Hidden away behind a tall, sturdy steel gate lies one of San Jose, Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets: Hotel Santo Tomas. Ideally located in the downtown area, within walking distance to the markets and restaurants, the range of amenities on offer at this French Victorian mansion is second-to-none. William Thomas Douglas, the owner, will personally greet you as you enter the building and there’s always a receptionist on hand for any of your questions with 24/7 service. With lush, large bedrooms, sometimes with a seating area, you will feel like royalty inside this building. The pool in the courtyard is also a definite bonus to this beautiful, underrated establishment.
An impeccable location makes this hotel ideal

Located in the downtown of San Jose, Hotel Santo Tomas has all the major museums within walking distance of the hotel. The Jade Museum and the Gold Museum are within 400m, while the National Centre of Art and Culture is just 100m further. The National Theatre is just beyond that, and if museums aren’t your cup of tea, the markets lie 500m from the hotel. The downtown square, where the locals congregate and where most of the city’s night activities and restaurants are found, is surrounded by markets on every side, making this the most ideal location for you. It’s just far enough to not get any noise as the parties continue late into the night, but it’s close enough for you to walk to the party at a moment’s notice.
The rooms will make you feel like royalty (from USD 56)
Affordable rates for a centrally located hotel.
Pool, jacuzzi, weight room, and multiple outdoor verandas.
Centrally located in downtown San Jose, close to attractions.
Good breakfast with standard Costa Rican options.
The hotel features 30 guest rooms, all beautifully done-up. High speed Wi-Fi is available in each room with LCD TVs also on offer, making rainy days in the city just as enjoyable. All the rooms come with its own private bathroom, towels and soaps. Each room is decorated in the theme of a historical Victorian mansion, with wooden floors, hanging plants and beds with flower prints. Some of the rooms have private balconies. Prices for the rooms vary depending on the bed-size with a double-bed priced at 52 USD a night, a room with twin beds is 73 USD a night, a simple queen is at 59 USD, one with a balcony is 80 USD and the deluxe with two queen beds is the most expensive at 83 USD a night. The price of the rooms vary depending on certain factors, so if you do want a private balcony, it will cost you a little extra.
Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property
Address: 7th Avenue between street 3 and 5.
396 meters (0.3 mi) from Plaza de la Cultura
Parking 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Facilities for disabled guests
Free breakfast and convenient amenities
There is a free breakfast included in the reservation with a cooked-to-order Costa Rican breakfast available at the restaurant every morning. Enjoy sipping on fresh juice and eating scrambled eggs after a morning dip in the outdoor pool or a workout at the high-class fitness center. With a parking terrace, currency exchange and free coffee and tea available in the lobby round the clock, Santo Tomas is your hotel to stay at in San Jose.
Don't miss out on San Jose's hidden gem
If you plan on going to San Jose, make sure you stay at the Hotel Santo Tomas, a hidden gem amongst the hustle and bustle of Costa Rica. It does fill up fast all year round, so ensure you book early, which you can do through its website. And considering they answer all emails, bookings and problems 24/7 and immediately, reserving a stay here for a few nights couldn’t be easier.
History
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