Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, San José

Pros

• The hotel is ideally located, in a renovated historic building in downtown San José, just steps away from landmarks like the National Theater.
• Interiors are sleek and modern, with bright rooms, spacious suites, and modern bathrooms.
• The top-floor restaurant/lounge offers fantastic city views, and the piano bar draws locals as well as travelers. 

Cons

• Standard rooms are a bit small and face an interior courtyard—upgrade for something more spacious with city views.
• There may be some street sounds from the busy city outside, though the hotel has been noise-proofed.
• The hotel lacks a pool or spa, but there's a well-equipped fitness center open 24/7.

Authenticity

From the outside, Gran Hotel upholds its past with a restored facade from Costa Rica's colonial era. On the inside, the renovated hotel gives off a clean, trendy vibe, and though it doesn't have much in the way of local touches, it feels like an oasis from the busy city. The top floor stands apart from the rest of the building, with a modern look, floor-to-ceiling windows, and incredible city views.

Location

If location and comfort are your top priorities, Gran Hotel excels on both counts. You can see the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and National Theater right from your window, and a short walk will take you to most of the downtown's other attractions, including the Jade Museum, National Museum of Costa Rica, and Municipal Craft Market. The Metropolitan Cathedral is a 3-minute stroll away, while the green spaces of Parque Nacional are a 10-minute walk east. For those with rental cars, valet parking is available at an extra cost, and several public parking garages are within walking distance.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The smallest rooms feel a bit cramped and look out on the darker interior courtyard, but the larger Superior and Corner rooms have great views, large windows, and lots of space. Suites add separate living areas, and the largest sleeps up to four. In all room categories, you'll find clean, elegant, and understated decor, plus modern bathrooms equipped with all the essentials. Rooms have soundproof windows, so you can still sleep well despite being in the center of San José. Additional amenities include organic toiletries, custom Egyptian cotton linens, and a pillow menu.

Amenities

One of Gran Hotel's biggest perks is its top floor, featuring incredible city views. Although proprietors completely renovated the space, you'll notice a few nods to the past, such as 1930s-inspired lighting, furniture, and tiled flooring. The floor hosts the on-site restaurant Cultura5, where a breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner are served, and there's also a piano bar on the same level with happy hour specials, live music, and a full bar. There's no pool or spa here, but the fitness center is open 24/7. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel doesn't offer specific amenities or activities for kids, but they're welcome here. Up to two children under 18 can stay at the hotel for free if using existing beds in a parent/guardian's room. Cribs are provided free of charge, but additional beds or rollaway beds are not available. Adjoining rooms are available for families larger than four, and the property is stroller-friendly.  

Sustainability

San José's Gran Hotel holds a "4 Leaf" Certification for Sustainable Tourism rating, assessing the property's environmental and social impact.

Accessibility

The hotel's common areas are accessible, and a few rooms are specially designed for wheelchair users or travelers with hearing impairments.