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Ara Macao Inn

2.5 star property
Hotel in San José, 7-minute walk to National Museum of Costa Rica

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Photo gallery for Ara Macao Inn

Balcony
Breakfast area
Reception
Terrace/patio
Lobby

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
CALLE 25, BARRIO CALIFORNIA, San José, Province of San Jose, 09022
  • Place, National Museum of Costa Rica
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Morazan Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, National Theater
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Studio, City View

Studio, City View | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Studio, City View

  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Suite, City View

Suite, City View | 1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, City View

  • 646 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

San José

Located in La California, Ara Macao Inn is a leisurely stroll from popular sights such as National Museum of Costa Rica and Morazan Park. This 12-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and a terrace.

What's nearby

  • National Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • National Museum of Costa Rica - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Morazan Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • National Theater - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Central Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • San Jose Fercori Station - 5 min walk
  • San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Limoncello - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Omen Pub - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Bar La Flota - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪La Cali - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Ara Macao Inn

Hotel in San José, 7-minute walk to National Museum of Costa Rica
At Ara Macao Inn, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas and a terrace. Staff members can answer questions about accommodations, and also provide front-desk service during limited hours.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Ceiling fans are also standard.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Terrace

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from November 11 2025 to November 10 2027 (dates subject to change).

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit 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
This property accepts cash
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Ara Macao Inn Hotel
Ara Macao Inn San José
Ara Macao Inn Hotel San José

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Ara Macao Inn?

Ara Macao Inn provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do around Ara Macao Inn?

This hotel is situated in La California within a 10-minute walk of National Park, National Museum of Costa Rica, and Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica. You'll also find Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Ara Macao Inn?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Does Ara Macao Inn feature a casino on the premises?

No, Ara Macao Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Ara Macao Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Ara Macao Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a terrace plus some guestrooms include kitchens and city views.

Are there hot tubs at Ara Macao Inn?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Ara Macao Inn feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Ara Macao Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Ara Macao Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Ara Macao Inn.

Does Ara Macao Inn have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to Ara Macao Inn?

The closest major airport to Ara Macao Inn is San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.), which is 8.5 mi away (26 minutes by car). Another top airport is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is located 13.7 mi away (33-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Ara Macao Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Ara Macao Inn.

Reviews

Ara Macao Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was so convenient to walk around everywhere in San Jose! The host was very kind and accommodating even though I didn’t speak much Spanish. I would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Jorge is extremely friendly and helpful. He helped me arrange a taxi for the next morning. He even showed to make sure everything went well. I was given a room with a balcony and patio. Very nice and unexpected.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Daryl T

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel, Louisville

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Jorge was lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Daryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOSEPH, Costa Mesa

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent check-in by Jorge. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp and waited until my shuttle (came in late) arrived.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOSEPH, Costa Mesa

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jorge checked me in quickly, gave tour of building and room. Awesome kitchen & fridge included. Reasonably priced. Tours drop off and pick up next door. Mercados nearby, walkable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria Eugenia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in is a 3pm and I got there waaay before that but Jorge (the front desk person) had the room ready in like an hour so I can check in. I traveled by myself and this place was enough for me, just what I needed. Affordable and just a few minutes walk from restaurants, park, market and bars. The room had a fridge a microwave, a sink and TV. Only thing it didn’t have was a coffee machine, I drink a lot of coffee but it really wasn’t a big deal, its Costa Rica you find coffee everywhere;) also They give you a key to get to the hotel and that made me feel safe, only guests can go in.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Todo estuvo bien un lugar muy tranquilo sin tantos problemas de ruido etc todo perfecto 👌
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Eligio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

sally

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely old house which could use a little TLC

10/10 Excellent

WSMFP33

4/10 Poor

Bret

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Bed was comfortable Good location for Museum and National Park
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Emerson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Anfitrião muito receptivo, e prestativo, local limpo. Com certeza retornarei.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
El servicio fue super amable, el check in fácil, el ambiente tranquilo, y el cuarto viene equipado con microondas y trastes
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Business traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sylvain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sylvain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Por el precio, genial !

La estadía estuvo súper buena. Es un poco viejito pero tiene su encanto. Te sientes super bien. Un poco como una cabaña en las montañas. Y más que eso porque el lugar tiene todo las cosas que nescesitamos : buena cama, agua caliente, cocina con todo, etc. y es súper céntrico. Además de todo, la persona quien administra ese edificio es super acogedor. Después de un viaje super largo con el autobús, la pasamos super bien Muchas gracias. Será aseguramente mi lugar para dormir en San José. En resumen, por un precio barato es excelente ! Sylvain, un viajero francés
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

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