San Jose doesn’t have a great reputation, and I’ll have to say that it isn’t one of my favorite cities.
But it’s a necessary stop for most of us arriving to Costa Rica, and spending a day or two in the city is more than worthwhile (even if just to relax or ease jet lag before setting out for other adventures).
I’m really glad I planned a few days in the capital, and in the process I found one of my new favorite hotels!
In the midst of fairly nondescript gray streets, tucked back off the road and away from traffic noise, there sits an absolute gem of a hotel waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re looking for some R&R, a convenient place to crash while heading in or out of Costa Rica, or are in search of a home base for exploring San Jose – I wholeheartedly recommend Hotel Presidente.
Hotel Presidente is a boutique style hotel nestled near a main commerce street, where a whole line of restaurants and shops await right outside the side exit (perfect for tired travelers). The iconic Central Avenue Boulevard is the largest outdoor shopping area in Central America, and is home to coffee shops, restaurants, bars, clothing stores, gift shops, and more. Only 20 minutes away from the main airport, you’ll be through security, checked in and ready to explore San Jose (or maybe just take a nap!) before you know it.
Upon entering the hotel, festive decorations warmly welcome weary tourists into a quiet haven of tranquility.
The lobby is chic and modern, and very inviting with multiple seating areas and even games to pass the time.
The hotel staff are all courteous, friendly, and dressed impeccably. My Spanish skills at the time were super rusty, but everybody spoke English! I had a problem with the safe in my room, and a few minutes after I called to the front desk, a suited-up gentleman showed up to solve my problems.
The amply appointed rooms are similarly inviting and well styled. Fully equipped with big screen TVs (and English language channels!), mini fridge, and even a desk perfect for fellow workaholics, you’ll feel right at home. The bed comes stocked with a wide assortment of pillows, and it was by far the most comfortable I experienced in all of Costa Rica. I slept like a dream.
My favorite part had to be what was waiting in the bathroom – an enormous jacuzzi tub. 2 weeks in Costa Rica and I didn’t experience even ONE bathtub, so I was beyond psyched to soak away several hours.
I also loved the restaurant, from the morning breakfast buffet to the delicious and unique vegetarian sandwich I had at dinner. An interesting combination of an omelette and refried beans, it sounds odd but was absolutely delicious, and I look forward to trying to replicate it in my own kitchen (it was THAT delicious).
Necessary Details
Hotel Presidente can be booked directly on the website here, or through Agoda by clicking here. Prices start around $90.
What’s near to Hotel Presidente?
- Gold Museum – 0.1 mile
- Jade Museum – 0.1 mile
- National Theater – 0.1 mile
- National Museum of Costa Rica – 0.1 mile
- Chinatown – 0.1 mile
- Asamblea Legislativa – 0.1 mile
- Museo de Arte Contemporaneo – 0.2 mile
- La Antigua Aduana – 0.3 mile
- Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones – 0.3 mile
- Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores – 0.3 mile
- Corte Suprema de Justicia – 0.5 mile
- Central Bank – 0.5 miles
- Central Avenue Boulevard Pedestrian Outdoor Mall – 0.5 mile
- Central Market – 0.6 mile
- Children’s Museum – 1 mile
- Clinica Biblica – 1 mile
- Casa Presidencial – 1.5 miles
- Universidad de Costa Rica – 1.5 miles
- La Sabana Park/National Stadium/Costa Rican Art
Museum – 1.86 miles
(attractions and destinations provided by Hotel Presidente)
*While I was hosted by Hotel Presidente with a complimentary stay, I was not paid for this post and as always my opinions remain unbiased and unaltered*
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
