The hype
Travelers love the modern rooms and the breakfast buffet, but often wish the surrounding neighborhood felt safer at night.
Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection By Hilton
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a safe, stylish, and historic 'soft landing' in the heart of San José before heading into the jungle.
Why People Love It
- Iconic 1930s architecture with a surprisingly modern interior renovation
- The 5th-floor piano bar offers the best city views and gin cocktails in town
- Location is unbeatable for culture: steps from the National Theatre and Gold Museum
Quick Take: It's a chic urban oasis in a gritty downtown that feels a bit like a spaceship landed inside a colonial monument.
Reviewed by @internationalolani: I checked into this historic gem and was blown away by how modern it is inside. Being steps away from the National Theatre made me feel so connected to the culture. It’s the perfect mix of city vibes and luxury comfort.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Executive Lounge' access is worth the upgrade for the free evening snacks and drinks, especially since you might not want to venture out for dinner late.
- You appreciate history but demand modern plumbing and strong AC
- You are a Hilton Honors member looking to burn points on a high-quality redemption
- You need a reliable, clean base for 1-2 nights upon arrival or before departure
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Reviews consistently praise the housekeeping staff.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Modern tile and glass showers show no signs of mold or grime.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The 2018 renovation still feels fresh and new.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, high-thread-count Hilton standard linens.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh white tea; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic and honking from Avenida Central
- Early morning city bustle (delivery trucks, pedestrians)
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is mandatory if you have a car ($28/day); self-parking is not an option.
- Breakfast is excellent but costs ~$25/person if not included in your rate.
- The lobby is actually on the 5th floor, not the ground floor.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a street-facing room)
- A light jacket (San José is at elevation and gets cool at night)
- Uber app (safest way to get around at night)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Rooms on the 4th floor for lounge access and better views
- Corner King rooms for extra space and dual-aspect windows
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the street if you are a light sleeper
- Standard rooms if you need a bathtub (most have showers only)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (4th or 5th) to minimize street noise. If available, an 'Internal View' room is preferred for maximum quiet, or a Corner King if view is priority.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. This is a historic city hotel with no pool. The gym is 24/7, however.
Is the area safe?
During the day, Avenida Central is busy and generally fine for walking. At night, it becomes desolate and dodgy. Take Ubers door-to-door after sunset.
How far is it from the airport (SJO)?
About 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Uber is reliable and cheaper than taxis.
Is breakfast included?
Not standard. It's free for Hilton Gold/Diamond members, otherwise expect to pay ~$25.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, during the day. At night, stick to the hotel restaurant (Cultura5) or take a taxi/Uber to Barrio Escalante for dining.
Is it in Jaco?
No. It is in San José. Jaco is a beach town 1.5-2 hours away.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 5th-floor piano bar has a 'Gin & Tonic' cart that is legendary—try the local botanicals.
- ✨
Ask for a room with an 'Internal View' if silence is your #1 priority; you lose the view but gain sleep.
- ✨
The hotel is a declared National Monument; ask the concierge about the JFK suite history (he stayed here in 1963).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'lobby' is on the 5th floor, which can be confusing when you first arrive at the street-level entrance.
💡The elevators can be slow during breakfast rush because of the 5th-floor lobby layout.
💡You can hear the street musicians from the plaza in some rooms during the day.
💡The bathroom lighting is moody and dim—great for romance, bad for makeup.
💡There is a secret tunnel rumor about the hotel connecting to the theatre, but staff won't confirm it.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Gran Hotel Costa Rica Curio Collection By Hilton is located and what's nearby.