San Jose Hotels

Guidebooks

Hotel Grano de Oro

Exterior

At a Glance

    Pros

  • friendly management
  • top-notch service
  • superb restaurant

    Cons

  • remodeling took away country feel in some areas
  • far from downtown sights
  • need taxi to get here
Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

Fodor's FindsLowest Price Guarantee

 
Call IconPrefer booking on the phone?
Call us now: 800-559-7314

Hotel Grano de Oro Review

Two wooden houses—one dating from the turn of the 20th century, and the other from the 1950s—have been converted into one of the city's most charming inns, decorated throughout with old photos of the capital and paintings by local artists. Public areas have a glitzy elegance; head up to your room for the old coffee-plantation feel for which the hotel is known. Each room is different, and although you can't go wrong with any of them, those in the older house are the nicest, especially the Garden Suite, with hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a private garden. The sumptuous restaurant, run by a French-trained chef, wraps around a lovely indoor patio and bromeliad-filled gardens, and has become one of the capital's premier dining venues. The hotel's sundeck has a view of both the city and the far-off volcanoes. The Grano de Oro is a consistent favorite with posters to Fodors.com forums.

    Hotel Details

  • 39 rooms, 3 suites.
  • Rate includes no meals.
Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Hotel Grano de Oro Review

    Very close to perfection and "Pura Vida." Pluses: On arrival, treated to a refreshing glass of juice; the next day, a fruit plate gratis in the room! On-site restuarant superb (the salmon is to die for). Superb attentive courteous service throughout, based on "Mi casa es su casa." Desk personnel arranged for a day tour and for taxicab back to airport. Staff completely bilingual. Elevator. Rich dark woods of walls and furnishings. Not a speck of dirt or dust anywhere. Room has high ceilings, ceiling fan, enclosed "patio" to room with burbling fountain. Blissfully quiet. Comfortable wide bed. Souvenir shop on premises. Within walking distance (about 2km) of downtown sights. Minus: Hot water in shower is lukewarm at best. (If hotel is trying to minimize energy to heat water and minimize water usage, I sympathize. Owners are commendably aware of environmental issues.)

    by williame, 3/13/12
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Perfect Place for Your Last Night in Costa Rica

    We were looking for a place to stay for our last night in Costa Rica before flying out and found this little gem. The hotel is built from two old mansions so has neat little twists and turns around every corner, fountains, gardens, etc. The room was comfortable, no ac, but we were able to open the window to get a breeze. It also had a nice bathtub which seemed like a luxury in CR. Within 5 minutes of our arrival, they delivered a fresh (and free!) fruit plate to our door as a way to welcome us. Everyone was fluent in English and very friendly. The restaurant on site was quite good and had a European flair. Do not miss the rooftop garden complete with hot tubs. If you're looking for a city hotel, this is a good one.

    by volcanogirl, 2/17/09
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    Great Value!

    My husband and I stayed in the Vista de Oro suite on our honeymoon, and it was PERFECT! One wall of the room was windows that overlooked San Jose. It was beautiful at night. The jacuzzi was right next to the windows, making it very romantic. The best part was the food...it was all excellent...easily the best waffles i've ever put in my mouth!

    by jhusser, 12/28/06

Add your own review

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Browse San Jose hotels

By Price:

By Location

 Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas

Travel Deals in San José

* Some taxes, fees additional

· Forums Trip Reports

View more trip reports

·

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories