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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

Choose dates to view prices

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 Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
The current price is NZ$211
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 Feb

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe

Deluxe

Deluxe

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 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)

Standard Room (Plus)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(35 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Renovated in 2014
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Wardrobe
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Plus

Superior Plus

Superior Plus

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Plus

Deluxe Plus

Deluxe Plus

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
  • 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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • City view
  • 38 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 80 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | Living room

Family Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • City view
  • 90 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Superior

Superior

Superior

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite Gales

Suite Gales

Suite Gales

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • City view
  • 49 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite 514

Suite 514

Suite 514

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • City view
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Suite Belford

Suite Belford

Suite Belford

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • City view
  • 74 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

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About the area

Located in Carmen, a neighbourhood in San José, Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District is in a shopping district and near a boardwalk. Jade Museum and National Museum of Costa Rica are cultural highlights, or if an activity is on the agenda, visit 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 nearby rafting, 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 - 0.2 km
  • it's basically a playground for pigeons... #plaza #architecture
    Plaza de la Cultura
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Beautiful aerial view of the National theater in Costa Rica
    National Theater
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Parque Central de San José en Costa Rica
    Central Park
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • San Jose, Costa Rica, National Museum Building in historic city center
    National Museum of Costa Rica
    6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station
    7 min walk
  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    32 min drive

Restaurants

  • Q'Empanadas
    1 min walk
  • Spoon
    1 min walk
  • RostiPollos
    2 min walk
  • Azotea Calle 7
    1 min walk
  • El Patio del Balmoral Restaurant
    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 shops on-site and 2 coffee shops/cafes. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, EL PATIO DEL BALMORAL, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and children's meals. In addition to laundry facilities and a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks such as:
  • Free valet parking
  • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), express check-out and concierge services
  • A lift, a banquet hall and a vending machine
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the dining options, breakfast and helpful staff
Room features
All 119 rooms boast comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as perks such as free WiFi and safes. Guest reviews speak positively of the cleanliness rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, 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 transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle at scheduled times and on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, covered valet parking on site
  • Limited on-site 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 centre
  • 7 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (5,909 square foot 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
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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 are 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 on 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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 does it cost to stay at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

As of 4 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District on 9 Feb 2026 start from NZ$211.48, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

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?

Checkout 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 away 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. 423 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 293 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 160 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 61 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Only issue was no facecloths available
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

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

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

6/10 Okay

Fabiola Enriquez

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Si en general todo estuvo excelente, solo ya para hacer check out, me cobraron 20 dlls por una jarra del café que se supone nosotros rompimos, no hubo ninguna evidencia del hecho pero, en general toda la gente fue amable y el hotel bien
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Lilian

The room was ok. But the keep a deposit $200for 24hours
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Robert

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

4/10 Poor

carla

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The front desk staff was very helpful and nice so that’s the only reason I’m giving this place 2 stars. The standard room i was in, non smoking, smelled of stale cigarette smoke. The hotel is a “non smoking” hotel so unclear why it smelled. The room has an enclosed patio, with a window to the outside. I couldn’t close the window due to EXCESSIVE dirt and debris in the window tracks. Looks like it’s been that way for years. There’s also a large planter box attached to the outside of the building in front of that window, so it was impossible to see out. Because I didn’t want to sleep with the window open, I had to keep the patio enclosure closed my entire stay. Wi-Fi is non existent although they advertise it. Could not get a signal at all. Pics of the room, on line, are not what you’re getting, they are very dated and old. My bathroom sink drain had some sort of gross gunk in it. Looked as though it hadn’t been cleaned. I also had a problem with my bill. Appeared to be over charged on my card. I wasn’t allowed to speak to the manager directly. The front desk staff relayed messages to me as to the problem. That piece eventually cleared up on it’s own but left me feeling very stressed about the double charges while I was there. This place is not worth the money you pay. Find a different hotel!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Lizbeth

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Este hotel termina dando la habitación que ellos quieren sin importar lo que uno reserva , pague x dos camas con balcón y me dieron una habitación vieja de una cama fea hora y media tarde porque no están listas
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel in historic district, great location good parking , a little hard to find, but great stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ana

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best hotels in the downtown area. Close to everything. Parking is very limited
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

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

2/10 Terrible

Cesar

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
El personal era de lo peor, elijamos este hotel porque ofrecía parqueo, al llegar estaba lleno y queríamos bajar las maletas, 1) no nos ayudaron a bajar las maleas, al contrarío el personal del hotel casi que insultaba para sacar de la entrada del hotel a mi amigo. 2) Cuando consulté si sabían entonces de algún parqueo para dejar el carro dijeron de que no sabían, tuvimos que buscar por nuestra cuenta un parqueo que fuera 24 horas, ademas de que nadie indica que el hotel esta en una zona bastante peligrosa. Buscar un parqueo a las 10:00 pm no lo recomiendo, más personas llegaron y se fueron por lo mismo. 3) La llave de nuestra habitación no servia, y nos dieron una manual y nos dijeron que no tenían más que así era y ya. 4) no pasaron a limpiar las habitaciones dijeron que a las 8:00 pasaban una vez y si no "estaba lista" para limpiarse, no la hacían. 5) Se llevaron las toallas de la habitación de mis amigos no se para que porque no las devolvieron. 6) El desayuno es muy simple y se tardan demasiado en servirlo, al querer solicitar el desayuno de mis amigos que estaban por llegar nos dijeron que no podíamos ordenarlos sin ellos presentes. 7) El personal no resolvía nada, solo decían "es así" o "no funciona". Nunca volveré a apartar una estadía en este hotel, prefiero quedarme en hoteles de renombre que están al mismo precio y están más lejos (quizá por el aeropuerto o así) y que dar en esta zona "centrica", que lo único que tiene cerca son los vagabundos y KFC.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

María Diana

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All of the above
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mario

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Vendieron habitaciones sin tener inventario. No nos habilitaron ninguna habitación. Exijo mi reembolso.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Darnell

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
No towels or wash cloth in the room, bed was very low near the ground. Fly or mosquito ate up my leg, had to use key card to turn a/c on, not something I am use to doing. My alarm in the room went off and took maintenance over 10 minutes to get to my room, did not know there would be a 50$ charge to have guests visit with me. Overpriced for what you really got in the hotel in my opinion.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La limpieza en la habitación muy bien y sobre el desayuno sería bueno quizás muchos que emos estado en muchos hoteles me extraño el tener que pagar el café después de la primer taza ya que es la primera vez que lo veo en un hotel en lo de más los felicito el hotel muy limpio gracias
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfectly located to all daily activities.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025