Hotel Overview
Things to know
The staff was friendly, I definitely had my favorites. The hotel was small but nice, didn't mind...
See full review
-
MsKream
- Jan 24, 2012
Colonial architecture
The staff treated us royally. They were responsive and helpful as well as very personable.
The...
See full review
-
Gray lady
- Jan 5, 2012
Restored coffee plantation home with outdoor pool and open-air dining
A beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century coffee plantation house, the Hotel Santo Tomas offers an intimate guesthouse experience in downtown San Jose. Popular downtown attractions like the National Theater, Simon Bolivar Zoo and the Central Market sit within walking distance of the Hotel Santo Tomas, and the hotel is about 12 miles from the international airport. Guests enjoy free high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and a complimentary buffet breakfast every morning.
Hotel Santo Tomas - San Jose Downtown Rooms
- Deluxe Room
- Room comes with two queen size beds, private bath, phone, cable TV, alarm-clock radio, hairdryer, High Speed Internet, ceiling fan and dresser.
- Superior Room
- Room comes with one queen bed, private bath, phone, cable TV, alarm-clock radio, hairdryer, High Speed Internet, ceiling fan and dresser.
- Standard Room
- Room comes with one double bed, private bath, phone, cable TV, alarm-clock radio, hairdryer, High Speed Internet, ceiling fan and dresser.
Hotel Map
Avenue 7th Street 3 and 5, Barrio Amon, San Jose, 0
- Area served
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Nearby airports
- SJO- Juan Santamaria and Tobias Bolanos.
- Area description
- Located in Barrio Amon, protected by the national patrimony laws of Costa Rica. Within 4 blocks of eight museums and 4 blocks from the national theater and gold museum -Plaza De La Cultura. Within easy walking distance of all shopping. Easy tour and car rental pickup and drop off.
Amenities
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge
- Currency Exchange
- Doctor on Call
- Fitness center
- Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
- Health Club
- High-speed Internet
- Internet Access
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
- Outdoor Pool
- Parking
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Safe Deposit Box
- Tour Desk
- Wireless Internet
Hotel Policies
- Check-in:
- 1400
- Check-out:
- 1200
Terms and conditions
Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.
Guest Reviews (62)
Ratings and reviews for Hotel Santo Tomas - San Jose Downtown
- All travelers (62) 3.5 / 5
- Business (7) 3.6 / 5
- Couples (18) 3.4 / 5
- Families (3) 3.3 / 5
- Friends (6) 3.8 / 5
- Singles (25) 3.3 / 5
- Amenities:
- 3.5
- Room cleanliness:
- 3.9
- Hotel staff:
- 4.1
- Room comfort:
- 3.6
- Location:
- 3.4
- Value:
- 4.1
79%
would recommend to a friend.
- Most recent
- Highest score
- Lowest score
Reviewer score
Would recommend
dennis garcia
excellent hotel
hotel very clean staff helpful and friendly goo location had very good timre
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 5
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Nightlife tip:
Short walk from hotel
becareful at night
Reviewer score
Would recommend
MsKream
Things to know
The staff was friendly, I definitely had my favorites. The hotel was small but nice, didn't mind the older style of it as it had all the necessities. Things you should know: When booking tours through the hotel, keep in mind that they will charge an exchange fee in addition to the cost for the tours; it's not the US, they aren't required to inform you. Our single bedroom was small and the bathroom wall didn't go all the way up to the ceiling, the wall stopped midway and was open to the bedroom...make sure you keep the fan on and the TV volume up. There were only three pre-set options for breakfast, dinner was amazing there, you really can't go wrong with your selections.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 2
- Location:
- 3
- Value:
- 3
Money-saving tip:
Long walk from hotel
For souvenirs I recommend a street market located South East of the hotel. There were numerous shops located at that market. It's not your typical store, it's an unexpected makeshift gem housed by galvanized walls and roof. If standing outside with the hotel behind you, go right towards the Jade Museum/INS building, at the first street corner (Calle 5) head South towards the Holiday Inn hotel, once you see the front of the hotel head East on Avenida 5 till you get to Calle 9 then head South. Continue South till you get to Avenida Central then head East. You'll know you're in the right place when you see a Chinese restaurant named Wong's, it's right across the street from the market. The souvenirs there seemed pricey at first but were very reasonable when compared to the airport gift shop that charged more than double. Just know that at the street market you can work the costs down a bit especially if buying most of your items at one place. To get around being charged the exchange fee at Santo Tomas...the Holiday Inn offers free tour booking for non-customers. Enjoy!!!
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Gray lady
Colonial architecture
The staff treated us royally. They were responsive and helpful as well as very personable. The building is very old, but is being refurbished and has some wonderful features. If you are looking for Holiday Inn, this isn't it. If you want character and charm, book Hotel Santo Tomas! The furnishing were very nice and the beds quite comfortable.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 5
Dining tip:
Short walk from hotel
A restaurant three blocks down 7th Street was great. The food was good and the prices very reasonable. The service was exceptional. The stall of Hotel Santo Tomas recommended it and it was wonderful.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Li921
One night Stay
San Jose is super sketchy but this hotel while not amazing was fine for one night stay. It's old, smells a bit musty and the pool is more of a fountain. But for the price, location and security is was a good choice before heading to other parts of Costa Rica.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 2
- Room cleanliness:
- 3
- Hotel staff:
- 3
- Room comfort:
- 3
- Location:
- 3
- Value:
- 3
Reviewer score
Would recommend
DogTails
Nice downtown location
This hotel is a little bit of a challenge to find. It is right in the middle of the block and there is a gate to the parking lot. However, that is typical of downtown San Jose. Once inside, they have a nice pool and restaurant with nice rooms. It is only a couple blocks from the downtown street mall. So the location is quite convenient.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Doyle2
Stay at Santo Tomas
I had read reviews before booking with Santo Tomas and there were no surprises. The staff was very friendly and competent. The room was clean. The part of town was a bit rough but for the price I was very happy with my experience at Santo Tomas.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 3
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
akhardware
great value
Always nice staff, rooms are comfortable. The kitchen opens ay 7:00am and it would be nice if there was a coffee maker in the room for those of us who get up earlier.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 3
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 3
- Location:
- 3
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
rrduran
Good value
Good downtown location. Good value. Kept very clean. Will recommend and use again. thanks
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 3
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 3
Nightlife tip:
Short walk from hotel
use a cab... they are cheap.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Surfer11
Really good Value
The Hotel rooms were very comfortable and furnished nicely. The staff was extremely helpful and the restaurant was excellent and very affordable. Onsite parking was available and rare in San Jose.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 3
- Value:
- 5
Time-saving tip:
Not Applicable
Try to arrange not to have to drive in San Jose, it is a very frustrating city to drive in as a tourist.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
happy in Costa Rica
Loved the charm!
If you want American, don't go here. If you want charm, great service, good Costa Rican food and a pool - this place is great. It reminds me a bit of Charleston (SC) older homes. I can't say enough about the terrific staff. You don't need air conditioning - even in the rainy season. The area is safe during the day. Being a single traveler, I didn't leave at night unless my taxi driver took me somewhere. Back to the rooms - I would add new shower heads but everything considered, I would happily stay there again.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 3
- Value:
- 5
