Hotel Grano de Oro in San Jose, Costa Rica highlights urban side
Victorian-era mansion in San Jose is within walking distance of major urban sophistication
Not typically on the travel itinerary, savvy travellers are beginning to flock to the capital city of San José, Costa Rica as the perfect landing pad to explore the country’s growing urban sophistication.
“When it comes Costa Rica, many think solely of beaches and sun,” says Hans Pfister, CEO and principle of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, a company that manages a number of Earth-friendly, Central American hotels. “And while those are certainly two amazing draws, there’s so much more to discover. Whether you want to explore the food, visit the theatres and museums, or just simply enjoy a vibrant Latin city, San José is the place to be.”
Where to stay:
Hotel Grano de Oro, one of only nine Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica, is a 40-room property located off San José’s main street, Paseo Colon. Most rooms open onto interior courtyards filled with tropical trees, flowers and fountains. Built as a Victorian mansion, each guest room is slightly different; however, all rooms feature sparkling marble bathrooms, flat screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Decorated more like a private home than a hotel in Costa Rica, Hotel Grano de Oro’s hallways are lined with period photographs and original artworks, while lush tropical arrangements and plants adorn tabletops and room corners. Common guest areas include a rooftop garden terrace with two Jacuzzis; a gift shop containing local crafts, artworks and products; on-site massage services; and a gourmet restaurant. The Grano de Oro restaurant features a central patio with a stone fountain that is surrounded by the enclosed restaurant; furnishings include banquettes and striking art that accompany the international cuisine. While the surroundings range from casual to elegant, the staff encourages all visitors to, “come as you are,” to enjoy fresh, local and international cuisine.
As a San Jose Costa Rica hotel the Grano de Oro’s central location allows guests to head out on foot to explore San José’s museums, restaurants and vibrant city centre. The hotel is a two minute walk from the Teatro Laurence Olivier, an English language theatre troupe, and a 10 minute walk from the neoclassical Costa Rican Art Museum located in La Sabana Park. This park is the former site of the international airport, which has been transformed into an urban oasis, a popular spot for afternoon picnics. The central pedestrian shopping district is a 15 minute stroll from the hotel, where guests can explore churches, museums, local shops and restaurants.
Room rates at Hotel Grano de Oro start at $135 USD per night (plus applicable taxes).
What to do and see:
For nature lovers – The perfect San Jose experience combines the urban activities of luxury Costa Rica hotel Grano de Oro with the nature lovers’ paradise just a short distance away in the hills overlooking the city. Guests can tour Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, an organic, shade grown coffee farm that offers overnight stays and meals at their outdoor restaurant.
About Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality
Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality develops and manages hotels, lodges and other tourism related projects in Central America that are committed to the four Ps of sustainability – people, planet, profit and place. It offers solutions and expertise to tourism operators looking to enhance their performance in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. As well, Cayuga provides expert responsible travel advice, including full itinerary suggestions for families, adventurers and honeymooners. For more information, visit www.cayugaonline.com.
Media Contacts:
Suzanne Girard Foote, Tartan Group: 917-370-7288 or suzanne@tartangroup.ca
Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199 (cell) or deirdre@tartangroup.ca
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