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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

  • Highlights: Bird watching at Tortuguero and snorkelling on the reef in Belize which was simply amazing.

    GW, Winchester Dec 2015
  • Costa Rica is too beautiful to miss!

    PC, Moreton-in-Marsh Jan 2012
  • Highlight?: Tortoguero without a doubt-felt truly isolate in the rain forest and it was breathtaking in terms of the biodiversity.

    SW, Surbiton Mar 2018
  • Most memorable experience: “Very difficult to be specific but an eclectic selection would include:- Boat trip excursion with excellent guide from Tortuga Lodge; Singer/Musician at Dinner at Arenal Nayara Hotel;…

    VB, Sloane Sqaure Feb 2013
  • 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
  • The whole Tortuguero experience was brilliant.

    TK, Leighton buzzard Dec 2016
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Our Expert's Opinion

Juliet
Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

Papagaio

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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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