This Elegant, Top-Rated Hotel Is In A Perfect Spot For Costa Rica First-Timers

Let's face it. Traveling is more comfortable, enjoyable, and elevated when accommodations are top-notch. Backpackers and young adults on a gap year might be comfortable sharing a room with 20-plus strangers. However, if you're looking for something more elegant, a particular hotel in Costa Rica will certainly meet your vacation needs.

Hotel Grano de Oro, located in the heart of San Jose, aka Costa Rica's capital city, is a timeless boutique hotel owned by a Canadian couple who fell in love with Costa Rica. The hotel opened in 1991 and has 34 guest rooms. Hotel Grano de Oro is a part of two prestigious groups: Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica and Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality Collection, making it wildly coveted. Guests consistently speak highly of their experience and recommend the establishment. On Tripadvisor, Hotel Grano de Oro has a 4.5-star rating with over 2,000 reviews, making it the No. 1 rated hotel in San Jose.

There must be at least two reasons Hotel Grano de Oro is ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor. For one, it is set in an old mansion and is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Secondly, the service is top-notch, and its amenities are well-appointed. Former guests praise the staff for offering exceptional service, and this hospitality begins as soon as you land in San Jose. Hotel Grano de Oro can arrange a taxi pickup for you from the airport, already doing the heavy lifting of logistics as soon as your feet hit the ground in Costa Rica. 

As far as amenities go, while San Jose is well worth exploring, you'll likely find it difficult to leave the well-equipped property. Hotel Grano de Oro has everything under one roof, from a jacuzzi terrace to a spa offering massages to a fitness center. And while Costa Rica, as a whole, is an underrated foodie destination, the dining available on the property will bring that theory home. Restaurante Grano de Oro serves up some delicious bites and cocktails, but for a real treat, head to the hotel's award-winning wine cellar.

Another reason Hotel Grano de Oro remains so highly rated is because its location is ideal. San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica, with over 300,000 residents, per World Population Review. Since many view Costa Rica as a tranquil escape, they might think the bustling city is not worth visiting. However, Hotel Grano de Oro will give you a reason to rethink your decision to skip out on the capital city, which is one of the most romantic destinations in Central America.

According to reviews from guests who have stayed there, its location is prime enough to walk to the city center but just far enough off the beaten path that it seems quiet. For example, the hotel is about a fifteen-minute walk from two of the city's top attractions: the Museum of Costa Rican Art and Sabana Park. Sabana Park is the city's largest park and ideal for bird watching. But animal lovers will not be limited to the park. Costa Rica, as a whole, is one of the best places for spotting rare animals up close, even in the big cities. The country also hosts an underrated national park famous for its wildlife.