Hospital stay.Within a 15-minute walk of this Hospital hotel, you'll find Sabana Park and Central Park. Morazan Park and National Museum of Costa Rica are also within 2 miles (3 km).
What's nearby
Mercado Central - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Sabana Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
Central Park - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
Morazan Park - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
National Stadium of Costa Rica - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
Getting around
San Jose Cemetery Station - 14 min walk
San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) - 16 min drive
Restaurants
Lubnan - 2 min walk
Momo Café - 6 min walk
Cosechas - 3 min walk
Pizza Hut - 5 min walk
Restaurante Mil Sabores - 3 min walk
About this property
Hotel el Descanso
Hotel near Sabana Park in San José
Hotel el Descanso offers its guests tour/ticket assistance and laundry facilities. Public spaces have free WiFi.
This San José hotel is smoke free.
25 guestrooms or units
Self-service laundry
Front desk (24 hours)
Storage area for luggage
Tour and ticket information
No smoking on site
Hotel el Descanso offers 25 accommodations with ceiling fans. 32-inch LED televisions come with cable channels.
Bathrooms include showers. This San José hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices). Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
No onsite parking available
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
17 steps to reach entrance
No elevator
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Entertainment
32-inch LED TV with cable channels
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Shower
Towels provided
More
Ceiling fan
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets and service animals are not allowed at Hotel el Descanso
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy. A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in. Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
We should mention
Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
Property is also known as
Hotel el Descanso Hotel
Hotel el Descanso San José
Hotel el Descanso Hotel San José
Frequently asked questions
How close is Hotel el Descanso to the airport?
Hotel el Descanso is 4.4 mi (16-min drive) away from the San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hotel el Descanso?
As of Oct 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel el Descanso on Oct 25, 2026 start from $29, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Does Hotel el Descanso have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at Hotel el Descanso.
Does Hotel el Descanso offer free breakfast?
Hotel el Descanso does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Hotel el Descanso?
No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Casino Fiesta (20-min walk) and Casino Fiesta Heredia (11-min drive) are nearby.
What time is check-in at Hotel el Descanso?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Hotel el Descanso?
Free parking is not available at this hotel.
Does Hotel el Descanso have a pool?
Hotel el Descanso does not have a pool.
Does Hotel el Descanso have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this hotel.
How close is Hotel el Descanso to downtown San José?
Hotel el Descanso is 0.7 mi away from San José.
Hotel el Descanso Reviews
Reviews
6.8
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Staff were all great and response time within 24 hours before arrival. Room was clean and all that I needed. Soap provided in bathroom. Check in area sells sodas, water and snacks. There is a small grocery around the block, and downstairs are two "sodas" i.e. small restaurants for quick snacks or meals for inexpensive prices! One block from a main road, and 2 blocks from "Casa Colon Hostel," where tour companies can meet for pickup. Free Wifi and TV in room, as well.
It was simple, clean, the bed was not the best. I went there to set up my adventure to travel country. Car rental was 8 min. Walk.
Restaurant down stairs. Food was delicious. Cheap. ! Nice little Sports bar , 200 ft away! Good staging area. Going back on way home.
Gilles
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lina
Dec 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I love this hotel. The staff are outstanding is centrally located. It’s just an awesome place.
Lina
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lina
Jan 24, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I highly recommend this Hotel. It is fabulous. The staff were outstanding. The location is great. The room was great. It was wonderful.
This is a great hotel. It is in downtown San Jose Costa Rica. The staff was excellent. I highly recommend them.
Lina
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Richard
Feb 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was ok cheap
Richard
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Hadria
Oct 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great Place to Stay on a Budget
It is a great place for the price. We stayed there in a pinch when our travel plans didn't go as planned. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The rooms are a bit small, but that's fine if you're just looking for someplace clean to rest for the night on a budget. Also, the two restaurants on the first floor had very good food and great service.
This hotel is perfect for a traveler who wants to explore downtown San Jose. I highly recommend this hotel. The people were fabulous. The area really wasn’t bad at all and you can walk to downtown. It’s central market just about where you wanted to go so I definitely recommend it. Awesome hotel.
Friendly and nice staff. Quite comfortable. Very good location, in city center of San Jose, was able to walk everywhere. Supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food are near. Great sodas located on the first floor, under the hotel. Very good price overall. Someone here complained: The hot water is near the beginning of the knob as opposed to the back. There are some roaches in the bathroom and they stayed near there, which is the only downside.
The staff was great. Rooms are very basic but sufficient. The hotel is located close to the downtown area. The neighborhood is safe but looks dumpy and is noisy. Ear plugs help. There are lots of homeless. Overall, this hotel is a good value. There is a lot of food options. Again, the neighborhood will look scary but its actually very safe.
Very clean . Staff do not respond well
To tourists .
Location for Uber is terrible.
Taxis and Uber have trouble finding the
Hotel.
Lisa
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Allen
Mar 10, 2024
No English speaking channels on the TV
The MTS did not work… frustrating
Good clean economical room
With private bath.
Allen
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Yipeng
Dec 9, 2023
Liked: Staff & service
Not really worth it considering the price
Yipeng
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified review
4/10 Poor
Nohemias
Jul 20, 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Very very small room too many stairs to get to the room and really near near stairs and very very small bathroom everything's really small I won't stay in a place no more
Nohemias
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Guillermo
Sep 29, 2024
N/C
Guillermo
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Gustavo A Murillo
Jun 15, 2024
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Rooms provide no privacy. Anyone can hear even if you fart. Bed sheets must be replaced [they are washed, but maybe because they're old]. No A/C. And once again, no privacy.
Gustavo A Murillo
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Alexios
Jan 13, 2025
Pros:
Strong wifi.
Bearable for a night or two.
Cons:
Little insects (baby cockroaches?) in the room at night.
Small room.
The ceiling fan's switch cord was broken so it was always on with the room's light.
Room with window facing the corridor, not outside like the internet photos.
Uncomfortable and short mattress.
No english speaking staff.
No hangers.
I reserved 2 months before and text them 3 days before to ask about the check in because my flight arrived at 12 am and they answered that there is not problem but when we arrived at midnight under the rain the said: no reservations and no room available, then we had to paid a taxi to another hotel.
He promised first floor and hot water for $51. I gave $60 cash to hold. When i checked in the room was upstairs. The room down stairs was$71. He said the money was gone so I couldn't have it back. Ater saying I would call the police he said OK for the $60. But no hot water.
wayne harrison
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review
4/10 Poor
Jesus
Nov 20, 2024
Disliked: Staff & service
There was unseen circumstances and was unable to make it to my room. I let them know ahead of time but they wouldn’t refund me for cancellation.
I like the location, halfway between the cathedral and Sabana park.
There's always someone at the front desk.
The gate is locked, so you ring a bell for someone to open it. Feels safe.
I arrived at midnight, and was able to get into my room.
I had some problem with an ATM machine, and one lady at the front desk helped me to call the bank.
Fan works, but very noisy.
Pretty good wifi.
Now the negative: no place to hang anything. No cups. Street noise and the door bell are not good for light sleepers. Thin curtain.
Overall, worth the price.