Tropical pool and restored mansion at Hotel Santo Tomás
San José24°C / 75°Flive weather

A restored heritage hotel in San José

A 1908 heritage home, hotel since January 15, 1990

A small, locally owned hotel.

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A small, locally owned hotel

A restored 1908 home and locally owned hotel since 1990. Thomas Douglas runs it with a long-standing team, offering a personal welcome and a practical base in San José.

30 rooms in six room types.

Original floors, handcrafted furniture and the practical comforts travelers need in central San José.

Free breakfast at Hotel Santo Tomás

Free breakfast

A hot Costa Rican breakfast is prepared to order and enjoyed beside the pool, among flowering plants and tropical garden air.

Free off-street, secure parking

A major advantage when you arrive by car: complimentary secure parking is available off the street. Ask the team to confirm space before arrival.

A welcome that stays with you.

“Thank you very much to the great team of the Hotel. I was always well taken care of everything, even last minute day trips, guidance on the city etc.”

Johanna F., Tripadvisor

“This hotel was fantastic. The room was great. Clean and comfortable. Our kids loved the pool, waterslide and jacuzzi. Excellent breakfast.”

Dan G., Tripadvisor

“From the street you'd never guess there's a hotel behind the wall. Step inside and it opens up: 15-foot ceilings, original 1908 mosaic floors and a pool in the garden. A true hidden gem in downtown San José.”

Clinton W., frequent guest, ★★★★★

Volcanoes, waterfalls, coffee and coast.

In the heart of San José.

Make San José your starting point: four central places are within 10 minutes’ walk.

Mercado Central
0.7 km10-minute walk

Mercado Central

San José’s historic central market is the practical, sensory stop: sodas, fruit, herbs, coffee, souvenirs and small shops packed into a covered maze.

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
0.4 km6-minute walk

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

The National Theatre is the city’s landmark for grand architecture, concerts and guided visits, with the Plaza de la Cultura just outside.

Museos del Banco Central — Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
0.4 km6-minute walk

Museos del Banco Central — Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Below the Plaza de la Cultura, this compact museum combines the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Numismatic Museum and changing exhibitions in one underground building.

Avenida Central pedestrian boulevard
0.4 km6-minute walk

Avenida Central pedestrian boulevard

Avenida Central is San José’s one main walkable downtown spine: a lively pedestrian stretch with shops, cafés, street life and easy connections to the museums and theatre.