Hotels in San José

San José: Gateway to Costa Rica's Central Valley

San José, founded in 1738, sits at 1,170 metres above sea level in the Central Valley, flanked by the Irazú and Poás volcanoes. The capital anchors Costa Rica's politics, commerce, and culture. The Teatro Nacional, built in 1897 with neoclassical stonework, remains the city's architectural centrepiece. The Museo del Oro Precolombino on Plaza de la Cultura holds over 1,600 pre-Columbian gold pieces — one of the largest such collections in the Americas.

Where to Stay

Most hotels concentrate in the Barrio Amón and Escalante districts. Barrio Amón, north of Avenida 9, preserves early-20th-century mansions converted into boutique hotels. Escalante, east along Avenida Central, draws travellers for its café culture and restaurants. Business travellers often prefer La Sabana, adjacent to the national stadium, for its proximity to government offices.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría lies 18 km northwest; taxis and ride-share apps cover the route in 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
• Climate: temperatures average 22 °C year-round; carry a light layer for evenings even in the dry season (December–April).
• Currency: the Costa Rican colón is standard; US dollars are widely accepted in hotels.