Taormina Hotel and Casino

The hotel pays homage to the area’s historic persona, where some beautiful, late 19th and early 20th century mansion homes reside. Taormina is in a Victorian-inspired, multi-gable corner building, surrounded by Old World cast iron street lamps. Barrio Amon was once an exclusive residential area and home to the likes of former Costa Rican president, Otilio Ulate, but the area has now taken a more commercial tone, with hotels, restaurants, bars, and a variety of local businesses. Formerly the Mona Lisa Hotel & Casino, the property underwent renovations and was renamed in 2015 after change of ownership. Taormina stems from Sicily’s historic seaside town of the same name. The hotel’s Italian restaurant, Il Gatopardo, occupies the corner at street-level with its red-and-white-checked tablecloths and charming wall murals of the Italian coastline. The lobby is subdued, blending a soft neutral palette with beige marble floors and sparse modern lounge furniture. This space evolves directly into the casino -- which is modestly sized, casual, and moodier with dimmer lighting, a few card tables, roulette, and rows of beeping neon slot machines. A lively, contemporary tone dominates the sports bar, where multiple TVs broadcast sports (lots of local soccer) to guests and locals alike. While it’s not endorsed by the hotel, working girls do find their way in here, though it should hardly cause alarm given the nature of downtown San Jose. 

The hotel is located in Barrio Amon, a historical neighborhood in downtown San Jose shared with late 19th century buildings. As charming as it sounds, this area is a haven for prostitution, but that seems to be the downtown norm. There are a number of cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls within walking distance. Walkable sights include the Kid’s Museum (10 minutes), Auditorio Nacional (10 minutes), the Simone Bolivar Zoological Park and National Botanical Garden (10 minutes), the National Museum of Costa Rica (14 minutes), and the Jade Museum (12 minutes). Gran Terminal de Caribe (bus station) is a six-minute walk away, and it’s about 30 minutes to Juan Santamaria International Airport, depending on traffic. 

Following 2015 renovations, rooms are neutral yet vibrant and fresh, blending cream furniture, taupe headboards, and soft beige curtains with white walls and bedding. Stainless steel standing lamps cast a warming glow, and lone burgundy cushions add a color splash. Available in Premium, Superior, and Master Suite categories, room layouts are generous and include two mid-century inspired chairs set on either side of petit cocktail tables in lower categories. Lounge settings for four and coffee tables are provided in Premium Rooms. Big flat-screen TVs sit atop long sideboards. Mini-fridges, safes, and bathrobes are also included. Bathrooms are lovely and large, dressed in beige with full-width granite vanities and mirrors, walk-in frameless glass showers, and a good selection of individual toiletries, but they lack hairdryers. Big wall-to-wall picture windows showcase city views, and some are quite picturesque for San Jose given the historic area. 

Features focus mostly on leisure travelers. Il Gatopardo is the charming Italian restaurant serving all meals and room service, adjoining the lobby. This is where the free breakfast is served offering a selection of hot and cold items that guests seem to enjoy. Though small and basic, there is a casino located off the lobby, and a sports lounge bar sits right next to it, offering daily happy hours, bar snacks, and plenty of local and international sporting activity on the many TVs. There’s a small sundries store located next to the hotel entrance. Free valet parking is provided. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.