In the capital city of San José, Costa Rica, Hotel Santo Tomas stands out as a comfortable, convenient and affordable choice in the historic neighborhood of Barrio Amon. Old-fashioned hospitality meets modern amenities in a restored and updated French Victorian mansion.
Upstairs rooms have a balcony overlooking a heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Garden terraces and common seating areas scattered throughout are designed to invite guests to commune with fellow travelers and relax with a cup of coffee, all while enjoying a view of the city.
There is also a fitness center, and Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel. The on-site restaurant, El Oasis, serves excellent fare all day long, and there is happy hour at the bar each day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hotel Santo Tomas — Photo courtesy of Sophia LaMonica
Hotel Santo Tomas is located within easy access to all the of San Jose's best attractions. Just down the street is the Jade Museum and Parque Morazan. Around the corner is the original Costa Rican restaurant La Criollita. And the tiny storefront of Galeria Namu is tucked just a block away. Hotel Santo Tomas is also within walking distance to Avenida Central and the National Museum.
In addition to being ideally located for exploring the city, the hotel encourages guests to wander further afield. Arranging tours and excursions around the country is one of the hotel's specialties, as is arranging car rental for those who dare to drive the city's hilly maze of unmarked streets.
You can book day and overnight trips to Tortuguero National Park to check out the sea turtles; Arenal Volcano, with its bubbling hot springs at its base; or Orosi Valley, where the lush Lankester Botanical Garden and majestic Irazu Volcano await.
Adventurous types can arrange whitewater rafting down the Rio Pacuare and zip lining through the rainforest canopy. And, a bonus: If you don't want to lug your baggage around, Hotel Santo Tomas will store your belongings for you while you're gone.
A few words to the wise:
Download a free map of San José and nearby attractions on Hotel Santo Tomas' website.
According to Costa Rica's new anti-smoking laws, smoking in any hotel room is forbidden by law.
Find Hotel Santo Tomas on Avenida 7 between Calles 3 and 5, 250 meters west of the INS Building in Barrio Amon.
Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made online. Rates begin around $50 and include breakfast. Major credit cards are accepted.
