San Jose, Costa RicaAlto de las Palomas
Hotel Alta Las Palomas
Arched hillside inn
Arched hillside inn
The property steps down the mountain slope through sweeping arches, trading downtown San José for quiet valley views.
What it’s good at
Notable
Architect Rolf Ruge Moya terraced the winding interior alleyway through sweeping arches.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The look mixes Spanish colonial with industrial chic, an unlikely juxtaposition that works surprising well here.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The old mountain road between Escazú and Santa Ana winds past the entrance, thirty minutes west of central San José.
The rooms
Beds have curving Art Nouveau headboards, and most rooms open onto balconies looking out over the valley.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Loungers line the curved pool terrace, looking across the valley from beneath the tiered hillside rooms.
The spa & gym
Restaurant
The Garden & Terrace
Woven dining tables sit beneath glowing lanterns and filament bulbs strung through the branches of the sprawling Guanacaste tree.
La Luz Restaurant & Bar
Rope chandeliers hang from the coffered ceiling, and broad windows look toward the valley over contemporary Costa Rican dishes.
At the table
High-back chairs surround an indoor fireplace beside the bar counter, and leather seats look out toward the valley.
How it began
Travels through southern Spain and Morocco inspired the layout, which steps down an irregular lot between two streets.
San Jose
More like this
Hotel Presidente
“Industrial-chic downtown hotel”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.