Hotel Presidente

Exposed brick and parquet floors greet you in the lobby of this boutique-ish downtown hotel, which lends out bicycles and means it. A rooftop garden, Chesterfield sofas, and a vintage neon sign give it an industrial-chic feel without trying too hard. The 91 rooms run simple and clean upstairs. Breakfast is included, the fitness center is there if you need it, and the Michelin Guide has it among its selected hotels. San José is often a stopover, but this one makes the stop easy.