Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection

The hotel's main restaurant is Cultura5, a beautifully-done venue with wall-to-wall windows and a menu of locally-infused gourmet dishes. On the 5th floor and entirely cased in glass, the piano bar serves whisky and gin from across the globe, while the Executive Lounge is eclectic and colourful and offers a range of complimentary eats and drinks each evening (but only certain rooms have access). The hotel also has fantastic amenities including a fitness centre, a small shop for essentials, and Wi-Fi in every room.

Every room at the Gran is as elegant as the one before. All have light wood furnishings and muted, cream tones whilst the double and King beds don 300-thread-count sheets and pillowtop mattresses. Blackout curtains ensure an excellent night's sleep, and each room has plenty of closet space, a 50-inch TV, and 24-hour butler service. The bathrooms are pristine with leafy motifs, a spacious shower and marble countertops. View-wise, choose carefully: certain rooms have an internal view, while others face the Avenida Central boulevard below.

The hotel is ideally positioned to explore San José's landmarks on foot, whether it's Spanish plazas, sprawling parks or the many museums. Visit the Jade Museum, which houses over 7,000 pieces (the largest display of American jade in the world), or the museum of Pre-Columbian gold. Take a stroll through the Central Market and partake in local dishes or see what gems you can unearth at the craft mercado. Day trips are also available from the hotel, including white water rafting, ziplining and coffee farm tours.