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.
Exterior of the hotel
Grano de Oro Hotel
5.0
(8)
· Luxury
Located in a residential area of San José, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a luxury boutique hotel with eclectic charm. The beautifully restored hotel is set across two Victorian-era mansions and has 34 unique and elegant guest rooms and suites, pretty courtyard gardens, a colorful art collection, a...
Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport
Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport
5.0
(5)
· 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...
Exterior of the hotel
Gran Hotel Costa Rica
4.6
(17)
· Luxury
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. It's protected as a historical and architectural monument, and the first four floors look similar to how the building has always...
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 Terrace
Hotel Presidente
4.3
(28)
· Comfort
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....
Photo courtesy of Hampton by Hilton San José Airport
Hampton by Hilton San José Airport
4.3
(29)
· Mid-range
Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport is a convenient and comfortable hotel just a mile from Juan Santamaria International Airport, making it an ideal spot for a restful night before catching an early flight. You won't find much character or charm here for a longer stay, but staff is helpful,...
Buena Vista Chic Hotel
4.3
(10)
· Comfort
Buena Vista Chic Hotel is a tranquil property just 6 miles (10 km) from San José International Airport, offering easy access via a complimentary shuttle. Nestled in a coffee plantation on a lush hilltop, the hotel overlooks downtown San José, providing stunning city views. During your stay, you...
Outdoor pool
Park Inn San Jose by Radisson
4.2
(29)
· 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)
· Comfort
Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana is a comfortable and modern 4-star hotel just outside the historic center of San José near La Sabana Park. Built in 1975 and renovated in December 2020, the ten-story hotel houses 213 rooms and dominates the surrounding landscape. While it mainly attracts business...
Photo courtesy of Xandari Resort & Spa
Xandari Resort & Spa
4.0
(2)
· Comfort
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...
Photo courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn, La Sabana
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,...
Holiday Inn Exterior
Holiday Inn San José-Aurola
3.8
(11)
· Mid-range
Holiday Inn 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 comfortable and...
Photo courtesy of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
3.8
(14)
· Comfort
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...
Photo courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
3.0
(1)
· Comfort
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,...
Breakfast restaurant
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...
Photo courtesy of Asclepios Wellness & Healing Retreat
Asclepios Wellness & Spa
Comfort
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...
Photo courtesy of Wyndham San José Herradura
Wyndham San José Herradura
Comfort
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...

Hotel Advice for San José, Costa Rica

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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.

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