Our History
A 1947 building with Costa Rican soul
Over 79 years of history
Hotel Colonial is not just a place to stay — it is a witness to the evolution of San José. Every wall, every arch and every tile tells a chapter of the Costa Rican capital's history.
The Urgellés family: the foundations
The story begins around 1940 with the vision of Catalan Antonio Urgellés, a skilled Spanish furniture maker who migrated to Costa Rica with his wife Antonieta Ferrer in 1904. Don Antonio hired architect Víctor Sabater and engineer Federico Jiménez to build a family home in Spanish Colonial Revival style in the heart of San José. The finest materials were imported: mixed brick, handcrafted iron and precious woods. The mahogany beams and corbels in the living room were entirely hand-carved in Don Antonio's workshop, and the Solomon columns on the facade were made with molds created exclusively for this house.
Conservation and new purposes
From the 1980s to the 2000s, Laura Urgellés, Don Antonio's daughter, undertook conservation efforts to preserve the architectural value of the home. The family residence was transformed into Art Gallery 452 and later served as headquarters for the National Youth Movement (Movimiento Nacional de Juventudes), a public institution aimed at being an educational center for young people.
The Vargas family: Hotel Colonial is born
In 2002, Mr. Eddy Vargas acquired the Urgellés family home and transformed it into an elegant hotel. Under the guidance of architect Fausto Calderón and engineer Carlos Granados, he meticulously oversaw every detail to ensure the new construction remained faithful to the style of the original house. The terrace, pool and new rooms were added. In May 2005, Hotel Colonial opened its doors as a Bed & Breakfast with 17 rooms: 16 standard and 1 junior suite — the original main bedroom of the house.
A living treasure in the historic center
Since 2015, Hotel Colonial entered its contemporary redesign phase with updated furnishings and a more modern stay. In 2018, Restaurant Casa Colonial 452 was established, creating a unique culinary experience for guests and the general public. Today, with more than 21 years welcoming travelers from around the world, the hotel offers a complete experience: central location steps from Chinatown and the National Museum, rooms with character, and the warmth of a building with over 79 years of history.
Stay in a piece of history
Book your stay at Hotel Colonial and experience a building that has been welcoming guests for over 79 years.