Hotel Grano De Oro

Dominated by heavy wooden columns, the lounge and restaurant are elegant and airy with plush rugs and plenty of tropical greens dotted around. The best seat, though, is in the pretty atrium for a candlelit dinner of French-Mediterranean fare, accompanied by a cocktail or vintage wine. On the rooftop terrace, you'll find a pair of hot tubs and sun loungers, while massages are offered at the small spa. Visit the gift shop to pick up handmade crafts and souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Spread across three floors, the rooms are boutique in their design, some with features from the original house and others with more modern touch. All have a wrought iron bed and wicker chairs with subtle artwork adorning the walls. Certain rooms enjoy a private garden courtyard for a break from the hustle and bustle of San Jose. The grandest of all, the Vista de Oro, is beautifully decorated with antiques and vintage pieces, and boasts a private entrance, Jacuzzi and views of the Central Valley skyline. The family suite has two bedrooms with a shared bathroom.

Grano de Oro may be a stopover on your way to Costa Rica's beauty spots, but there's more than enough to keep you occupied in San José. They city has quite the history and there are museums to dip into, from art to Pre-Columbian, and fascinating streets to wander. as well as. For day trips, venture into the Central Valley and enjoy the scenery alongside ziplining tours and hiking, waterfalls and birdwatching - look out for the fiery-throated hummingbird and quetzal in particular - or visit the Britt Coffee farm to see how their famous beans are made.