Calle 30 between Avenidas 2 and 4,
San José, Costa Rica
Run to exacting standards by a hands–on Canadian couple, this historic urban gem exudes calm and a graciousness on a level otherwise entirely lacking within the capital city, while the recently enhanced restaurant in a newly constructed addition is also San José's best.
A clever metamorphosis of two adjoining and rambling colonial–era wooden mansions, Hotel Grano de Oro makes good use of its yesteryear feel, while an ambitious addition completed in late 2006 blends seamlessly into the older structures.
Despite its near–perfect location just blocks from the airport freeway and just two blocks from San José's major thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is situated in a relatively peaceful quarter of town and within walking distance of downtown. The restricted parking facilities that marred the former entrance have been alleviated by the addition of a separate parking lot across the street, and the reconfigured reception offers a more stylish first impression. In fact, the boldly contemporary lobby is an intentionally striking and sophisticated statement: framed by water cascades and towering glass–walled columns, a staircase leads to automatic sliding glass doors opening to a bamboo–walled lobby.
 To the left, gleaming wood–paneled walls open to an airy courtyard restaurant lush with planters and enclosed by an elegant interior dining space and bar. The restaurant extends to the upper level, where banqueting rooms exude a sumptuousness combining contemporary and classical elegance. Costa Rica's social and political elite have long favored this hotel as a preferred dining experience, and the new restaurant immediately established its credentials as the place to see and be seen. Gourmands, too, will thrill to the Costa Rican nouvelle cuisine.
Guest quarters line rambling wood–bedecked hallways graced by period prints, bromeliads in classical urns, and colorful fresh–cut floral displays. Understandably, given the hotel's origins as twin upscale homes, accommodations vary markedly in size and layout. All except the suites are done up in the same taupe and creams found throughout public areas, with either maroon or cobalt–blue schemes. Oriental throw rugs adorn glistening hardwood floors, and furnishings feature handcrafted armoires, coffee–tables and black wicker chairs and/or sofas. Wooden ceilings (many of them beamed) have fans to complement state–of–the–art air conditioning. Down pillows, high–thread–count linens as soft as a sigh, and rich–fabric comforters ensure a  comfortable night's sleep. Some rooms open through French doors to small private courtyards thick with lush ferns and bromeliads fed by water cascades or fountains. Gleaming bathrooms (some skylit) boast blue–fringed white tiles, brass faucets, and plenty of steaming hot water in either tub–showers or tub–shower combos––some bathrooms are small, yet their lovely designs and impeccable cleanliness make amends. Avoid the two rooms facing the street on the north side, where traffic noise can intrude.
A highlight here is the staff, many of whom have served loyally since the hotel's opening in 1989. Mustard keen, sharply turned out, and always friendly, they perform with an obvious and exemplary desire to please guests under the watchful eye of delightful owners, Eldon and Lori Cooke.
Web Address: www.hotelgranodeoro.com
Total Number of Rooms: 32
Published rates: $95 to $260
Review and photos by Christopher Baker
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