Hotel Presidente

4.0 star property
4-star hotel near National Theater of Costa Rica

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Presidente

The Apex
2 restaurants, dinner served
Front of property - evening/night
Lobby
Signature Room, 1 King Bed (El Caballero Elegante) | Bathroom

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Avenida Central, Calle 7, San José, San José, 2922-1000
  • Place, National Theater of Costa Rica
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Plaza de la Cultura
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, National Museum of Costa Rica
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Double Room, King Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(30 reviews)
  • City view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Double Room, 2 Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • City view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, 1 King Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • City view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Design Room, 1 King Bed (La Dama Elegante)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Signature Room, 1 King Bed (El Caballero Elegante)

  • City view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

The Apex

  • City view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

El Atelier

  • City view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

1963

  • City view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

The Loft

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

San José

Heart of San José.With a stay at this Catedral hotel, you'll be steps from National Theater of Costa Rica and Plaza de la Cultura. Templo de Música and Parque Espana are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • National Theater of Costa Rica - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Morazan Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Plaza de la Cultura - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • National Museum of Costa Rica - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Mercado Central - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station - 8 min walk
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Spoon - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Q'Empanadas - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪El Patio del Balmoral Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Rosti - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Hotel Presidente

4-star hotel near National Theater of Costa Rica
There are 2 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. There's an onsite 24-hour business center.

A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. A rooftop terrace, a library, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Hotel Presidente. An area shuttle within 50 km and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) are available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star San José hotel is smoke free.

  • 80 guestrooms or units
  • 8 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • Built in 1963
  • Terrace on the roof
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
Hotel Presidente offers 80 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and complimentary bottled water. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. 32-inch LCD televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include showers, designer toiletries, and hair dryers.

This San José hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices). Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is offered daily and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge) up to 50 km
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 18 for adults and USD 9 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 1 pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 10 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 18 for adults and USD 9 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 45 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Children 10 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

Property is also known as

Hotel Presidente

Hotel Presidente San Jose Costa Rica

Presidente Hotel

Presidente San Jose Costa Rica

Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center Costa Rica

Hotel Presidente Costa Rica

Presidente San Jose City Center Costa Rica

Presidente Costa Rica

Frequently asked questions

How close is Hotel Presidente to the airport?

Hotel Presidente is 5.6 mi (23-min drive) away from the San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Presidente?

As of May 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel Presidente on Jun 1, 2026 start from CA $157, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Hotel Presidente have an airport shuttle?

Hotel Presidente offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of USD 45 per vehicle, one-way.

Does Hotel Presidente offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Hotel Presidente, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of USD 18 for adults and USD 9 for children. It's available every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Hotel Presidente?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Casino Fiesta (1-min walk) and Casino Fiesta Heredia (14-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Hotel Presidente?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Hotel Presidente?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Hotel Presidente have a pool?

Hotel Presidente does not have a pool.

Does Hotel Presidente have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like local cuisine and al fresco dining.

Does Hotel Presidente have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Hotel Presidente to downtown San José?

Hotel Presidente is 0.3 mi away from San José.

Hotel Presidente Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 720 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 193 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 61 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 19 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 1007 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

BRADLEY, FREEHOLD

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool public spaces. Rooftop restaurant and bar is super convenient, quality, and delightful atmosphere. Service was excellent - very friendly and competent. And the location is fantastic for walking and exploring San Jose. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was great, Breakfast was delicious and employees were extremely polite and friendly! The rooftop restaurant was very good ! I had the best risotto ever!We didn't like San Jose center !
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The room was fine, and the location was great, but the staff was cold compared to other places we stayed, and it felt like they were being intentionally unhelpful. Room service was not available (multiple dead ends on phone calls) and the airport shuttle was 3x the cost of an Uber. Breakfast, however, was very good, and considering the location, it all probably worked out fine.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in and friendly staff. Nice, clean room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room spotless. Very helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Hotel was cool. Breakfast was good. Rental car was stored in a safe parking lot. Room was very comfortable. Excellent stay. The neighborhood didn’t feel very safe, in general. Especially at night.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was efficient and extremely friendly. Room was renovated and spotless. Breakfast buffet had many delicious choices and location of hotel is excellent for exploring the old city centre.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is extremely clean and well-maintained with secure parking. The meal we had at the restaurant Azotea was phenomenal. Breakfast was more European-style than typical Costa Rican fare, but generous, delicious, and beautifully prepared. Gracious and attentive staff, we really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Rita

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient, room basic not much furniture- no tissues in bathroom, clean and staff were helpful. Great breakfast. In a busy area downtown. Separate restaurant was very good with a limited menu.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Robin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were basic but the hotel was clean and so creative we loved it The restaurant in the hotel was fantastic and such a perfect location..
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jannicke-Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean rooms and nice staff!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Serge

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room is perfect, localisation
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Serge

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Déjeuner non inclus
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing room. High quality bed and linens. Absolutely luxurious.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

William J

Liked: Staff & service
The hotel staff are very nice and professional. My problem was Room 500 (The Loft) had the bed on a platform about five feet above the floor which required going up 5-6 step stairway to get to the bed. No night table for glasses, phone, etc. Only one way to get into the bed so the entrance needed to be choreographed as to how and when to get into and out of the bed for two people. The TV was under the bed with shag rug and bean bag chairs so we had to crawl under the bed to watch TV, which had such a low volume that we could barely hear or understand the movie dialogue. The room is not good for seniors due to these issues.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Johan, Santa Clara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was disappointed with the check in. I arrived about 30 min before check in. The room was not ready. They told me it might take 45 min before the room is ready. I ask if any room available, they said none. So I just waiting in the couch by the lobby. However as I waited, I saw a few couples that checked in and the room was available. I checked again an hour later, over 30min past check in time and my room was still not ready. I had to wait till 45min past check in time before my room was ready. Very disappointed. They knew I was waiting, and they could not get the room ready by checkin in time. They needed 1h15min after I arrived before my room was ready while they knew I was waiting. It showed there was no priority to clean my room as it shouldn’t take that long to clean a room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sebastian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Enjoyed room 507 "el Caballero Elegente".
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dallas

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique design to the hotel and the breakfast was delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michel

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Beautiful boutique hotel! Staff very welcoming, room spacious and clean, location is perfect close to all important sites, very safe and its restaurant Azotea Calle 7 offers outstanding food. I highly recommend this wonderful hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service, clean modern styling, good room with very comfortable bed. Fully recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Gina, Huntington Beach

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel in the city center with very good roof top restaurant.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026