Hotel Presidente San Jose  Exterior photoHotel Presidente San Jose  Exterior photoHotel Presidente San Jose  Exterior photo
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From75US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

Avenida Central, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, xxxx
-
Steps from Plaza de La Cultura
Great
8.7
9.3
/10
4.5
4.1
/5

Hotel Presidente - A Central Avenue landmark with rooftop dining and historic architecture

Located on San Jose's Central Avenue Pedestrian Boulevard, this historic San Jose (San Jose) hotel features a distinctive red spiral staircase leading to a brick terrace adorned with veraneras and palm trees. Hotel Presidente houses the Azotea Calle 7 rooftop restaurant, offering mountain views of the Central Valley. The property's 325-square-foot standard rooms and larger 555-square-foot superior rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guest facilities encompass a lobby with computer terminals, currency exchange services, and luggage storage. The surrounding downtown district provides direct access to the Plaza de la Cultura, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and Metropolitan Cathedral, all within 0.5 miles. The property sits 9.5 miles from Tobias Bolanos International Airport.

Pros

Historic architectural elements including Spanish-style balconies and mosaic floors

Rooftop terrace features native Costa Rican plants and mountain views

Pet-friendly accommodations available

On-site casino offering various gaming options

Cons

9.5 miles distance from nearest airport requires advance transportation planning

Central location between busy thoroughfares can result in street noise

“This hotel stands out for its commitment to both guest experience and community engagement. The rooftop restaurant, with its urban garden, provides a unique dining option, and its location offers convenient access to the city's cultural attractions; I found the blend of historical elements and modern design particularly appealing, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers seeking both comfort and connection.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
Superior Double Beds
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Air conditioning
Double Room King Bed
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Double Room 2 Beds
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Air conditioning
Premium Room King Bed
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Air conditioning
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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Currency exchange
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Casino

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Trouser press

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

Explore the elegant culinary scene at Hotel Presidente, where the rooftop lounge offers Mediterranean delights paired with stunning city views. Indulge in a romantic ambiance surrounded by lush native Costa Rican plants, perfect for intimate dinners or chic cocktail hours.
Hotel Presidente San Jose  Restaurant photo
Hotel Presidente San Jose  Restaurant photo
Hotel Presidente San Jose  Restaurant photo

Azotea Calle 7

Mediterranean with tapas
Ambiance
Modern and romantic, featuring a rooftop setting adorned with native Costa Rican plants.
Key Offerings
An array of crafted cocktails and diverse tapas ideal for cocktail hour or a leisurely dinner under the stars.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended.
Dinner and cocktail hour; specific hours may vary.

Hotel Presidente Location

Avenida Central, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, xxxx
Map view
Avenida Central, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, xxxx
Nearby
Museum
National Museum of Costa Rica
1900 ft
Museum
Jade Museum
900 ft
Museum
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
800 ft
Theatre
National Theatre of Costa Rica
900 ft
Square
Plaza de La Cultura
600 ft
Calle Central Alfredo Volio
Central Park
1800 ft
Church
Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose
1800 ft
Church
Church of Our Lady of La Soledad
1300 ft
Event hall
Templo de la Musica
700 ft
Avenidas 3 y 5
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
1500 ft
Square
Plaza de las Artes
400 ft
Avenida Segunda
Mercado Nacional de Artesanias
1100 ft
Square
Plaza Juan Mora Fernandez
800 ft
Gallery
Galeria Namu
1100 ft
Square
Plaza de la Libertad Electoral
1500 ft
Avenue 9 & Calle 4
Centro Costarricense de Ciencias y Cultura
1900 ft
Iglesia de Ladrillo
1900 ft
Avenida 11 Calle 25
Museo Dr. Rafael Calderon Guardia
1900 ft
Cruz de Alajuelita
1900 ft
Avenida Central
Pedestrian Mall
1900 ft
Park
Gral Francisco Morazan
1900 ft
Restaurants
Restaurante El Patio del Balmoral
300 ft
Central Avenue
Tenedor Argentino
800 ft
Costado sur del Teatro Nacional
Azotea Calle 7
200 ft
Avenida Central
Mariscar
300 ft
Calle 7
Luigis Parrilla
300 ft
Centro Commercial Plaza Avenida Central Local 23
Spoon
400 ft
Del Palacio de la Ceramica 100 oeste 25 sur.
Tin Jo
1700 ft
Calle 11 btwn Avs 6 & 8
La Casa del Cacao
800 ft
Calle 11 entre avenida central y 2 From Jade Museum
Alma de Cafe
800 ft
2nd Ave and 5th Street Districto Catedral
Restaurante Magnolia
900 ft
Avenida 1 Calle 9 y 11 Club Casino Colonial
Sapore Trattoria
1400 ft
75 metros oeste de Plaza de la Democracia
Explore San Jose (San Jose)
Explore San Jose
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
3 minutes walking
Gold artifacts from ancient civilizations highlight Costa Rica's rich history, located in the heart of San Jose.
National Museum of Costa Rica
National Museum of Costa Rica
7 minutes walking
A blend of history and culture features exhibits on pre-Columbian artifacts, with beautiful gardens to explore.
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
8 minutes walking
Showcases Costa Rican and international contemporary art, hosting temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Simon Bolivar Zoo
Simon Bolivar Zoo
9 minutes walking
Home to diverse animals and a focus on conservation, this urban zoo is great for family visits.
Hiking at Parque Nacional
18 minutes walking
A scenic spot for hiking enthusiasts featuring trails and native flora, great for all experience levels.
Spa Relaxation
10 minutes walking
Local wellness centers offer a range of massages and treatments, perfect for some rejuvenation during your stay.
Restaurante El Patio del Balmoral
Restaurante El Patio del Balmoral
1 minute walking
A casual spot known for Costa Rican dishes, featuring vibrant decor and a laid-back atmosphere.
Tenedor Argentino
Tenedor Argentino
3 minutes walking
Argentinian steakhouse famous for its grilled meats, providing a cozy ambiance and friendly service.
Azotea Calle 7
Azotea Calle 7
1 minute walking
Rooftop dining with stunning city views, serving a variety of international fare and refreshing cocktails.
National Theatre of Costa Rica
National Theatre of Costa Rica
4 minutes walking
Offers cultural performances including ballet and concerts in an elegant historic venue; great for a night out.
Chinatown, San Jose
Chinatown, San Jose
10 minutes walking
A lively area with markets, restaurants, and occasional festivals, appealing for families and couples alike.
Getting around
City Centre
San Jose (San Jose)6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Tobias Bolanos International (SYQ)16 min  ·  6.3 mi
Juan Santamaria International (SJO)29 min  ·  11.9 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$18 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.  There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
8
Number of rooms:
44

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hotel Presidente from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Hotel Presidente is often praised for its beautiful public spaces, particularly the 4th-floor bar and outdoor patio where guests recommend the guacamole. The location is ideal for exploring central San Jose, placing you close to key sites. While some guests have found the rooms fairly spartan, they are generally considered comfortable. Don't miss the breakfast buffet, which many guests consider superb.
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Review score
Based on 852 verified reviews
9.0/10
Perfect
91%
Recommend
Staff
9.3/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.2/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Quirky decor
Friendly welcome
Excellent breakfast
Comfy rooms
Rooftop restaurant
Cons
Incorrect shuttle time
Poor toilet flush
Guest reviews
based on 852 reviews
9.0/10
based on 666 reviews
8.7/10
Cameron from Canada
Single
Premium Room King Bed
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 05, 2026
9.2/10

Wonderful Stay in the City Center

comfortable basequick resolutionexcellent viewsvaried selection
This hotel provided a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city. The staff swiftly addressed a minor issue with the television in my room. I found the rooftop bar to be a particularly nice spot. Its views were quite excellent. Breakfast offered a varied selection, and the on-site restaurant provided a good dining experience.
The gym is rather small and does not have a wide selection of equipment..
Dining
9/10
The breakfast buffet featured a wide assortment of fresh fruit, pastries, and hot dishes. There were also gluten-free options available upon request, which I considered a thoughtful touch. I really enjoyed my food.
Location
10/10
The hotel's central location offered easy access to many shops, restaurants, and museums. I appreciated being able to walk to several points of interest. It was a great benefit.
Rooms
9/10
My premium room with a king bed was spacious and well-kept. I found that the air conditioning worked efficiently, maintaining a comfortable temperature, and that the bathroom included a rainfall shower head. The size of the room was great.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel features a rooftop bar with city views. I noticed that it offered a variety of cocktails and light meals. The gym includes cardio equipment. There are also free weights, nice for basic workouts.
Service
10/10
The staff members were consistently friendly and helpful throughout my stay. I observed that they were quick to respond to requests and provided useful information about local attractions. They are very efficient people.
0 Helpful
|
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Clifford from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room King Bed
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 15, 2026
8.8/10

Central Stay, Good Experience

central locationprofessional staffbreakfast optionsrooftop restaurant
The hotel's location was convenient. I found the staff professional. They offered helpful directions and suggestions. Breakfast had many options. I especially liked the gallo pinto. The rooftop restaurant provided a nice atmosphere!
The minibar was empty, which I found slightly inconvenient.
Service
9/10
The front desk staff offered prompt assistance with my inquiries, and they also arranged transportation. I appreciated the efficient handling of luggage storage upon my early arrival. They were very helpful indeed. I experienced great assistance.
Location
9/10
Many attractions are within easy walking distance of the hotel. I walked to the National Theater. It took about 10 minutes. A variety of restaurants and shops are also located nearby, perfect.
Rooms
8/10
The room included a comfortable king bed. I noticed the bedding was of high quality. The room featured modern decor and included a spacious layout. It was very pleasant.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast buffet featured a wide selection of items. I really liked the fresh fruit. It tasted wonderful. The rooftop restaurant presented a menu. Its food was tasty. I appreciated the attentiveness of the dining staff.
0 Helpful
|
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Pierre from France
Single
double room king bed
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 10, 2026
7/10
fresh fruitfresh fruitfriendly stafffriendly staffperfect serviceperfect servicecoffee makercoffee makertea availabilitytea availabilityinconvenient locationinconvenient location
the breakfast was the best i experienced during my trip. fresh fruit was plentiful and very tasty. christian, a staff member in the restaurant, was friendly and cute. i enjoyed the food and perfect service at the azotea restaurant.
my room lacked a coffee maker. there was no tea available in the room. i found that i had to go downstairs to the lobby in the middle of the night if i wanted tea.
0 Helpful
andreas from germany
Single
premium room king bed
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 23, 2025
9/10

chic getaway

thoughtful designsparkling cleanlinessreal kindness
the design impressed me. the spaces felt thoughtful, and my room was lovely. everything was sparkling clean and white, which i loved. the staff showed real kindness.
0 Helpful
layla from united kingdom
Single
double room king bed
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 10, 2025
9.3/10

fantastic stay!

varied breakfast buffetmodern decorfriendly staffmissing mirror
The location was central! the breakfast buffet was varied and delicious, which i found good. i really liked the modern, retro decor. It gave the place a cool vibe. the staff were friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile.
I found the lack of a full-length mirror in the room a bit inconvenient. I would have liked to have one.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel features a lovely rooftop restaurant with an outdoor patio. I loved azotea's food and cocktails. a breakfast buffet is available. It includes lots of options, even a tasty banana bread. the gym has modern equipment and is well-kept.
Location
9/10
the hotel is downtown, close to many gems and sites. its proximity to the pedestrian area makes exploring the city simple. i secure hotel walking around during the day, visiting local attractions.
Service
10/10
the staff was helpful and courteous. they are always smiling. the gentleman who transported my bags was very nice, which i found charming. the reception staff were efficient, too.
0 Helpful
|
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Georgia from United States
Single
Double Room 2 Beds
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 26, 2025
5/10
poor food
I found the food quality awful and the choices were very limited. The staff were miserable and not very nice at all. They charged extra for ice, which seemed unreasonable given the price.
0 Helpful
Isabella from Italy
Single
Double Room King Bed
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 07, 2025
6/10

Adequate Stay, Noticeable Issues

poor climate controlinsufficient information
The room lacked proper climate control. The air conditioning unit struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature. This was particularly noticeable during the warmer parts of the day. the absence of readily available information regarding local transportation options proved inconvenient. I expected more thorough guidance from the concierge or front desk staff about navigating the area. These issues detracted from what would have otherwise been a satisfactory visit.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Hotel Presidente
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Hotel Presidente?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
How far is Hotel Presidente from the nearest airport?
The hotel is located 5 km from Tobias Bolanos International Airport.
Are there any nearby attractions to Hotel Presidente?
Nearby attractions include the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (0.5 km), National Theatre (0.3 km), and Plaza de la Cultura (0.3 km).
Does Hotel Presidente provide airport shuttle services?
The hotel offers paid airport shuttle services to and from the airport.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Hotel Presidente?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a laptop safe, and a hairdryer.
What dining options are available at Hotel Presidente?
The hotel features Las Americas Restaurant for breakfast and Azotea Calle 7 Restaurant open for dinner.
Is parking available at Hotel Presidente?
Free private parking is available on-site, but reservation is needed.
What services are offered for business travelers at Hotel Presidente?
The hotel provides computer terminals, currency exchange services, and luggage storage.
Does Hotel Presidente allow pets?
Pets are allowed at the hotel.
How can guests enjoy leisure activities at Hotel Presidente?
The hotel features an on-site casino, pub crawls, and walking tours.
Are there any specific features catering to guests with limited mobility at Hotel Presidente?
The hotel provides accessible facilities, including rooms with roll-in showers.
Is breakfast included in the stay at Hotel Presidente?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 18 USD.
What languages do staff at Hotel Presidente speak?
The staff is fluent in both English and Spanish.

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