Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Constructed in 1930, the city's first prominent hotel is recognized as a national landmark
(John F Kennedy and soccer legend Pelé both stayed here). Frequent renovations keep the
107 rooms modern and comfortable, though they retain period touches such as brass bed
frames and wood furnishings. The popular terrace bar-restaurant out front features live pi-
ano music on weekday evenings.
Some rooms have wonderful views of the Teatro Nacional, and here and there are subtle
architectural reminders of the hotel's history: exposed beams, molded ceilings and the dra-
matic entrance hall - lined with vintage photographs of San José.
Hotel Don Carlos
HOTEL
s US$85-96, d $96-107; )
Built around an early-20th-century house that once belonged to President Tomás Guardia,
this welcoming Barrio Amón inn exudes a slightly campy colonial-era vibe. Thirty-three
rooms are nestled around a faux-pre-Columbian sculpture garden with a sundeck, jacuzzi
and small kiddie-depth pool. All rooms have cable TV, lockbox and hair dryer; upstairs
units are generally nicer than the mustier ones downstairs.
Don't miss the Spanish-tile mural, just outside the onsite restaurant, which beautifully
depicts central San José in the 1930s. Credit cards accepted.
La Sabana & Surrounds
You'll find everything from hostels to vintage B&Bs in the neighborhoods that surround
Parque Metropolitano La Sabana.
Gaudy's
HOSTEL
US$13-17, s/d without bathroom US$22/34, r with bathroom US$38-39; )
Popular among shoestring travelers for years, this homey hostel inside a sprawling mod-
ernist house northeast of Parque La Sabana has 13 private rooms and two dormitories. The
Colombian owners keep the design scheme minimalist and the vibe mellow, with profes-
sional service and well-maintained rooms. There's a communal kitchen, a TV lounge, a
pool table and a courtyard strung with hammocks.
