Grano de Oro Hotel, San José

Pros

• There are 34 guest rooms, ideal for a property with so much intimacy and charm.
• The in-room decor is modern with historical touches, plus luxury bedding; some have private courtyards.
• Grano de Oro features one of San José's best restaurants and an extensive wine cellar.
• Another top amenity is the Jacuzzi terrace and rooftop sun deck.

Cons

• It's located outside of the historic center.
• There's no pool or spa on-site.
• There are only two Jacuzzis, so travelers may need to wait their turn during busy times, such as early evening.

Authenticity

Grano de Oro means "grain of gold" in reference to Costa Rica's prized coffee crop, and the hotel truly exemplifies the country's history. You'll step back in time when you enter the lobby and further explore your room—every unit is unique in design and decor, and some feature private courtyards with plants and fountains. 

Location

If you stay at the Grano de Oro Hotel, you'll swap location for luxury and old-world charm. So, unfortunately, you'll need a car or taxi to reach many of the city's top museums and attractions. But if you need to stretch your legs, only a short walk will take you to San José's largest municipal park, La Sabana Park, and several restaurants and cafés (though you might want to try the award-winning on-site restaurant, too).

Rooms & Bathrooms

Grano de Oro is a small boutique hotel with just 34 rooms offering a unique layout, decor, and aesthetic. No two rooms are alike; many feature antique furnishings and relics of San José's past. Suites are spacious and provide charms like private courtyards, enclosed gardens, multiple bedrooms, and wooden staircases. Bathrooms are bright, modern, and clean, with all the necessary amenities.

Sustainability

Grano de Oro Hotel is part of the Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality Collection, a group of eight luxury hotels in Central America committed to sustainable tourism. The group strives to create experiences that mix the natural environment with local wildlife and communities rather than standard hotel stays.

Wildlife

The Hotel Grano de Oro is in the center of San José, so opportunities to see birds and wildlife are limited. But the hotel's lush tropical gardens are home to many bird species, including hummingbirds, parrots, and parakeets. 

Amenities

The hotel has a rooftop terrace with two Jacuzzis and sun loungers, a popular spot to relax, especially in the early evening. There's a small fitness center nearby. There's no spa on-site, though in-room spa services can be arranged. One guest room is adapted for those with limited mobility, and many areas of the hotel are accessible.

Family-Friendliness

Although the hotel doesn't have many facilities specifically for families, kids are welcome, and a handful of rooms are suitable for families up to five. Babies aged two and under stay for free, and cribs are provided. The restaurant has a dedicated children's menu with a range of kid-friendly dishes.

Other Highlights

The hotel's high-end Restaurante Grano de Oro is located in a building adjacent to the hotel's two main buildings. The space features an elegant dining room, an inner courtyard, an indoor/outdoor bar, an award-winning wine cellar, and a full bar. French Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a tropical twist is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all from a la carte menus.