Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel

Parque del Lago’s entrance is plain yet appealing, with its virtually all-white exterior framed by leafy greenery. The eclectic lobby features chandeliers, avant-garde artwork, and ornately framed mirrors, which are balanced by neutral-colored walls and furniture. Such combinations of bold decorations set against understated backdrops are a recurring theme throughout the hotel. The compact restaurant is Parque del Lago’s only common area, and it sees a fairly steady stream of guests throughout the day. 

Like many hotels in San Jose, the bulk of Parque del Lago’s guests are here for one-night stays en route to/from the airport. It’s an excellent base for quick stays, but guests remaining in San Jose to sightsee may find the hotel a bit far from the city’s most popular attractions. The hotel’s meeting rooms also attract a fair number of local business travelers. 

Parque del Lago takes its name from the large lake found in adjacent Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. This massive 178-acre green space is San Jose’s answer to New York’s Central Park. In addition to serving as a popular place for jogging, kite flying, tennis, and picnicking, the park is home to the Museo de Arte Costarricense, which features regional art exhibits. 

The hotel is set just off busy Paseo Colon, which is lined with quality restaurants and bars. More dining options can be found along the side streets branching off this main road. The property is a little outside the city center, with most of San Jose’s main attractions found a 10- to 15-minute drive away, or a 30-minute walk. Local taxis and buses are available, but walking is generally the most convenient way to get around due to the city’s heavy traffic. Juan Santamaria Airport is about a 20-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms at Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel are polished and virtually duo-chromatic, with white walls and bed linens contrasting against dark wood flooring and furniture. A few pieces of offbeat artwork and artificial plants add flourishes of color. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers stocked with a local blend. Large work desks are also standard. Wooden closets hold bathrobes, slippers, personal safes, and hairdryers. Windows offer unremarkable views of the surrounding streets, although pretty mountains are visible from some of the higher floors.

Simple bathrooms have modish pedestal sinks and magnifying mirrors. Curtained showers feature rainfall showerheads. A full array of toiletries are provided. Superior Rooms have connecting doors, with the room on one side featuring a sofa bed and the other offering a kitchenette. Junior Suites have sofa beds and kitchenettes, which include microwaves, sinks, as well as glasses and cutlery. Most also have mini-fridges. 

Though it's a small-scale property, Parque del Lago offers and appealing amount of features. The petite restaurant, Iconos, is quite attractive with its black-and-white seating and mirrored pillars. A free breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. The spread is fairly standard, including cold items like fruit and pastries, along with a few hot dishes like rice and beans. The restaurant also offers a menu of international and local fare for lunch and dinner, along with drinks. 

The hotel has six meeting rooms, which can accommodate between six and 100 people. The spaces are contemporary, featuring the same distinctive artwork found throughout the rest of the hotel. Guests can connect to free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Free parking is offered in a large, gated lot in front of the hotel, and free bike rentals are available.