Hilton has planted its Tapestry Collection flag in Central America for the first time. The Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, has opened in the mountains of Heredia, Costa Rica, bringing the brand's boutique-style approach to a country better known for eco-lodges and all-inclusive beach resorts.
The property has 97 rooms, 38 of them suites, and leans hard into the wellness angle. Think expansive windows framing mountain, garden and private lake views, private balconies, and firepits for cool mountain evenings. The spa is the centrepiece: 13,200 square feet staffed by specialists offering treatments built around restoration and longevity, plus open-air decks, meditation spaces and private nature trails on the grounds.
Food is treated as a serious draw rather than an afterthought. There are four dining concepts rooted in Costa Rican identity, led by Bosco, the signature restaurant, and Santoro, a fine-dining steakhouse with an open kitchen. The 1998 Lobby Bar mixes signature cocktails, and a dedicated juice bar sits near the pool and fitness areas for post-workout refreshment.
Sustainability runs through the operation in concrete ways: solar panels, an on-site wastewater treatment plant, hydration stations that cut out single-use plastics and electric maintenance equipment. The hotel has also commissioned an exclusive art collection from well-known Costa Rican artists, so there's something to look at beyond the valley views.
Location-wise, it's a practical base. Montara sits roughly 13 miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport and downtown San José, overlooking the Central Valley. That puts guests within easy reach of the capital's museums and restaurants while sleeping in cooler, greener hill country — a nice combination for travellers who want city access without city noise.
Why it matters: Costa Rica has long attracted wellness-minded travellers, but options often split between rustic eco-lodges and big resort brands. A boutique-flag hotel with a large spa, trail access and strong dining gives a different middle ground — and Hilton Honors members now have a points-earning option in the San José hills. It suits couples on a rest-and-reset trip, wellness-focused solo travellers, and anyone using San José as a gateway who fancies a calmer first or last night in the country.
Story first reported by Global Traveler.
