Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Ara Macao Inn

2.5 star property
Hotel in San José, 7-minute walk to National Museum of Costa Rica

Choose dates to view prices

Located close to National Museum of Costa Rica and Morazan Park, Ara Macao Inn provides a terrace. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Room options

View all photos for Studio, City View

Studio, City View | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Studio, City View

Highlights

Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Cable channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Suite, City View

Suite, City View | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, City View

Highlights

Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Microwave
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

You may also like

Ad
View from property

AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen

La Ribera
  • Pool
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 433 reviews
AC Hotel San Jose Airport Belen

About the neighborhood

Map
CALLE 25, BARRIO CALIFORNIA, San José, Province of San Jose, 09022

What's nearby

  • National Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • National Museum of Costa Rica - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Morazan Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • National Theater - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Central Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • San Jose Fercori Station - 5 min walk
  • San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Limoncello - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Omen Pub - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Bar La Flota - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪La Cali - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Ara Macao Inn

Hotel near National Museum of Costa Rica
Located close to Morazan Park and National Theater, Ara Macao Inn provides a terrace. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Ara Macao Inn offer amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and shampoo
  • Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Ceiling fans and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Free daily local cuisine breakfast
Hotel Milan Costa Rica
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, 296 reviews
Hotel Milan Costa Rica

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Terrace

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from November 11 2025 to November 10 2027 (dates subject to change).

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a 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 cash

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Ara Macao Inn Hotel
Ara Macao Inn San José
Ara Macao Inn Hotel San José

Frequently asked questions

Is Ara Macao Inn pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Ara Macao Inn doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Ara Macao Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Ara Macao Inn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ara Macao Inn located?

Located in La California, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of National Museum of Costa Rica, Morazan Park, and National Theater. Central Park and Sabana Park are also within 3 mi (5 km). San Jose Fercori Station is only a 5-minute walk and San Jose Atlantic Station is 5 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Ara Macao Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

8.6

Cleanliness

7.8

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

8.2

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was so convenient to walk around everywhere in San Jose! The host was very kind and accommodating even though I didn’t speak much Spanish. I would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Jorge was lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria Eugenia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in is a 3pm and I got there waaay before that but Jorge (the front desk person) had the room ready in like an hour so I can check in. I traveled by myself and this place was enough for me, just what I needed. Affordable and just a few minutes walk from restaurants, park, market and bars. The room had a fridge a microwave, a sink and TV. Only thing it didn’t have was a coffee machine, I drink a lot of coffee but it really wasn’t a big deal, its Costa Rica you find coffee everywhere;) also They give you a key to get to the hotel and that made me feel safe, only guests can go in.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

4/10 Poor

Dorian

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Manager Jorge was very nice and helpful.👍 A nice refrigerator, but the only appliance in entire apt. ... Wifi was almost useless, my biggest hindrance. Hot water only in shower, not kitchen or bathroom sinks. Windows shut, but don't close, so outside things get in, i.e. pollen gathered on the kitchen sink, bugs, etc. You could do worse, just know what you're getting. I'd crash again for a night or 2, if I didn't need better wifi.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

SERGE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good. Nice people.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Jorge is extremely friendly and helpful. He helped me arrange a taxi for the next morning. He even showed to make sure everything went well. I was given a room with a balcony and patio. Very nice and unexpected.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emerson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Anfitrião muito receptivo, e prestativo, local limpo. Com certeza retornarei.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
El servicio fue super amable, el check in fácil, el ambiente tranquilo, y el cuarto viene equipado con microondas y trastes
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOSEPH

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent check-in by Jorge. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp and waited until my shuttle (came in late) arrived.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOSEPH

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jorge checked me in quickly, gave tour of building and room. Awesome kitchen & fridge included. Reasonably priced. Tours drop off and pick up next door. Mercados nearby, walkable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Todo estuvo bien un lugar muy tranquilo sin tantos problemas de ruido etc todo perfecto 👌
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sylvain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Por el precio, genial !

La estadía estuvo súper buena. Es un poco viejito pero tiene su encanto. Te sientes super bien. Un poco como una cabaña en las montañas. Y más que eso porque el lugar tiene todo las cosas que nescesitamos : buena cama, agua caliente, cocina con todo, etc. y es súper céntrico. Además de todo, la persona quien administra ese edificio es super acogedor. Después de un viaje super largo con el autobús, la pasamos super bien Muchas gracias. Será aseguramente mi lugar para dormir en San José. En resumen, por un precio barato es excelente ! Sylvain, un viajero francés
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely old house which could use a little TLC

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Bed was comfortable Good location for Museum and National Park
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Daryl T

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Daryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sylvain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Eligio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

WSMFP33

4/10 Poor

Bret

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.