Hotel Presidente
Hotel Presidente has been a presence for four generations – from its roots in the world of fashion to its enduring emphasis on authentic Costa Rican hospitality. The name came from a visit from one of the most famous Presidents of recent time, JFK. During his visit to Costa Rica, the owners of the building walked outside to witness his convoy come past, and hear a number of bystanders remarking on the construction, speculating that it was a hotel being built in honour of the President. At that moment, the fate of the building was changed from a boutique, to the ‘Hotel Presidente’.
hotel presidente san jose
The hotel has a strategic location; it is located in the heart of the capital where you will have the experience to feel like a local. Strolling the downtown avenues, relaxing in the parks and feeling the vigorous energy and buzz provided by the edgy new boutiques, bars and restaurants opening just about every day.
At Hotel Presidente, this dream becomes reality. The full-service hotel offers an incomparable location in the centre of it all, literally seconds away from the city’s most legendary landmarks, as well as a flourishing cultural vibe – all for incredible value.
- Located in the heart of San José
- Laundry Service and Room Service
- Complementary WiFi
- No cancellation fees
- Restaurant “Azotea Calle 7” on the rooftop of the hotel
- Cardio room
- Pets are welcome (1 per room)
- Vibrant nightlife
Story
Now an iconic landmark in San Jose. The hotel’s origins are a rather different story. Samuel the founder of polish origin, found himself in Costa Rica after being unable to enter the United States due to restrictions on Jewish immigrants in the late 1920s. Originally, working as a door to door salesman. Samuel had a passion for art and Fashion, founding “La Dama Elegante” a boutique which introduced international trends to Costa Rica.
Samuel didn’t stop there and initially planned to build an apartment building within San Jose. Things quickly changed when the then American President visited, with spectators presuming the new construction was in honour of the President. The building’s fate was completely changed and a hotel was erected with the name “The Hotel Presidente”.
With Samuel’s love of art, the hotel came to represent a “glamourous lifestyle, excellent personal relations and great attention to detail”. Hosting renowned celebrities over the years and being the stage for several important events. Although, surviving more testing times during the late 20th century. Hotel Presidente underwent an impressive revitalisation. Now, a symbol of old and new, the hotel makes its own transformations keeping in tact the building’s original character and spirit into the new age of sustainable tourism.
The rooms at Hotel Presidente are among the most spacious hotel accommodation in downtown San José, ideal for business trips, weekend getaways and family holidays.
The Hotel Presidente’s standard rooms are the ideal place to relax and recover after a day of exploration. Complete with an immaculate bathroom, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and flat- screen TVs. Be sure to make the most of the delicious breakfast included in the rate. These rooms are available with a king bed, twin double beds or double bed and twin beds.
Amenities
- Desk
- Wake up service
- Airport-Hotel-Airport private transfer
- Dry-cleaning and laundry service (surcharge)
- Sound-proof windows
- Toiletries
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Television
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Free safe
- Free Wi-Fi Internet
- Tiled floor
The Hotel Presidente’s superior rooms offer a spacious feel complete with comfortable bed(s) and a small living room to rest your tired feet after a day of travelling or exploring. These rooms are available with either a double bed or twin double beds.
Amenities
- Desk
- Wake-up service
- Airport-Hotel-Airport private transfer
- Dry-cleaning and laundry service (surcharge)
- Sound-proof windows
- Toiletries
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Television
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Free safe
- Free Wi-Fi Internet
- Tiled floor
- Small living room
- Hot Tub
The Concept Rooms at Hotel Presidente offer a true representation of Costa Rican art and culture. Designed in an open-plan format and decorated with magnificent Costa Rican works of art, these rooms boast a comfortable sitting area and floor-to-ceiling windows which open up onto Spanish style balconies. These rooms are available with a double bed.
Amenities
- Desk
- Wake-up service
- Airport-Hotel-Airport private transfer
- Dry-cleaning and laundry service (surcharge)
- Sound-proof windows
- Toiletries
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Television
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Free safe
- Free Wi-Fi Internet
- Tiled floor
- Sitting area
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Spanish style balcony
Las Americas restaurant is full of character and history with historical items on display. Open just for breakfast, guests can enjoy a buffet continental breakfast with a large array of freshly cooked food and gluten-free options available.
A hidden gem situated on the roof top of the Hotel Presidente, Azoteca Calle 7 bar and restaurant can be accessed via an elevator or walking up a couple flights of stairs.
A perfect shelter away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re wanting to enjoy the breeze and the view of the mountains that enclose the Central Valley from the outdoor terrace, or take a seat inside where the atmosphere shifts to a modern vibe, both can be done with a signature cocktail in hand or if you’re a bit more on the peckish side, a light meal crafted by the in-house chef.
Downtown San Jose is currently undergoing an exhilarating cultural revitalization, and Hotel Presidente is one of the most convenient destinations for experiencing this growth firsthand. Step onto Central Avenue Pedestrian Boulevard and visit the myriad of museums, churches, parks, and points of interest around the corner. Set off on a bar hopping adventure to sample the thriving artisan beer scene. The hotel will be happy to arrange a half- or full-day tour for you as well – just contact their helpful concierge.
Regarding touristic sites, guests can take full day tours to some close volcanos such as Irazul Volcano, Poas, Volcano and Arenal Volcano. In addition, there are adventure and culture tours like Canopy, Rafting, Coffee Tours, Chocolate tours, ATV among others.
Hotel Presidente are dedicated to generating change and making the world a better place through awareness, activism and volunteerism. All this is shown through the many causes they are part of in San José and beyond.
- Dormitorio Municipal is a shelter run by a local foundation, where women and men living in the streets of San José can rest, enjoy a warm meal, get clean, learn skills and regain the confidence to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient.
- Hotel Presidente offers a “Dollar for Dollar” program, in which they match every dollar that their guests donate to the shelter.
- Members of staff visit the dormitory frequently to volunteer, serve meals and provide other services where necessary.
After school centres for kids in high- risk neighbourhoods where they can learn, play, snack and rest safely. This project enables at-risk kids to play safely while their parents work, helping families to gain independence and the help they need in order to succeed. Hotel Presidente has committed to a “Dollar for Dollar” program with Asoni, where they match every dollar that their guests donate. The staff visit the centre frequently, especially on special occasions such as birthdays.
Hotel Presidente also buys clay piggy banks and supplies and brings them to the centre for the children to paint, which are then sold at the hotel with 100 percent of the proceeds being given back to the centre.
Hotel Presidente has been awarded a “4 leaf” rating by the Costa Rican Tourist Board’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program. A program which recognises tourism organisations that are dedicated to environmental, social and cultural resources.
Magic Trees is an organisation that is dedicated to appreciating and preserving the natural beauty of trees by reconnecting people with nature. Hotel Presidente’s relationship with Árboles Mágicos is their most recent social responsibility initiative. “This organisation offers everything from guided tours to events and performances, celebrating the importance of trees as an integral part of our culture.”
The hotel sells the exquisite picture books edited by Árboles Mágicos, with astounding images from renowned nature photographers –a great gift or memento of your Costa Rican travels. All the proceeds from the sales go directly back to the organisation.
Child friendly