The Grand Hotel Costa Rica in San Jose

After a week of rafting, horseback riding, and hiking in Costa Rican we traveled back to San Jose to spend our last day in Costa Rica. The Grand Hotel Costa Rica was the best place we stayed the entire trip. The hotel itself is the only Costa Rican hotel to hold the distinction of Historical Landmark, but it is well deserved. A beautiful example of neoclassic architecture, the hotel opened in 1930 and since then has sheltered movie stars, musicians, and several U.S. Presidents (1). While the standard rooms are small, the hotel is in the middle of downtown and has many amenities that will keep you from staying in your room long enough to notice.

The Grand Hotel is just across the street from the National Theater, and even if you don't go to a show, it is worth having a look inside. To the rear of the hotel is Las Arcadas, a pedestrian street full of stores, restaurants and talented street musicians. The most interesting band I saw was made up of a banjo player, a washtub bass, and a bongo drum playing Caribbean style music. Nearby is the Plaza de la Cultura Square and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. And several blocks away is the National Musuem and the National Assembly(2).

The hotel caters to international travelers so tours and rental cars can be arranged through them so that you don't have to take risks on shady tour companies. On the top floor of the hotel is an entertainment room that features a large TV, games, and a small computer lab with a fast internet connection. There are about 8 computers so there is always at least one available, and several instant messenger programs have been installed so you can chat if you don't feel like using a phone card. For those of you with laptop computers there is also free internet access in the rooms. Other fun offered by the hotel are piano concerts throughout the day and evening next to the hotel café, a casino, and a bar/lounge.

The hotel staff spoke English well and was very helpful and polite. You might be surprised to discover that the hotel does not have air-conditioning, but being located in Costa Rica's Central Valley, the climate is mild and they enjoy temperatures in the 70s year round. The hotel's location and amenities are what makes this beautiful, historic hotel a pleasure to stay in, and well worth the price of the $79 US dollars a night for a standard room(3).

1. Grand Hotel Costa Rica - History http://www.grandhotelcostarica.com/history.jsp 2006. (Retrieved May 7, 2007)
2. Grand Hotel Costa Rica - Nearby Points of Interest http://www.grandhotelcostarica.com/takealook.jsp 2006. (Retrieved May 7, 2007)
3. Grand Hotel Costa Rica - Hotel Facilities http://www.grandhotelcostarica.com/facilities.jsp 2006. (Retrieved May 7, 2007)