San Jose, Costa RicaCatedral
Hotel Presidente
Industrial-chic downtown hotel
Catedral San Jose, Costa Rica
Renovated
2016
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Industrial-chic downtown hotel
Chesterfield sofas and vintage neon turn this family-run hotel into an eclectic living room right in the city center.
What it’s good at
Listed
Complimentary bicycles and pedestrian-only Avenida Central access put downtown landmarks within reach.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It’s the sort of place with exposed brick walls and parquet floors in the lobby, and a garden with lounge space on the rooftop;
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Stepping out onto Avenida Central puts pedestrians right into the capital's historic core, surrounded by cultural landmarks and downtown street life.
The rooms
Rooms take a minimalist turn upstairs, with pale tile floors, dark wood paneling, and simple white beds.
The gym
The seventh-floor gym has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over downtown San José toward the mountains.
At the table
A red spiral staircase leads to Azotea Calle 7, which serves Pacific seafood and crudos across a terrace of blooming bougainvillea.
How it began
During John F. Kennedy's 1963 visit, crowds mistook the rising concrete frame for a hotel, so the owners built one.
San Jose
More like this
Hotel Alta Las Palomas
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Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
“Restored 1930 landmark”
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.