Hotel Presidente - San Jose, Costa Rica — Hotel in Catedral

My husband and I stayed here for three nights.

The complementary breakfasts were wonderful. We appreciated the variety of options, especially for vegetarians like myself. The space itself was bright and comfortable. We enjoyed the breeze passing through the windows. The food at the hotel restaurant (Azotea) was also spectacular. Many restaurants offer “vegetarian” dishes which are, simply and disappointingly, dishes without any protein. Azotea offers fully developed dishes that include tofu. I cannot overstate how much that important this is! To my fellow vegetarian travelers: the restaurant both understands and respects the diversity of its customers. Eat here.

The common areas were beautifully designed. I loved the classical meets modern aesthetic. The space is a mixture of iron and wood combined with plush and soft fabrics. Their designer did a great job.

The king-size bed was comfortable. The shower was fantastic: we joked about having taken a shower under a waterfall. On a side note: the hotel could make a fortune if they sold the lemongrass shampoo and conditioner at the front desk in bottles small enough to pass through US airport security checks. They were easily the best products I had ever used.

The staff working the front desk and the security / valet area were all spectacular. They answered every question, gave use advice, and were entirely helpful with what was (for me) the complex logistics of arranging a rental car.

Travelers to San José have many options when looking for a place to stay. Hotels and short term rentals are everywhere. However, I happily wrote this review for Hotel Presidente because of the people who work there: specifically, Cristian, Bruno, Jordan, and Karol. These four work in the dining services of the hotel — both the breakfast area and at the 4th Floor restaurant named Azotea — seemingly all day, every day. They took the time to talk with us, ask questions about our trip, and even share their lives. We ate dinner at Azotea twice during our three-day stay because we wanted to see (and talk to) the staff. Their kindness and service elevated our experience at Hotel Presidente to five-stars. My husband and I will not...

A great hotel and one I’d recommend for anyone who is wanting to stay centrally in the city. Communication leading up to the stay was great with them arranging a decent transfer from the airport and keeping me updated via WhatsApp. On arrival the entrance is impressive - a modern oasis with friendly security and reception staff, with so many artefacts to admire in the reception area. Checking in was a breeze and it was nice for recommendations on sights and activities in the area to be given. ||My room was on the seventh floor overlooking one of the side streets. It was fairly noisy during the day with the sounds of birds and whistles from the street below, but this wasn’t an issue at night with the hotel falling silent. Decor in the room was basic but comfortable. The bed was large with sockets next to both sides and lighting controls, with loads of pillows for extra comfort. The air conditioning unit was very effective will full control provided via the remote. The wardrobe was open and there was plenty of storage space, plus there was a small fridge and glass bottle of water. ||The bathroom wasn’t quite as spacious but perfectly adequate. The walk in shower was huge though with good heat and power. Bars of soap were provided instead of shower gel, but there were plenty of decent towels. ||Breakfast was a small but delightful affair, with a range of comfortable tables for different group sizes and lovely staff. There were a handful of hot dishes available and loads of fruit, with everything being self-service. A lovely relaxing start to the day. ||I didn’t get a chance to sample the restaurant in the evening but it did seem a reservation is necessary, plus there is a nice terrace on the fourth floor roof, which in nice weather would be a great place to relax with a drink. ||Overall this was a great value hotel, with wonderful helpful staff in arguably the best location in the city. I’ll certainly stay again and would recommend for anyone’s first visit...

A great hotel and one I’d recommend for anyone who is wanting to stay centrally in the city. Communication leading up to the stay was great with them arranging a decent transfer from the airport and keeping me updated via WhatsApp. On arrival the entrance is impressive - a modern oasis with friendly security and reception staff, with so many artefacts to admire in the reception area. Checking in was a breeze and it was nice for recommendations on sights and activities in the area to be given.

My room was on the seventh floor overlooking one of the side streets. It was fairly noisy during the day with the sounds of birds and whistles from the street below, but this wasn’t an issue at night with the hotel falling silent. Decor in the room was basic but comfortable. The bed was large with sockets next to both sides and lighting controls, with loads of pillows for extra comfort. The air conditioning unit was very effective will full control provided via the remote. The wardrobe was open and there was plenty of storage space, plus there was a small fridge and glass bottle of water.

The bathroom wasn’t quite as spacious but perfectly adequate. The walk in shower was huge though with good heat and power. Bars of soap were provided instead of shower gel, but there were plenty of decent towels.

Breakfast was a small but delightful affair, with a range of comfortable tables for different group sizes and lovely staff. There were a handful of hot dishes available and loads of fruit, with everything being self-service. A lovely relaxing start to the day.

I didn’t get a chance to sample the restaurant in the evening but it did seem a reservation is necessary, plus there is a nice terrace on the fourth floor roof, which in nice weather would be a great place to relax with a drink.

Overall this was a great value hotel, with wonderful helpful staff in arguably the best location in the city. I’ll certainly stay again and would recommend for anyone’s first visit...