San José Hotels

Insights from kimkim local specialists for our hand-selected hotels in San José, Costa Rica

People travel to San José, Costa Rica, for its rich cultural heritage and bustling urban atmosphere. Plus, it's a gateway to the country's renowned natural beauty and biodiversity. Kimkim's recommended hotels let you explore the city or use it as a stopover for bigger adventures. Take the Grano de Oro Hotel, for example. Here, you can unwind in luxury within a 20th-century mansion with individually decorated rooms and a terrace with Jacuzzis. If you prefer a blend of the past and present, something like the Gran Hotel Costa Rica might be a better choice, which offers stylish comfort in a historical 1930s monument just a two-minute walk from the Gold Museum. And properties like the Holiday Inn Express San José Airport are a convenient option for an overnight, as it's mere minutes from the airport and a quick train ride to the city center.

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Popular mentions from our travelers about San José hotels

Grano de Oro Hotel

5.0

(10)

· Upscale

Located in a residential area of San José, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a luxury boutique property with eclectic charm. The beautifully restored hotel is set across two Victorian-era mansions, complete with 30+ elegant guest rooms and suites, pretty courtyard gardens, a colorful art collection,...

Studio Hotel

4.6

(22)

· Luxury

Studio Hotel, an art-themed boutique property in scenic Santa Ana, displays one of the country's largest private collections of Costa Rican art. Travelers can explore nearby shopping areas and parks, while downtown San José and the airport are just a short drive away. The hotel's rooms are...

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport

4.9

(7)

· Mid-Range

This Holiday Inn Express is a good option for a quick overnight stay near the airport, as it's just one mile from Juan Santamaria International Airport. The 100-room hotel is two blocks from car rental agencies and near the Pan American Highway, so guests can easily use the accommodation to start...

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.6

(17)

· Upscale

The Gran Hotel, built in 1930, was Costa Rica's first hotel for foreign travelers. Today, it's been fully renovated and is part of the Hilton's Curio Collection. The location is ideal—right next door to San José's Gold Museum and National Theater—and travelers will find most of the city's...

Peace Lodge

5.0

(2)

· Luxury

Peace Lodge offers a luxurious stay surrounded by nature, situated on the grounds of the renowned La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. With breathtaking views of the Poás Volcano and La Paz River Valley from your guest room balcony, you'll enjoy the beauty of the cloud and rainforest at 5,200...

Hotel Presidente

4.3

(30)

· Upscale

Hotel Presidente is a modern property in downtown San José that blends trendy, industrial design with elements of its historical origins. Built in 1956, the eight-story corner building now has 92 guest rooms and a plethora of vintage details, from exposed brick walls to steel beams and antiques....

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Buena Vista Chic Hotel

4.3

(10)

· Upscale

The hacienda-style Buena Vista Chic Hotel is a small, 30-room retreat nestled in the foothills northwest of San José. Guests will find themselves just 6 miles (10 km) from Juan Santamaría International Airport, with easy access via a complimentary hotel shuttle, and the hilltop setting offers...

Hampton by Hilton San José Airport

4.2

(32)

· Mid-Range

The Hampton by Hilton San José Airport is a convenient and comfortable hotel just a mile from Juan Santamaría International Airport, making it an ideal spot for a restful night before catching an early flight. Travelers won't find much character or charm here for a longer stay, but staff is...

Park Inn San José by Radisson

4.2

(33)

· Mid-Range

You'll find the same color theme here in San José as in any Park Inn by Radisson hotel. Plain and simple, the hotel is no-frills but does offer an outdoor pool, fitness center, a restaurant and bar, and free parking. The rooms are bright and clean—some even include beautiful views of downtown San...

Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana

Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana

4.1

(10)

· Upscale

Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana is a comfortable and modern 4-star property just outside the historic center of San José near La Sabana Park. Renovated in 2020, the 10-story hotel's 200+ rooms are spacious and comfortable, with upper-story suites and accessible options. Convenience to the airport...

Auténtico Hotel

4.1

(18)

· Mid-Range

Auténtico Hotel is located in the downtown area of San José, in the buzzy Merced district, offering more of a city vibe than the "pura vida" experience. Guests find themselves a short walk from Sabana Park and the popular Museum of Costa Rican Art, with easy enough access to shopping,...

Xandari Resort & Spa

4.0

(2)

· Upscale

Xandari Resort & Spa is nestled in the hills of Costa Rica, enriched with the creative touch of architect Sherrill Broudy and his wife, Charlene. Their artistic vision, combined with a commitment to sustainability, has created an oasis of vibrant art, sculpture, and gardening. The former...

Hilton Garden Inn, La Sabana

4.0

(7)

· Mid-Range

Hilton Garden Inn, located on the northwest corner of San José's large Sabana Park, offers a convenient location with shops, restaurants, and markets nearby. The hotel features 126 rooms, including options for families and individuals with limited mobility. Amenities include a swimming pool, gym,...

Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola

3.8

(11)

· Upscale

Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola is easy to spot—a 17-story building with a silvery, retro exterior and large windows. With nearly 200 rooms, the hotel was built in 1986, and although it's been renovated a few times since then, the overall style is a bit dated. However, the hotel is...

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto

3.8

(14)

· Upscale

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San José Aeropuerto is a basic, modern hotel located across the street from the National Convention Center and a 10-minute drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport (there's a free shuttle service). The hotel provides simple yet comfortable rooms and a...

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

3.0

(1)

· Upscale

Courtyard by Marriott is less than one mile from the airport and just off the ramp from the Pan American Highway, so it’s a great location if you’re looking for a quick overnight stay after flying in or before flying out. Standard rooms, superior rooms, and suites are simple in design and decor,...

Photo courtesy of Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas

Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas

3.7

(11)

· Mid-Range

Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas offers a basic but comfortable stay in downtown San José. The location is ideal for exploring the city on foot, with notable attractions like the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Parque Nacional within a short stroll. Rooms are simple...

Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel

3.7

(15)

· Mid-Range

Just down the street from San José's largest municipal park, La Sabana, is Hotel Parque del Lago, a basic property that works well for budget travelers needing a no-frills overnight stay in the city. While the immediate surroundings are more suited to business travelers, guests are only a short...

Hotel Balmoral

2.8

(6)

· Mid-Range

Built in the late 1950s, Hotel Balmoral is a seven-story hotel with 119 guest rooms. It's a standard, budget-friendly property, but the central location in San José makes up for its simplicity. You can easily walk to the main sites, including the Jade Museum, Gold Museum, National Museum of Costa...

Wyndham San José Herradura

Upscale

Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center is set just off the highway leading to the downtown area in one direction (a 15-minute drive) and the airport in the other (an 8-minute drive). In addition to this convenient location, guests have access to endless amenities. This large...

Photo courtesy of Asclepios Wellness & Healing Retreat

Asclepios Wellness & Spa

Upscale

Asclepios Wellness & Spa is a tranquil retreat nestled in the lush landscape of Alajuela, near Costa Rica's Poás Volcano. The hotel pays homage to the ancient Greek god of health, Asclepios, and focuses on the principles of well-being and harmony with nature, a philosophy deeply ingrained in...

Hotel Advice for San José, Costa Rica

The 5 Best Luxury & Boutique Hotels in San José

With incredible culture, hip nightlife, excellent shopping, and trendy haute cuisine, San José has it all, and you can pair your trip with luxury and boutique accommodations. The city has grown in terms of lodging options, with more than ever before, and with so many high-end and unique choices, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities. We've made your decision a little easier with our list of the best luxury and boutique hotels in San José.

The 11 Best Hotels in San José

Culture, nightlife, haute cuisine—travelers are discovering the virtues of San José. And with plenty of lodging options, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities on offer. Make your decision easy with this list of the best hotels in Costa Rica's capital.

The 3 Best San José Airport Hotels

Costa Rica's capital city has much to offer, from culture to nightlife. But if you have an early flight to catch, you may prefer to stay near San José's airport. Also located near the Pan American Highway, car rental agencies, and a train station where you can catch a ride into the city's downtown, these hotels are excellent options for an overnight stay at the start or end of your trip.

Learn more about San José : Best of San José · Top Experiences in San José

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