Best hotels in San José & Central Valley

A mere hour outside San Jose, El Silencio Lodge feels as if you've entered another world. Protected by cloud forest, valleys and volcanoes, the private 500-acre reserve is your playground, and with a maze of hiking and horse-riding trails and an incredible array of birdlife, there's plenty to enjoy. Wellness is a major focus here and every day is an opportunity to reconnect with nature - an hour or two on the Forest Bathing Deck is something truly special. Design-wise, the lodge takes its cue from the surroundings with hand-crafted furnishings from nearby Sarchi (famous for its woodwork) and bold murals by local artists. It's definitely safe to say that El Silencio lives and breaths Pura Vida.

Set in pretty, tropical gardens, The Marriott is a picture of sophistication yet also pays homage to the traditions of Costa Rica's Central Valley. There are social spaces to suit all tastes, whether you'd prefer to be pampered at the spa, chat with fellow travellers, or take in a game of golf or tennis. Coffee is the name of the game in this region of Costa Rica, and in the hotel, it finds its way into body scrubs and wall prints - not to mention a tour (and taste) of the famous Britt's Coffee. The hotel offers ample opportunities to explore the valley's beauty spots, but laying out on a lounger by the pool isn't a bad idea either.

Costa Rica's capital city, San José is a sprawling metropole ringed by a landscape of mountains and volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations. Within walking distance of downtown San Jose, the Park Inn is a high-rise hotel, replete with all the comforts and convenient amenities you might need to punctuate a jam-packed Costa Rica itinerary. The style is modern and urban, and the rooms have views over the whole city. There's even has a walled swimming pool to cool you off after a day of meandering from museum to museum, or just for some peaceful down time.

Ascend from the city streets of San José and arrive at a 40-acre oasis in the forested hillside. The brain child of Californian architect and artist, Sherrill and Charlene Broudy, Xandari's design is a melange of sunshine-happy villas filled with eclectic pieces. Most of the incredible team has been at Xandari since it opened and their attention to detail is fantastic. Many treats await at the resort, from indulgent treatments at the thatched jalapas to hikes along private trails and clandestine waterfalls, before ending in the Jacuzzi with a view. We're happy to say the resort is very eco-minded, which only makes us love it even more.

In the thick of San Jose, with its myriad museums and green parks, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a piece of the city's history. Once the home of a prominent family, the Victorian exteriors set the tone of your stay and the coffee walls, white trims and turrets are undeniably handsome. Inside, the grand features continue: a Titanic-esque wooden staircase lead to corridors lined with black-and-white photographs and original artwork, and Italian fountains bubble in the atmospheric atriums. The smartly-dressed staff are always at the ready to assist with recommendations or arranging in-room massages but best of all is the restaurant. One of San José's finest, don't skip their signature Grano de Oro pie!

On San José's Avenida Central boulevard, the Gran Hotel's cream façade and 1930s domed entryways strike an elegant figure. Inside, the jazzy lobby, tiled in black marble and surrounded by walls of glass, is modern and stylish, the common areas are quirky, and the rooms are pared back, light and uncluttered. Located right on a walking thoroughfare, you'll be within easy reach of San José's major sights from the famous Gold Museum to the National Theatre - and there's plenty of cafes to stop for a bite in between explorations.

Hilton Garden Inn is located next to Sabana Park, surrounded by local restaurants and embassies, with easy access to attractions like the National Stadium.

We're by Highway 1, about one kilometer from San José's National Convention Center. We offer a free shuttle to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport seven kilometers away. Our hotel features a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and free WiFi. Cariari Country Club and golf course are next door. Visit our bars, cafe, and restaurant.

Hotel Presidente is located in the heart of San José and, tucked within the center of the revitalized downtown district, it is conveniently located within walking distance of world-famous cultural institutions, top museums and performance venues including Costa Rica’s National Theatre and Plaza de la Cultura. Ditch the car and explore the colourful sights, sounds and energy of San José on foot! The property boasts uniquely-designed interiors and everything is there to unwind after a long flight or a busy day of exploration in San José and its surroundings.

Alta is a contemporary hotel that stands out for its extraordinary architecture, first-class service, and unique character.

Hampton Inn provides modern accommodation just 1.5 km from San Jose International Airport. It features a large pool and gym, as well as free Wi-Fi and airport transfers.

An escape for those seeking total wellbeing, unbridled adventure, and cultural edification; balance at Hacienda AltaGracia is founded with the belief that total wellbeing comes from being able to move fast or slow. This serene 50-casita resort features 180 bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and Casa de Agua, a holistic wellbeing center and home to the Estée Lauder Skin Longevity Institute. Experience the escape of this soul-stirring wellness journeys, soulful cuisine, and adrenaline packed adventures through bespoke itineraries – personally curated to elevate your experience and leave you transformed.

Set within lush tropical gardens just a 20-minute drive from San José Airport, Hotel Bougainvillea San José offers a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and a gym. The hotel’s beautiful gardens are home to a huge range of native Costa Rican trees and flowers, where you can spot wild hummingbirds and frogs. The Vitrales Restaurant & Bar serves international fusion cuisine in stylish surroundings and there are fantastic garden views from the lounge bar, while the rooms have balconies overlooking the gardens or city.

Poas Volcano Lodge is a stunning and unique mountain lodge nestled into rolling pastures, with breathtaking views of Poas Volcano and the northern Caribbean Plains. The Lodge is located on a working dairy farm, on the edge of Poas Volcano National Park, with easy access to nearby rural villages and local attractions. Their ambition is to offer you the most authentic experience of a mountain Lodge in the Costa Rican highlands. You are welcome to enjoy the nature trails through the farm, where there are areas of virgin cloud forest, and where you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse the Resplendent Quetzal. If you’re looking for a wide variety of activities, the lodge ideally located to offer you some amazing experiences such as visiting an active Volcano, white water rafting on the Sarapiqui river, the Waterfall Gardens, horseback riding, farm and coffee estate tours, bird watching and hiking in the Cloud forest.

The Hotel La Riviera Bed and Breakfast has 19 comfortable rooms distributed over two floors and carefully decorated, equipped with flat screen television and cable service, safe, private bathroom with hot water, ceiling fans, air conditioning and a wardrobe.

Nestled in a coffee plantation on a lush hilltop overlooking downtown San Jose, Buena Vista Chic Hotel offers a secluded sanctuary of magnificently manicured gardens and grounds. Guests of Buena Vista Chic Hotel love the easy accessibility to and from San Jose International Airport – just a short 10 kilometers (6 miles ride) via the hotels complimentary shuttle. Once at the hotel, however, airport memories fade as a sense of tranquility sets in.

Tree Houses Hotel sits on a little piece of paradise. It is a true jungle experience complete with a lot of wildlife, beautiful trees and plants. We never know when or where the sloths, congos, birds, agoutis etc. will show so besure to keep your eyes peeled. We sit on 80 acres complete with river access and wide paths to hike to take yourself on a little adventure.

Finca Rosa Blanca is an organic coffee farm and luxury inn, set in the lush highlands near San José and SJO airport.