The rainy season has officially started in Costa Rica, but there is not an excuse to enjoy cocktails and dinner at Azotea Calle 7, our rooftop bar at the Hotel Presidente.

Start the late afternoon with your choice of cocktails or choose from a variety of our whiskeys to warm up and accompany it with our favourite appetizers, like our Trio de Empanadas (Corn flour turnovers filled with cheese, potato hash or fried black beans) served with Green Tomatillo sauce.  And move directly to dinner, with entrées such as our Angus Steak with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or our one and only Patacon Sandwich.  To close such an amazing night let us recommend our new dessert, Croissant Bread Pudding with Dulce de Leche.  Trust us!  It is not only beautifully served but also delicious. 

Azotea Calle 7 is not only a great place to eat, but also to delight yourself with the atmosphere that surrounds it.  Tastefully decorated with antiques, it is an oasis in the middle of the hectic city where locals as well as tourists have found a spot to talk, eat and relax and even work.   Reserve your space for dinner at Azotea with our Front Desk team, so your table will be ready when you are ready.

The Hotel has opened its new suites to raving reviews from guests and tour operators.  Continuing with the push to transform the Presidente into an urban chic and historic hotel, the two concept suites overlook the Azotea Calle 7 terrace and have a spectacular view of the southern mountains of the Central Valley.

If the need arises to spend more time inside than out, the hotel invites guests to get pampered with the stay at one of the new Concept Room:  La Dama Elegante & El Caballero Elegante.  These spacious suites with unique atmosphere feature a modern open lay-out with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto Spanish style balconies, a comfortable sitting area, and a plush King bed.

Named after the historical trend setting destination boutiques that catered to the local socialites in San Jose, each Concept Room projects a vibe that may take you to the elegant San José of the 60’s and 70’s, with men and women elegantly dressed while strolling up and down our Avenida Central, to later meet for an afternoon coffee or an early evening cocktail.

Designed in an open-plan format and decorated with artful simplicity, Hotel Presidente’s Concept Room and suites invite you to create your own narrative in the heart of the city.

Tropical sunlight streams into a comfortable sitting area through floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto Spanish style balconies.  San José provides the backdrop. The story you tell is uniquely your own. 

After years in the making, the much expected opening of Azotea Calle 7 took place in early July, 2017.  The brainchild of Daniel, the hotel’s manager and current designer features an open terrace surrounded by autochthonous trees open to the views of San Jose’s sky line and the southern Central Valley Mountains.  Inside guests will find eclectic yet historic decorations and furnishings, two small private meeting rooms and a bar tended by our famous mixologist.

This extension of the fourth floor at the Hotel Presidente is fast becoming a must-stop while in San Jose.  The tapas menu features an interesting Chef Luis Ceciliano has designed a trendy menu featuring Costa Rican nostalgia in the form of Taco Ticos (Costa Rican Tacos) and Steak Cubes with sautéed onions (Bistec Encebollado) with Spanish inspired dishes and others with Asian Flare.  A one of a kind cocktail menu features Gin Tonics, Mojitos and other favorites, listed alongside local and craft beers and a well-appointed wine selection.

Hotel guests have a direct easy access to the rooftop bar / restaurant via the main lobby elevator.  Other visitors must walk the spiral red staircase to the fourth floor, or walk in via the Central Avenue tunnel after clearing security.  A unique groups menu has been designed to cater to larger parties.

On Friday morning, February 3, the new mural on the facades of the Hotel Presidente Costa Rica in central San José was officially revealed by the mayor of San Jose. The urban artwork is the outcome of a public competition called Tu Ciudad: Tu Lienzo (Your City, Your Canvas), which is organized by San Jose Lab. The jury of the competition, including Daniel Mikowski, the President of the Board of Directors of the Hotel, had selected the proposal of Sergio Guillen as a winning entry. His work is entitled "Buscando al Gato" (Looking for the cat), has already created a new focal point in the streets of San José. The mural is the biggest of its kind in Costa Rica.

Among the participating sponsors, the project featured lights by Sylvania, paint donated by Sherwin Williams, and the prize funds donated by the Hotel Presidente.  “The founders of the hotel, Mr. Gudes and Mr. Scriba were art lovers and sponsored local artists.  The hotel features murals by renowned Costa Rican artist Margarita Berthau, a personal friend of the founders.  We are trying to follow in their tradition and support the arts.  We are also involved in a grass roots movement that aims at bringing back the city as a major destination for international tourists and for the local population to enjoy” said Mr. Mikowski.

From local newspaper La Nacion: “We believe this mural will and an activating effect and will motivate other owners to replicate the idea.  We have a special interest in revitalizing the historic downtown area with culture” said the San Jose Mayor Johnny Araya Monge.  “We want to continue fomenting public art with murals like this one and with sculptures like La Chola.  A city without art is a city without soul” said 

On November 7, an 11 member jury panel awarded local artist Sergio Guillen first prize in the Tu Ciudad: Tu Lienzo (Your City: Your Canvas) contest to paint the façade of the Hotel Presidente.  60 entries by local painters were received, and Guillen’s “Looking for a Cat” design was selected among the 10 finalists.  Second place was awarded to Fabrizio Duran’s “Cumulo Caotico de Historia, Arquitectura y Cultura” (Chaotic accumulation of History, Architecture and Culture).

The Hotel Presidente is one of the leading sponsors of this artistic movement, which in conjunction with SanJoseLab.com, the Museums of the Central Bank and other private and public institutions is looking to open spaces for local artistic talent to present their art to the population. This movement, spearheaded by young, thriving professionals, is aimed at beautifying San Jose, and repositioning the city as a top tourist cultural destination.

“Since its creation, the Hotel Presidente and its founder, Samuel Gudes, have been supporting the local arts and creative talent” said Daniel Mikowski, President of the Board and great nephew of Mr. Gudes.  “In the 1960s my great uncle asked his close friend, renowned painter Margarita Bertau, to create two murals on the walls of the third floor, which today adorn our Las America’s restaurant”.  Mikowski added: “in honoring our legacy, we are trying to provide space and support the new generation of Costa Rican artists through our participation in this unique project”.

The contest’s winner, Mr. Guillen will commence his artwork in the upcoming weeks.  The jury was so impressed by the quality of entries, that second place  Duran will also have the opportunity to showcase his art, by painting his mural in one of the Hotel’s concept suites, during the month of May.

San José’s cultural life is booming. During the month of September and October we have several festivals taking place, like the Modern Dance Festival in early September and the International Poetry Festival at the end of the month and early October, which The Hotel Presidente is honored to sponsor. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend a rainy afternoon listening to some of the most incredible poets of the world while enjoying a glass of wine, a coffee, or a beer, while it rains outside? It cannot get more bohemian than that.

September is also our Independence month, so it is a good time to watch the Independence Day parades in San José and a perfect excuse to enjoy local Costa Rican cuisine! And at the Presidente we can organize for you amazing one day tours to visit amazing places and eat at the best local food spots. Don’t leave Costa Rica without trying a “Tortilla Aliñada” with some coffee.

September will be also a month to celebrate at the Hotel Presidente! The construction of our rooftop bar will be finished!!!! YEAY! We are working very hard on getting it ready for you to enjoy very soon! Just a Little bit more patience and we will make it worth your while!

This are some pretty good reasons to come to Costa Rica and stay at the Presidente... If you need more, just visit our FB page… Hope to see you soon!

On the 4th floor of our greatly located Hotel Presidente, a new spot will open soon.  A tasteful decorated new bar will open its doors in a couple of months to cater to tourists, local business people and the cool crowd.

The Azotea Calle 7 will not only offer a beautiful and intimate ambiance but also a special lunch menu plus incredible appetizers and especially prepared cocktails by Liz Furlong, one of the best mixologist in the world.

So, let your imagination wander and place yourself in this beautiful place, up on a rooftop (did we tell you it was a rooftop bar?) enjoying an artisan crafted beer or a great cocktail and chillin, while looking at the beautiful sunset in downtown San José.  Hmm…. And you though dreams do not come through!

11 Travel Agents from 8 US and 2 Canadian cities, representing Virtuoso, Signature and Travel Leader agencies participated in the hotel hosted 5 night / 6 day FAM Trip this past May.

Participants experienced the Hotel Presidente along with the night bar hopping and city tours.  In Rio Perdido, everyone took part of the tubing tour followed by the zip line experience.  Many ventured on the hiking and the biking tours.  Finally, at Tabacon, guests went waterfall rappelling, hiking in the Hanging Bridges, and enjoyed extensive time at the hot springs and complementary spa.

“I would like to thank you again for this amazing opportunity and great hospitality. It was my first trip to Costa Rica and will definitely visit again” mentioned Annie from Montreal.

Lorrie, visiting from St. Albert commented: “from the moment that we started planning to the moment I got home, everything was perfect. You are a great host and I was very impressed with the quality of the guides, drivers, tours and of course the properties.

You showed us a side of Costa Rica that should be seen by everyone and you certainly proved that there is much more to Costa Rica than a 7 day all inclusive”.  Getting agents to realize this was one of the trip’s main goals.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience Costa Rica and your hotels.  Everyone at the hotels....staff, wait-staff, adventure guides...were all wonderful: friendly, courteous” mentioned Elaine, from Bethesda, MD.

Finally, Allison from San Jose, CA emailed: “I can’t thank you enough for including me on this FANTASTIC Fam. I can’t stop talking about it, and it was truly a wonderful experience.

For information on the Fall FAM Trip, scheduled for October 29 – November 3, please contact us at meni@PreferredCostaRicaHotels.com.  We hope you can join us.

Enjoy our museums.  Summertime is vacation time in San Jose, since our schoolyear starts in February.  So, most of the museums extend their visiting hours.  Not to miss are the Museo de Jade and the Museo del Banco Central.  And if you have time, take a guided tour of the National Theather and learn about our historical and cultural background.

What is it with summer and beers?  While you try to answer this important question take a bar hopping tour with Carpe Chepe and visit some or our local breweries.  And if the heat is really on, accompany the beer with a local made ceviche.

The Art City Tour is on again!!!  Starting on February 10th, and once a month through the rest of the year, San José turns into the main attraction.  No matter if you are a local or a tourist, you will be able to hop on one of the buses that will visit all the important museums and galleries around town during one night.  And there is no entrance fee in any of the attractions.

If you like music, San Jose is full of rythms.  Amon Solar will hold a Jazz Concert and a Reggae Concert in January, and you can visit ther FB page to find out about upcoming events at www.facebook.com/amonsolarcr. If you are into Salsa, don`t miss the upcoming concert by Marc Anthony to be held on the National Stadium on February 20th.

Pic Nic at the river.  These movement was created by a group of concerned citizens that are trying to save the local rivers in SanJose. They organize family picnics to educate about the importance of saving them.  Visit the Hotels FB page to learn about their next event.

One day tours:  Whether you want to visit the volcanoes, do some white water rafting, or spend a day at the beach, learn about our one day tours in our website www.hotel-presidente.com  or let us know in advance what you would like to do so we can have a custom made itineray organized according to your wishes.

Located in downtown San Jose, the iconic Hotel Presidente offers its guests a vibrant experience with modern décor and exceptional service, in a refreshed design that honors its tradition and history.

The new hotel lobby is located on the second floor.  Architectural design was the creative inspiration of Rojas Architects and Nude Fashion Interiors.  The exquisite and careful selection and refurbishing of the furniture and fixtures were led and supervised by SENS and the architect Marcos Lieberman.

Professional landscape artist – Mauricio Baltodano – is responsible for all interior gardens and the selection and development of all the trees and plants that bring alive the new green rooftop.  The result is a new, unique guest experience in the heart of the city.

The new lobby presents an eclectic design that combines historic elements of the original building – established in 1963 – with modern elements.  Timeless elements include the exposed original brick wall, the metallic structure of the original elevator and furniture that once beautified the owner’s weekend home.  This industrial style design is exquisitely complemented with modern lighting and the latest technology.

“Our goal is to adapt the hotel’s structure to reflect San Jose’s renaissance, keeping an eye on the rich history that the hotel as a key element in the city.  For example, in the city level of the building, the Hotel Presidente housed two of the premier men’s and women’s fashion stores: La Dama Elegante and El Caballero Elegante.  Our lobby brings back the history featuring elements from both stores.  After years of being a part of San Jose, San Jose is now a part of our hotel” comments Daniel Mikowski, our President.