Studio Hotel, San José

Pros

• Studio Hotel houses one of Costa Rica's leading private art collections with paintings and sculpture on display throughout the property.
• Guests can take advantage of the rooftop pool and bar and enjoy the views of the Santa Ana mountains beyond the neighboring rooftops.
• The included breakfast buffet serves Costa Rican and fusian fare from locally sourced produce and ingredients, with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
• Studio Hotel is within walking distance of a couple of cafés and shopping areas and is a 20-minute drive from downtown San José.

Cons

• While the rooftop pool has a beautiful setting, some guests have found the water cooler than expected despite being heated.
• Rooms on the first floor may experience some noise due to proximity to the dining area and kitchen, but the neighborhood itself is calm and quiet.

Authenticity

Studio Hotel is Costa Rica's first art-themed hotel, showcasing an impressive collection of artworks from paintings to sculptures that adorn the hallways, lobby, rooms, and common spaces. Opened in 2010 by founder Don Onofrio Aldo Annese, the property features his private collection—one of the largest in the country. The hotel's exterior is graced by a century-old banyan tree, native to tropical climates. Katöwa restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients in its Costa Rican (and fusion) dishes.

Location

Nestled in the Valle de Sol (Sun Valley), Santa Ana is within walking distance of a few restaurants and the Santa Ana Town Center, an indoor/outdoor mall with upscale shopping and additional eateries. It's a 15-20-minute drive to downtown San José and a 30-minute drive to Juan Santamaría International Airport. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms at Studio Hotel are quite basic in appearance with white walls, textiles, and floor tiles (save for some pops of color in drapes and throw pillows), though the vintage figurines, paintings, and other artworks add a bit of character. Artists may want to book one of the five Thematic Rooms (out of 82) displaying Costa Rican artists' work. The bedding is hypo-allergenic, the bathrooms are modern with plenty of counter space and included toiletries, and the windows are large, looking out to the surrounding mountains and cityscape. For longer stays, Studio or Family Apartments are equipped with kitchens and shared laundry.

Amenities

A highlight of the hotel is its small heated rooftop pool (though past kimkim travelers have noted the pool was cooler than anticipated), offering panoramic views of the Santa Ana mountains in the distance and neighboring buildings. The pool is complemented by a wooden deck with a few loungers and a poolside bar serving cocktails. The hotel also features a simple fitness center with basic equipment for those looking to stay active during their visit. The Katöwa restaurant serves a complimentary and generous breakfast buffet, using local produce for both international and Costa Rican dishes. There's also a convenient shuttle service (for a fee) that takes guests to the nearest shopping center or airport.

Family-Friendliness

Studio Hotel welcomes families, offering free stays for up to two children under 12 when extra beds aren't requested. Spacious room options like the Family Suite and Family Apartment provide ample space for families, while some Family Suites connect to a Studio Standard room (outfitted with a king bed). The hotel's rooftop pool and kid-friendly breakfast options, not to mention the nearby Jungle Safari Mini Golf (a 6-minute drive) make it an appealing choice for families traveling with children. Additionally, elevator access from the parking area ensures easy navigation for those with strollers.