Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by Katrina

Photo credit: Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

While most people travel to Costa Rica to soak up the rainforest ambience, the way in and out of the country is through the capital city of San José. A night in the city makes a logical stopover before other adventures, and San José offers its own historic sights and museums‚ such as the National Theatre of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, The Jade Museum, and the San Pedro Craft Beer District. Here are the best hotels in San José, Costa Rica from which to bookend your trip or explore the city.

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton (WWMC+GXH, Av. Central; 506 2103 9000) San José

“You cannot get more centrally located than this grande dame of San José,” writes Fodors of this Hilton boutique hotel housed in a 1930s building. “A formal dining room and grand piano on the top floor evoke the hotel’s 1930s heyday. Rooms are large, bright, and amazingly modern.” A Google reviewer calls it “ideally located at the center of the Cathedral District, a short walking distance to all local amenities, especially the shopping area and local museums and nearby theatre. Service, staff, and restaurant service, all five-star quality. There is no swimming pool, but the gym is fantastic.” >> Book this hotel for less

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen (700 Meters West from Bridgestone/Firestone; 506-2298-0000) Heredia

This Marriott outpost, located between the airport and San José’s city center, has a golf driving range, tennis court, and a full-service spa, as well as a 16th-century colonial hacienda on the grounds. While many travelers use San Jose as a launching pad for other adventures, one Google reviewer writes that “we love this place so much we came back for one more night on our return trip to the airport. The Hacienda has so much history.” A Tripadvisor user adds that “the amenities—from the food to the fitness facilities to the pools to the landscaping—it was incredible!” >> Book this hotel for less

Hotel Presidente – San Jose, Costa Rica (Av. Central, Catedral; 506 2010 0000) San José

This downtown hotel with a rooftop bar was named after President Kennedy, who reportedly walked by in 1963 while the building was being constructed. Today, “a largely American clientele looking for all the downtown hubbub enjoys the medium-price business-class accommodations here,” writes Fodors. A Tripadvisor user likes that it’s “walking distance to many of the museums, theatres, and shopping areas… beautifully furnished rooms. Free parking, and free breakfast when you book direct.” >> Book this hotel for less

InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall, an IHG Hotel (Multiplaza Escazu; 506 2208 2100) San José

“Beautiful, clean and modern hotel,” writes a Google reviewer of this InterContinental next to the city’s enormous Multiplaza Mall, which spans 11 million square feet in the upscale Escazu district. “Friendly staff, delicious breakfast buffet and a great gym. Pool area is very nice!” A Tripadvisor user writes that the “hotel is a large business/tourist hotel across the road from a mall. The bar area is really just the hotel lobby but overall, a decent hotel for a night or two.” >> Book this hotel for less

Hilton San Jose La Sabana (Antiguo Restaurante El Chicote; 506-2220-9000) San José

Soccer fans will appreciate this 31-story hotel, housed in Costa Rica’s tallest building. “There isn’t much in the way of local flavor here,” writes Fodors, “but ceiling-to-floor windows offer stupendous views [of] the mountains, with south rooms looking directly down into the National Stadium.” A Google reviewer writes that “we recently stayed a night before flying out of San Jose. The service was top-notch and the executive lounge was a pleasant experience. The location is perfect to catch soccer games and the indoor pool is amazing.” >> Book this hotel for less