Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton — Hotel in Catedral

If you’re visiting San José for the first time, Gran Hotel Costa Rica is an easy choice. Originally opened in 1930, this historic landmark has hosted countless celebrities over the years. Now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, it blends old-world charm with modern comfort. The renovations are thoughtful—everything is impeccably clean, and the updated infrastructure makes for a seamless stay.

The location is unbeatable. Right in the heart of downtown San José, it’s next to the National Theatre and within walking distance of the Gold Museum and the Jade Museum. Just 15 minutes away is the Coffee Baron district, known for its stunning early 20th-century mansions, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and where the famous Hemingway Hotel once stood. If you’re a foodie, a 30-minute stroll lands you in Barrio Escalante, packed with amazing restaurants and buzzing energy. Prefer a more modern vibe? A quick Uber ride takes you to San José’s up-and-coming high-rise area, where you can rock your yoga pants, sip craft coffee, and enjoy trendy local cafes.

For a deep dive into the city’s culture, don’t miss a walking tour with Michael Miller—a 75-year-old retired Vietnam veteran who brings the history and people of San José to life. Jason at the front desk recommended him, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

The hotel itself offers a small but well-equipped gym—perfect for a quick morning workout. If you’re a Hilton Gold member, breakfast is complimentary. If not, it’s $35 per person. Honestly, if you’re up for an adventure, skip the hotel breakfast and head to La Mancha, a fantastic third-wave coffee shop just a block away.

One heads-up: even though the hotel looks close to the airport, San José traffic can be brutal. Plan for at least an hour and a half to get to or from the airport, especially during peak times.

Gran Hotel Costa Rica delivers the perfect mix of history, culture, and convenience. I’d absolutely...

This is a grand hotel indeed. Set back with a courtyard in front and right across from the big plaza. Reception is on the 5th floor. Lots of glass, huge lobby with nice bar and dining area. Location is good right along side central ave pedestrian walk. A couple blocks north is a large supermarket auto mart with just about everything for self catering or snacks, better stocked with imported cookies etc which most of the other smaller grocery stores don't have.||All rooms are on lower floors. The lobby is huge and impressive with big windows and lots of seating area which is a good thing - if your room's not ready there is plenty of space to hang out. Thankfully our room was ready at around 1:30. Room is a good size, carpeted. Window can't be opened and is double paned very soundproof. Good view of the front of the hotel and the busy intersection of 2nd Ave and 3rd st. Room had two full beds, modern decor, comfy chairs and a marble topped round table. Bathroom also not cramped. Fridge and coffee maker one of these pod styles which for me is useless, I'd rather they have a hot water kettle. 2 bottles of comp water, 2 real glasses. Aircon pretty quiet. Big tv, lots of mirrors. Basically what you'd expect in a main brand Hilton property. ||No stair access to any floors, you have to use the elevators which had security feature of key access to guest room floors. Concierge is on ground floor. Breakfast room is on one side of the lobby.||Firm and comfortable beds. Quite high - seems to be Costa Rica style as other hotels we stayed at also have thick mattresses.||Good breakfast with eggs made to order. Good cut fruit. Local style with rice and beans, yukka, plantain etc.||Also had dinner there one night. Food was not particularly creative or fancy, large portions. Well prepared but not...

This hotel KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE BALLPARK!!!

I travel a lot and pretty much have had a lot of good and bad experiences; this hotel by far, has given me THE BEST experience EVER.

To be fair, I am a Hilton Diamond member, the highest status. But even so, I have never ever felt such red carpet treatment for my whole family ❤️

All safety protocols were enforced; masks 😷 everywhere, they even have disposables at front desk if you need more, and hand sanitizer abundant! They give you wipes before you eat and they also double wipe tables. Absolutely clean and perfect hotel!

Bellman was absolutely accommodating and even waited for the whole party before proceeding to go upstairs. He even offered to come to phone store w me to translate as I was trying to get a data plan.

Front desk made all our dinner reservations and made the calls themselves.

Housekeeping always on top of it all and even gave us extras for my kids!

Diamond and executive Lounge privilege gets you free breakfast (omg it’s soooo good) with a mix of Costa Rican breakfast (rice & beans) and even American breakfast!

Happy hour!!!! OMG! This takes the cake of any hotel I’ve been to and I’m an international traveler! Open bar on any drink they carry, allllllll complimentary!!!!

The happy hour menu is all 5 star stuff like risotto, shrimp, ceviche etc and omg it’s knock your socks out delicious!!!

Happy hour is 6-8 pm and most definitely tip the staff even though it’s not required but they work and deserve it!!!!

We had ordered the sea bass, salmon, beef tenderloin and strip steak for dinner and STRIP STEAK WAS THE MOST AMAZING one I’ve ever had. I’ll be dreaming of that dish for awhile....

All in all; it’s worth it. We had an amazing stay and we are so grateful for everyone who treated us...