Hotel Presidente, San José

Pros

• The downtown location at Avenida Central and Calle 7 in the historic area of San José is perfect for reaching main attractions like the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, National Theater, and National Museum.
• Despite the modern design, the hotel still highlights its history—the building dates from the 1950s.
• The amenities, including a rooftop restaurant, outdoor terrace, and cocktail bar, are great perks for a downtown location.
• The fitness center is open 24/7.

Cons

• Standard rooms feel a little small with bland decor; some are in the process of being updated.
• There's no pool or spa on-site.

Authenticity

Hotel Presidente started as a fashion boutique in the 1950s, preserving its structure and past heritage with interesting decor. The colorful yet modern lobby offers a reprieve from San José's busy streets, as does the outdoor terrace shrouded in bougainvillea, palm, and fruit trees. You'll find antique sewing machines, exposed brick, herringbone parquet floors, and mid-century furnishings throughout the building, plus a large mural depicting Costa Rica's history.

Location

One of the hotel's biggest selling points is its location. Within just a few blocks are sites like the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Jade Museum, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of San José. And because it's on Avenida Central, you'll only need to walk a few steps to find some of the city's best restaurants, cafés, and shopping.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Despite the trendy and unique feel of Hotel Presidente's common spaces, some standard rooms feel a bit left behind. The old tile flooring and slightly dated furniture don't quite match the rest of the hotel's aesthetic. Still, upgrades are always an option, and all the rooms are bright with comfy beds, modern and well-equipped bathrooms, and soundproof windows, so you'll get a good night's sleep after a long day of walking around San José.

Amenities

The hotel's rooftop restaurant/bar and garden terrace are great places to relax in the evening. WiFi is fast and free. There's no pool or spa, but a well-equipped gym on the top floor is open 24/7. The hotel has some accessibility features for travelers with limited mobility. There's also the airport shuttle (for a fee) to and from Juan Santa Maria International and Tobias Bolaños, though you need to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel warmly welcomes children of all ages, making it an ideal choice for families. Children up to four stay for free at the hotel. The Superior Room, with two double beds, can accommodate up to three adults and three children. Although the hotel doesn't have a specific kids' menu, the restaurants offer child-friendly options like hamburgers and tacos. 

Wildlife

Wildlife sightings on the premises are limited due to the hotel's urban location.

Sustainability

The hotel and its staff are committed to sustainability and humanitarian efforts in San José. The property supports several nonprofits with a dollar-for-dollar donation match, meal provisions, and volunteering, plus it holds a "4 Leaf" rating for Sustainable Tourism.

Other Highlights

The hotel has two restaurants: Las Americas Restaurant, which serves breakfast, and Azotea Calle 7 Restaurant, serving local and international cuisine for dinner. The hotel's rooftop bar is the place to be for a refreshing beverage. The bar offers a lively atmosphere where travelers can enjoy beer, wine, juices, and cocktails.