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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

  • We had a really exceptional trip.  The mix of beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife made it a real adventure and yet the logistics made it achievable and stress free. Costa…

    GP, Warwick Jul 2015
  • It is difficult to single out any one part as being most memorable. For me (as a geologist) the trip to Poas Volcano was great. The ziplining at Punta Islita…

    RH, Peterborough Mar 2016
  • Most memorable experience: "Diversity of the country. Outstanding bird life and flora and fauna.Very friendly and helpful people."

    RC, Lymington Feb 2015
  • Highlights?: Seeing the Quetzal with Carlos; finding the MotMot on our own at La Quinta; seeing the Eyelash Pit Viper on the Hanging Bridges trip; all of the 5 days…

    MCB, Stockport Mar 2017
  • Most memorable experiences:Seeing the turtles nesting in Tortugero, the magical Tortugero national park and Monteverde.  We also loved Tamarindo to chill and surf!

    EdVC, London Aug 2015
  • Highlight?: Visit to Tortuguero was exciting and remote. Rancho Margot was our favourite accommodation. It was a privilege to visit this beautiful country. 

    MC, Arlesly Apr 2018
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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.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • 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.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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