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Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

3.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine
Exterior
Lobby
Deluxe Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • 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.)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe

Deluxe | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

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

View all photos for Standard Room (Plus)

Standard Room (Plus) | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Standard Room (Plus)

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

View all photos for Superior Plus

Superior Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

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

View all photos for Deluxe Plus

Deluxe Plus | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

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

View all photos for Junior Suite

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Presidential Suite

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | Living room | Flat-screen TV

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

View all photos for Superior

Superior | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Superior

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

View all photos for Suite Gales

Suite Gales | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Suite Gales

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

View all photos for Suite 514

Suite 514 | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Suite 514

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

View all photos for Suite Belford

Suite Belford | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

Suite Belford

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

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

  • ‪Q'Empanadas - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Spoon - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪El Patio del Balmoral Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪RostiPollos - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Azotea Calle 7 - ‬1 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 tours/tickets and luggage storage. 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.

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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 bar/lounge
  • 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 Mar 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District on Mar 31, 2026 start from $121, 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 Morazan Park and National Theater of Costa Rica, and within a short walk of National Museum of Costa Rica. You'll also find Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica within a short drive.

Is parking available on site 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.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

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

Are there hot tubs at Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

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?

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 or 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. 432 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 293 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 159 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 62 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1007 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Brenda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
We chose the Balmoral due to its proximity to the museums and the availability of a 2-bedroom suite. We should have read the reviews more closely as some of the problems we encountered were mentioned in the reviews. We took our chances with the 7.4 rating hotel based on having a 2-bedroom suite in the area, but now we regret that decision. The price of the room led us to believe that it would be of higher quality. No hair dryer or coffee maker in the room (although they were in the listing). Hot water for showers is only available after running the water for a very long time. Undependable wifi. Annoying flute playing by a street vendor all day long; neighborhood full of casinos. Mediocre service for breakfast. Housekeeping accessed the room despite the fact that we had not hung up the service room sign on the door; they took away two hanging used towels and only left one new towel. Plus a strange early checkin policy and charges. All around just seemed like a badly managed hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best hotels in the downtown area. Close to everything. Parking is very limited
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

William

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value and location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were amazing! Free breakfast was good!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

María Diana

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All of the above
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Mario

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Vendieron habitaciones sin tener inventario. No nos habilitaron ninguna habitación. Exijo mi reembolso.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Darnell

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
No towels or wash cloth in the room, bed was very low near the ground. Fly or mosquito ate up my leg, had to use key card to turn a/c on, not something I am use to doing. My alarm in the room went off and took maintenance over 10 minutes to get to my room, did not know there would be a 50$ charge to have guests visit with me. Overpriced for what you really got in the hotel in my opinion.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfectly located to all daily activities.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROSEMARY

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

mary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our suite was perfect. And the hotel was just 2 blocks away from the Historical District. The staff were very helpful, and breakfast was delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Eran

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
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.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Angel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jose

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Horrible lugar antiguo esta en una zona peligrosa mucho drogaditos
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

David, Atlanta

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Moises R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Evey
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

joshua

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was nice but no hot water and they changed the rooms on me.machines in weight room now working well.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

ANDREA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eddie

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

Excellent location

The location is great. Staff is wonderful. Rooms were comfortable and I will definitely be staying again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful professional staff. Clean and well appointed room. Reasonable pet fee.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

guy

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

Nice !

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
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zoe

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leonarda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Arrived 2 hours early. My room was ready. Welcoming staff. Clean. Well located.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

broderick kieth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service clean good restaurant great location friendly helpful staff
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

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