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10 Best Boutique Hotels in San José

Orchid Farm | Courtesy of Asclepios Wellness and Healing Retreat
Orchid Farm | Courtesy of Asclepios Wellness and Healing Retreat
Photo of Jenn Parker
Jenn Parker
28 January 2017

The capital city of San José is not only an excellent starting point for your Costa Rican adventure, but it is also a city with several quietly tucked-away and beautiful boutique hotels where you can rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Aside from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, San José and its surrounding area has a peaceful charm to it, with stunning panoramic mountain views, lush tree lines, and an often cool and crisp climate.

Hotel Grano de Oro

Hotel Grano de Oro is a 21-room upscale boutique hotel perfectly located for those looking to explore the city and venture out on an array of day trips, such as whitewater rafting or volcano and rainforest hiking. The hotel is also home to one of San José’s best restaurants, which serves a delightful combination of French Mediterranean and tropical Costa Rican fare. Be sure to save room for Grano de Oro’s signature dessert, tarte Tatin, a coffee and chocolate pie. Take a rooftop Jacuzzi or schedule an aromatherapy massage for a little added rest and relaxation during your stay.

Hotel Grano de Oro, Calle 30, San José, Costa Rica, +506 2255 3322

Exterior Hotel Grano de Oro/Courtesy of Hotel Grano de Oro

Exterior of Hotel Grano de Oro | Courtesy of Hotel Grano de Oro

Cariari Garden Boutique Hotel

Cariari Garden Boutique Hotel is a place where you can totally unwind, get pampered at the beauty spa, and even play a little golf or tennis. This beautiful hotel offers spacious and private accommodations and the staff is friendly and eager to help you plan and book your activities for each day. The central location of Cariari Garden Boutique Hotel makes it ideal for day trips to the rainforest and volcanoes, among many other exciting tours and activities that are offered in Costa Rica, such as whitewater rafting.

Cariari Garden Boutique Hotel, Dona Rosa, Lote 37J, San José, Costa Rica, +506 2293 5541

Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquídeas

Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Map View
Inviting room at the Boutique Hotel Casa de las Orquideas
Inviting room at the Boutique Hotel Casa de las Orquideas | Courtesy of the Boutique Hotel Casa de las Orquideas
A little over a mile from the National Theatre of Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and only 11 miles from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport, Boutique Hotel Casa Las Orquídeas offers guests a quiet and private sanctuary from the noise and movement of city life. The location couldn’t be more convenient, though, for those interested in exploring San José and the surrounding areas. Complete with free wifi, tour concierge service, airport transportation, onsite dining, and room service, this little haven is a perfect place to stay while in San José.

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Empalme, San Pedro, San José Province, 11501, Costa Rica
+50622830095

Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel

Courtesy of Parque del Lago / Expedia
Food and Drink
Buffet
Bathroom
Lobby Sitting Area
Bicycling
Room
Restaurant
Private Kitchenette
Gym
Room Amenity
Porch
Property Amenity
Courtesy of Parque del Lago / Expedia
A 2016 recipient of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence, Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel is situated right by the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, or the Central Park of San José. This beautiful urban park is a 72-acre plot of land that is perfectly suited for long walks, outdoor recreational activities, and picnics. Guests are also conveniently close to the airport, the highway, and the shopping mall, MultiPlaza. There is 24-hour bilingual front desk service, an onsite restaurant that specializes in delicious local and international cuisine, free bicycles for an ecological transportation option, and elegantly decorated and cozy rooms.

Everything you need to know

At a Glance

Free WiFi
Breakfast available (surcharge)
Restaurant
In-room accessibility
Conference space
Concierge services
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Terrace
Bar/lounge

Studio Hotel Boutique

Hotel
Map View
Studio Hotel Boutique is a gem in the midst of the bustle of downtown San José. It is centrally located, but once inside it feels like you are a world away from it all. This five-star boutique and Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award recipient is also home to more than a hundred pieces of exquisite artwork from Costa Rican artists. The rooms are tastefully decorated with comfort in mind. Studio Hotel Boutique also has a bar, a café with over 30 menu choices, and multiple conference rooms for business and private events.

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Santa Ana, San José, 10901, Costa Rica
+50622820505
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Hotel Presidente

Hotel
Map View
Hotel Presidente sits in the heart of goings on in San José. Close to trendy bars and restaurants, parks, and famous city landmarks, guests will feel connected to what’s happening in the city while out and about, yet removed from it while inside the warm brick and teak interior of this modern boutique. The rooms are some of the most spacious in the downtown area and are complete with big, plush, and inviting beds. This is a great spot to unwind and recharge in between exploring the city and surrounding areas and attractions. Hotel Presidente is also pet-friendly.

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El Carmen, San José, San José Province, Costa Rica
+18775401790
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    • Xandari Resort and Spa

    Nestled into the foothills of the Poas Volcano, a mere 20 minutes from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport, lies the Xandari Resort and Spa. The 24 private villas harmoniously rest on the lush, manicured property that is also host to an orchid house, five waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails. This is a rather picturesque place to treat yourself to spa treatments, exquisite farm-to-table meals, and an escape to a tropical paradise. Most of the villas have panoramic views, gardens, and private patios where you can just take it all in. This boutique hotel is contemporary, comfortable, and very colorful.

    Xandari Resort And Spa, 1 Km Ne Del Salon El Diamante, AL, Alajuela, Costa Rica +506 2443 2020

    Inviting garden path/Wendy/Flickr

    Inviting garden path | © Wendy/Flickr

    Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Planation Resort

    This 14-room luxury boutique resort is planted in the midst of mango and papaya trees and a 40-acre coffee plantation in the highlands just outside of the cityscape of San José. All rooms have a king size bed, soft cotton linens, spacious bathrooms, a private deck or patio, and complementary and locally made organic toiletries, among many other amenities to add to your comfort during your stay. All guests are gifted with a sustainability tour and free afternoon coffee and cookies. Finca Rosa Blanca has received many prestigious awards from Fodor’s, Condé Nast Traveler, and Trip Advisor. The biggest regret guests have is that they didn’t book a longer stay!

    Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Planation Resort, Barrio Jesus of Santa Barbara of Heredia, Costa Rica, +506 2269 9392

    Asclepios Wellness and Spa

    Asclepios Wellness and Spa is a 12-room boutique retreat located just 20 minutes from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport. Guests will find an opportunity here to completely unwind and take care of their mind, body, and soul. There is an ionized swimming pool, yoga and meditation pavilion, fitness center, sauna, four different spa and beauty treatment centers, and an organic restaurant, just to name a few of the unique amenities offered here. There are also a la carte health and wellness treatments such as Reiki, acupuncture, and floral therapy. Surrounded by primary and secondary forest and tucked away near the base of the Poas Volcano, this boutique hotel is truly one of a kind in San José.

    Asclepios Wellness and Spa, El Cacao, Alajuela, Costa Rica +506 2433 1668

    Walk into wellness

    Walk into Wellness | Courtesy of Asclepios Wellness and Healing Retreat

    Boutique Hotel Jade

    Courtesy of Boutique Hotel Jade / Expedia
    Reception
    Ballroom
    Room
    Meeting Facility
    Dining
    Restaurant
    Bar
    Outdoor Pool
    Porch
    Garden
    Lobby
    Banquet Hall
    Courtesy of Boutique Hotel Jade / Expedia
    Boutique Hotel Jade is a highly reviewed and rated establishment that is ideally located within walking distance of attractions like the National Museum, the Parque National, the National Center of Art and Culture, the Jade Museum, and the National Theater. Visitors looking for a cultural experience in the city would be wise to book here. Hotel Boutique Jade is complete with a bar and restaurant, along with tour booking assistance, an airport shuttle, and an outdoor swimming poor. Guests will find Hotel Boutique Jade to be peaceful and comfortable, as well as convenient.

    Everything you need to know

    At a Glance

    Free WiFi
    Outdoor pool
    Restaurant
    In-room accessibility
    Concierge services
    24-hour front desk
    Dry cleaning/laundry service
    Terrace
    Bar/lounge
    Smoke-free property
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