San Jose Hotels
San José offers accommodations for every taste and budget: fabulous five-star chains, plush boutique hotels, cosy B&Bs, humble family-run pensions, backpacker hostels and more. No matter what your budget, be sure to make reservations in high season (December to March), particularly during the Christmas holidays, when rooms fill and prices rise. Cheap hotels in San José are available in the winter during May to mid-November. The San José hotels below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
Luxury (over US$100)
Moderate (US$40 to US$100)
Cheap (up to US$40)
These San José hotel rates are based on double occupancy of twin or double room at standard rate, including breakfast for two and all taxes.
Overlooking the international airport from the jungled slopes of Poás Volcano is remarkable Xandari Resort. Created by an artist and architect, the spacious, modern, award-winning suites are an exercise in stylish luxury. Elaborately landscaped, sculpture-strewn gardens surround the swimming pools, but give way to wilder rainforest, with trails past several waterfalls. Enjoy the view over the sparkling Central Valley night from your private patio, or at the good restaurant, worth a visit even if you can’t stay.
APDO 1485-4050, Alajuela,
San Jose,
Costa Rica
Marriott San José
+506 2298 0000.
Though more international luxury hotels in San José are opening, this venerable five-star resort, wrapped in lush gardens and coffee plantations just 7km (four miles) from the city centre is still one of the best. The flawless Spanish colonial theme includes wonderful antique furnishings and a tiny, Mission-style Catholic chapel onsite. Guests enjoy modern amenities, however, such as several pools, fine dining restaurants, flawless rooms, spa treatments, and more.
700m oeste Bridgestone/Firestone,
San Jose,
Costa Rica
The luxurious grand dame of San José’s hotel scene is named for the “Grain of Gold,” an old Tico (Costa Rican) nickname for coffee. Though this world-class boutique hotel offers every modern comfort, the style is that of Costa Rica’s caffeinated heyday, the boom years between the 19th and 20th centuries. The Victorian exterior’s soaring lobby, with a renowned restaurant, serves 34 excellent rooms, each beautifully designed and decorated.
This 10-room gem among boutique hotels is about ten minutes east of downtown, on a pleasant residential side street. The original home was handcrafted over four decades by its artistic original owner, Amalia Jimenez Volio. Her eye-catching Portuguese tiles, original mosaics, murals, and sculptures decorate the living areas and soothing interior gardens, a nice compliment to the hotel’s rather retro furnishings. Amenities include Wi-Fi.
About 3km (1.8 miles) east of downtown San José, but connected by convenient bus service, is the university town of San Pedro. Tucked away on a quiet side street, you’ll find this sunny, immaculate B&B, with lovely gardens, big balconies, and cheerful common areas decorated in outstanding paintings and sculptures. Sleek lines and bright colours give the 90-year-old former plantation house a clean European feel, and breakfast is outstanding.
De Muñoz y Nanne, 100m norte, 200m este, Barrio San Pedro,
San Jose,
Costa Rica
Rising from the hustle and bustle of San José’s political district, this rambling, antique-filled 1928 mansion is a treasure. Accommodations are simple but well decorated, and more expensive rooms are considerably larger, with better views. The polished tropical hardwood construction lends a warm glow to the hotel, but also squeaks a bit at night. Attached Café de la Posada is outstanding, the perfect place for quiche, coffee, and the best people-watching in town.
Calle 17,
San Jose,
Costa Rica
Hidden away in Barrio Aranjuez, a historic residential neighbourhood about 15 minutes from downtown on foot (take taxis at night) is San José’s best bargain. The rambling, old structure has relaxed sitting areas, polished wooden rooms ranging from basic to almost palatial, and wonderful, shady gardens you could easily get lost in. Make reservations in advance, particularly for the cheaper rooms, as the hotel is popular with Costa Ricans.
Calle 19, Avenida 11 – 13, 200m norte, 200m oeste, 25m sur de la Iglesia Santa Teresita, Ba,
San Jose,
Costa Rica
This festive, mosaic-tiled hostel is in Barrio Los Yoses, located about halfway between downtown San José and San Pedro’s student nightlife district, Calle de la Amargura. A dozen other great bars, clubs, and restaurants are within stumbling distance. The simple spot has lots of tourist information, Wi-Fi, movies, open kitchen, a game room, and nice gardens out back, making it a fine place to enjoy San José.
325 metros oeste de Spoon, Barrio Los Yoses,
San Jose,
Costa Rica
This popular hostel in the fashionable Barrio Amón district has long been a top stop on the Gringo Trail. Amenities include a swimming pool, rooftop bar, breakfast, internet access, private rooms, and shuttles to well maintained partner hostels all over the country. It’s a great place to meet other travellers and plan your further adventures, and is surrounded by several other cheap San José hotels if it doesn’t suit you.
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