travel

Grand Hotel Hilton, San Jose, Costa Rica

November 2, 2022 /

Staying in San Jose was quite a different experience than staying in the country side and nature. The first evening was an adjustment as we arrived at our hotel Sunday night. There were many people hanging out in the plazas near the hotel, people in line for different things and no nature in sight. The hotel though was quite beautiful and luxurious and we used our hotel points to book our room. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Hilton in San Jose.

We missed the turn for the hotel entrance and valet so we had to go around the block but were thankful we did not have to worry about parking the car ourselves. The room was nice and large and had a little treat waiting for us on the table.

Our room was spacious and I really like the bathroom: it might have been the prettiest I have stayed at in a Hilton. Nothing beats breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria in New Orleans but the tradional Costa Rican breakfast offerings here were quite delicious.

Our stay included free breakfast which was delicious (see my food post here) and happy hour. I enjoyed a passion fruit mojito both evenings.

The view was really pretty (we had the same view from our bedroom from a lower level). This is the National Theater.

We went to the Artisan Market (a couple block away) the day we left to buy some souvenirs. It is the perfect place to get some fun things (bags, chocolates, towels, knick knacks) and cheaper than other spots where they sold souvenirs. The market has many vendors and is in an indoor building. We arrived just as it opened and many vendors were just opening shop.

The above wheel is a design that you see on old Costa Rican ox carts. It is a typical Costa Rican design and are a symbol of the spirit of the country. The art of painting ox cart wheels is a tradition and a symbol of the people. They represent labor and tells the story of a people who finds ways to bring beauty in their sacrifices (you can read more about the ox carts here).

I think the boys would have liked the lobby! We probably won’t stay here again in the future just because we liked being outside the city much better. There are several Hilton locations in San Jose that are on the outskirts that would appeal to us more than this location.

We spent a little time exploring around us before heading for our day adventure: visiting a coffee plantation and a waterfall garden: you will read about those soon!

A bientôt!

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