"My preferred place to stay in San Jose (have probably stayed here at least 20 times, and I have stayed at many places in town so I have a fair idea of what's "normal" here even for the high-end hotels). Large and clean rooms, great location and staff. Only downside is there is no restaurant/bar in the hotel, rather in the separate casino which is a bit sleazy for my tastes. But there are decent restaurants within a short walk."
"My preferred place to stay in San Jose (have probably stayed here at least 20 times, and I have stayed at many places in town so I have a fair idea of what's "normal" here even for the high-end hotels). Large and clean rooms, great location and staff. Only downside is there is no restaurant/bar in the hotel, rather in the separate casino which is a bit sleazy for my tastes. But there are decent restaurants within a short walk."
"Nice location, not too far from the airport. There were a lot of restaurants across the street. I love that breakfast was included. The staff were very helpful in the rooms were very clean and organized."
"Nice location, not too far from the airport. There were a lot of restaurants across the street. I love that breakfast was included. The staff were very helpful in the rooms were very clean and organized."
Una hermosa propiedad y hermoso bowngalow en medio de las montañas de Heredia.
Especial para desconectarse y descansar.
La comida que ofrecen en el restaurante deliciosa.
Una hermosa propiedad y hermoso bowngalow en medio de las montañas de Heredia.
Especial para desconectarse y descansar.
La comida que ofrecen en el restaurante deliciosa.
Luis
Reviewed September 29, 2026Reviewed September 29, 2026
I was a little worried during the taxi ride to the hotel that I had made a terrible mistake in picking the hotel as some of the areas look a little rough (by American standards), however, once at the gated hotel I realized that I indeed had made a good choice when choosing the location as the property is incredibly calming and beautiful. Just know that since you are out of the city you will need to use Uber eat or a taxi to get food as there is no onsite restaurant.
I was a little worried during the taxi ride to the hotel that I had made a terrible mistake in picking the hotel as some of the areas look a little rough (by American standards), however, once at the gated hotel I realized that I indeed had made a good choice when choosing the location as the property is incredibly calming and beautiful. Just know that since you are out of the city you will need to use Uber eat or a taxi to get food as there is no onsite restaurant.
kim
Reviewed January 20, 2022Reviewed January 20, 2022
Great customer service, even booked a shuttle for the next day (same price as if I did it myself). Airport pickup, reception, check-in, breakfast, local directions, and the room were all excellent. They even drove us to a nearby restaurant. The only drawback was that Room #1 was in the hallway, so be aware that noises in the hallway and bedroom transmit easily.
Great customer service, even booked a shuttle for the next day (same price as if I did it myself). Airport pickup, reception, check-in, breakfast, local directions, and the room were all excellent. They even drove us to a nearby restaurant. The only drawback was that Room #1 was in the hallway, so be aware that noises in the hallway and bedroom transmit easily.
This is a brand new property, recently built. This hotel has a great location, steps from the Costa Rica Convention Center, there are shopping malls, clinics, restaurants, at walkable distance.
There is shuttle service to the SJO airport,
Breakfast was great too including costarican typical food.
Hope to be staying here again soon!
This is a brand new property, recently built. This hotel has a great location, steps from the Costa Rica Convention Center, there are shopping malls, clinics, restaurants, at walkable distance.
There is shuttle service to the SJO airport,
Breakfast was great too including costarican typical food.
Hope to be staying here again soon!
Luis
Reviewed October 27, 2025Reviewed October 27, 2025
We had a wonderful Christmas week at Canal Grande Lodge! Raffael and his staff were excellent hosts who made sure we had everything we needed. The small hotel was quiet and beautifully situated. You could walk to restaurants and a few small local stores. We enjoyed Santa Margaritas down the street on 2 nights of our stay. If you know this is a small, local property that’s comfortably lived in and you don’t expect a palace for your shoestring budget, you’ll be very happily surprised by this...
We had a wonderful Christmas week at Canal Grande Lodge! Raffael and his staff were excellent hosts who made sure we had everything we needed. The small hotel was quiet and beautifully situated. You could walk to restaurants and a few small local stores. We enjoyed Santa Margaritas down the street on 2 nights of our stay. If you know this is a small, local property that’s comfortably lived in and you don’t expect a palace for your shoestring budget, you’ll be very happily surprised by this...
The staff at the Bougainvillea welcome and get to know each and every one of their guests. You feel like you are a guest in their own home. The rooms are clean and spacious with great views of the mountain or the garden - I had a tree top view of a flowering Margarita tree - sensational! The dining is good and the prices comparable to most restaurants. Don't expect a bargain as there are none in Costa Rica. However, the breakfast is free, substantial and you can have as much as you want of...
The staff at the Bougainvillea welcome and get to know each and every one of their guests. You feel like you are a guest in their own home. The rooms are clean and spacious with great views of the mountain or the garden - I had a tree top view of a flowering Margarita tree - sensational! The dining is good and the prices comparable to most restaurants. Don't expect a bargain as there are none in Costa Rica. However, the breakfast is free, substantial and you can have as much as you want of...
Great place to spend a night before our flight home. The host met us at the door when we arrived and was up at 4:30am to see us off. My wife and I walked to several nice restaurants just 8 minutes away. Very close to the airport, very clean and great value! Had A/C and a refrigerator to keep some food cold. Safe, gated parking but definitely not a lot of room. We had a mid sized SUV which fit fine, but anything bigger would be a tight fit. Would definitely stay here again.
Great place to spend a night before our flight home. The host met us at the door when we arrived and was up at 4:30am to see us off. My wife and I walked to several nice restaurants just 8 minutes away. Very close to the airport, very clean and great value! Had A/C and a refrigerator to keep some food cold. Safe, gated parking but definitely not a lot of room. We had a mid sized SUV which fit fine, but anything bigger would be a tight fit. Would definitely stay here again.
James
Reviewed January 24, 2024Reviewed January 24, 2024
Had a hard time finding this place because the online directions were wrong. However, the difficulty finding it was more than outweighed by our experience with the hotel itself. Definitely not your average American sterile, all-look-the-same hotel: the hotel was full of paintings purchased by the owner along with other art work. Polished wood, tile floors, multiple seating areas, extremely helpful staff, beautiful room with seating area, clean, comfortable. Everything was perfect. An...
Had a hard time finding this place because the online directions were wrong. However, the difficulty finding it was more than outweighed by our experience with the hotel itself. Definitely not your average American sterile, all-look-the-same hotel: the hotel was full of paintings purchased by the owner along with other art work. Polished wood, tile floors, multiple seating areas, extremely helpful staff, beautiful room with seating area, clean, comfortable. Everything was perfect. An...
Great experience ! Dave ,Marsha, Elezar and the staff went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable ,and everything was taken care of. They arranged a tour,massage, taxi service, meal delivery, and were always there with any questions I had.
Fresh breakfasts using local ingredients were delicious. I had a nice room near the pool and hot tub,which were always clean and available. Very nice landscaping with palm trees ,flowers,and plants. Being next to the canyon is nice, the property...
Great experience ! Dave ,Marsha, Elezar and the staff went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable ,and everything was taken care of. They arranged a tour,massage, taxi service, meal delivery, and were always there with any questions I had.
Fresh breakfasts using local ingredients were delicious. I had a nice room near the pool and hot tub,which were always clean and available. Very nice landscaping with palm trees ,flowers,and plants. Being next to the canyon is nice, the property...
Anonymous traveler
Reviewed February 28, 2019Reviewed February 28, 2019
The hotel is in one of the best location in San Jose if not the best. The staff and facilities are excellent. Outstanding breakfast which is already included on the rate.
The hotel is in one of the best location in San Jose if not the best. The staff and facilities are excellent. Outstanding breakfast which is already included on the rate.
The hotel is located on top of a mountain with great expansive views. Its very cool at night but warm during the day. The cabins are cozy but have cooking facilities. The pool is refreshing. Javier does a great job making guests feel comfortable. Breakfasts were included and very tasty. There's a lot to do in the area. Poas Volcano, Grecia, and Sarchi is closer. Highly recommended.
The hotel is located on top of a mountain with great expansive views. Its very cool at night but warm during the day. The cabins are cozy but have cooking facilities. The pool is refreshing. Javier does a great job making guests feel comfortable. Breakfasts were included and very tasty. There's a lot to do in the area. Poas Volcano, Grecia, and Sarchi is closer. Highly recommended.
Beautiful hotel, clean, very friendly staff. Nice gym and gorgeous rooftop pool and bar. Breakfast was delicious. Shuttle to airport was seamless. We would stay here again!
Beautiful hotel, clean, very friendly staff. Nice gym and gorgeous rooftop pool and bar. Breakfast was delicious. Shuttle to airport was seamless. We would stay here again!
NICOLE
Reviewed September 29, 2023Reviewed September 29, 2023
Travelers in search of a pleasant and affordable San José property often book a room at Hotel El Maragato. This 3-star hotel, roughly 0.32 kilometers northeast of the center, comes with an espresso maker and a pillowtop mattress. Want another top tip? Located 0.48 kilometers northeast of downtown and including a sauna and a cafe, Exe San Jose Center is another top pick among guests.
How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in San José?
Experience the perfect combination of affordability, comfort and quality at a 3-star hotel in San José with our filters. Enter your dates of travel and then customize your search according to what you want to spend per night.
Search for the lowest price per night right now from AED 234
What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in San José?
The key difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in San José is the standard of service and availability of creature comforts. Three-star hotels are typically more budget-friendly and provide the services and amenities you need to be comfy, such as WiFi, a gym and breakfast. You can expect a bit more at a 4-star hotel — think upmarket décor, deluxe toiletries and perks like on-site spa centers.
What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in San José?
One of the perks of booking a motel in or close to San José is economical rates. This means extra pennies in your wallet to discover some top attractions. Often set near major roads and airports, and with on-site parking, this property style is a favorite among road trippers. When you stay at a 3-star hotel, you'll get more than just an inviting room to chill out in. You'll also usually have access to amenities like conference rooms and a fitness center.
Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San José?
Check in to The Palm House Inn and get your day going with a free breakfast. Situated in San José, this 3-star escape has a garden and a restaurant. Or save time looking for somewhere to eat each morning at Balmoral Hotel, another popular pick with visitors here.
Do any 3-star hotels in San José have a pool?
We've got some fabulous 3-star accommodations in San José where you can take a refreshing dip, like Santo Tomas Hotel and Holiday Inn San Jose-Aurola, an IHG Hotel. June, July and August, which are the summer months here, are great for checking in to a 3-star property with a pool. If you're craving the warmest weather for your poolside adventure, reserve in March when temperatures average from 14ºC at night to 27ºC during the day.
What 3-star hotels in San José have an on-site restaurant?
Stay in one of Expedia's San José escapes with an on-site restaurant and you won't have to venture far from your accommodations when you're hungry. Hotel El Maragato and The Palm House Inn are two 3-star stays with this convenience on the menu. The first also has amenities like a cafe and an espresso maker, while the second includes a garden and complimentary breakfast.
Do any 3-star hotels in San José have WiFi?
Whether you want to stay in touch with friends, stream movies or access travel information, browsing the web couldn't be easier at one of our 3-star hotels. You can hook up to the WiFi at a selection of accommodations such as Exe San Jose Center and Hotel El Maragato.
What 3-star hotels in San José have parking?
Our top recommendations are Exe San Jose Center and Balmoral Hotel. Both these 3-star options in San José come with parking, making it convenient for you to climb behind the wheel and go. Escape from the city for a day and explore new places farther afield. Arenal Volcano National Park and Jaco Beach are among the fabulous attractions easily reachable by car from San José.
Do any 3-star hotels in San José have rooms with a kitchenette?
Booking a hotel with a kitchenette is an excellent idea if you're planning a self-catered break in San José. Look forward to preparing your own lunches and dinners at Apartamentos El Castillo. An espresso maker and premium bedding are other amenities at this 3-star getaway. Or save dollars on restaurant and takeout bills at Cedar Cats Short Stay Apartments - Adults Only, which also provides cooking facilities as well as premium bedding and a pillowtop mattress.