What to Do & Where to Stay in San Jose Costa Rica

[Shannon Farley]

The vibrant capital city of San José, Costa Rica has a lot to offer visitors. Unfortunately San José is often dismissed by Costa Rica vacationers as a place to avoid, or to endure only for a layover night on the way to somewhere else.

 

San José blends old and modern times, expressing its history and culture in art, architecture, interesting museums, theaters, galleries and shops. There are always things to do in San José, Costa Rica: theater performances, concerts, art walk tours, cultural films, gallery exhibits, museum events and cultural fairs. There is even a “Fall in Love with Your City” year-round celebration of art, culture and urban parks in San Jose during 2014. You can always find a calendar of current events in the Tico Times every Friday.

 

Explore the San José Costa Rica attractions by staying in the city and walking the downtown – most museums, galleries and cultural institutions are all within walking distance of each other.

 

Cocoon Hotel is a little oasis in the heart of downtown San José. The San José Costa Rica hotel is conveniently positioned in the stylish Barrio Amon neighborhood near cultural sights and major bus stations. Close by is the Costa Rica Center of Science and Culture and the Costa Rica Children’s Museum, which is housed in an old prison that looks now like a fairytale castle. The Caribbean bus station is a few blocks away, where you can depart for the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo. A few blocks north of the hotel is the pedestrian walking street of Central Avenue, the Grand Hotel and National Theatre. The Costa Rica National Museum, Jade Museum and Gold Museum are also nearby.

 

Barrio Amon neighborhood was established in 1892 by wealthy residents who built elegant homes. Today, these beautiful old buildings are private residences, hotels, restaurants, offices and art galleries. The region is one of the most photogenic in the city.

 

Following a nature theme of a butterfly garden, Cocoon Hotel features natural décor with bamboo walls, warm wooden floors, butterfly photographs, and colors of white and green. They offer 43 tastefully decorated single, double and triple occupancy rooms, with either air conditioning or ceiling fan. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot water, safety deposit box, flat screen TV with Cable, free Wi-Fi and local calls, and soundproof windows to shut out traffic noise. There is a business center, tour desk, currency exchange, hotel bar, and a deli serving lunch and snacks. Buffet breakfast is included in all room stays. An airport shuttle service is available for an extra fee.

The three-star Cocoon Hotel is one of the best accommodations in San Jose Costa Rica. It is a good business hotel and also to explore the cultural attractions of Costa Rica. Low season discounts are being offered now through December 2014.

 

Article by Shannon Farley