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Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

3.5 star property
Travelers enjoy complimentary breakfast and international cuisine in a historic setting where local flavors meet intimate dining experiences

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Photo gallery for Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine - Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District (San José)
Exterior - Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District (San José)
Lobby - Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District (San José)
Deluxe Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing - Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District (San José)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine - Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District (San José)
The Balmoral Hotel in San José's Historic District offers free breakfast and international dishes at EL PATIO DEL BALMORAL. Guests can shop on-site designer stores, visit two coffee shops, and enjoy in-room WiFi. Visitors appreciate the quality dining options and attentive staff.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe

Deluxe | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Deluxe

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)
  • City view
  • 38 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room (Plus)

Standard Room (Plus) | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Standard Room (Plus)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(37 reviews)
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Plus

Superior Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Superior Plus

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Plus

Deluxe Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Deluxe Plus

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • City view
  • 38 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Junior Suite

  • City view
  • 38 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Presidential Suite

  • 80 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | Living room | Flat-screen TV

Family Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 90 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Superior

Superior | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Superior

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(24 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite Gales

Suite Gales | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Suite Gales

  • City view
  • 49 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite 514

Suite 514 | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Suite 514

  • City view
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite Belford

Suite Belford | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Suite Belford

  • City view
  • 74 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Carmen, a neighborhood in San José, Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District is in a shopping district and near a boardwalk/promenade. Jade Museum and National Museum of Costa Rica are cultural highlights, or if an activity is on the agenda, check out Children's Museum. Plaza de la Cultura and Pre-Colombian Gold Museum are two other places to visit that come recommended. Discover the area's water adventures with rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours. Guests appreciate the hotel's central location. Visit our San José travel guide
Map
Central Ave, between 7th and 9th St, San José, San Jose, 3344-1000

What's nearby

  • Beautiful aerial view of the Morazan Park in Costa Rica
    Morazan Park
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • it's basically a playground for pigeons... #plaza #architecture
    Plaza de la Cultura
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Beautiful aerial view of the National theater in Costa Rica
    National Theater
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • San Jose, Costa Rica, National Museum Building in historic city center
    National Museum of Costa Rica
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mercado Central
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station
    7 min walk
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)
    32 min drive

Restaurants

  • Q'Empanadas
    1 min walk
  • Spoon
    1 min walk
  • El Patio del Balmoral Restaurant
    1 min walk
  • RostiPollos
    2 min walk
  • Azotea Calle 7
    1 min walk

About this property

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Hotel near Morazan Park
Located close to Pre-Colombian Gold Museum and Plaza de la Cultura, Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District provides free breakfast (local cuisine), designer stores on site, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, EL PATIO DEL BALMORAL, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and kids' meals. In addition to laundry facilities and a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Free valet parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), express check-out, and a computer station
  • Luggage storage, multilingual staff, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the dining options, breakfast, and helpful staff
Room features
All 119 rooms have comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks like free WiFi and safes. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Wardrobes/closets, LED light bulbs, and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times and on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, covered valet parking on site
  • Limited onsite valet parking

Food and drink

  • Free local cuisine breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • 2 coffee shops/cafes
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • EL PATIO DEL BALMORAL

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Designer stores
  • Shopping

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 7 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (5,909 square feet of space)

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
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 1 building
  • 7 floors
  • Art Deco architecture
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1955
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 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 allowed for an extra charge of USD 15 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 100 per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 7 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 40 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 15 (one-way)
  • Pet deposit: USD 100 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18 years old
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Property is also known as

Balmoral Hotel
Balmoral Hotel San Jose
Balmoral San Jose
Hotel Balmoral

Frequently asked questions

Is Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a deposit of USD 100 per stay and a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Valet parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 40 per vehicle applies.

Where is Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District located?

Located in Carmen, this hotel is steps from Pre-Colombian Gold Museum, Plaza de la Cultura, and Morazan Park. National Theater and Jade Museum are also within 5 minutes. San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station is 7 minutes by foot and San Jose Atlantic Station is 10 minutes.

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Reviews

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District Reviews

8.0

Very Good

8.6

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

8.4

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 425 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 294 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 158 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 62 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dr. David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great Hotel! Fantantic restaurants! Great location! And, best of all, fabulous staff!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, clean hotel, pleasant staff. It was a decent stay for the money.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Enrick

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were outstanding. The hotel is one of the best you will get I. The area that it’s located in and priced reasonably. It’s seem very secure and is in wonderful proximity to main attractions of San Jose.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

SUSAN

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is great, staff were nice, room clean, bathroom is a little small. Overall, pretty good.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly. The restaurant service was very good. The food was good too except some of the fruit was over ripe. But everything else was great and the location was near many stores, restaurants and parks.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Ron

The rooms were clean, the staff was very nice. Put it away I didn't.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms and free breakfast. Really nice staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Among the best locations in downtown; rooms are very quiet, staff members are extremely friendly, especially Alejandra in the front desk.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean & comfortable. The Cafe had great food. Roberto, our waiter, was very nice & friendly. Hotel was in a perfect location for exploring parks & museums. We had a great time there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Great location. Restaurant was good
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value and location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room size was great, the staff was super friendly and helpful as well! I also really liked their gallo pinto for breakfast!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is unbeatable; you can walk everywhere. Alejandra, the receptionist, was very helpful, friendly, and had a very nice demeanor. We will definitely come back.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Liked: Staff & service
Location was great for visiting central San Jose. Hotel was clean, most of staff friendly & professional. Unfortunately, this could be spotty. We would deal with some who were excellent but then some not very efficient. The restaurant was the same. One night food & service good, next morning we would wait 20-30 minutes to place our order. Didn’t help that our hot water was not even hooked up in one room & one night the water was not on at all.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were amazing! Free breakfast was good!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our suite was perfect. And the hotel was just 2 blocks away from the Historical District. The staff were very helpful, and breakfast was delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff, helpful and attentive. Friendly. Room was great. Wonderful views, Cool atmosphere. Food delicious in the restaurant. Jorge was extremely helpful and kind. Would highly recommend. Petra at the front desk could not have been more helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrea

Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Everything about this hotel is dated. I was in a room with a keyed entry and the door handle was so loose I thought it would fall off. On my second day there was no running water in my floor until around 11am or 12pm that day. For the hotel itself I give it two stars. The only good thing about this hotel is the free breakfast and the location. The free breakfast selections are limited but choices include fresh fruit and pancakes, fresh fruit and yogurt, omelettes, and a local specialty. As far as location the hotel is within walking distance of three museums, the national theater, shopping, restaurants, and San Jose center. This may have been overpriced for the quality but for location and amenities it was a fairly decent choice.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Seyedehmediseh

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall good experience. We had an early check-in and although the room was ready we had to pay some fees. Other than that it was a great downtown location and close to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Achintya

Location was great - right in center of San Jose city. Free valet was great. Room in decent condition but beds were very uncomfortable. Bathroom shower kept spilling water outside. A fridge and locker would have been much appreciated. Free breakfast was meh and service was slow.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

broderick kieth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service clean good restaurant great location friendly helpful staff
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The overall property is very clean and the location is convenient for shopping and getting a quick bite to eat. The staff was very friendly and quick to offer assistance if they think you are looking a little lost. My one complaint is the free breakfast is very limited in what you can eat. But then again it is free and you have the option to pay for a regular meal
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was nice. There was a good shower/bathtub. The free breakfast was great but it is a sit down breakfast in the restaurant, not a buffet. The location was perfect in the historic center. My only complaint is that they advertise a shuttle and there isn’t one. After multiple requests, they said I could share details of arrival and flight but no one showed up. The taxi coordinator at the airport said there wasn’t one. Other hotel guests had the same experience-no response. The airport in Alajuela is a half hour drive to the hotel in downtown San Jose. The taxi drivers overcharge and use a meter. They are also aggressive. Any ride share is only available off sight and might not be safe. I didn’t find any good options for airport transport other than renting a car.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel location is great. The employees were very polite and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Inga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location for shopping.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025