Hotel Presidente, San José

Kimkim team favorite · 4.3 (28 reviews) · Comfort
Modern urban hotel with rooftop dining, a fitness center, and family-friendly amenities

Overview

Hotel Presidente is a modern property in downtown San José that blends trendy, industrial design with elements of its historical origins. Built in 1956, the eight-story corner building now has 92 guest rooms and a plethora of vintage details, from exposed brick walls to steel beams and antiques. Enjoy comfortable beds, a range of room options, a hip restaurant, and an outdoor terrace. While staying at Hotel Presidente, you'll be just a few blocks away from sites like the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and National Theater—perfect for exploring San José.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)
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.

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.

Wildlife

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

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. 

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.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 20100000
Hotel address icon Avenida Central , Calle 7
Free wifi
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Spectacular Rooftop Bar

The rooftop bar is a highlight with great views and wonderful service. Multiple reviews mention it as a spectacular place to relax despite any rain. It's also described as a fantastic dining area and a hidden gem with beautiful scenery. (10 mentions)

M
“Our Favorite part was the rooftop bar!!! Great views and wonderful service.”  — Marla F.
Balazs
“The restaurant and cafe on the top of the building with the scenery above the city is beautiful”  — Balazs L.
Terry
“Rooftop bar is spectacular despite the rain”  — Terry M.
Helpful and Friendly Staff

Staff at the hotel are described as friendly, helpful, cheerful, and attentive. Specific mentions include the staff at the front desk, especially Wilson, and the overall pleasant and hospitable nature of the workers. (10 mentions)

L
“Wilson at front desk was especially helpful and all staff was extremely pleasant”  — Lanny C.
Tracie
“The staff was friendly, knowledgable, and very helpful.”  — Tracie D.
K
“Great location and helpful cheerful staff.”  — Ken H.
Convenient Location

The hotel is well located in the heart of the city, making it easy to walk to museums, parks, and other sites. However, some guests mention the downside of downtown traffic and the presence of homeless people in some areas. (10 mentions)

L
“close to sites and easy walking in city”  — Lanny C.
Bradley
“Good location for walking to museums, parks, and desired site.”  — Bradley C.
L
“Lots to see in within walking distance.”  — Lorenzo C.
Comfortable Rooms

Rooms are generally described as comfortable, clean, and spacious. However, there were some minor issues like the industrial feel of the entrance, lack of a mirror, and drawers that spontaneously open in one room. Some rooms were noted to be small. (7 mentions)

Amanda
“Room was standard and comfortable enough for one night.”  — Amanda S.
Bradley
“Clean, comfortable, spacious room.”  — Bradley C.
M
“The rooms were comfortable and clean.”  — Marla F.

Traveler Reviews

28 total ratings, 21 with reviews
4.3
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.3
Location
4.2
Staff
4.7
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.4
Terry
Terry M.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
Nice place for a stopover. Rooftop bar is spectacular despite the rain Read more

Nice place for a stopover. Rooftop bar is spectacular despite the rain

Authenticity & Character
Location
good location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No place to sit and relax with a desk
Stayed in June 2024
K
Ken H.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Great location and helpful cheerful staff.
Super open air terrace restaurant/bar on 4th floor. Great food and drinks.
Industrial feel of entrance and front desk area, and bare tiled floors in room a bit unwelcoming on late evening arrival, but the whole hotel grew on us. Striking bold murals as decor for our room. No mirror. Quirky.
Read more

Great location and helpful cheerful staff.
Super open air terrace restaurant/bar on 4th floor. Great food and drinks.
Industrial feel of entrance and front desk area, and bare tiled floors in room a bit unwelcoming on late evening arrival, but the whole hotel grew on us. Striking bold murals as decor for our room. No mirror. Quirky.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to all downtown landmarks
Staff
Great
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super comfortable bed
Stayed in April 2024
L
Lanny C.
Waterville, NY | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2024
Beautiful hotel,close to sites and easy walking in city. Wilson at front desk was especially helpful and all staff was extremely pleasant. American tourist that we are were surprised by no closet or place to hang clothes. Read more

Beautiful hotel,close to sites and easy walking in city. Wilson at front desk was especially helpful and all staff was extremely pleasant. American tourist that we are were surprised by no closet or place to hang clothes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walk to sites safely
Staff
Wilson
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2024
Tracie
Tracie D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2023
Great hotel and location. Some of the rooms are small, but the amenities are of very good quality.
Excellent breakfast and bar. Smelled lovely and decorated very well. The staff was friendly, knowledgable, and very helpful.
Read more

Great hotel and location. Some of the rooms are small, but the amenities are of very good quality.
Excellent breakfast and bar. Smelled lovely and decorated very well. The staff was friendly, knowledgable, and very helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Fun refurbished factory great character.
Location
Very central location and felt safe always.
Staff
Super kind and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable.
Stayed in November 2023
A
Anna L.
France | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2023

Great hotel and location

Stayed in October 2023
Yelena
Yelena S.
Castro Valley, CA | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023
Hospitable workers, clean room, amazing jacuzzi, tasty breakfast. Pretty place. Read more

Hospitable workers, clean room, amazing jacuzzi, tasty breakfast. Pretty place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In center of town, close to airport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2023
Prasad
Prasad T.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023
Nice large rooms and great service and freindly staff. Great buffet breakfast Read more

Nice large rooms and great service and freindly staff. Great buffet breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
Piper
Piper L.
Sunnyvale, CA | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2023
Nice downtown hotel with rooftop restaurant and bar. Read more

Nice downtown hotel with rooftop restaurant and bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
T
tyson h.
Cornelius, NC | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023
Great hotel and staff! Read more

Great hotel and staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
Christina
Christina H.
Cornelius, NC | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2023
Very convenient location and helpful front desk staff. I especially appreciated the 24/7 coffee and tea station in the lobby, and loaner umbrellas! Read more

Very convenient location and helpful front desk staff. I especially appreciated the 24/7 coffee and tea station in the lobby, and loaner umbrellas!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to shopping district and food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 20100000
Hotel address icon Avenida Central , Calle 7
Free wifi