how
To Get There
The Juan Santamaría International Airport is located about 10 miles west of San José. Taxi rides downtown should cost about $15. Visitors must pay a US$17 departure tax.
To Get Around
San José’s main business district is located around the intersection of Avenida Central and Calle Central. Taxis in San José are inexpensive and plentiful. It is customary to refer to addresses in terms of landmarks rather than street numbers.
where
To Stay
Hotel Grano de Oro (Calle 30 between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, Tel: 506-255-3322, www.granodeoro.co) is an oasis in the heart of bustling San José. Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel offers the warmth and comfort of a private home. An atrium terrace and corridors have sparkling fountains and lush tropical plantings, and its rooftop deck is a private and relaxing enclave. The hotel’s ultimate accommodation is the Vista de Oro suite for its amenities and extraordinary views of the city.
Marriott Costa Rica (700 Metros Oeste de La Firestone, San Antonio de Belén, Tel: 506-298-0000, www.marriott.com) This hacienda-style hotel features the splendor of a 30-acre coffee plantation setting, decorated with antiques for an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.
For a truly unique jewel 30 minutes north of San José and 15 minutes from the airport, near Santa Barbara de Heredia, check out Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn (Tel: 506-269-9392).
To Eat
Jürgen’s, located in the boutique Hotel Jade (Calle 41 y Paseo Rubén Darío 275 meters north of Subaro Auto in Los Yoses, Tel: 224-2455) is where Costa Rican dignitaries meet for lunch and dinner. The elegantly styled and very sophisticated restaurant has an enticing selection of international cuisine.
Grano de Oro (see address above, Tel: 255-3322) The restaurant at the Hotel Grano de Oro is one of San José’s finest, serving continental cuisine in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Le Chandelier (100 m west and 100 m south el I.C.E. de San Pedro in Los Yoses, Tel: 225-3980) offers very French but also very unexpected dishes plus tasty aged cheeses. For excellent Italian food, go to Il Ponte Vecchio (100 m East and 25 m North of Fuente de la Hispanidad, Tel: 283-1810).
To Drink
Jürgen’s, which has an excellent wine selection and good cigars. The local chi-chi crowd congregates at Café Urbano (Centro Comercial El Cruce, San Rafael de Escazu, Tel: 228-6697). One of the city’s most happening places for cocktails is Jazz Café (Av. Central next to Banco Popular, Tel: 253-8933). For a quiet talk over drinks, meet at the Shakespeare Bar (Av. 2 y Calle 28, Tel: 258-6787).
To Unwind
The Jade room of the Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristan (Avenida 7, calle 9 y 9B, 11th floor) houses the world’s largest collection of American jade and features a spectacular permanent exhibition of jade pieces dating to 300 BC. Costa Rica’s best local and international art exhibitions can be seen at the Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporaneo (Calle 15-17, Ave 3). Also interesting is the underground Museo de Oro del Banco Central (Calle 5 between Avenida Central y Avenida 2 underneath Plaza de la Cultura) showcasing more than 2,000 local gold pieces.
what
To Buy
The hardwood boxes, bowls and humidors of Barry Biesanz (Bello Horizonte, Escazu, Tel: 506-289-4337), made with exotic woods are what the Costa Rican government often gives visiting dignitaries. For high quality indigenous arts and crafts, visit Galería Namu (Av. 7 between Calle 5 y 7, Tel: 256-3412). Of course no one should leave Costa Rica without a stash of gourmet coffee and a supply of guaro, a local liquor made from sugar cane.
2003 National Holidays
May 1- Labor Day
June 29- St. Peter and St. Paul
August 15- Assumption Day
September 15- Independence Day
December 8- Immaculate Conception
December 25-Christmas Day