Located in the historic Barrio Aranjuez neighborhood in San José, Hotel Aranjuez occupies five houses built in the 1930s. The establishment combines Costa Rican architectural heritage and environmental commitment recognized by the industry, just a 15-minute walk from the capital's main attractions.

Why choose Hotel Aranjuez

Three elements set this property apart from other San José accommodations. First, its architectural setting: five 1930s houses united to form a collection of 35 rooms, where original French windows, wooden floors, and double doors have been preserved. Second, its ecological commitment, in place for over twenty years and honored with Tripadvisor's Eco Leader Platinum Level award. Finally, its location in Barrio Aranjuez, a quiet residential neighborhood a fifteen-minute walk from the cultural and historic center.

Atmosphere and character

Barrio Aranjuez invites a leisurely pace: streets lined with historic houses, small neighborhood cafés, markets, and restaurants where the clientele is primarily local. The five houses that compose the hotel have retained their original charm, with shared spaces (terrace, gardens, lounges) that extend the spirit of early 20th-century Costa Rican residences. The owners chose to preserve architectural elements rather than standardize the spaces, giving each house its own distinct atmosphere.

The rooms

The hotel offers 35 rooms spread across the five houses. All retain original elements—French windows, wooden floors, double doors—and benefit from contemporary amenities: Wi-Fi, satellite television, hot water.

Two categories are available:

• Rooms with private bathroom: classic configuration for two guests, with some rooms able to accommodate an additional traveler.
• Rooms with shared facilities: more economical option, with separate men's and women's facilities shared on the landing.

Dining and services

Buffet breakfast is served every morning between 7am and 9am on the terrace, under the trees. On the menu: fresh fruit, homemade pastries, eggs to order, gallo pinto (rice and beans, a traditional Central American dish), and Costa Rican coffee.

For lunch and dinner, the 11-47 restaurant, located on the south side of the hotel, offers cuisine that reimagines local culinary traditions with seasonal ingredients.

On the practical services side:

• Airport shuttle service upon reservation
• Private parking for guests, public spaces also available on the street
• Wi-Fi throughout the property

Environmental commitment

Hotel Aranjuez's ecological commitment is realized through several measures:

• Solar panels for heating shower water
• Rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation
• Flow reducers in bathrooms
• Refillable soap and shampoo dispensers to reduce plastic packaging
• LED lighting throughout all rooms

This commitment, in place for over twenty years, has been honored with Tripadvisor's Eco Leader Platinum Level award.

Location and access

The hotel is located in Barrio Aranjuez, approximately fifteen minutes on foot from the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Plaza de La Cultura, the National Theater, and the San José Metropolitan Cathedral. Juan Santamaria International Airport is about 22 km away; plan for 30 minutes to an hour of travel depending on traffic. Three options to reach the hotel from the airport:

• Hotel shuttle: reserve in advance for direct delivery to the property.
• Official Taxis Unidos taxi: counter located just outside immigration.
• Bus from Alajuela: economical option to San José bus terminal, then local taxi.

What to see and do nearby

San José concentrates the country's main cultural offerings. From the hotel, you can walk to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the National Theater, and Plaza de La Cultura. Other addresses in the capital deserve a visit: Hotel Grano de Oro for its renowned restaurant, or the Barrio Amón neighborhood for its colonial architecture.

Planning the rest of your journey

San José typically serves as the starting point for a Costa Rica itinerary, among volcanoes, tropical forests, and Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. To build your customized travel plan, explore our Costa Rica trips.