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Summary of reviewsHotel Santo Tomas, a historical property located in the heart of San José, offers a highly praised overall experience characterized by its excellent location, warm hospitality, and charming amenities. Its strategic placement within walking distance of major cultural attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant city. Guests appreciate its picturesque setting, combining historic architecture with a peaceful ambiance despite being in the city center. The hotel's attentive staff, including the owner Thomas, adds to the welcoming atmosphere by providing valuable local insights and maintaining a clean environment throughout the premises.
The hotel's breakfast service is well-received, offering a flavorful start to the day with traditional Costa Rican dishes in a serene poolside setting. Dinner at the hotel is equally delightful, with authentic menu options and praised seafood offerings, all served in a cozy, inviting restaurant atmosphere.
Rooms at Hotel Santo Tomas blend colonial elegance with modern comforts, featuring high ceilings and bright spaces, especially on the upper floors with balconies. Cleanliness is a standout feature, appreciated by guests across the property, which includes a well-maintained pool and jacuzzi area set in a beautiful courtyard.
Additional amenities such as a quaint gym, reliable Wi-Fi, and ample secure parking enhance the convenience and comfort of staying at this historical establishment. These features, along with the family-friendly environment and supportive accommodations for travelers with children, make the hotel a top choice for those seeking a mix of heritage charm and modern hospitality in Costa Rica's capital. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
This historical property offers a unique and charming atmosphere, with beautifully decorated rooms and personalized service. Its central location and cultural significance add to the romantic experience.
Hotel with Spa
This hotel provides an on-site salon and spa where guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments. It also features a hot tub, an outdoor pool with a waterslide, and a dedicated spa lounge.
Family Friendly Hotel
This historical property provides a unique stay with comfortable accommodations. It is a good option for families interested in history and culture.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Located on 7th Avenue between street 3 and 5, this hotel is centrally located. This provides easy access to various bars and clubs. The hotel's location ensures you're close to the city's entertainment options.
3-Star Hotel
Located on 7th Avenue between street 3 and 5, this historical property offers a unique lodging experience. Its historical significance and central location make it an appealing choice for those interested in San Jose's heritage.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This historical property offers an outdoor pool and a hot tub set within a charming garden. A waterslide is also available for recreation.
Historic Hotel
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Room Types
Economy Double RoomThis economy room has a small seating area with a table and chair, flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom.
Standard Queen RoomLocated on the 1st floor of the original building, this spacious room has a queen-size bed and a small seating area with a table and 2 chairs. It offers flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom.
Superior Queen RoomLocated on the 2nd floor of the new building, this spacious room has a queen-size bed and a small seating area with a table and 2 chairs. It offers flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom.
Superior Queen Room with Two Queen BedsLocated on the 1st floor of the original building, this spacious room has high ceilings and hardwood floors, 2 queen-size beds and a small seating area with a table and 2 chairs. It offers a large flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies) .
Deluxe Queen SuiteLocated on the 2nd floor of the new building, this stylish modern suite has a queen-size bed and a balcony with stunning views. It offers flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom.
Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen BedsLocated on the 2nd floor of the new building, this spacious room has high ceilings and hardwood floors, 2 queen-size beds and a small seating area with a table and 2 chairs. It offers flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom.
Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies).
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Hotel Santo Tomas, a historical property nestled in the heart of San José, offers a strategic location that is highly praised in guest reviews. This charming hotel provides a perfect base for those eager to explore the vibrant city and its wealth of cultural attractions. Situated within walking distance of downtown, it grants easy access to major museums, the bustling central market, and iconic neighborhoods. Its ultra-central position is complemented by convenient proximity to local amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shops.
The hotel's location is noted for being both practical and picturesque, with many guests appreciating the short stroll to attractions and the pedestrian-friendly areas nearby. The historic architecture of the property adds to the ambiance, making it more than just a place to stay, but a part of the city's rich heritage. Despite its central location, the hotel maintains a sense of peace and security, offering private parking for guests and a quiet retreat amidst the urban hustle.
While immersed in the city's core, Hotel Santo Tomas stands out as an oasis with well-maintained facilities, including a pool, jacuzzi, and comfortable communal spaces. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the experience, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and valued. In sum, the hotel's prime location, coupled with its historical charm and excellent amenities, makes it a standout choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the culture and excitement of San José.
Breakfast
Nestled in a historical setting, Hotel Santo Tomas offers guests an experience enriched by its charming ambiance and inviting breakfast service. The breakfast included in the stay lives up to a generally positive reception, with many guests highlighting the flavorful options available each morning. The service is warmly complemented by a host who engages with guests during breakfast, adding a personal touch to the experience. Guests appreciate the variety of the made-to-order breakfasts, particularly the traditional Costa Rican offerings such as gallo pinto, eggs, and fresh fruit, served poolside.
Though the breakfast is not lavish, it is regarded as satisfying. The options included in the complimentary breakfast cater well to those looking for a hearty start to their day, proving particularly beneficial for guests who prefer a gluten-free diet. Guests mention that the breakfasts are plentiful enough to fuel their day but note that they could sometimes benefit from additional choices. Despite occasional feedback on the simplicity of the offerings, the quality is recognized as being excellent, with fresh ingredients and attentive preparation praised.
Moreover, the breakfast venue by the pool adds to the pleasure of dining at the hotel, suggesting a serene, restful way to begin each day. The overall breakfast experience at Hotel Santo Tomas draws appreciation, especially in comparison to many American hotels, where options might be more limited in variety. For travelers seeking both comfort and a touch of local flavor in their morning meals, Hotel Santo Tomas provides a pleasant and adequately delightful start to the day.
Dinner
Nestled within the historical charm of Hotel Santo Tomas, the dining experience offers a notable culinary journey for guests. The restaurant consistently receives praise for its excellent dinner offerings, with many guests highlighting the authentic dishes and especially applauding the seafood selections like the sea bass. The evening menu is celebrated for its variety, ensuring that diners have a delightful culinary adventure with every visit. Patrons frequently comment on the superb quality of the meals, underscored by great service and excellent pricing that make the dining experience both enjoyable and convenient. The cozy restaurant setting within the hotel further enhances the appeal, providing a perfect spot to unwind and relish an evening meal.
Rooms
Hotel Santo Tomas, a historical property, offers a distinctive blend of old-world charm and modern comforts in the heart of San José. Guests regularly commend the spaciousness of the rooms, with high ceilings and tasteful decor that artfully balance colonial elegance and contemporary amenities. Rooms on the upper floors, particularly those with balconies, are highlighted for their bright and airy atmosphere, offering pleasant views of the inner garden and pool area.
Comfortable beds and meticulous cleanliness are common themes across reviews, contributing to a restful experience. Although some rooms carry an older aesthetic, they are generally well maintained, providing guests with a comfortable and cozy environment. Modern necessities like ceiling fans and flat-screen TVs are thoughtfully included, ensuring a pleasant stay.
The central location is another appreciated feature, granting easy access to San José's main streets, parks, and attractions. Despite a few concerns about lighting and noise in certain areas, most find the hotel's location convenient and its amenities satisfactory. The hospitality and reception from the staff are generally positive, although experiences can vary.
Overall, Hotel Santo Tomas offers great value for those looking to experience a mix of historical charm and modern convenience, making it a recommended choice for travelers visiting Costa Rica’s capital.
Beds
Hotel Santo Tomas, renowned for its historical charm, generally receives positive feedback regarding the comfort of its beds. Guests frequently describe the beds as comfortable, with many appreciating the ability to enjoy a restful night's sleep. The rooms are often noted for being spacious and clean, contributing to an overall sense of comfort during their stay. Cleanliness, along with a supportive and friendly staff, enhances the guest experience. While some mention that the beds could use improvement, the consensus appears to lean towards satisfaction with bed quality. Overall, the emphasis on comfort and cleanliness helps ensure a pleasant stay for travelers.
Cleanliness
Hotel Santo Tomas, a historical property with distinct old-world charm, is remarkable for its outstanding cleanliness. Guests frequently praise the establishment's meticulous attention to maintaining a spotless environment throughout the property, from rooms to common areas. This commitment to cleanliness enhances the hotel's cozy and comfortable atmosphere, with warm and friendly staff adding to the welcoming feel. While the historic building retains many original features, such as beautiful tiled floors and high ceilings, it remains in excellent condition. Amenities like a jacuzzi, pool, and hot tub are also impeccably clean, contributing to the overall guest satisfaction. The hotel's convenient location, within walking distance to the city center, makes it an appealing choice for travelers seeking both comfort and proximity to local attractions. Despite occasional notes on renovation needs and minor issues with fixtures, the hotel’s dedication to cleanliness and upkeep is evident, offering guests a pleasant stay in a setting that combines history with modern hospitality standards.
Staff
Hotel Santo Tomas truly shines because of its exceptional staff, who consistently create a welcoming and attentive atmosphere for guests. Visitors frequently commend the friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness of both the staff and the owner, Thomas. Thomas stands out not only for his warmth but also for his active involvement, frequently interacting with guests and providing valuable advice on local attractions. The reception team is noted for their professionalism and willingness to offer recommendations on dining and sightseeing, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The staff's fluency in both English and Spanish further enhances their ability to assist guests effectively. Overall, the dedicated staff plays a vital role in making guests feel at home, contributing significantly to the hotel's charm and appeal.
Wi-Fi
The Hotel Santo Tomas, renowned for its historical charm, offers a generally reliable and positive Wi-Fi experience for guests. Reviews highlight that the Wi-Fi is stable, works well, and in many instances, is described as excellent. The hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi, which is appreciated by visitors, and it is often included with secure parking facilities. Most guests find the internet to be fast and reliable, especially in the rooms, enabling them to surf the web with ease. However, a few reviews note occasional slow speeds and weak signals, indicating that while the Wi-Fi is generally good, there might be room for improvement. Overall, the Wi-Fi tends to meet the expectations of those looking to stay connected during their visit.
Spa
Hotel Santo Tomas offers visitors a quaint sanctuary in its historical property, featuring a delightful swimming pool and relaxing jacuzzi set against the backdrop of a charming garden. Those who have enjoyed the amenities have praised the immaculate cleanliness of both the pool and the jacuzzi. These facilities, although modest in size, provide an inviting retreat for guests seeking to refresh or unwind. The grounds are described as beautiful, adding to the serene ambiance. The hotel, while maintaining its historical charm, ensures the comfort and security of its guests with well-kept facilities including a weight room. Despite some nominal confusion about the availability of a spa, the pool and jacuzzi remain standout features, offering pleasant bonuses for those looking to relax during their stay.
Gym
The Hotel Santo Tomas, a historical property, features a quaint gym that appears to pleasantly surprise its guests. While not modern, the gym is functional with equipment that works well. It's particularly noted for its size, being described as small, yet it seems to be well-equipped. The gym, alongside a pool and jacuzzi, is an added bonus for visitors seeking relaxation and fitness options on the premises. Guests appreciate the quiet ambiance of the gym and hot tub at night, contributing to a peaceful stay. The combination of gym, pool, and jacuzzi presents a varied exercise and leisure offering, enhancing the overall experience at the hotel.
Pool
Nestled within the bustling city center, the Hotel Santo Tomas offers a charming escape with its inviting pool area. Despite its compact size, the pool is thoughtfully designed, featuring a unique slide and an adjacent jacuzzi that guests have consistently praised. This well-maintained area offers a serene oasis from the urban hustle, providing a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The beautifully landscaped courtyard enhances the experience, offering ample space to unwind with cozy sitting areas and inviting surroundings.
The pool area is not just a visual delight but serves as a refreshing respite from the city's heat, making it a cherished feature of the hotel. Guests also appreciate the cleanliness and upkeep of the pool and jacuzzi, often highlighting these amenities as highlights of their stay. The addition of a small gym and delicious breakfast further complements the restful atmosphere, making it a favored spot for both families and solo travelers looking for a soothing break in the heart of the city.
Parking
Hotel Santo Tomas, a historical property located in downtown San José, offers an impressive range of parking options that are highly praised by guests. The convenience of having secure and private parking in such a central location is a standout feature, especially given the challenge of finding parking in the area. Many guests appreciate the ample, gated parking garage, noting that it adds a significant sense of safety during their stay. The parking is described as easily accessible and well-protected, though some guests mention that the entrance may not be obvious at night.
The availability of parking, either included or at a reasonable fee, is considered a major asset, contributing to the convenience and comfort of traveling with a vehicle in the bustling city center. Additionally, the flexibility in allowing guests to park for a few more hours after checkout enhances the overall convenience. Despite the minor complexities of navigating entry at night, the secure parking facilities remain a highly valued feature by guests, providing peace of mind and ease of access amidst the vibrant downtown surroundings.
Family
Hotel Santo Tomas, a historical property with a charming atmosphere, proves to be an ideal destination for families traveling with children. The hotel offers numerous cozy sitting areas, perfect for unwinding in the evenings while the little ones drift off to sleep. Families are a focus at this family-run hotel, where guest services create a welcoming and inclusive environment, giving visitors the feel of being part of one loving community. The property boasts great rooms that cater to various types of travelers, whether families, single adventurers, or business professionals.
The courtyard is a standout feature, particularly adored by children, as it houses a pool/spa and an exciting water slide. It is not uncommon to spot young couples with kids enjoying every moment, making lasting memories together. Families who have stayed here, including groups as large as eight people, continue to share fond stories about their experiences, indicating the hotel's remarkable ability to leave a lasting impression. For those seeking a family-friendly lodging with a personal touch, Hotel Santo Tomas comes highly recommended.
3 Star
Nestled in the heart of downtown San Jose, Hotel Santo Tomas presents a charming combination of historic allure and modern comfort. This restored old mansion boasts lovely sitting areas and a small, inviting pool that embodies the quaint charm of an authentic residence. The property's standout feature is its exceptional customer service, led by owner Tomas, who is known for his personal approach and dedication to guest satisfaction. The staff members are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience.
While some comments mention the hotel’s dated appearance, many guests appreciate its quaint charm, reminiscent of a nostalgic dwelling. Despite lacking a luxury rating, the hotel offers a compelling stay for those on a reasonable budget, presenting excellent value for money. It's especially recommended for short stays or brief stopovers, appealing to a variety of guests such as families, couples, backpackers, and those on business trips.
Guests frequently note the hotel's proximity to San Jose’s attractions, highlighting its practical location. Though minor qualms about breakfast options and some dated features are mentioned, overall satisfaction with the comfort level and atmosphere is echoed in many reviews, with several guests affirming they would visit again.
Hotel Santo Tomas emerges as a good budget-friendly option for travelers seeking a blend of historic charm and cordial service, an inviting alternative to the conventional chain hotel experience.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of downtown San Jose, Hotel Santo Tomas stands as a historical gem that captivates guests with its charming old-world ambiance. Originally a coffee plantation owner's mansion from circa 1915, this beautifully remodeled property retains its colonial architecture while offering modern comforts. The hotel's impressive details, including lovely tiled floors and restored wood features, contribute to its character, making it a pleasant stay for those who appreciate historical significance.
The building itself boasts a personality and charm that few accommodation facilities in Costa Rica can match. It represents an oasis amidst the bustling city, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat while still being steps away from important sites. The ambiance reflects a bygone era, with decor and tile work that impress throughout the hotel. Guests appreciate the lovingly maintained property, highlighting both its historical importance and its role as an ideal base for exploring San Jose's vibrant cultural scene.
Hotel Santo Tomas offers an inviting blend of old-world elegance and modern hospitality, living up to its reputation as a historical property. This hidden gem provides guests with the unique experience of staying in a building full of character and charm, with beautiful rooftop terraces enhancing the view and feel of the rooms. As an example of well-preserved architecture and historic charm, the hotel continues to draw travelers seeking a genuinely charming stay in a historical setting.
Yes, Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property.
No, Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property.
Yes, Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property has a gym.