Santo Tomas Hotel

We were thrilled to find somewhere with so much character in walkable downtown San Jose. The rooms are huge, with ornate woodwork, tile floors, antique furniture, and very high ceilings, and the place is clearly well cared for. The gym, pool, hot tub, and breakfast were welcome extras. What a gem, highly recommended.

The beds were comfortable enough that we slept well throughout our stay, even after long travel days. Breakfast was delicious and filling, and the hotel was clean and well maintained in both the rooms and shared spaces. We also enjoyed relaxing by the pool, with the jacuzzi as a nice bonus after being out all day. The property feels inviting and cared for. The staff were a highlight, especially Keyling, who was warm, welcoming, and ready to help or answer questions about getting around San José. We had a really positive stay at Hotel Santo Tomas.

I stayed last night and was struck by how peaceful and quiet it was. Complete silence in the middle of San Jose is rare, and this hotel managed it. The antique architecture has a distinctive charm you don’t get in modern chains, and the free breakfast was excellent. Contact the hotel directly to book, for the best pricing and much better service than the big booking sites. Highly recommended.

We came back to this lovely, clean hotel at both the start and end of our Costa Rica trip, and it suited us perfectly. It’s an authentic historic colonial-style house in San Jose, just steps from the main sites downtown. The tasteful decor in the rooms and common areas, plus a garden with a beautiful pool, made it a pleasure to return to after exploring the city. Everyone was helpful, from the welcome staff who helped organize our trip and exchange money to the person who cooked breakfast. Thomas, the owner, was available when we needed anything. When my son got sick, he kindly found us a doctor right away and provided first aid. Having such an organized hotel and helpful people was a real help. The service was excellent, and I highly recommend it.