Balmoral Hotel San Jose | Historic District Pick

75 photos

Balmoral Hotel San Jose Cr, Historic District Exterior photo

Balmoral Hotel San Jose Cr, Historic District Restaurant photo

Reserve directly with us

up to 10% cheaper

than with Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

Avenida Central Calles 7 Y 9, San Jose (San Jose), 3344-1000

Close to the historic Metropolitan Cathedral

Very good

7.8

7.6

/10

3.5

3.6

Loved by Balmoral Hotel San Jose Cr, Historic District guests

Comfortable beds

Excellent breakfast

Pleasant staff

Central location

"The room was simple, clean and comfortable."

Carrie P from United States

read full review

"The Hotel has complimentary breakfast which is well worth it."

Sean H from Costa Rica

read full review

"The Balmoral is on Central Ave. which is a pedestrian walk way."

Yvonne

read full review

3-star urban hotel in San Jose's Historic District

Location

The Balmoral Hotel is strategically located on Paseo de los Museos, the primary pedestrian boulevard connecting several key attractions including the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and National Museum. Its central position allows easy access to local markets, theaters, and parks, making all significant destinations within walking distance. Additionally, it offers convenient proximity for day trips to volcanoes, beaches, and national parks.

Rooms

The hotel offers nine diverse room categories, catering to various preferences, from Standard Plus to extended stay suites. Each suite is equipped with handcrafted wood furniture and modern amenities, including kitchenettes in select rooms suitable for longer visits. The Presidential Suite, spanning 59 square meters, provides sophisticated comforts such as a dining area and a spacious layout.

Dining

The hotel hosts El Patio del Balmoral, an award-winning restaurant that provides a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties alongside international dishes. Guests can enjoy dining options from breakfast to dinner in a casual setting, featuring a bar and pizzeria. The café serves gourmet coffees, fostering a local culinary experience right within the hotel.

Business Amenities

With seven meeting spaces, the hotel accommodates gatherings ranging from conferences to social events, equipped with advanced audiovisual technology. The rooms feature ample natural light, enhancing the overall ambiance for attendees. Professional event planning services are also available to ensure seamless execution of every occasion.

Pet-Friendly Policy

The Balmoral Hotel welcomes pets, allowing guests to bring their beloved animals during their stay for an additional fee. This unique policy ensures that pet owners can enjoy their travels without leaving their furry friends behind. The hotel's urban setting provides ample opportunities for walks and outdoor activities with pets nearby.

Highlights

Location: Paseo de los Museos, walking distance to attractions

Rooms: nine different room categories

Dining: El Patio del Balmoral restaurant

Business: seven meeting spaces with audiovisual technology

Must-do experiences

Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum for a glimpse of ancient artifacts.
Stroll through the vibrant Mercado Central for local flavors and crafts.
Enjoy traditional Gallo Pinto at Casados de La Casa de las Tías.
Explore the National Museum in a historic fortress setting.
Discover street art in Barrio Escalante, a trendy neighborhood.

Location: Great

8.8/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Explorers, Not TouristsHistorical heart

“Fabulous location - we loved being i the heart of the old district with museums, restaurants, the park and the market all close at hand.”

Lynn from Canada

Strange & UniqueGreen escape

“The Balmoral is very unique and lively, I loved the natural plants it had throughout the entire hotel.”

Andrea Scigliano

Safe HavenCared for

“I felt safe and very well taken care of.”

Paula C from Canada

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Junior Suite Balcony
2 persons
45 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe Double Room Balcony
2 persons
38 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe Plus
2 persons
38 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Show all rooms

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

September 2026 - September 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

August 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Room features

Air conditioning
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

At Balmoral Hotel San Jose, dining options invite guests to indulge in a mix of traditional and contemporary flavors. Enjoy authentic Costa Rican dishes along with international cuisine, all served in a stunning tropical garden setting that offers a delightful escape from the bustle of Avenida Central.

El Patio
Italian and International
Ambiance
Family-friendly and Romantic, set in a lush tropical garden overlooking Avenida Central
Key Offerings
Savor freshly baked pizza made from scratch daily, alongside a variety of authentic Costa Rican and international dishes, complemented by a lively bar and café atmosphere.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 06:30 - 21:00

Balmoral Hotel San Jose Cr, Historic District Location

Avenida Central Calles 7 Y 9, San Jose (San Jose), 3344-1000

Explore San Jose (San Jose)

Local Highlights Near Balmoral Hotel

Jade Museum

3 minutes' walk

Jade artifacts and exhibits reflect Costa Rica's rich history. A must-see for history buffs and art enthusiasts.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

3 minutes' walk

Showcases ancient gold items and artifacts, shedding light on pre-Columbian cultures in Costa Rica.

National Theatre of Costa Rica

4 minutes' walk

An iconic building known for its elegant architecture. Attend performances and appreciate its historical significance.

Simon Bolivar Zoo

10 minutes' walk

Home to a variety of local wildlife. Ideal for families wanting to introduce children to Costa Rica's diverse fauna.

Parque Nacional

18 minutes walking

This nearby park offers hiking trails among lush greenery and wildlife, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cultural Festivals

10 minutes' walk

Seasonal events in the historic district feature local food, music, and dance, showcasing Costa Rican culture.

Yoga Classes

10 minutes' walk

Local studios offer yoga classes for beginners and advanced practitioners, creating a serene environment.

Biking Tours

5 minutes' drive

Bike rentals available nearby for exploring San Jose. Guided tours cover major sights and neighborhoods.

Azotea Calle 7

1 minute' walk

Offers a lovely rooftop ambiance with Costa Rican dishes and stunning city views. Reservations recommended.

Tenedor Argentino

4 minutes' walk

A cozy spot specializing in Argentine cuisine, famous for its delicious steaks and warm atmosphere.

Luigis Parrilla

1 minute' walk

Casual eatery offering Italian and Argentinian barbecue. Known for its grilled meats and friendly service.

La Casa del Cacao

3 minutes' walk

Chocolate enthusiasts will love this café serving artisan chocolate drinks and desserts, perfect for a sweet treat.

National Theatre of Costa Rica

4 minutes' walk

Experience world-class shows in a historic venue. Offers a mix of performances from local and international artists.

Chinatown, San Jose

10 minutes' walk

This lively area features shops and eateries. A vibrant spot for nightlife and cultural immersion.

Live Music at Bars

5 minutes' drive

Visit nearby bars hosting live music events, from jazz to local bands. Great atmosphere for nightlife enthusiasts.

Cinema La Salle

10 minutes walking

Watch the latest films in a charming setting. Family-friendly options are available, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Getting around

City Centre
San Jose (San Jose) 6 min · 1700 ft
Airports
Tobias Bolanos International (SYQ) 16 min · 6.5 mi
Juan Santamaria International (SJO) 29 min · 11.7 mi

Unlock Early-Bird Deals

Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

from 11:00-12:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Balmoral San Jose Cr, Historic District provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Year renovated:

2009

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

BALMORAL HOTEL

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review score

Based on 989 verified reviews

7.4 /10

Very good

66 %

Recommend

Breakfast

6.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Comfort

8.3/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Location

8.8/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.6/10

Staff

8.7/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Pros

Central location

Welcoming staff

Filling breakfast

Cons

Rigid management

Poor WiFi

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About Balmoral Hotel San Jose Cr, Historic District

Are there any rooms with a fridge or minibar available at the hotel?

12 November 2024

Yes, selected rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and microwave.

Is it possible to book two adjoining rooms with a shared door at this hotel?

5 January 2025

Yes, the hotel offers Family Suites that consist of two connected rooms along with a living area.

Can guests bring their pets? Are there specific rooms allocated for this?

22 February 2025

The hotel is pet friendly, but availability is limited to certain 'Plus' rooms and suites.

Is an airport pick-up service available for guests arriving at the international airport?

18 March 2025

Yes, an airport pick-up can be arranged for a fee of $34.00 USD. Details such as airline, arrival date, and flight number will be needed.

Are guests allowed to invite visitors to their rooms during their stay?

7 April 2025

Yes, outside guests can visit with an additional fee of $28.00 USD per visit.

Is there high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel?

15 May 2025

Yes, high-speed Wi-Fi of up to 125 Mbps is available throughout the property.

What dining options are available through room service, and are there any additional charges?

11 June 2025

Room service is available with a service charge of 7% on the total order, collected at the end of the stay.

Is there a gym facility on the premises, and what are its operating hours?

25 August 2025

The hotel gym operates 24 hours and is available at no additional cost to guests.

Is there a rental car service available on-site, and how can I reserve a vehicle?

15 October 2025

Yes, car rental services can be coordinated through the reception staff.