Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property | San Jose (San Jose) ★ Book Spa Rooms, Wellness Deals & Guest Reviews

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About the Hotel

7Th Avenue, Between 3Rd And 5Th Street, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, SJO-1000

“The hotel is conveniently nestled near the historic district, making exploration easy.”view full review

Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property, a 3-star boutique hotel, offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, hot tub, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. This historical registered landmark built in 1908 has consistently ranked among the top San Jose (San Jose) hotels for the past 15 years, attracting nearly a million visitors.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms at Hotel Santo Tomas feature a mix of traditional and modern designs, many equipped with flat-screen TVs and private baths. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including spacious suites and economy rooms with garden or city views.

Dining & Nearby Options

The hotel provides a complimentary hot cooked breakfast each morning. Nearby dining options include restaurants such as Amistad Sport Bar & Grill and Restaurante Silvestre, all within 0.5 miles from the hotel.

Services & Local Area

Services at Hotel Santo Tomas include a fitness center, jacuzzi, and free parking for guests. The hotel is located in the historical Barrio Amon district, making it convenient for walking to local attractions, tour pickups, and public bus stations.

Activities & Transportation

Cultural attractions nearby include the National Theatre of Costa Rica and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, both within 0.5 miles. Public transportation options such as bus stations are only a few minutes' walk from the hotel, providing easy access to the greater San Jose area.

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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Economy Double Room

Max:

2 persons

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

room details

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Standard Queen Room

Max:

2 persons

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Shower

room details

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Deluxe Queen Suite

Max:

2 persons

325 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Price and Room Availability

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Getting around

Comprehensive guide to transport options for seamless travel

City Centre

San Jose (San Jose)2000 ft

Airports

Tobias Bolanos International (SYQ) 6.2 mi

Juan Santamaria International (SJO) 11.7 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Well-Equipped Gym

“During my stay, I had the chance to experience the gym/weights room, well-equipped for a full workout. It was a perfect start to my day, allowing me to maintain my fitness routine while on vacation.” view full review

Relaxing Jacuzzi

“I absolutely loved relaxing in the jacuzzi under the San José night sky. It was a good way to unwind after a day of exploring the city, and it added a special touch to my romantic getaway.” view full review

Delicious Breakfast

“The breakfast was a highlight of my stay! Enjoying galleta pinto along with fresh tropical fruits and hot coffee really set a great tone for my mornings. Everything was made to order, and it was just good.” view full review

Comfortably Spacious

“I stayed in a Beautiful Queen Suite, and I was actually surprised by how spacious the room was. It had a lovely balcony where I could enjoy my morning coffee while taking in the atmosphere. The comfortable bed made for a great night's sleep.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Currency exchange
ATM/Cash machine
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Services

Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Water slides

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa lounge
Solarium
Jacuzzi
Facial
Treatment room
Beauty treatment
Body wraps
Open-air bath
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

7Th Avenue, Between 3Rd And 5Th Street, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, SJO-1000

Map view

7Th Avenue, Between 3Rd And 5Th Street, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, SJO-1000

City landmarks

Museum

National Museum of Costa Rica

3400 ft

Museum

Jade Museum

2200 ft

Market

San Jose Central Market

3200 ft

Landmark

Central Park

2600 ft

Church

Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose

2600 ft

Landmark

Santa Teresa

3400 ft

Landmark

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

2500 ft

Church

Church of Our Lady of La Soledad

2800 ft

Park

Parque Nacional

4300 ft

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

2100 ft

Landmark

Mercado Nacional de Artesanias

2800 ft

Museum

Museum of Costa Rican Art

1.5 mi

Store

Chinatown, San Jose

3700 ft

Museum

Kid's museum

2500 ft

Landmark

Pedestrian Mall

2600 ft

Park

Parque Espana

3100 ft

Nearby

Museum

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

1600 ft

Theatre

National Theatre of Costa Rica

2000 ft

Zoo

Simon Bolivar Zoo

1700 ft

Square

Plaza de La Cultura

1600 ft

Event hall

Templo de la Musica

700 ft

Gallery

Galeria Namu

400 ft

Avenidas 3 y 5

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

1800 ft

Avenida 11 Calle 25

Museo Dr. Rafael Calderon Guardia

700 ft

Avenue 9 & Calle 4

Centro Costarricense de Ciencias y Cultura

700 ft

Square

Plaza de las Artes

1200 ft

Square

Plaza Juan Mora Fernandez

1500 ft

Square

Plaza de la Libertad Electoral

1800 ft

Park

Gral Francisco Morazan

3600 ft

Church

Metropolitan Church

1200 ft

Restaurants

Cafe Rojo

300 ft

Avenida 7 Con Calle 3 De la Alianza Francesa

Poas Bar and restaurant

100 ft

Avenida 7

Pops

1600 ft

San jose

Restaurante Criollita Amon

600 ft

Barrio Amon frente al Invu

De Aca

600 ft

Calle 3A entre Avenida 9 y 11

Kashe Cafe Gourmet

1400 ft

Avenida 1

Changuiche

1000 ft

Av. Central

Cafe More

1700 ft

Calle 1 Entre Avs 0 y 1

Pan y Cafe Granier

1300 ft

Calle 2 Between Ave. Central and Ave. 1

Don Juanito

1800 ft

Avenida 1 75 mts este de Correos de Costa Rica

Coffee Beans

1500 ft

Calle Blancos Plaza San Gabriel

La Oliva Verde

1800 ft

Barrio de San Francisco

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.

4.5/5 based on 1160 reviews

#8 of 97 hotels in San Jose based on Tripadvisor

Robert

United States, March 2025

6.0/10

My stay at Hotel Santo Tomas was a mixed bag. The location was central, making it easy to explore San Jose, yet the surrounding area had its concerns at night. The atmosphere of the hotel felt like stepping into an old mansion, though some amenities were a bit dated. Overall, the charm of the hotel and the friendliness of the staff were definitely highlights.

Rooms

6.0

The room was decent in size, but lacked air conditioning. It felt a bit tired and some furnishings seemed outdated. However, I appreciated having a comfortable bed and enough space to relax.

Service

8.0

I found the staff to be very friendly and accommodating. Each interaction was pleasant, and they helped with recommendations around the area and addressing any minor issues I had.

Location

7.0

The hotel is in a central part of San Jose, which was convenient for sightseeing. Still, I felt a bit uneasy when walking around at night due to the sketchy areas nearby.

Dining

5.0

Breakfast options were limited, which I found disappointing. While the food itself tasted good, I wished there were more choices available each morning.

Facilities

7.0

Certain facilities like the hot tub and pool were nice, though the pool water was chilly. I did appreciate having free parking available, which made my stay easier.

Glen

United States, February 2025

5.8/10

I had a pleasant stay at Hotel Santo Tomas, although there were some hiccups. The central location made it easy to explore downtown San Jose, and the staff were friendly and genuinely helpful. My room was clean, but I found the lighting a bit harsh. The breakfast was delicious, featuring fresh fruits and wonderful jams, which I truly enjoyed.

Rooms

8.0

The room was spacious and clean, but the lighting could be improved.

Service

8.0

The staff were accommodating and offered helpful advice regarding local transport.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location is perfect for getting out-and-about, close to the city center without too much noise.

Dining

10.0

Breakfast offered a nice blend of Costa Rican food and American treats, with fresh fruits and delicious jams.

Facilities

8.0

The pool and garden were good, although I found the gym lacking in updated equipment.

Steve

United States, December 2024

6.4/10

I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Santo Tomas, enjoying the charm of this historical hotel. The service was excellent, with Thomas, the owner, providing great travel advice and personal touches during breakfast. However, the breakfast itself could use improvement, as it was simple and lacked variety. Overall, it's a lovely boutique hotel that offers a unique experience, but there's room for enhancement in dining options.

Rooms

10.0

I stayed in a spacious first floor room, which was very clean and updated with comfy beds. It had an elegant atmosphere, reflecting the hotel's historical roots.

Service

10.0

The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Thomas made an effort to connect with guests, which added a personal touch to my stay.

Location

9.0

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown San Jose, making it easy to explore local attractions, though the surrounding area felt a bit rough at night.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was made to order, but I found it disappointing with limited options and a lack of variety. Some fresh fruits and delicious jams were nice, but overall, it could be better.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel features a hot tub and fitness center, creating a relaxing environment, though I wished it had a bar on-site to enjoy.

Joseph

United States, December 2024

5.6/10

Hotel Santo Tomas is charming and has a character that's really appealing, but its location can be a bit unsettling at night. I enjoyed the friendly service, and the breakfast in the lovely garden was a highlight, though the options were limited. However, the lack of clear signage made it hard to find initially, and the cleanliness could use some improvement.

Rooms

6.0

My room was of adequate size but had a musty smell, and I had trouble with the shower leaking on the floor. I didn't have air conditioning or heating, which would have been nice. The comfort of the bed, however, made up for some of those issues.

Service

9.0

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always eager to assist and provide advice. I had a good interaction regarding our wedding arrangements, which made our special day even better.

Location

5.0

The hotel's location is convenient for exploring downtown during the day, but walking back at night felt unsafe. I wouldn't recommend venturing out alone after dark since the area seems to quiet down.

Dining

6.0

Breakfast had nice options like fresh fruit and pastries, but I found the coffee and some dishes lacking. I would have preferred more variety and better quality overall.

Facilities

7.0

The small pool was nice for a quick dip, and the hot tub was fun, but the overall cleanliness of the facilities could be improved. There's also a good level of security on the hotel.

Cecil

United States, October 2024

6.0/10

Hotel Santo Tomas has a charming atmosphere with its historical architecture and beautifully preserved details. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, offering personalized attention. However, my experience wasn't entirely smooth due to the initial room issue we faced, which required some negotiation to resolve. Overall, it was a pleasant stay enriched by the local ambiance and comfortable common areas.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms are spacious and well-maintained with a lovely old-world charm. I started with a room that didn't meet my expectations, but the staff quickly assisted in moving me to a room with a better view. I appreciated the cleanliness and character of the accommodations, though keep in mind that some rooms may lack windows, which could be a downside for certain guests.

Service

10.0

The service was really good; the staff, especially Ephraim, were always cheerful and attentive. They helped with everything from room changes to providing local tips. The owner, Thomas, personally made it a point to engage with guests, further enhancing my experience.

Location

8.0

The location is quite central, making it easy to explore San Jose on foot. I found that I could reach parks and historic sites in just a few minutes. However, while close to some attractions, the immediate area felt a bit mixed in terms of safety, so I stayed alert when wandering out.

Dining

9.0

Breakfast was a highlight, with fresh and delicious options daily. I appreciated the small-scale cooking, which means everything is made to order, though it sometimes required a bit of patience. The fruit and coffee were especially good!

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offers lovely communal spaces and a relaxing pool area, which I enjoyed during mornings and evenings. While there are not many amenities typical of larger hotels, the charm and history made up for it.