Grano de Oro Hotel, San José
Kimkim team favorite
·
5.0
(10 reviews)
·
Comfort
Urban boutique hotel with Victorian charm, rooftop Jacuzzis, lush gardens, and a highly acclaimed restaurant
Great location to kick off our trip in CR. Food and staff were amazing!
We have stayed here several times over the past 24 years and never been disappointed. The atmosphere and team that work there are all terific.
Very nice hotel. Excellent staff and restaurant.
We were there only from 11pm to 10am. It was a beautiful hotel and the breakfast was wonderful.
Great rooms, roof hot tubs, historic yet very comfortable and fantastic breakfast!
Overview
Kimkim's Take
- The small boutique property is spread across two converted Victorian houses surrounded by lush gardens.
- Rooms feature modern decor with period touches and luxury bedding, and some ground-floor options feature private courtyards.
- One of San José's best restaurants is located on-site, complete with an extensive wine cellar.
- The hotel's Jacuzzi terrace and rooftop sun deck offer panoramic views of the city and distant volcanoes.
- The hotel's location just outside the historic center means you'll probably need to take a taxi or rent a car for convenience.
- There's no pool or spa on-site, though massage treatments can be arranged in-room.
- There are only two Jacuzzis, so travelers may need to wait for 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, many with period details, antique furniture, and local touches. Some rooms feature private courtyards with plants and fountains that attract hummingbirds and parakeets, and the surrounding grounds and gardens give the property a secluded, oasis-like feel.Location
The hotel sits at the western edge of San José's city center, so you'll trade convenience for the quieter setting. A car or taxi is necessary to reach many of the city's top museums and attractions, most within a quick 10-15-minute drive. The hotel is just a short walk from San José's largest municipal park, La Sabana, and there are several restaurants and cafes in the area (although you might want to try the award-winning on-site restaurant, too). Free private parking is available nearby.Rooms & Bathrooms
This is a small boutique hotel with just 30+ rooms, each 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, and all rooms include air-conditioning. One guest room is adapted for those with limited mobility.Amenities
The hotel's rooftop terrace with two Jacuzzis is a popular spot to relax, especially in the early evening. There's a small adjoining fitness center, and although there's no on-site spa, in-room spa services can be arranged. The high-end Restaurante Grano de Oro is located in a neighboring building, and 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.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.Wildlife
The property is just outside the center of San José, so opportunities to see wildlife are limited, although the lush tropical gardens are home to many bird species, including hummingbirds, parrots, and parakeets.Sustainability
Hotel Grano de Oro 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.Like what you see?
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4-star Hotel
+506 22553322
30th Street, 2 and 4 Avenue
Traveler Reviews
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