Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free valet parking is available on-site, but parking is limited.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

A complimentary local cuisine breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Does the property allow pets?

Yes, the property allows pets in specific rooms with a pet fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. A pet deposit of USD 100 per stay is also required. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM until 12:00 AM, and check-out is by 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.

Are airport shuttle services available?

Yes, airport shuttle services are available for a fee of USD 40 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6) or USD 15 per child (one-way). Guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival to arrange the transfer.

What accessibility features does the property offer?

The property features limited wheelchair accessibility, including elevators and step-free entrances. Some public areas and rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is centrally located in San José, just steps from the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum and Plaza de la Cultura. It is 0.3 miles from the Jade Museum and National Museum of Costa Rica, and approximately 5.6 miles from San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) Airport.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children 7 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Average nightly price at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$87
February	$95
March	$93
April	$90
May	$85
June	$84
July	$87
August	$86
September	$88
October	$103
November	$94
December	$88

What guests think

Travellers describe Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District as a centrally located base for exploring San José’s museums and sights, with generally friendly staff and a popular on‑site restaurant, but dated rooms and uneven operations temper expectations.

Many appreciate walking access to theaters, markets, and museums, though several warn the surrounding area feels sketchy after dark and occasional street noise can intrude. Rooms are often clean but older, with small bathrooms, very firm beds, occasional lack of windows, and spotty in‑room Wi‑Fi or A/C; some suites are spacious. Facilities are mixed: convenient parking but a frequently nonfunctional gym, periodic water or hot‑water issues, closed bar/shops, and an awkward garage entrance; breakfast is included yet limited to set choices and service can be slow, while many like El Patio. Expect a value‑minded stay prioritizing location over polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Parking is convenient with helpful attendants, but facilities feel limited: the gym is often out of order, the bar/shops are closed, access is through a garage or locked gate, and some guests reported water or hot‑water outages.

Related guest reviews

6

Benoit

Apr 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

You’re right downtown within walking distance to everything. The rooms are quite dated. The hotel entrances are either through the garage or the restaurant

6

harry

Apr 9, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The bar area was closed the complete trip. Only one elevation stopped on the lobby floor so you had to walk up a floor to get to the front desk. There was no face towels. Staff was great and breakfast was good. Parking attendants was great also. Most of the stores in the hotel were vacant. Otherwise the stay was okay.

2

fiona

Jul 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Their water pump was not working so we did not have any water to wash or shower. The receptionist said the hotel would refund our stay through expedia , but I have not received any response from the hotel or expedia yet!

8

guy

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Right in the center of the city. Very helpful staff specially with the very convenient parking. The rooms are ok, clean and quiet. Bathroom could be renovated. The city itself was a bit strange, a lot of police, we only came for 1 night before a morning flight and decided to stay at the hotel after dark. Breakfast was also nice. The guy at the parking was exceptionally helpful and nice

8

Eran

Nov 9, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Gym had almost zero functionality. None of the equipment I wanted to use were working! Both available treadmills were broken. Overall, I couldn't use the gym. That was one of the main reasons I booked that hotel, apart from location, so that was very disappointing. Other than that the service was great and breakfasts were nice. Great customer service.

10

Joseph

Sep 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very comfortable property, giant rooms, great water pressure, very quiet interior rooms. The property is under some renovations on the first floor. They have a beautiful bar on the lobby floor but it’s closed. My tv had a broken speaker but other than that I loved my stay at the Balmoral.

6

ALEJANDRO

Dec 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

La entrada del hotel esta muy mal, entras por el estacionamiento

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10

Allan

Feb 1, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Friendly staff, clean hotel, great location, good breakfast. The only thing I 💯 dislike about this hotel is the lack of a main entrance. Having to wait for someone to open the gate every time you get to hotel is very inconvenient, especially when you have luggage or bags with you. Other than that, great place to stay

4

Rachel

Jul 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed for 2 nights and did not have water for the majority of the time. The hotel wouldn't move our room and would not give us a refund. The phones were also messed up as were got calls in the middle of the night and tons of messages from the reception/laundry etc that were not for us. What was most disappointing was seeing how the staff at the front desk talked to their cleaning staff. The description and pictures of the hotel are out-of-date, since many of the shops and cafes are no longer in operation. The only good things I can say is that the valet workers were super helpful and the restaurant (including the service) was great.

2

joshua

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was nice but no hot water and they changed the rooms on me.machines in weight room now working well.

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Cleanliness

Feedback on cleanliness is mixed: many found rooms and common areas very clean, but others cited dirty or musty bathrooms, old or worn towels/linen, odors or mold, and a few reports of bed bugs.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

Jun 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly reception team, the room is very spacious and well equipped. Beds are nice comfy and the rooms are clean and quiet.

2

Miguel

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very dirty bathrooms. Images doesnt show the real condition

10

Joan

Feb 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff at check in, safe space for car, clean, large and comfortable room.

2

Balasubramanian

Nov 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

There was mold in the curtains. The entire place was damp and smelled of mold. We checked out immediately and had to find another hotel for the night. Wouldn’t recommend this place.

6

David

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bed bugs - about 15 bites on both legs while sleeping; still itching the following day. Other than that, while central location was ideal for quick sightseeing of most important sites, but hotel location across from casino, homeless beggars, and drug addicts along the pedestrian mall outside the hotel raised safety concerns

10

Griselda

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel was great. The staff especially graveyard valet and a morning valet Saturday was very nice. Whenever we needed something we got it right away. Are room was put together and clean everyday we came back to it. Free breakfast was good and the view was great. The experience will be missed and i wish i was there now. Thanks for everything

6

Dianne

Feb 17, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location on Avenida Central was excellent. The room towels looked more grey than white and one of our beds had been slept in and the sheets not changed.

4

Edda

Mar 14, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Hot water intermitent, dirty and uncared rooms, old towels. Restaurant staff (ladies) awful...food with no taste No worth the money paid Years ago was a better place to stay

10

Katryn

Jan 11, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Helpful staff and very clean room

10

Tyson

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally dated with small bathrooms and very firm beds; several lack exterior windows, and in‑room Wi‑Fi or A/C can be unreliable, though some upgraded rooms and suites are spacious and quiet.

Related guest reviews

4

Neeraj

Nov 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Smell of urine in the rooms. Beds are too small. Bathroom is so tiny and tight

6

Joe

Dec 20, 2023

·

Stayed in room 204 for two nights and had no internet in the room, November 29 and 30th, 2023. notified desk about no internet. Returned December 19 in room 205 with no internet in the room. All other Costa Rica hotels we stayed in had internet.

8

scott

Jan 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is perfect for exploring downtown San Jose. Just a few minutes walk to museums and the central avenue stores. Check in was a bit stressful and chaotic and our agent was not very friendly but after that the stay was great. All the rest of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel is older and it shows, but our room was great despite the age. We booked a deluxe room and it was huge, with a nice glassed in balcony. It had lots of outlets, a full sized refrigerator and a microwave. It was quiet at night. The hotel restaurant is quite nice. A bit more expensive than street restaurants, but that is normal. The service and food were good and it was nice to have a good meal in our hotel, especially on our first night.

6

YANA

Mar 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Has nothing to do with pictures on the website. No proper entrance, outdated hallways and rooms, windows in the room facing some metal rods. TV does not work.

6

yana

Dec 18, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was not prepared properly. Took multiple calls to fix issues. The two-room suite did not have coffee maker not mini fridge. WiFi signal was not reachable in the room we have stayed.

2

Michael

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was clean. Thats where the positive ends. Lukewarm shower water and broken A/C unit paired with very hard mattresses on mis-matched furniture gave the place a college dorm feel for the price of a good hotel.

6

Boris

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

In a center, close to all points of interest in San Jose.

8

Vickie

Mar 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Located in the center of the city made all the landmarks accessible. Food, sightseeing, shopping all at walking distance. Hotel was clean and the rooms were spacious. Having a restaurant within the hotel was a plus. Complementary breakfast was good. Beds were not comfortable, mattresses should be updated. Overall, great experience. Would stay there again.

6

Ramon

Dec 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Pocas opciones de desayuno. El cuarto no correspondía con la foto, estaba muy viejo y dañado. Era más pequeño de lo ofrecido en la página y las fotos. Muebles viejos y maltratados. El WC tenía una fuga, la reporté y no la arreglaron.

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8

Jeremy

Jan 1, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was a great location for the last leg of our trip because we were doing a walking tour nearby, however, it was not the most comfortable and one of the two fridges in the room was not working, smelled, and a little dirty. The beds were hard as a rock, clean, but very firm. The lobby and restaurant photos certainly set you up to believe it is luxury in the midst of a very popular and populated area, but I felt the rooms need more comfort and cleanliness to add to the comfort level for the area, especially when paying for a suite.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, yet check‑in/out can be slow and there are recurring complaints about rude front‑desk interactions, reservation or billing mix‑ups, and inconsistent responsiveness.

Related guest reviews

6

Sadie

Dec 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fine for the night after getting in late to San Jose. Our key kept on not working. Front desk was held up and took 30 minutes to check in AND check out and had to wait about as long to get them to come up and fix our door.

10

broderick kieth

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great service clean good restaurant great location friendly helpful staff

2

Kyle

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We arrived at the checkin desk and there was one person working and a couple checking in. She asked us to sit and wait and she would call us up to the counter. Another couple was in the seating area and they said they were waiting because their room was not ready and they had already checked in, we were next. While we were waiting another couple came in and were helped before we were, not a huge deal, another checkin agent also arrived as there was only one person doing checkins. While checking in I was asked to pay for the room, I told them I booked on Expedia and it should be paid. She was very unfriendly and said the room was not paid for and wanted to know how I was going to pay. I said again that it was paid for. Her associate helped her find that the room was in fact paid for. She was very unfriendly. That evening around 8:00 PM the phone in the room rang and it was Anna from the front desk, same girl that checked us in. She said our card was declined and I had to come down to the front desk and pay for the room. She was VERY unfriendly this time. I told again the room was paid for.She said it was not and If I wanted to stay the night I had to come down to the front desk. She was very rude. I was almost dressed to head down and the phone rang again and it was Anna, she said it was a mistake, the room was paid for. I went down anyway to talk to her. I was not asked for a card to cover any additional expenses and needed to know how she had my credit card information. She

10

Daniel

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Helpful professional staff. Clean and well appointed room. Reasonable pet fee.

2

Lizbeth

Jan 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No es la primera vea que nos hospedamos aquí y las experiencias con el personal del checkin es desagradable , nos hicieron esperar de mala manera casi 40 minutos antes de obtener la habitación y para nuestra sorpresa cuando la asignaron no era lo que solicitaba, yo pedí dos camas para dos personas independientes y nos dueto. Una sola súper pequeña como ya me la habían hecho en otra oportunidad, me devolví a la recepción para decirles que esa no era la habitación que solicité y después de una discusión entre los dos representantes del hotel en recepción me atendieron y me cambiaron sin no antes tener que volver a esperar , la fila en recepción tanto para mí como para otros huéspedes que llegaron antes de las 2: pm era larga y todos se veían incómodos de mi parte no volveré , en resumen pésima atención y poca atención a lo que solicité y por ende pagué

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8

Lizbeth

Jul 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Súper lento recepción

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4

Thang

Jun 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I’ve been around the world and I’ve never been treated so rudely in my life by the front desk manager. I came with my wife and he treated her like she was some working girl ... he Did not let her enter the hotel at first and we got into a loud argument. I asked to see a manager and he said he was the boss of the hotel. No he’s not. Just a rude front desk manager. I will never come back to this hotel again if he is still working there.

8

ANDREA

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

They should have more staff at the time of check in/out so you don’t have to wait 20 minutes. Each room should have a small fridge.

10

Raven

Mar 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great service here!

10

William Jason

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

The Front Decks staff was wonderful. They really made the stay easier, because they could handle any issue with ease. There was not many issue, other than the staff helping us navigate the city. The advised us on events, local cultural sites, and even how to use the train. The cleaning staff was great, but we did not interact with them as much. The breakfast wait staff was very professional and always had a smile. We had dinner twice at the hotel, the food was excellent, thanks Chefs. The courtesy and helpful staff made the base of our trip. Thank you Hotel Balmoral

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Excellent for walking to the historic district’s museums, theaters, markets, and shops; multiple reviews advise extra caution late at night due to the surrounding area and note occasional street noise.

Related guest reviews

8

Ketan

Nov 16, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

The staff at the hotel are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the local area. Most museums and markets are walkable from the hotel. Noise inside the hotel can be a little loud, but depends on the other guests. There is a man that sells pan pipes on the street outside the hotel and he will play the exact same 3 second tune from 7am to 7pm!

8

Yvonne

Mar 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Balmoral is on Central Ave. which is a pedestrian walk way. If you take the free walking tour that you can find on line it will help you get a lay of the land. You can then explore the historical sites and public market with ease. We felt very safe during the day. Down at the plaza by the clock, we sat and ate our icecream cones and watched the water fountain and activity. The hotel staff were wonderfully helpful. The room was spotless and there were seating areas that were nice. There were closed shops in the building probably due to the pandemic. This place is a 5 for people looking for history. If you are looking for a pool and massage you should stay somewhre else

10

Patrick H

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Perfectly located to all daily activities.

10

ROSEMARY

Nov 21, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Thoroughly enjoyed staff in hotel and restaurant. Courteous,helpful, cant say enough about them. Hotel restored beautifully and walking distance to Theatre,museums, shopping, etc.

10

Ann

Apr 29, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We liked the in-house restaurant which was very good! The staff in general was excellent. We liked that we got a breakfast bag when we left for the airport at 4 AM . The hotel also helped us find a good cab driver to the airport. The only negative thing was the area surrounding the hotel. It was not very safe, especially when it got dark

6

David

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bed bugs - about 15 bites on both legs while sleeping; still itching the following day. Other than that, while central location was ideal for quick sightseeing of most important sites, but hotel location across from casino, homeless beggars, and drug addicts along the pedestrian mall outside the hotel raised safety concerns

8

Lisa

Mar 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Close to museums. All walkable. I suggest not going too far after dark, especially after 9 or 10 PM ( 21.00 or 22.00)

8

Lonita

Feb 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

In historic district

10

Emilie

Feb 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location of this hotel was perfect, right in the middle of all museums, boutiques and restaurants.

8

malcolm

Apr 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good location for exploring central San Jose. Value for money hotel.

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Dining

Breakfast is included but limited to a few set options and service can be slow; many guests enjoyed the on‑site El Patio restaurant, while others found the food average or poor.

Related guest reviews

10

Susan

Mar 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved the atrium restaurant. The building is beautiful and a perfect place to relax after an airport travel journey.

10

Gina

Jan 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very spacious, clean and easy for walking around. Dinner and breakfast was amazing

8

SONJA

Mar 2, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The ability to walk anywhere downtown from this location was fabulous. Plenty of dining options nearby, or you could eat at their restaurant. The food was well prepared and breakfast was included with the room.

10

Lynette

Feb 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I love the property and the location but my favorite thing about this property is the staff. So professional, friendly and kind. Really made my stay enjoyable. I love the restaurant, El Patio. The food is fresh and delicious, but again, the staff stands out, especially Marlon, who went above and beyond to make sure I had an amazing dining experience. Thank you so much, Marlon, El Patio and Balmoral Hotel.

10

Angela

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

Our stay was wonderful, nice and quiet place to stay, well kept up with throughout the hotel, food was delicious, staff was so nice and helpful. Definitely coming back

6

Millicent

Mar 3, 2025

·

Location is good. Breakfast poor. WIFI very bad. Room need to upgrade.

6

Keith

Feb 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was decent just decent however once again the service in the restaurant as we were there before and I just wrote it off to a bad day, was horrible. No lie 57 minutes as we saw the clock when we sat down to get cold pancakes with fruit and one plate of scrambled eggs with rice. Two other couples screaming as well. Our waitress ignored us over 25 minutes, just to bring me a cup of tea and coffee when we first sat down. Another waitress saw how upset we were and finally brought me the tea and then the orange juice which took another 15 minutes, which is part of your breakfast.I don’t know why anyone will go here. I can’t believe anyone has a good experience from what I’ve seen and experienced myself now. They need to fire everyone in that restaurant.

10

Vasant

May 18, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great experience. Plus restaurant location is outstanding. And service in restaurant was impeccable. Kudos to all.

4

Millicent

Mar 3, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Good location. Bad WIFI. breakfast poor.

10

Tyson

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $89	2 $92	3 $92	4 $97	5 $97	6 $97	7 $92
8 $97	9 $94	10 $97	11 $97	12 $97	13 $99	14 $101
15 $102	16 $100	17 $100	18 $99	19 $100	20 $97	21 $102
22 $99	23 $101	24 $102	25 $102	26 $100	27 $114	28 $100
29 $100	30 $98

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Prices for Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Presidential Suite

Suite 514

Deluxe

Superior

Standard Room (Plus)

Deluxe Plus

Superior Plus

Family Suite

Suite Belford

Junior Suite

Suite Gales

Guest reviews of Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Prices for upcoming dates

Business details

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21 $97	22 $94	23 $93	24 $94
25 $87	26 $30	27 $88	28 $97	29 $90	30 $97	31 $97