Tucked away on a leafy street just off San José’s main boulevard, Hotel Grano de Oro is a tranquil escape that blends turn-of-the-century elegance with Costa Rican soul. Housed in a restored Victorian mansion, this landmark boutique hotel blends heritage hospitality, culinary prestige and urban charm. It’s overseen by second-generation hoteliers continuing a family vision established over three decades ago. Service at Grano de Oro is warm and personal, reflecting the genuine care and intimacy of a family-run property.

The hotel’s 39 rooms and suites are individually designed, combining tropical hardwoods, antique furnishings and local artworks to create a sense of understated elegance. Hidden courtyards, tiled corridors and stained-glass windows nod to the building’s early 20th-century origins, while rooftop whirlpool baths and a lush terrace provide calm above the city. Sustainability sits at the core of operations, from water and energy efficiency to ethical sourcing and support for local producers.

At the heart of the property is Restaurante Grano de Oro, a fine-dining institution that’s been here since the hotel’s inception.

Blending European culinary techniques with Costa Rican ingredients, the menu is both refined and rooted in place.

Signature dishes include the classic chateaubriand with a trio of sauces; macadamia-crusted corvina fish finished with a light citrus beurre blanc; and the vegetarian napoleón de hongos, a layered mushroom dish with truffle oil and cashew puree. The signature Grano de Oro chocolate and coffee pie has also become a lasting guest favourite. Meals are enjoyed in a softly lit courtyard or in the elegant salon where vintage woodwork sets a timeless tone. Don’t miss a visit to the award-winning wine cellar, which offers thoughtful pairings from across the world.

Beyond the hotel, guests can explore San José’s cultural and culinary treasures. In the heart of the capital, the Mercado Central immerses visitors in local life, from tropical produce to handmade tortillas and regional cheeses. The Museum of Costa Rican Art, housed in the former La Sabana airport terminal, reveals striking murals and sculpture that chronicle the nation’s creative past.

DON’T MISS Enjoy a slice of Grano de Oro’s signature chocolate & coffee pie in the serene courtyard or the elegant salon