The Grano de Oro has some forty rooms, 3 of which are suites. The available space varies depending on each room. The hotel differentiates between the 10 basic standard rooms and the 5 superior rooms, due to the larger size of the latter. Out of the 22 Luxury rooms, 7 open out on to a pleasant little patio. Some will like it very much, others less: quaint atmosphere, rooms fitted with high up wrought iron beds, large dark flowery carpets laid on dark parquet flooring, pastel colours, comfortable armchairs and numerous lamps. A special mention for the Grano de Oro suite; a vast and elegant overcrowded English-style room, with wooden panels (even in the bathroom), carved furniture and a jacuzzi overlooking the city. Available amenities: a satellite TV, a fan, a mini-bar, a telephone, and, in the bathrooms, a bath tub or a shower with basic hospitality products. Room-service is available from 6 am to 10 pm.

Do not be deceived by first impressions, the Grano de Oro will work its charms on you once you're inside. Built over a century ago by a Costa Rican family, this large and charming mansion is a real little maze, full of pleasant surprises as you walk along the corridors. Plants blossom in little interior gardens embellished with fountains. The hotel opened in 1993. In 2007, the restaurant and lobby were entirely renovated. The latter, more modern in style than the rest of the hotel, contrasts with its high ceiling and warm bright decoration, made from the roots of an African tree.

In charge of this superb and famous restaurant is Francis Canal, a passionate and very approachable French chef who settled at the Grano de Oro 14 years ago, and in Costa Rica 21 years ago. He serves French-style cuisine here, which he always manages to successfully blend with the local products and flavours of Latin America. The sheer elegance of the setting is plain for all to see. On the ground floor, you can take a seat on the superb patio or else opt for the warm cosy interior, with its long seashell-shaped sofas, convivial tables, large counter, comfortable armchairs, stained glass windows and even its windows (with their heavy curtains) giving on to the patio. Upstairs, the atmosphere is even more intimate and private. The breakfast menu offers great variety, the lunch menu features light dishes including very elaborate and delicious sandwiches. Dinners are gourmet. The chef recommends: vanilla-roasted gambas or sea bass in macadamia sauce. Just like everything else in this place, the wine menu is stunning with bottles from Chile, Argentina, California, Italy, and of course, France. Do not forget to book a table before coming because the place is very popular!

The hotel provides wireless access.

Accommodation tip:
Opt, if you can afford it, for one of the 7 luxury bedrooms with a small patio!