For YEARS, a group I travel with every January stayed at a hotel called "Pico Blanco" - its located in San Antionio de Escazu, above the town, up in the mountains - by way of perspective, its one "mountain" over from Tara/The White House/Bachelor Mansion.
In the '90's, it was about 15 min trip to San Jose; much more in the early 2000's, w/ the increase in traffic so we stopped staying there. Not the place (IMO) to base yourself if you plan to be in San Jose much of your time
Not "fancy" but family owned and well run with big rooms priced about a reasonable $55/per - great views of the Central Valley (especially at night), clear, clean air, cool temps - you will sleep great there and you do not need a/c at all. (I'm sure if you google them you will see their web site).
Depending on who they have cooking, the food can be very good; also a chance the res't is closed - was open 2 years ago when we went up for a drink - its also close to another good, but very overpriced Italian res't with a great view; I forget the name but its up the road and up another hill - you could walk it (if you are part mountain goat

)
(Ticos do a great job on views; the food - not so much)