I definitely have mixed reviews about this hotel. It was very charming and really cool to see all of the antiques and original character. There were lots of different rooms and areas for seating and eating but it all seems a little uncared for. Like they didn't have enough staff to keep it all clean. The rooms were very small, the carpets were a bit dirty and the bathrooms were a bit gross and smelled bad. The toilet was a commercial toilet and had hard-water stains on the porcelain. The bathtub was also stained. Lighting in the bathroom was poor - probably for the best.

The rest of the hotel was beautiful though and although I'd probably not stay again as it is, I would if it were remodeled a bit.

Bad experience for a 4**** hotel
Slept 4 nights, room with no view, noisy on the second floor.
Wifi low always problem of connection.
Fitness with a running machine but out of order
Breakfast poor with low quality of product
For the final touch, we came back two nights later to spend our last night and by changing one of our reservations, the lady at the reception misunderstand us and canceled it... with a big smile, she was sorry but not giving us a solution. finally she send us in an other hotel of the group, with rooms without windows...
I recommend you to never go to Grand Hotel Costa Rica

Stayed here the first night of a week ling trip to Costa Rica. We took a ~20 minute bus ride for about $2 per person from the airport to the last stop, which was about 10 blocks from the hotel. Walked through the streets of San Jose and found the hotel easily. It is located right by the national theatre, a beautiful building which actually our room window looked out on. The lady at the tourist desk helped us book a rental car for pick up the next morning and gave recommendations on restaurants for dinner. Everything was walking distance. The front patio was a very nice place to sit and people watch over beer/wine or coffee any time of day. The room was clean with an air conditioner/ fan unit.

In 2012 I stayed at Gran Hotel Costa Rica for 5 nights. I had a big room... but the bathroom was a really joke, very small and in need of a total renovation. The restaurant of the hotel wasn't good and in my opinion very expensive. You can have something more local and better just two blocks behind the hotel. The internet was not working well and the breakfast was ok. Good things: Gran Hotel is literally near the Opera House (just opposite and it is really worth a visit, please), also just three or four blocks to the National Museum (great to understand the recent history of Costa Rica). There is also a concierge for tours in Costa Rica. They were good and attentive but I didn't think that the staff of the hotel was helpful. This is really a issue the hotel needs to improve.