with transportation around town.
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Whether you’re looking for a hotel right in the center of San José’s bustling downtown or prefer to kick it on the outskirts, I hope you found your ideal spot here.
Which of these best hotels in San José will you choose for your upcoming adventure?
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