Hotel Presidente

This seven-floor corner building has significant signage running vertical down the exterior, but first-timers often miss it, especially when distracted with throngs of locals crossing the pedestrian-only thoroughfare, while simultaneously negotiating traffic along a narrow one-way street. These combining factors make for a somewhat stressful arrival via rental car. (If possible, we recommend the hotel's airport service). The business is family-owned today, just as it was in the 1940s when it operated as a quality clothing company. Elements of its historic past are still in tact -- especially in the restaurant, which has vintage painted murals and a sculpted wall made from copper. Despite maintaining these gems, the owners are evolving towards a new look. For one, its traditional main entrance was formerly on the pedestrian side leading to the darkish first-floor lobby. Now guests arrive to the other side of the hotel -- a much more modern one that connects from the small parking lot (there's another lot across the street). A stairwell, that eventually turns into a red spiral, lands at a second-floor lobby infused with brick, wood, and industrial metals.

Most guests are on short stays -- one or two nights -- and the hotel insists that it is not the kind of short stay that may happen at other nearby hotels (prostitution is legal in Costa Rica). In fact, Hotel Presidente would like to help pave the way for a brighter future, and it hopes to attract well-heeled travelers, perhaps a younger, hipper crowd -- hence the addition of the rooftop lounge with native Costa Rican plants for cocktails and tapas, which acts as a sign of good things to come for the hotel and the downtown area. 

Hotel Presidente is in the heart of downtown San José -- Costa Rica’s capital and largest city -- at the intersection of Seventh Street and Central Avenue Boulevard (pedestrian-only). This pivotal spot is within walking distance of shops, dining options, markets, and cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre, National Cathedral, Gold Museum, and Plaza de La Cultura. For those who want to experience a quick dose of local life, they can simply stroll along Central Avenue Boulevard mid-day, when workers are on their lunch break, and explore Mercado Central. 

Many guests are in transit to or from the airport, staying just a night or two, though it is possible to base an entire vacation here with day trips. The hotel is 20 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and is under two hours to the Pacific coast. Some have a rental car when they arrive, while others will use the airport pick-up service, where a driver will be waiting with a sign (this can be arranged by calling the hotel in advance). To get around the city, there is an urban bus system, or guests flag down a red taxi. Rental cars can be arranged at the front desk, and there are two small parking lots, both free and secure. 

There are 80 rooms and suites here with similar decor: picture white bedding, beige and brown furnishings and accents, tile floors (some that look outdated), contemporary wood furnishings, and abstract art above the beds. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and laptop safes. Standard Rooms have small desks or dining tables for two, and walk-in showers, while Superior Rooms have more space. Suites have a large jetted tub for two, and some suites have tub located on an outside patio. 

Rooms have double-paned glass to help keep out street noise. 

The restaurant is on the second floor of the hotel -- next to the lobby -- and offers free breakfast, and an à la carte menu for dinner with local and international cuisine. Breakfast includes made-to-order omelettes, Tican-style savory items, french toast, yogurt, fresh fruit, and homemade jam for toast. This begins very early, but those who leave even earlier will have access to coffee, juice, and fresh fruit in the lobby. In the evenings, an à la carte menu offers gourmet appetizers, salads, steaks, pasta, and fresh fish -- many of these are served on cast iron. There is a full bar and wine list. 

The Las Americas Bistro & Lounge opened in 2015. This rooftop lounge serves cocktails, beer, and wine with sandwiches and salads for lunch, and a few small plates in the evening. 

Set on the seventh floor, the hotel gym has big windows for natural light and views of the city and mountains. There are some modern cardio and weight machines, but no free weights. Attached is a one-room spa for arranging treatments like massages and aromatherapy. This room has a private bathroom with a shower and bathrobe. 

There are computer terminals for guests to use in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.