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Hotel el Descanso

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Hotel el Descanso

Standard Double Room (Habitacion de 2 Camas) | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Staircase
Front of property
Hallway
Reception

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
Avenida 2 con calle 22, 22560304, San José, San José, 10103
  • Place, Sabana Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Central Park
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, National Stadium of Costa Rica
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Basic Double Room (Habitacion 1 Cama Queen)

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Double Room (Habitacion 1 Cama Queen)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room (Habitacion de 2 Camas)

Standard Double Room (Habitacion de 2 Camas) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room (Habitacion de 2 Camas)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

San José

Located in Hospital, Hotel el Descanso is a leisurely stroll from popular sights such as Sabana Park and Central Park. This 25-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk.

What's nearby

  • Mercado Central - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Sabana Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Central Park - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Morazan Park - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • National Stadium of Costa Rica - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • San Jose Cemetery Station - 14 min walk
  • San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lubnan - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Soda Alexander - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Momo Café - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Corner - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Hotel el Descanso

Guests staying at Hotel el Descanso enjoy free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with luggage storage and tours/tickets.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch LED TVs with cable channels. Ceiling fans are also standard. Change of towels is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 17 steps to reach entrance
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LED TV with cable channels

More

  • Ceiling fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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, debit card, or 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 credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
  • Check-in: 1:00 PM—-6:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

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, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as 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 credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Hotel el Descanso Hotel
Hotel el Descanso San José
Hotel el Descanso Hotel San José

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see around Hotel el Descanso?

This hotel is situated in Hospital within a short 14-minute walk of Sabana Park and also 12 minutes on foot from Mercado Central. You'll also find National Stadium of Costa Rica and Multiplaza Mall Escazu within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel el Descanso?

As of Jun 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel el Descanso on Jun 27, 2026 start from $29, 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.

Will I be able to park at Hotel el Descanso?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Does Hotel el Descanso include a casino at the property?

No, Hotel el Descanso doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Hotel el Descanso?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about Hotel el Descanso?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a 24-hour front desk plus some guestrooms include a city view and a fireplace.

Are there hot tubs at Hotel el Descanso?

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

Does Hotel el Descanso have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Hotel el Descanso doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Hotel el Descanso allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Hotel el Descanso.

Are there connecting rooms at Hotel el Descanso?

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

What is the closest airport to Hotel el Descanso?

The closest major airport to Hotel el Descanso is San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.), which is 4.4 mi away (16 minutes by car). Another top airport is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is located 10.5 mi away (24-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Hotel el Descanso?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Hotel el Descanso.

Hotel el Descanso Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 53 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I love this hotel. The staff are outstanding is centrally located. It’s just an awesome place.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I highly recommend this Hotel. It is fabulous. The staff were outstanding. The location is great. The room was great. It was wonderful.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cramped, no hot water, thin bed, but very cheap and good location
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lina

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

Great hotel

This is a great hotel. It is in downtown San Jose Costa Rica. The staff was excellent. I highly recommend them.
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was ok cheap
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

Ok

Would have been ok for the price ($25 a night) but there were a lot of cockroaches. I killed a couple dozen.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lina

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

Great place to stay

This hotel is perfect for a traveler who wants to explore downtown San Jose. I highly recommend this hotel. The people were fabulous. The area really wasn’t bad at all and you can walk to downtown. It’s central market just about where you wanted to go so I definitely recommend it. Awesome hotel.
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Hadria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great Place to Stay on a Budget

It is a great place for the price. We stayed there in a pinch when our travel plans didn't go as planned. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The rooms are a bit small, but that's fine if you're just looking for someplace clean to rest for the night on a budget. Also, the two restaurants on the first floor had very good food and great service.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were really nice and helped me out but the rooms were really small. The price was very reasonable.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was okay for the $.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Conny

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

Great location, friendly staff

Friendly and nice staff. Quite comfortable. Very good location, in city center of San Jose, was able to walk everywhere. Supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food are near. Great sodas located on the first floor, under the hotel. Very good price overall. Someone here complained: The hot water is near the beginning of the knob as opposed to the back. There are some roaches in the bathroom and they stayed near there, which is the only downside.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Very clean . Staff do not respond well To tourists . Location for Uber is terrible. Taxis and Uber have trouble finding the Hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradford Chester

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was great. Rooms are very basic but sufficient. The hotel is located close to the downtown area. The neighborhood is safe but looks dumpy and is noisy. Ear plugs help. There are lots of homeless. Overall, this hotel is a good value. There is a lot of food options. Again, the neighborhood will look scary but its actually very safe.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Allen

No English speaking channels on the TV The MTS did not work… frustrating Good clean economical room With private bath.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Yipeng

Liked: Staff & service
Not really worth it considering the price
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Nohemias

Liked: Staff & service
Very very small room too many stairs to get to the room and really near near stairs and very very small bathroom everything's really small I won't stay in a place no more
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Guillermo

N/C
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gustavo A Murillo

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Rooms provide no privacy. Anyone can hear even if you fart. Bed sheets must be replaced [they are washed, but maybe because they're old]. No A/C. And once again, no privacy.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Alexios

Pros: Strong wifi. Bearable for a night or two. Cons: Little insects (baby cockroaches?) in the room at night. Small room. The ceiling fan's switch cord was broken so it was always on with the room's light. Room with window facing the corridor, not outside like the internet photos. Uncomfortable and short mattress. No english speaking staff. No hangers.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

wayne harrison

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
He promised first floor and hot water for $51. I gave $60 cash to hold. When i checked in the room was upstairs. The room down stairs was$71. He said the money was gone so I couldn't have it back. Ater saying I would call the police he said OK for the $60. But no hot water.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jesus

Disliked: Staff & service
There was unseen circumstances and was unable to make it to my room. I let them know ahead of time but they wouldn’t refund me for cancellation.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Delia

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I reserved 2 months before and text them 3 days before to ask about the check in because my flight arrived at 12 am and they answered that there is not problem but when we arrived at midnight under the rain the said: no reservations and no room available, then we had to paid a taxi to another hotel.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Zhong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

budget friendly helpful staff, convenient location

I like the location, halfway between the cathedral and Sabana park. There's always someone at the front desk. The gate is locked, so you ring a bell for someone to open it. Feels safe. I arrived at midnight, and was able to get into my room. I had some problem with an ATM machine, and one lady at the front desk helped me to call the bank. Fan works, but very noisy. Pretty good wifi. Now the negative: no place to hang anything. No cups. Street noise and the door bell are not good for light sleepers. Thin curtain. Overall, worth the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jordan

This hotel is close to the main road in San Jose and the room itself wasn’t too bad for the price but that is where the positives end. It was our first time staying San Jose and the impression that was left with us was a dirty and gross city. Im sure there are nice areas but don’t expect anything better from the area this hotel is in. The walls separating the rooms are like cardboard and we could hear moaning from the sex workers multiple times per night. Other than the moaning the noise from other people in the hotel was also very loud. On our second and final night a man checking in to his room tried to open our door while walking down the hallway. Sleeping here was difficult which is ironic for a hotel called “Hotel el Descanso” and that is why I am leaving behind a bad review.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

giovanna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Cockroach party. Literally felt like I had to beg for room service, towels, toilet paper, garbage changes etc. we literally got in trouble for TALKING the room at late hours. The walls are extremely paper thin. And there is a “window” that faces towards the hallway in the bathroom so all noise carries throughout the building. There is no AC. The worst part of it all was I felt like I was being scammed because when my guest would come visit, one of the staff would charge 5,000 colones and some wouldn’t. So I wasn’t sure if the money was getting pocketed. The hotel is very close to San Jose central market and all the hot spots. But it is located on a weird one way corner that a lot of Ubers have difficulty picking up from therefore they would cancel a lot and no near by taxis :(.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024