This hotel is designed for backpackers and budget travelers; not for people seeking a mid level type of hotel setting. I would have no complaints if I were paying hostel / guesthouse prices or if I was seeking hostel / guesthouse lodging. Unfortunately, however, this hotel delivers budget quality at Holiday Inn prices.

I have no significant ...

First the good - the staff was pleasant and helpful. The resturant food was good and reasonably priced. The bad - the neighborhood is dirty and pretty scary after dark. The rooms (at least the lower and mid priced ones) are marginal with poorly done repairs and a general seediness. The sheets did seem clean though. Ask if the room has a window to ...

there are nicer hotels a block away!
like the hotel castillo or even the Hemmingway! tHE ONLY THING THAT IS NICE ABOUT THIS PLACE, THAT IT HAD CHEAP BOTTLES OF WATER!

The 1st night after arrival, we were warned NOT to wonder out without hiring a taxi...not even to a resturant for dinner 3 blocks away. Transvestite prostitutes were hanging around right outside the front gate along with some other "shady" characters. The sidewalks were cracked and damaged and the street lights were very dim, so it was ...

I have stayed at the Sto. Tomas off and on for over 20 years. The staff is incredibly helpful.. Whatever you may want/need is within reach. I always feel 100% secure when I am inside the hotel. It is located right smack in the middle of everything. The best way to see Costa Rica-especially for the first time- is to stay here and let the staff ...

It was dark, the bathrooms were attrocious- the rooms were even worse and the Staff (with an exception of the great bartender) were sbotty and rude. I was expecting so much more. We are going back to CR this June and we will be staying at the Hotel Don Carlos. I would never reccomned this creepy, dark place to anyone.

rooms were not clean, were noisy ,no AC, bath rooms were terrible.
Checked out and found another hotel right away.
Asked for refund but did not get it.

The service was very efficient and friendly. The location is quite convenient to the downtown shopping district as well as to several handy bus terminals. We stayed in two different rooms on two different stays and they were both comfortable and clean. One had a door that opened right onto the patio and pool area which was especially nice. THe restaurant was particularly good.

A perfect small hotel, with incredibly helpful and friendly staff. The restaurant food is unbelievable for both quality and price. A refreshing change from boring international hotel chains.