Hotel Don Carlos, San Jose

Don Carlos is clean and comfortable. It is within easy walking distance from the Jade Museum (across the street), the National Theater, parks and pedestrian thoroughfares. Coffee at the News Cafe is a memorable experience if you like people watching. The review mentions the Hemingway Inn. That is diagonally across the street from Don Carlos. It too is clean and comfortable but a bit more rustic. Either is fine

EXCELENT LOCATION IN A HISTORIC AREA, GREAT VALUE, FRIENDLY STAFF. LOCATED NEXT TO JADE MUSEUM, 5 MINUTE WALK TO CITY CENTER, 1 MINUTE WALK TO CITY ZOO, RESTAURANTS, CAFES, ETC. THE MENU ON THE RESTAURANT IS BASIC BUT OK, GOOD VALUE.

We have stayed at this hotel many many times and have never had a bad experience! They will pick you up at the airport. They have the best selection of items to buy in their gift shop of anyone in town. We have been to Costa Rica 6 different times and always stay here the night of our arrival and the eve of our departure. We spend a month in the Country and many times end up back at the hotel Don Carlos when we pick up visitors that have come to visit us. The breakfast outside every morning is included and very good. There are several very nice places to eat close by and great shopping is walking distance. You can always stay in a chain hotel but the Hotel Don Carlos is original and authentic. We will be staying there again in March 2007. You can also rent your car and arrange many tours.

My sister and I enjoyed this hotel and would definitely return . . . if we visit San Jose and its environs again. The staff was courteous and pleasant. We especially enjoyed having cocktails and snacks in the comfortable and casual dining area. It was almost like dining in your own home. I had the best dish of vanilla ice cream I have ever had! Be sure to look at some of the interesting antiques and paintings. The hotel has an interesting history and we enjoyed reading about it. We went on an all-day tour, which was scheduled by the hotel. The tour was was well paced and comfortable plus at a great price. Our tour guide was excellent. If you want to go to the pedestrian mall or other interesting sites in the city, a taxi can take you there in just a few minutes. P. Fallucca and J. Slack

The welcoming staff was delightful and the small cafe and 24 hr internet were nice touches. Some concern over being told that the neighborhood was not safe (repeatedly told this), but nothing unpleasant happened. Our room was decorated well and the Tico art in the hallways was like having a galley outside our door.

The best available location, rates and service may be found here. English speaking a big plus. Tours can be booked from the lobby, and owner will help you plan. Great place to stay.

I stay at the Hemingway Inn across the street because the rooms are 1/2 the price, but I go here to eat dinner or lunch because it's a 1 minute walk. The prices are very reasonable, staff very nice, and the food is always fresh. Although I have not stayed here, the hotel is very nice and clean and I think they have an indoor pool. This hotel does not allow overnight guests, so if you are a single person who found a date, they will not allow an extra guest in the room, but across the street they will.

I was with the group from Spring Arbor University in Michigan and our stay was awesome. I was very happy with the serivice that we recieved even if we were a bunch of college kids. The staff there was very friendly and I can't wait to come back and bring my husband at this time. I was very happy with my service. Thanks guys. Pura Vida!!!! from Michigan Vianca

We've stayed at the Don Carlos about a dozen times now, and continue to favor it over other similar hotels in San Jose. The staff is great, amazingly helpful, and can set up any trip or adventure you might want to have while in Costa Rica. The rooms are large & comfy, and the best gift shop in Latin America is in the lobby. We just the Don Carlos as our starting and ending points to every Costa Rica trip.