The Hilton hotel chain plans to operate a new mountain resort in San Rafael de Heredia under the name Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This move revives a site with deep roots in Costa Rica’s hospitality sector. The company will take over the grounds of the former La Condesa Hotel, a property that shut down in October 2014. Hilton’s website now lists reservations for the new hotel, with guest stays set to start on November 22, 2026.
Montara Hotel will offer 97 rooms and two restaurants focused on local dishes. Nightly rates start at about $140, making it a practical choice for those looking for a calm spot near the capital. The setup includes a gym, spa, heated indoor pool, and boutique. Pets will not be permitted.
Hilton positions the hotel as a calm getaway close to Juan Santamaría International Airport, where contemporary style pairs with the area’s scenery. Visitors can expect mountain vistas, meals drawing from Costa Rican flavors, and easy reach to volcanoes and waterfalls. The property also suits events and meetings.
San Rafael de Heredia stands out for its scenery, mild weather, and overlooks of the Central Valley and volcanoes like Poás and Barva. Key spots include Monte de la Cruz Recreational Park, which provides trails, a lagoon, picnic areas, and lookouts. Other areas like Bosque de la Hoja and San Rafael de Vara Blanca on Barva Volcano’s slopes draw people for their wildlife and activities.
The region’s mountain air, plant life, cloud forests, and fresh atmosphere pull in those escaping urban life, especially families and outdoor fans. This revival holds meaning. La Condesa’s closure in 2014 led to 120 job losses. Reports from that time noted debts of around ¢266 million to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund. Opened in the 1990s, it served as a go-to for weddings, conferences, and family trips. Now, as part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, which features independent hotels with local touches, the site aims to boost tourism in Heredia.
The announcement fits into Costa Rica’s hotel sector recovery after the pandemic and economic shifts. Heredia’s location near San José and natural draws has increased appeal for authentic experiences outside city limits. Montara joins other local efforts, such as park upgrades and adventure paths, to strengthen the area’s options.
Hilton highlights San Rafael’s draw for rest and exploration. The hotel’s page notes it as a chance to connect with Costa Rica’s mountain appeal. For residents, the return could create jobs and support the economy, though hiring plans remain undisclosed.
Meanwhile, San Rafael keeps its pull as a spot for families and nature seekers. Its clean air, thick greenery, and cloud forests offer quick getaways from town, with choices for various budgets. Montara’s opening may bring more international guests, backed by Hilton’s name.
Those planning ahead can book on Hilton’s site, starting from November 22, 2026. This step forward links La Condesa’s history to a fresh phase under a known brand, aiding Heredia’s tourism growth.
