Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

3.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Flat-screen TV
Exterior
Deluxe Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Presidential Suite | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Central Ave, between 7th and 9th St, San José, San Jose, 3344-1000
  • Place, Morazan Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, National Theater of Costa Rica
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, National Museum of Costa Rica
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(16 reviews)
  • City view
  • 409 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 King Bed

Standard Room (Plus)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(37 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Plus

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Plus

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • City view
  • 409 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 King Bed

Junior Suite

  • City view
  • 409 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Presidential Suite

  • 861 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 969 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Beds

Superior

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(24 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Suite Gales

  • City view
  • 527 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite 514

  • City view
  • 428 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Suite Belford

  • City view
  • 797 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

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About the neighborhood

San José

Located in Carmen, Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District is next to popular attractions like Pre-Colombian Gold Museum and Plaza de la Cultura. This 3.5-star hotel welcomes guests with 119 rooms and conveniences like a 24-hour gym, free in-room WiFi, and free valet parking.

What's nearby

  • Morazan Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Plaza de la Cultura - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • National Theater of Costa Rica - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • National Museum of Costa Rica - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mercado Central - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Spoon - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Q'Empanadas - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪El Patio del Balmoral Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Rosti - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Guests of Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District enjoy a 24-hour gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a conference center. You can take advantage of free valet parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 40 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff standing by 24 hours a day to assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. Additional amenities include a 24-hour business center, a computer station, and express check-out.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Other standard amenities include hair dryers, safes, and phones.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times and on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, covered valet parking on site
  • Limited onsite valet parking

Food and drink

  • Free local cuisine breakfast available daily 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • 2 coffee shops/cafes
  • 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 center
  • 7 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (5,909 square feet 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
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 15 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 100 per stay
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 7 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free valet parking.

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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card 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.
  • The minimum check-in age for Spring Break is 18 years old.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Balmoral Hotel
Balmoral Hotel San Jose
Balmoral San Jose
Hotel Balmoral

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

As of May 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District on May 18, 2026 start from $115, 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.

What can I see close to Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

This hotel is situated in Carmen, just steps from Plaza de la Cultura and Morazan Park, and within a short walk of National Theater of Costa Rica. You'll also find Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

Yes, secured valet parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District feature a casino on the premises?

No, Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including a restaurant, proposal/romance packages, and a bar.

Does Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District have a hot tub?

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

Does Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District has 2 cafes, and serves free breakfast (local cuisine) each morning.

Will Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District for a fee of USD 15 per pet, per night. A deposit of USD 100 per stay is collected.

Does Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District have connecting rooms available?

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

How far is the airport from Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

The closest major airport to Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District is San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.), which is 5.6 mi away (23 minutes by car). Another top airport is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is located 11.7 mi away (32-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy city and courtyard views.

Does Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District host weddings?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 437 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 286 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 156 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 61 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1001 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Shakil

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient location to explore around central San Jose. Limited options in breakfast but overall a good experience.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

William E., Bozeman

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Valet parking is a huge bonus for downtown San Jose. Staff were friendly and helpful with directions to museums. Hotel amenities were top class as were the meals El Patio.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Great staff however a hotel is older hotel. That’s still been remodeled. The hotel bar was completely empty and closed. Our room has a broken mattress. And we had trouble finding our outlet that was powered all the time, all the outlets seem to be connected to switches.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, clean hotel, pleasant staff. It was a decent stay for the money.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

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

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Traveled with partner
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

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Matthew, Social Circle

Stayed 3 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

Stephen

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Debra

Stayed 2 nights 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

10/10 Excellent

Leonie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Everything was great
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jose Roberto

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

kevin, Salem

Traveled with partner
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, North bethesda

Traveled with partner
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, North bethesda

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Katryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Helpful staff and very clean room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Achintya

Traveled with family
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

2/10 Terrible

tommy

I TRIED TO CANCELL OR MOVE THE DATES FOR 2 WEEKS BUT EXPEDIA WOULD NEVER LET ME CANCELL. I HAD A STROKE AND WANTED TO BE A MONTH LATER BUT EXPEDIA DOES NOT CARE
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ana, Toronto

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

10/10 Excellent

Thi

Traveled with partner
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

Traveled with partner
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