The security at this hotel is very discrimitory. Maybe they don't like Americans but they made my traveling companion change clothes upon our arrival. Then I watched others walk out of the hotel with the ame or worse attire. Completely unacceptable......I thought I would get some resolution by telling them I was checking out but they didn't care. They were ready to take my key. This was not my first stay but it was my last.

We flew into San Jose and stayed here for 2 nights. The presidential suite that we stayed in was larger than our apartment and really affordable. The breakfast buffet (included in our cost of the suite) was run by an amazingly talented chef. It was one of the best meals we had in the city. The front desk staff was kind, knowledgeable, and always helpful. You are in the center of San Jose and can walk everywhere. If you are going to San Jose, stay here!

I been traveling to San Jose, Costa Rica 12 years now. A friend of mines recommended the Balmoral Hotel for me to stay back in 2002 from that year to now 2012 I only stay at the Balmoral.
They have the most friendly staff that take care of you when you get out of the taxi they grab your bags and take you to the check-in counter where the ladies behind the counter welcome you with a big smile. After checking in your bags are carried to your room and the cleaning ladies come to check on you to see if you need extra towel, soap, tooth paste, and so on...... they make sure your safe is working properly before they leave and if you need anything extra for mini bar in your room they will bring it. All bed linen are nice and clean and if you need anything extra they will bring it to you. The night shift Francisco team makes sure that if you need laundry done, wake up call, or help using their computer they will help steer you in the right direction. The guards on Francisco team watch for your safety exiting the taxi at night. Balmoral Hotel by far is the best hotel in San Jose to stay. I recommend anyone that is traveling to San Jose to stop by and meet the friendly staff and take a tour of the recently remodel rooms and hotel. I travel there at least 6 times a year and I stay with my 5 Star Hotel.

Like many travellers to Costa Rica, we spent just a short time in San Jose before adventuring to other parts of the country. We chose the Balmoral for its central location so that we could make the most of our very limited time in the city.

As a place to sleep, it did the job. Unfortunately, the air conditioning system was being serviced during our stay (which they didn't bother to tell us about until we received a note under the door in the room), so it was a bit uncomfortable but I assume this was not normal.

The room was a bit dreary. The only windows were small and faced other buildings, allowing only a minimal amount of light in and with absolutely no view of anything. The lamps had frayed cords and power outlets were limited (the combination of which meant a bit of a leap of faith, as we quickly unplugged a lamp in order to charge our mobile phones...).

For the price, I can't complain too much, though, since I wasn't actually electrocuted at any point.

Location was as promised. Easy walking distance to several main attractions downtown, located on the main pedestrian thoroughfare, and fairly direct ride from the airport. We rented a car from Thrifty, which has its downtown facility a walkable distance away, so that made getting out of the city easy too.

The breakfast was very good. Tasty food and a reasonable selection of items. Attentive and friendly staff, and a beautiful, comfortable atmosphere.

Wi-fi was limited to the lobby and did not have a very strong signal. Other services were pretty much non-existent, but I wasn't expecting anything.

Interestingly, the hotel seems to get worse the further you are from the public areas. The restaurant is spacious and lovely, the lobby is a little darker and smaller, the hallways upstairs are darker still, and then the room was less comfortable again.