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Average
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About
4.5
#34 of 78 hotels in San Jose
Location
4.1
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.6
Value
4.4
South Beach Miami meets Costa Rican Culture. Located in Barrio Otoya and Amon, upon entering the Hotel you see the beautiful Art Deco Tile and Marble, surrounded by rich, dark native wood beams and floors. 34 rooms include 6 Penthouse Suites with King beds, 24 jet Jacuzzi tubs and personal dry sauna as well as, another 26 Luxury Rooms with either King or Queen size beds. All rooms have 80 channels of Cable TV with HBO and Cinemax, flat screen TVs, hardwire and wireless internet access, refrigerator, digital safe and luxurious mattresses. You will find these quiet Barrio's are away from the noise and traffic of downtown but still only a short 5 minute walk to all of San Jose's main attractions - The National Theatre, Museums, Shops, Restaurants, Casino's, Nightlife and Exotic Parks. As always free wireless, long distance calls to USA and Canada and laundry. Breakfast included in price. Ask about our ALL INCLUSIVE options. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, All domestic Beer and Wine, Well Drinks, 50% off top shelf.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Calle 15 Avenida 11, San Jose 1864-1002 Costa Rica
Hotel La Amistad
246 reviews
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I stayed at the sister hotel called Hotel Castalla. I have stayed at both places over the course of 20 years. Friendly people adults only. Best deal all inclusive. The owner Matt lent me his personal golf clubs to golf at the country club. Sorry to hear about Rudy, he was a good guy. He helped my daughters boyfriend when he had an appendix attack down there. Thanks guys.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been staying at Hotel LA Amistad for the last 10 years and have seen it grow from 14 rooms to now 40 rooms. The German owner did an impressive job and lives up to the name "LA Amistad" The staff works there for so many years, I know then all by name and they no me. The Manager Marlene works there 13 years and is the true best asset. The place is clean, best breakfast buffet in town and included in the rates and top security systems all for no extra charge, key cards, electr safes, voice mail, internet cafe and wireless acess through out the Hotel and all that for $ 50.- plus Tax a night!
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Date of stay: February 2005
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are young (or young at heart), or just sociable, you should stay here when in San Jose. The staff are legendary in their helpfulness, most especially Rudolfo. He is extra ordinarily friendly and helpful. [--]. We had two great stays here and I am sure you ll find the hotel fantastic too.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a good option if you are unable to find other available hotels in San Jose. Very weak or no Wi-Fi service in some rooms. 2nd floor rooms are a bit better. Friendly English speaking staff. They do offer breakfast for few bucks, I didn't try as I had to leave early in the morning. A bit of walk from center/core of San Jose.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For my recent trip to Costa Rica, I trusted TripAdvisor (cross referencing the lonely planet guide, of course) to help plan the vacation. I was very happy with all of the recommendations that I listened to the TA community for, except Hotel La Armistad.
The hotel lobby was really promising. It was nice enough and seemed clean. The people at check in were pleasant, but the real trouble began when we got to our room. It was absolutely tiny. I can deal with tiny. But there were no windows, not a single one, to the outside!!!!! It was very bizarre. The room could not get a fresh breeze because the one and only tiny window in the room opened up to a common area in the hotel. The AC wall unit vented into the hallways, so the hall was very hot, and the AC unit was not very effective. We had to turn it on and off multiple times to get it to work. No breeze + bad AC = uncomfortable.
I decided to take a shower because the room was stifling, so I searched the bathroom for towels, until I realized that the towels that were hanging on the rack were meant to be body towels, not hand towels like I originally thought. I know, at this price, I wasn't expecting luxury. I just wanted to take a shower and dry off with something larger than a washcloth.
They did provide free Internet in the hotel, which would have been nice, except 2 of the 3 computer keyboards did not work, and the wireless was also broken. We asked the front desk about the wireless connection and they could not get it to work, so they gave us a cable to hook up with, which also did not work. Oy.
Also, I can echo some other reviewers sentiments - there were definitely several prostitutes in and around the hotel. I realize that prostitution is legal in Costa Rica, but to be in the midst of it was not something that I really wanted to experience.
There were a couple positives. The mattress was nice and they had hot water. The rates were cheap. The hotel itself is kind of a funky cool place, but the actual amenities in the rooms left much to be desired.
I really hate to leave such harsh words. No, we didn't complain about the room because we were just too tired to deal with it all (we had an AMAZING time in Costa Rica). We got there the day before our flight back home and were just looking for a comfortable place to spend the night before our early departure. Unfortunately , we didn't find that in Hotel La Armistad.
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Date of stay: July 2009
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mkink, owner at Hotel La Amistad
Responded Aug 18, 2009
We are sorry you were disappointed with your stay at Hotel La Amistad. Since we were not given the opportunity to address problems during your stay we can only explain the situation here. When you read the reviews on Trip Advisor, you will see that we take great pride in servicing our customers. We do make mistakes but we try to go above and beyond customer expectations to address the problems as they occur. It is not always possible to correct a specific customer problem after the fact. To all of our future guests, PLEASE bring problems to our attention immediately. Hotel La Amistad is a refurbished mansion and each room is unique. They range from basic accommodations to penthouse suites with separate living rooms, kitchens, Jacuzzis and saunas. When a room is booked through Expedia, Orbitz and other online services, the lowest cost option is typically offered first. As a result, the room with the least amenities is often booked. Our initial response would have upgraded the customer to a room with more of the amenities needed. Local building codes do not permit windows to overlook another’s property. Therefore, internal windows into common areas are typical in San Jose. Likewise, internet services provided by government run entities are erratic at best. Towels would have been delivered immediately with a phone call. San Jose is a typical metropolitan city in Latin America that has been reviewed extensively in travel guide books. There are some very famous brothels that are within 5 blocks from the Hotel in the central tourist area. Prostitution is a legal business in Costa Rica (or at best is not deemed illegal). It is part of the culture and the locations have been in business for years. On occasion we have a customer that will participate in the activity, but all Hotels, Bars and Restaurants have their share. Unfortunately many guests from the States experience culture shock. If you are unsure of a bar, restaurant, area of the City... it is always best to ask the staff as to the safety and business climate. In any metropolitan area, 5-10 blocks make a big difference. We do not allow solicitation in the hotel. We can understand the disappointment of this customer spending the last night in a large Central American city after coming from an exclusive rainforest boutique hotel. If you have specific requirements please call us directly.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel La Amistad is the place to stay when in San Jose. It’s central location inside San Jose itself allows one to be able to access all manner of day and overnight excursions not to mention being able to roam about San Jose itself. It’s close and convenient location allows for pleasant walks to several City parks and historical landmarks and sites. It’s close to many a bus stop for very cheap travel outside of San Jose such as to places like San Ramon and Villa Blanca or the Atlantic Aerial Tram. One does NOT need to use the expensive “private” vans that will cost you an arm and a leg to get to and from the ever so many sites to see within Costa Rica, but only an hour or two outside of San Jose. Too, the City bus system affords one a chance to see San Jose from a “local” perspective and for pennies. La Amistad is within a stone’s throw of most of these “bus stops” and if you don’t want to walk to the stop, you can take a cab for under $2.00 to the stops. If you want to avoid the busses completely, take a cab, again for very little money all things considered.
The Amistad is located in Barrios Amon and Otaya. It is a converted Colonial Mansion away from the traffic of Downtown San Jose, La Amistad is in a quiet and safe historic neighborhood full of Neoclassical and Victorian mansions originally built in the early 1900's by wealthy Coffee Barons. What was once a 6 room private mansion has been recently renovated into a 34 room luxury hotel. It has grown from 6 rooms to 40 over the past 17 years or so, until it found its new owners in 2006. An American Group purchased the Hotel and has spent the last 2 years renovating the Hotel and redefining the Mission Statement: "Treat each person as you would treat an honored guest in your own home".
La Amistad has 6 penthouse suites with king beds, 28 jet Jacuzzi tubs and personal dry saunas as well as, another 26 luxury rooms with either king or queen size beds. All rooms have 80 channels of Cable TV with HBO and Cinemax (for Latin America…a bit different than the USA versions) in addition to network feeds from of all places, Denver, Colorado. Wondering how the markets are doing? MSNBC, HNN and more are there as are many Spanish language stations, flat screen (CRT in most rooms; LCD in the suites) TV's, hardwire and wireless broadband internet access, refrigerator, digital safe and new memory foam mattresses. For the comforts of home or extended stay, 2 Studio Apartments are now available with kitchenette. You will find these quiet Barrio's are away from the noise and traffic of downtown but still only a short 5 minute walk to all of San Jose's main attractions - The National Theatre, Museums, Shops, Restaurants, Casino's, Nightlife and Exotic Parks.
The staff is fabulous; from the front desk staff led by Marlena, Carlos, and Rudolpho to the divine women who will do your laundry simply by asking; and last but most certainly not least are the on site maintenance men who are always there for any type of possible "harder work" matters. Ask and ye shall receive be it information on attractions or specific issues you have for yourself. Breakfast is included in the inexpensive rates of the hotel and starts at 7:00am and concludes at 11:00am. It is cooked to order with eggs, ham, and sausage on the menu in addition to more fruit than one could imagine as well as breads for toast; jams, coffee, hot tea, fruit juices, milk, etc., etc., etc. One will be more than impressed with the rate for the room. “How can they do this” is something you’ll be asking yourself over and over.
I enjoyed a single room for my two week stay from Feb. 18 through March 4. I arrived very late and was concerned about the lateness. Not to worry, I was welcomed with a smile and my room was ready for me. Each room has both a ceiling fan as well a well running a/c. The suites are using split duct air-conditioners with remote controls! My room had a wall mounted unit that was whisper quiet and really unnecessary….but it was there should I require it. (I did use it the first night as I acclimated….but it was only that night it was ever on)…..breezy days and very comfortable nights….even in the “High Season”. My room had new, higher end carpeting…..but most of the rooms have tiled floors. The bathroom was tiled. Plenty of hot water via a North American type hot water system (NOT the “suicide shower head you’ll find in MANY of the hotels….). Soap and shampoo provided by the hotel.
If you want food and beverages for your in room fridge (every room has one) but don’t want to be troubled to do the shopping….again….ask and ye shall receive…..make a list and the items on the list shall appear. Personally, I enjoyed making my own pleasant walks to major grocery stores which both had whatever one could want. If you’ve forgotten what a Coke with sugar in it tastes like (or never knew because it’s all high fructose corn syrup in the USA), now is your chance to find out. The Central Market of San Jose is a 15 minute fun walk. The maze of shops is something else all-together….from food stuffs to tobacco…..from shoes to belts to essential food items….it’s a must do and particularly if you’ve made the decision to go with one of the studio apartment units.
La Amistad translates as “Friendship”. You’ll make friends when you choose this hotel be it with the staff or others you meet there. The Hotel attracts an eclectic crowd of savvy travelers who know a good deal when they find one.
Don’t travel with a laptop? Big deal: La Amistad has three Windows XP machines lined up with a fast connection for checking email or even chatting on SKYPE or Yahoo! or MSN Live…or whatever your choice is.
You’re making a mistake if you don’t make La Amistad your headquarters for your time in Costa Rica…..
PS: The Hotel is ready to open a small, intimant lunch and dinner restaurant complete with a very comfortable bar area as well.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my second trip to Costa Rica. I decided to book 2 nights at Hotel La Amistad because of the numerous recommendations from friends, and I must say this hotel didn't disappoint. The hotel was quaint and contained a very relaxed atmosphere. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. The queen room I booked was somewhat small, but included everything that one could possibly need. If possible, book your with the all inclusive special as it is well worth the price. The food at the Amistad was phenomenal and speaking with the other patrons of the hotel I can see why it has many repeat clientele. Bottom line is the hotel is well worth the price and I will definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: August 2013
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Queen rooms are a bit snug, if possible book a king size or bigger.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel La Amistad is the place to stay in San Jose. It offers an All-Inclusive package for as low as $89 per night for a queen room. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as cocktails and to top it all you get your taxi paid for back to the airport if you stay at least 4 nights. The rooms are clean and the beds comfortable. The bar/restaurant is chic. The hotel is in a quiet area but close enough to all the night life. The only downside is that there is no elevator and if you are on the third floor (top floor) it may be a problem for some. All in all, I highly recommend Hotel La Amistad.
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Date of stay: May 2014
Value
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Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I just finished staying here at la Amistad this past week and was extremely pleased with my decision to do so. it's a lovely boutique-style hotel with a small but hardworking staff. rudy and carlos at the front desk were helpful and attentive and patient with me and helped me book tours and get cabs and direct me to where I needed to go as this was my first time in costa rica. the martini bar was serviced by two lovely girls, marta and carol, who were always smiling and joking with the guests. the breakfast was adequate but the lunch/dinner menu was terrific! pretty much any meal you'd probably want was on the menu. the owner, matt, along with his Labrador pups, even took my friend and I out to jaco beach and spent the day with us enjoying the pacific coast, having a couple of pops and telling us of how he came to own la Amistad. I will certainly be back and highly recommend this hotel to anyone trying to make a decision on where to stay.
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Date of stay: March 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I recently took a trip to San Jose, Costa Rica and had the wonderful pleasure of staying at the Hotel La Amistad. Prior to selecting this hotel, I considered several others and struggled with making a selection. However, based on the overwhelming positive reviews I saw, I decided to take a chance on Hotel La Amistad. It was my MOST excellent fortune to discover this true international gem!
The accommodations were first class. The hotel is quite charming and well maintained with lots of natural wood, glass and metal accents. My particular room had a Jacuzzi, sauna and balcony with spectacular views of San Jose and the surrounding mountains. The hotel is located in a quiet, upscale neighborhood, but within walking distance of casinos, shopping, parks and entertainment. The weather was great during my stay and I went for daily walks and excursions feeling quite safe.
I maintain a fairly restrictive diet and usually encounter some difficulties when I travel. Although, the hotel rep assured me that their chef would be able to accommodate my needs, I had my doubts. My doubts were for naught! The chef, Jose, greatly exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed superb and delicious gourmet meals for the duration of my stay. Because this is a smaller, boutique property I received unexpected, but much appreciated, VIP treatment. All of the staff were very courteous, helpful, professional, and aimed to really please. One of the property’s co-owners, Don, personally pointed out the local attractions and provided me with a detailed history of the property and the local community.
My experience at Hotel La Amistad could not have been better. There is no other choice for me when I travel to Costa Rica! I can hardly wait for my next trip.
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Date of stay: December 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beer is bottled local imperial or silver or light local or Nicaragua rum both are awesome rum and beer Smirnoff vodka I think Bacardi is free w all inclusive not sure on whiskey we took care of bartender and didn't get charged for any to shelf. Food is very good too
Boynton Beach, Florida24 contributions43 helpful votes
hi , i think they do not offer that service anymore , but you can use uber, here is a free ride promotion code if u need it, just download the app the enter this code in promotions and you will get a free ride , you can order the uber from the wifi of the hotel if you do not have phone service , use this code davids52258ue ,
also u want to go cheaper take the uber to coca cola bus station and take the bus to jaco , cheap like $5 dollars , but the uber is the way me and my friends travel
Hi,
Yes, it includes everything on the menu.
Your beer and wine and well drinks are included aswell.
You have laundry service and Long distance calls included too.
If you have any other questions you can email Carlos at the hotel.
Its a 10 min walk to the Del Rey and 2 min walk to Sportsmans Lodge.
I have stayed here for many years now and never dissatisfied...
No extra charge for bringing a guest to your room.
Except for meals and drinks
There are more places to choose from in the San Jose area.
PRICE RANGE
$44 - $50 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
la amistad hotel, la amistad san jose
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of San JoseSan Jose MetroSan Jose
NUMBER OF ROOMS
34
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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