Hotel Presidente is the smart-value pick for downtown San José, a modern, well-run city hotel with a genuine local story. It stands at the corner of Avenida Central and Calle 7, on the pedestrian boulevard that runs through the heart of the city, about two minutes’ walk from the National Theatre and Plaza de la Cultura. The hotel was founded by two local retailers, Samuel Gudes and his partner Taño Scriba, who changed plans for an apartment building into a hotel after a visit by President Kennedy; the name, the family says, came from crowds at the parade shouting that the president was coming. Today it has about eighty rooms, two restaurants, a bar and a rooftop terrace, Azotea Calle 7, with views over the city, and the family history is told in murals and art around the building. It scores very highly with guests for cleanliness and service, and unusually for downtown it offers free self-parking. For a comfortable, central base at a mid-range price, it is hard to beat.
Location and getting around: you step straight onto the pedestrian Avenida Central, with shops, cafés and the National Theatre a couple of minutes away, the Gold Museum beneath Plaza de la Cultura and the Central Market a pleasant walk west. Taxis and ride-hailing cars pick up nearby, and an airport shuttle can be booked for a fee. Free self-parking makes it a rare downtown option for road-trippers picking up a rental car.
The rooms: rooms are modern and air-conditioned, with fast Wi-Fi and city views from the upper floors. Rooms facing the boulevard can hear street life in the evening, so ask for a higher or interior room if you sleep lightly.
Who it suits: first-time visitors and couples who want to explore the centre on foot without paying historic-hotel prices, business travellers, and anyone needing an easy night before an early tour pickup to Irazú or La Paz.
Good to know: breakfast is available for a surcharge. The rooftop terrace is the place for a sundowner. Pets are accepted (one per room), and there is a 24-hour front desk and business centre.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop terrace bar
- ✓Two restaurants
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Pedestrian boulevard location
- ✓Fast free Wi-Fi
- ✓24-hour business center
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
- ✓Pet-friendly rooms
Good questions
Where is Hotel Presidente in San José?+
It is on the corner of Avenida Central and Calle 7, on the pedestrian boulevard in the city centre. The National Theatre is about a two-minute walk away.
Does Hotel Presidente have free parking?+
Yes, self-parking is free, which is unusual for downtown San José. That makes it handy if you are collecting a rental car.
How did the hotel get its name?+
According to the founding family, the name came from crowds at a parade during President Kennedy’s visit to Costa Rica, who called out that the president was coming. The visit inspired the founders to build a hotel.
