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Grano de Oro

  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
  • Grano de Oro
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An atmospheric and elegant converted colonial mansion in one of central San José's most stylish buildings.

The delightful Grano de Oro oozes charm on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Paseo Colón, the capital’s main thoroughfare. The heart of downtown San José is only a short taxi ride away.

The hotel occupies a converted turn-of-the-century mansion, and its corridors are adorned with period photographs as well as paintings by local artists, while the interior courtyards are studded with tropical plants and fountains.

The guest rooms and suites are elegant and well-appointed and some of the higher categories come with their own private patio. A secluded rooftop terrace has a couple of hot tubs and some sun loungers, as well as a small gym.

The hotel’s restaurant is regarded as one of the best in San José and frequented by well-to-do Costa Ricans. Guests can dine in the central courtyard or an intimate dining room and sample a refined menu heavily influenced by French and European cuisine and accompanied by an extensive wine list.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Commitment to Eco-Tourism and Respect for local people evident throughout

    MD, Southam Feb 2010
  • Although the transfers were quite long the mix between eg driving and taking a boat were good and made us feel we really saw the country. 

    ME May 2011
  • Everything felt "easy" and stress free. The most memorable aspect was driving through fantastic scenery, so much to see!

    AF, Cardiff May 2012
  • Highlight: All of Osa - the guided walks in the forest, the early bird-watching trip, the food, watching spider monkeys from the beach and toucans from the balconies, the friendly…

    DH, London Feb 2016
  • Costa Rica is too beautiful to miss!

    PC, Moreton-in-Marsh Jan 2012
  • Most memorable experience: "The helpfulness of the guides and the appreciation they showed for us making the effort to visit their countries."

    SD, Horsham Dec 2014
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Our Expert's Opinion

Paul Winrow Giffin
Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

Papagaio

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

  • JLA
    Julia Golden - Travel Expert

    Julia’s passion for Latin America was sparked during an unforgettable year-long journey that began in Brazil and continued all the way to Mexico. Along the way, she experienced the continent in many different ways, from vibrant cities and remote villages to breathtaking landscapes and hidden natural wonders. Exploring such a diverse range of destinations gave her a deep appreciation for the region’s cultures, people and scenery, and inspired her love of creating memorable travel experiences for others.

  • Steve Yates
    Steve Yates - Travel Expert

    Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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