The overwhelming natural beauty of Costa Rica is not really matched by the attraction of San José which is rather banal as a city. However, some landmarks like the Gran Hotel, the National Opera or the covered market place make a visit to the city worth while when in Costa Rica.

I stayed here and the rooms were great. My complaint is that first they could not find our reservations, They finally did. Next my girfriends' son paid in cash and then they also charged his credit card, When I called them they had said they had no record of him staying there. I checked out the next day and they tried to overcharge me by $20.00 a day. It was at 5 in the morning and luckily I checked the bill. Be aware of their scam.

The absolute best thing about The Gran Hotel is it's location and that is true only if you are interested in what it's near. It sits right on the Plaza de Cultura where the people watching is fine and there are always street entertainers. The Precolumbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum, National Museum and the National Theater are all adjacent to the Plaza so are virtually an extension of the hotel. The Mercado Central is just a few block walk and is not to be missed. There your senses will be delighted by the sights and sounds of a very large market jammed with exotic fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. There are small cafes called "sodas" offering tasty local snacks, coffee, refrescos and typical local ice cream ("sorbete"...try La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora...one flavor only, made with vanilla, cinnamon and other spices).
Otherwise the hotel is old and a bit worn but with a grand feel. The outdoor cafe/bar is very nice as is the food served there. The breakfast is served on th top floor in a vast space with large windows offering views of the surrounding mountains (partially blocked by modern buildings). Breakfast is typical Costa Rican fair but good (rice and black beans, eggs, potatoes, etc.).
Many rooms have no AC so, if you suffer from the heat, be sure you get one. The rooms overlooking the plaza are very picturesque but noisy. The inner rooms can come with the continuous sound of AC units running coming through your windows which are open because you don't have AC.

Beautiful hotel with impressive lobby, piano bar and outdoor patio cafe. We got off on a rocky start with receptionists who were not overly friendly or welcoming. Nonetheless, the room was small but well-appointed. Downside is that a standard room does not have air conditioning, which is not mentioned when you book online. With an open window and a barely adequate overhead fan, it was noisy from rowdy guests and machinery. You can upgrade to a superior room but I found that my second standard room had a fan that was up to the task. It's not overly hot in San Jose but when your room faces the patio the air doesn't circulate as well. Lots of young people in groups stay there in July and they aren't always as well-behaved. Restaurant was nice but over-priced like all meals in Costa Rican restaurants (not "sodas"). Breakfast buffet was wonderful with a great view of SJ from the top floor. Internet never worked.