The Quesadas will make you feel like you're returning home at this tranquil, peach-coloured inn. Casa Hilda is one of the few properties in San José where you can spend personal time with a real Costa Rican family. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This welcoming guesthouse is run by the adjacent Friends' Peace Center, which promotes peace and social justice. A lending library offers an extensive collection of books on Central American politics and society. This isn't the place for party people - there's no smoking, alcohol… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This traveler's refuge and artistic retreat is run by the multilingual and insanely talented Mayra, a Costa Rican artist and naturalist who's nurtured the grounds of her small guesthouse for over 10 years. Today, 'Five Red Ants' is a micro-ecosystem that's teeming with tropical b… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This luxurious boutique hotel is regarded as one of the most sophisticated places to stay in the capital. The French-colonial building brims with class, though readers predominantly rave about the exceptional professionalism of the staff. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This stunner of a hotel is located in a historic cafetalero (coffee baron) mansion that was built at the turn of the 20th century. Simply walk through the front door and whisk yourself away to a long-gone era of Costa Rican history. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This posada (country-style inn) was built in 1928 and has a dramatic entrance complete with a Romeo & Juliet style balcony overlooking the foyer. French doors line the entrances to each of the rooms, which are furnished with period pieces. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This hillside posada (country-style inn) rates as one of the top B&Bs in the San José area. Snuggle up in your homely room, or take a nip at the honour bar. Either way, you're free at El Quijote to make yourself at home. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This secluded hilltop villa is an absolute treasure of a B&B. The bedrooms, dining and sitting areas reflect the owner's interest in art and antiques, and visitors can expect to spot original works by Dalí and Toulouse-Lautrec (seriously, we're not kidding!). Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The Alta is an immaculately sculpted Spanish Mediterranean-style villa, though it's difficult to compete with the grandeur of Mother Nature; on a clear day, there are views from the hotel as far as the Pacific. Full Lonely Planet Review ›