San José is Costa Rica’s capital and the country’s cultural, entertainment and retail heart. To understand how Costa Rica was conceived, the city’s Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum and National Museum trace the journey to its modern iteration. After that, stroll down Avenida Central and experience its lively vibe. Alternatively, head to Mercado Central, where you can shop for local coffee beans and souvenirs. Do not forget to try the local ceviche at Poseidon while you are here. Barrio Escalante also has trendy cafés, bars and restaurants for sampling the local food scene, and Barrio La California has clubs for dancing the night away. Moreover, luxury accommodations are plenty here, which guarantee a restful holiday. Read on for the top luxury hotels in San José, Costa Rica, and start planning your trip to this captivating city.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Grano de Oro Hotel (from USD 223)
Awarded Condé Nast’s 2021 “top hotel in Central America and the Caribbean”, this boutique-style accommodation evokes an old-world ambience with its interiors of handmade tiles, dark wood panelling and period furniture. Do reserve a table at Grano De Oro Restaurant, which serves exquisite cuisine. Make sure you leave room for their signature dessert, the Pie Grano de Oro. Moreover, the rooftop terrace has two hot tubs and sun loungers for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Grano de Oro Hotel
Address: 30 Steet, 2 and 4 Avenue
2. Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel (from USD 138)
Reasonable pricing with good value for money, including complimentary amenities.
Comfortable beds, clean rooms, free parking, and a coffee machine in the room.
Convenient downtown location near a park, local businesses, and easy access to the highway.
Excellent breakfast with some room for improvement in terms of variety and service speed at the onsite restaurant.
This hotel has well-appointed rooms and suites for a tranquil holiday. The hotel has family and connecting suites perfect for larger parties. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee in the lobby before exploring the nearby Parque Metropolitano La Sabana and its environs. The city centre is also within walking distance. Additionally, the hotel’s free WiFi can help research day trips and tours to see the rest of the area.
Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel
Address: Avenida 2 Calles 40 y 42 Paseo Colon
3. Hotel Presidente (from USD 150)
Strategically positioned on Avenida Central, this outstanding property makes exploring San José’s museums and Mercado Central easy. Look for the unique murals decorated by Costa Rican artist Margarita Berthau and the bas-relief in Las Americas Hall sculpted by Francisco Ulloa. Guests can look forward to bright and contemporary rooms equipped with WiFi to stay connected. Families can go for the Superior Double Beds, a spacious room with a dedicated seating area for a comfortable stay.
4. Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton (from USD 177)
Housed in a 1930s historical building, this spectacular Avenida Central property is a quick walk to museums and restaurants in the centre of San José. Guests can look forward to wonderful repose in the beautifully appointed rooms and enjoy free WiFi to stream preferred entertainment.
You can stick to your daily exercise routine at the fitness centre. After a long day of work or sightseeing, the room service can help you recharge in the comfort of your room.
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton
Address: 2nd Avenue between streets 1 & 3
5. Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana, an IHG Hotel (from USD 209)
Great value for money, free shuttle to airport, and competitive pricing for amenities.
Clean, comfortable rooms, pool, gym, Japanese restaurant, and family-friendly environment.
Convenient location near airport, easy access to city center, and close to Sabana Park.
Excellent buffet breakfast, delicious Japanese restaurant, and accommodating to dietary preferences.
This property by La Sabana Park has splendid accommodations for a peaceful getaway. Guests can wake up to invigorating workouts in the spacious fitness centre. Then, you can enjoy basking in the outdoor pool lined with sun loungers. When hunger calls, the two restaurants serve international, local and Japanese cuisine to fulfil your appetite.
In town for business? The hotel has a large meeting facility paired with a comprehensive business centre to help meet your targets.
Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana, an IHG Hotel
Address: Sabana Norte, junto a Agencia Datsun
6. Park Inn San Jose by Radisson (from USD 139)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, comfortable rooms and included breakfast
Convenient location, free parking, modern facilities, and friendly, responsive staff
Central location close to city attractions, museums, and restaurants
Delicious and authentic Costa Rican breakfast, with a variety of options
Contemporary interiors await at this calm establishment near La Sabana Park. Guests can gear up for busy days with the hearty breakfasts served from 6am to 10am. The outdoor swimming pool also offers a refreshing respite from Costa Rica’s heat and humidity. Moreover, the city centre is within walking distance, so guests can explore around. When it is time to depart for the airport, the hotel has a paid shuttle service to help you arrive safely and on time.
7. Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola, an IHG Hotel (from USD 149)
Reasonably priced with good value for money, especially compared to other options in the area.
Convenient amenities like free parking, indoor pool, and easy access to city attractions.
Centrally located near museums, shopping, and tourist sites, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
Varied dining options with hearty breakfast, delicious dinner, and accommodating staff.
Ideal for families, this property is near Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Children aged 18 and under stay free at this hotel when sharing the room with their parents. Up to four children aged 11 and under can also eat for free when parents order from the on-site restaurant’s main menu. After a long day of sightseeing, you can return for a relaxing dip in the indoor pool before unwinding on comfortable beds.
Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola, an IHG Hotel
Address: 5th Avenue 5th Street
8. Barceló San José (from USD 144)
This hotel is approximately 3.5 km (2.1 mi) from San José city centre. It has outdoor heated pools for adults and children, so families can enjoy fun splashes together. The hotel’s fitness studio offers classes for yoga, spinning and dance. Afterwards, you can sign up for massages to help relieve stiff muscles and recharge.
Guests will not need to worry about meals, with three restaurants serving local and international cuisine to tease palates. Best of all, room service is available 24/7 for convenience.
Barceló San José
Address: Residencial El Robledal
Discover the lively San José
Museums, shops selling local products, tasty local cuisine and an exciting blend of nightlife are waiting for you to uncover in this vibrant city. Reserve a stay in one of the top luxury hotels in San José, Costa Rica, to unveil this captivating destination.
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