A Day in San José

A night or two in the Costa Rican capital yields a richer view of the country.

- By Dobrina Zhekova

URBAN EXPERIENCES may not be the first reason you visit Costa Rica, but the country's bustling capital has lots to offer visitors. Founded less than 300 years ago, San José is one of Latin America's youngest cities. After it was named the capital in 1832, the city experienced a boom, fueled by a coffee-growing industry that takes advantage of the country's rich soil and cool climate at high altitudes.

Hotel Grano de Oro (doubles from $215) is a 40-room boutique hotel on a quiet street, just 20 minutes away from the international airport. Housed in a mansion from the early 1900s, the hotel feels like something from a bygone era with its elaborate wood paneling, handmade tiles, boldly patterned textiles, and wrought-iron bed frames.