Auténtico Hotel, San José

Pros

• You're a 5-minute walk from Sabana Park and the Museum of Costa Rican Art.
• There's an outdoor pool with surrounding sun loungers and umbrellas, and some greenery to help with the tropical vibes.
• The on-site restaurant, Mastico, serves authentic Costa Rican dishes with locally sourced ingredients and caters to various dietary needs and kids.
• Start your day with a generous buffet breakfast, included with your stay, featuring gallo pinto, eggs, cheese, and fruit.

Cons

• Auténtico Hotel's central location, as well as rooms facing the popular pool, means it can be a bit noisy at times.
• While the property is conveniently located for exploring San José, it's not within walking distance of major points of interest, so a short drive or taxi ride is necessary.
• If you're coming with a car, note that the parking is free, though its location across the street takes a bit of planning to find and access it.

Authenticity

Auténtico Hotel is a polished, clean mid-range property that has frequently undergone renovations since its inception in 1985 to maintain a contemporary feel. The decor is fairly typical of San Jose: white walls and floors with wood, brown, bright green, and orange accents. While it doesn't exude a strong "pura vida" vibe, it incorporates elements of Costa Rican culture via its culinary offerings at the Mastico restaurant, which uses locally sourced ingredients. 

Location

Sitting in the Merced district of San José, Auténtico Hotel is a 6-minute walk to Sabana Park and a 7-minute walk to the Museum of Costa Rican Art and is walkable to a restaurant or two and a grocery store. More notable sites, like the Pre-Columbian Museum of Gold, are best accessed by car (a 10-minute drive). Further, the hotel isn't on any public transit routes (though if you like to walk, or are okay paying for a taxi/Uber, you'll do okay). There's a shuttle service to the Tobias Bolanos International Airport, an 11-minute drive, on request and for an extra charge. Parking is free and across the street.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms are bright and clean, typical of Costa Rican (urban) decor. You'll find white/cream walls and glossy tiled floors, with wood paneled accent walls, dark brown/black furniture, and pops of green and red-orange textiles. There are only two room categories. Standard Deluxe units options one king or two twin beds, while Junior Suites provide two queen beds and a separate living area. Both room types allow natural light through large windows and are equipped with blackout curtains. Bathrooms are modern and well-appointed, offering step-in showers and ample space. The decor is simple yet comfortable, with additional furniture like desks and dressers. The hotel is wheelchair-friendly for travelers with limited mobility and requiring grab rails.

Amenities

The outdoor pool is a popular amenity. It's lined with sun loungers and some greenery. The Mastico restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on authentic Costa Rican dishes, though there's international fare as well—past kimkim guests have raved about dinner. You can sit indoors in the dining space or opt to sit outside in the courtyard, overlooking the pool. The hotel also offers a terrace and a bar, where you can enjoy drinks during happy hour. 

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at Auténtico Hotel, which has spacious suites that accommodate up to four people. The hotel provides cribs or rollaway beds upon request, and children under two stay for free. While there are no dedicated activities for kids, the garden area and pool offer kid-friendly spaces. Special menus for children can be requested at the restaurant, and the hotel's elevators make it stroller-friendly.

Wildlife

While Auténtico Hotel doesn't have abundant wildlife on its premises, you might spot or hear birds like sparrows, parrots, parakeets, and woodpeckers.