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Hotel Don Carlos, San Jose (San Jose)

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From67US$ /night
Check-in
13Dec2024Select date
Check-out
14Dec2024Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Ave.9, Street 9, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, 00000

Hotel Don Carlos is a historical four-star establishment located in San Jose, Costa Rica. Once a residence for two past presidential families, it offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. The hotel is conveniently situated 600 meters from the National Theatre of Costa Rica and is surrounded by cultural attractions.

Location

Hotel Don Carlos is centrally located in San Jose, close to multiple cultural attractions like the Jade Museum and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The hotel is just 10 km from Tobias Bolanos International Airport, making it accessible for travelers. Nearby points of interest include the National Center of Art and Culture and Central Park.

Rooms

The hotel features comfortable double rooms with amenities such as a seating area, a patio, and a mountain view. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom that includes free toiletries and a hairdryer. Additional conveniences include an in-room safe, flat-screen TV, and complimentary wireless Internet access.

Eat & Drink

Hotel Don Carlos offers a restaurant serving a variety of dishes and a bar/lounge for guests to enjoy beverages. A snack bar is also available for quick refreshments throughout the day. Guests have the option to dine in or relax with drinks within the hotel premises.

Leisure & Business

The property provides leisure options such as an outdoor pool and a shared lounge for relaxation. Business conveniences include a 24-hour front desk, tour desk, and currency exchange services. Additional amenities consist of gift shops/newsstands and free parking on-site.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Double Room
Max:
2 persons
8 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
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Superior Double Room
Max:
4 persons
12 m² 
Bed options:
2 Double beds
Shower
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre
San Jose (San Jose)800 m
Airports
Tobias Bolanos International (SYQ) 9.8 km
Juan Santamaria International (SJO) 18.8 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Swimming pool

Room features

  • In-room safe

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Location

Ave.9, Street 9, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, 00000
Map view
Ave.9, Street 9, San Jose (San Jose), Costa Rica, 00000
Nearby
Museum
Jade Museum
470 m
Zoo
Simon Bolivar Zoo
380 m
Event hall
Templo de la Musica
250 m
Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
410 m
Avenidas 3 y 5
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
360 m
Gallery
Galeria Namu
180 m
Avenida 11 Calle 25
Museo Dr. Rafael Calderon Guardia
260 m
Square
Plaza de la Libertad Electoral
370 m
Avenida Segunda
Mercado Nacional de Artesanias
550 m
Square
Plaza de las Artes
350 m
Avenue 9 & Calle 4
Centro Costarricense de Ciencias y Cultura
390 m
Park
Gral Francisco Morazan
1.1 km
Church
Metropolitan Church
590 m
Restaurants
Pops
680 m
San jose
La Esquinita de JM
360 m
Barrio Ottoya
Pollo Campero
510 m
San Jose Avenida Central frente a la Plaza de la Cultura
Kashe Cafe Gourmet
550 m
Avenida 1
El Tostador
510 m
Avenida Central Costado sur del Mercado Central de San Jose
La Oliva Verde
560 m
Barrio de San Francisco
Changuiche
580 m
Av. Central
Bo FastGood_RealFood
670 m
Avenida Segunda 2 150mt East from Teatro Nacional
Coffee Beans
670 m
Calle Blancos Plaza San Gabriel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
78%
liked the hotel and would stay again
Clean
Friendly staff
Uncomfortable beds
Basic dining options
7.8/10
Very good
Rooms
7.7
Location
8.1
Service
8.7
Dining
7.4
Guest reviews
7.8/10
based on 30 reviews
8.8
8.8/10based on 641 reviews
Peter
United States, June  2024
8.4/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms were really spacious with antique style furniture, making it different from other hotels. The service was wonderful and helpful, making this colonial charmer a great find. The location was ideal to explore San José, especially if you're only spending one night in the city before moving on to explore the rest of the country. The dining experience was pretty basic, with a typical breakfast spread, but globally inspired dishes added some variety. The facilities were top-notch, offering everything I needed for a comfortable stay.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were really spacious with antique style furniture, setting this hotel apart. I really liked the unique decor!
Service
9.0
The service was wonderful and helpful throughout my stay. The staff was very welcoming and friendly, adding to the pleasant atmosphere of the hotel.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location in the Barrio Amon area was perfect for exploring San José. It's close to the city center and within walking distance of downtown shops and open garden areas.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was pretty basic, but it had all the essentials like eggs, Gallo pinto, muffins, fresh fruit, and more. However, it lacked some variety compared to what I'm used to.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities outside the rooms were impressive, running all night. Everything from the doorman to the restaurant staff added to the overall positive experience of staying at this hotel.
Michael
United Kingdom, June  2024
8.2/10

The hotel offers really spacious rooms with antique-style furniture, which sets it apart from other places. I loved the unique charm of the room, even though the beds were a bit uncomfortable. The room was basic yet cozy and clean, with no bugs in sight and everything working perfectly. It was very comfortable and spotlessly clean, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were spacious with antique-style furniture, making them different from other hotels. Beds were a bit uncomfortable but the room was basic, comfortable, and clean with no issues.
Service
9.0
The staff went above and beyond when my travel group got lost on our way to Arenal. They are polite, friendly, and provide exceptional service, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location was perfect for exploring the country, being in the city center, making it convenient for sightseeing and feeling safe and secure. Free and secure parking added to the overall convenience.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was decent with a typical selection. The breakfast was simple but enjoyable, offering a nice variety of local dishes to start the day.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel facilities were adequate, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay. It might not be luxurious, but it covers the essentials well.
Clean
Uncomfortable beds
Colin
United Kingdom, May  2024
8.2/10

Staying at this hotel was like stepping into a scene from a Harry Potter movie. The rooms, though small, were immaculately clean, but the discomfort came from the pillows. The service, particularly for our early morning airport transfer, was welcoming, and we even received a voucher instead of a direct payment. The location is superb, allowing easy access to all the main attractions in San Jose within walking distance. The dining experience offered a good buffet selection at a fair price, though the waiting staff could have been friendlier.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms reminded me of something out of a Harry Potter movie, small yet very clean. The only downside was the uncomfortable pillows.
Service
9.0
The service was excellent, especially for the early airport transfer. The welcoming atmosphere after a long journey was a nice touch, and the voucher in lieu of payment was a pleasant surprise.
Location
9.0
The location in barrio Amon is one of the best parts of the city, close to the center and all the main attractions. The beautiful patio area with water features adds to the charm, making it a fine place to stay.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience offered a good buffet selection at a reasonable price, though the waiting staff could have been more friendly.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel facilities were well-maintained and added to the overall experience.
J.
United States, April  2024
7.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms were comfortable and ample but had an overwhelming smell impacting the sleep quality. The service was excellent and helpful, but it felt a bit cold at times. The location was convenient for exploring the city but came with a sketchy neighborhood warning. The dining experience offered a good variety of food but also had some room for improvement. Overall, there were some highs and lows during my visit.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms, decorated with antiques, were comfortable and ample but had an overwhelming smell.
Service
8.0
The service was wonderful and very helpful, although it felt a bit cold at times.
Location
7.0
The hotel's location was nice on a quiet street near the city center but with a sketchy neighborhood according to the cab driver.
Dining
8.0
The dining included a good selection of food with variety, although there could be some improvements.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were adequate but could use some enhancements for a better experience.
Richard
United Kingdom, April  2024
7.8/10

My stay at the hotel was quite pleasant overall. The rooms were nice and spacious, although a bit on the dark side due to the dark wood furnishings. The service provided by the staff was exceptional, very helpful and friendly. The location was great, just a few minutes walk from the Gold and Jade museums and the main pedestrian street. The dining experience was good with a variety of Costa Rican dishes served. The facilities were decent and met my needs.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were nice and spacious, although a bit dark due to the dark wood. The bed was a bit hard, but overall comfortable.
Service
9.0
The staff was very helpful and friendly, offering good suggestions on places to dine and explore. They were extraordinarily cheerful and made my stay enjoyable.
Location
8.0
The hotel is in a great neighborhood, walkable to the city center and museums. The area felt safe and convenient for exploring.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was good with typical Costa Rican dishes available. The evening meal was great and satisfying.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel had basic facilities that were sufficient for my stay. Nothing extravagant but met my needs.
Helpful staff
Dark rooms
Don
United States, April  2024
6.6/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms, though a bit small, were well laid out, but the morning shower surprise of bugs was not pleasant. The view from the room was small yet lovely, adding a nice touch to the stay.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were well laid out although a bit small. The morning shower had an unexpected guest of bugs which was unpleasant. The view, though small, was lovely.
Service
9.0
The service was top-notch, with the staff being very friendly and helpful. Their kindness won me over instantly, making the stay more enjoyable.
Location
6.0
The hotel's location was very convenient on the same block as the Jade Museum and overlooking a quiet street. However, the area was a little rough, especially at night.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was average, typical of a B&B, with some variety but nothing extraordinary. The food was standard Costa Rican fare, which was decent.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities at the hotel were adequate, nothing exceptional but served their purpose. The overall experience was satisfactory.
George
United Kingdom, April  2024
8.2/10

I stayed at this hotel, and it felt like a mixed bag. The rooms, while spacious and well-furnished, gave off a vibe similar to a dingy motel room in the US. On the bright side, the communal areas and the restaurant were quite nice. The service was excellent with attentive staff ready to assist you with anything. The location is convenient for exploring the city, although it could be a bit sketchy at night. The dining experience was superb, offering a delightful variety of breakfast items. Overall, a decent stay with some ups and downs.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms, despite being a bit reminiscent of a dingy US motel room, are spacious and well-furnished.
Service
9.0
The service from the doorman to the restaurant staff was excellent, with everyone being helpful and friendly.
Location
8.0
The hotel is conveniently located near two small parks and a diplomatic building, making it easy to walk to central attractions, but it can feel a bit unsafe at night.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was top-notch, with a delicious spread of breakfast items that was one of the best I had during my trip.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel facilities were in good condition, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Alfred
United States, March  2024
7.6/10

My stay at the hotel was quite pleasant overall. The rooms were spacious with antique style furniture, making them stand out. The service was exceptionally helpful and welcoming, with staff going out of their way to assist. The location was great for exploring downtown and felt safe and secure, although it was a bit noisy being just above the reception. The dining experience was decent and the facilities were well-maintained.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were really spacious and had a unique touch with antique style furniture.
Service
9.0
The service was top-notch, with staff being particularly helpful and welcoming, going above and beyond to assist guests.
Location
7.0
The location was perfect for walking around downtown and feeling safe and secure, although it was a bit noisy due to its proximity to the meeting point.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was typical and decent, although nothing extraordinary. It was nice enough given the price.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were well-maintained and provided everything needed for a comfortable stay.
John
United Kingdom, March  2024
8.2/10

The hotel has a nice room overlooking the foyer, which is spacious, clean, and includes a lovely bathroom. The hotel exudes historic charm and offers amenities like walk-in showers, air conditioning, a TV with a large selection of stations, and a safe. However, there were some issues with the service, including an incorrect charge that took a while to resolve. The location is ideal for exploring downtown San Jose, and the dining experience, although typical, was enjoyable with favorites like eggs and gallo pinto.

Rooms
9.0
The room overlooking the foyer was very nice, spacious, and clean, with a lovely bathroom.
Service
7.0
There were some issues with the service, including an incorrect charge, but eventually sorted.
Location
9.0
The hotel is in a perfect location for exploring downtown San Jose and offers a safe and secure environment.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was enjoyable, especially the eggs and gallo pinto.
Facilities
Robin
United Kingdom, February  2024
7.8/10

The hotel gave me mixed feelings. While the rooms made me feel a bit confined indoors like in a monastery, they were undeniably spotlessly clean. The service, although needing a bit of cheering up from our side, was exceptional and provided with the highest integrity. The location, while not elegant due to the seeping poverty from downtown, was conveniently within walking distance of all interesting spots. The dining experience was pretty good, with a variety of tasty options, best enjoyed sitting streetside. Overall, a comfortable stay with a few quirks.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms, although feeling a bit confined like in a monastery, were spotlessly clean.
Service
9.0
The service provided was exceptional, with a cheering touch from us, and showed the highest integrity.
Location
8.0
The location, despite the surrounding poverty seeping in, was great and conveniently close to all interesting spots in town.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was pretty good, with tasty options best enjoyed streetside.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were decent and provided everything needed for a comfortable stay.
clean
confined
Patrick
United Kingdom, February  2024
8.0/10

The hotel has a historical charm with clean and older rooms that match the overall feel. While the rooms were comfortable, some noise from doors and conversations could be heard. The service was exceptional, especially with arranging transportation to the airport. The location is convenient for exploring the center of town and offers a mix of historic and modern atmosphere. The dining experience, although average, provided a generous and delicious spread. The facilities were adequate for a pleasant stay.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms have a historical feel and were comfortable.
Service
9.0
The service was exceptional, especially with transportation arrangements.
Location
8.0
The location offers a mix of historic and modern atmosphere, convenient for exploring the town center.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience offered a generous and delicious spread.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were adequate for a pleasant stay.
Ross
United Kingdom, January  2024
7.8/10

Wow, what a delightful stay! The hotel boasts really spacious rooms with antique style furniture that sets it apart from others. I loved the lovely open-air garden with a decorative waterfall/pool, tables, chairs, and a small jacuzzi. The simple yet clean rooms provided everything we needed, making our stay quite comfortable.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were large, clean, and comfortable.
Service
9.0
The service was very welcoming and friendly. The staff was absolutely charming and professional, going above and beyond to assist, especially when my bag was lost by the airline. They even thoughtfully laid out some coffee and biscuits for us in the morning as we left before breakfast service started.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location is perfect for exploring San José. It's within walking distance of the Caribeños bus station, downtown shops, and open garden areas. While the area felt safe and secure, it's advisable not to venture out in the evening without proper precautions.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was substantial, serving both hot and cold nutritional fare. The meals were very good, healthy, and plentiful, showcasing traditional Costa Rican food. However, the waiting staff could have been more friendly.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel offers a variety of facilities for a comfortable stay, with home-made desserts being a highlight. However, it was disappointing to find that the written instructions about toilet paper disposal were not accurate.
Clean Rooms
Inaccurate Information
George
United Kingdom, January  2024
8.2/10

The hotel offers spacious and nice rooms, although a bit on the dark side due to the dark wood decor. The service is exceptionally friendly and helpful. The location is convenient but could be unsafe at night. The dining experience provides a great selection of local and international dishes. The facilities are well-maintained and offer a variety of amenities.

Rooms
8.0
The room was nice and spacious, although a bit dark due to the dark wood decor.
Service
9.0
The service from the staff was very friendly and helpful, going out of their way to assist.
Location
7.0
The location is conveniently close to the center, although it could be risky at night with the presence of solicitors. The area seems dodgy in the evenings.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience offered a great variety of dishes, from local favorites like beans and rice to international options.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities are modern and well-equipped, providing a comfortable stay for guests.
Richard
United States, December  2023
7.2/10

I stayed at this hotel and had a great experience overall. The rooms were simple but had everything I needed, including a comfortable seating area, two double beds, a large bathroom, and a small external balcony. The view from the balcony was as described on their website, different and spacious. The service was good, with the doorman, Pura Vida, being especially helpful, although it felt a bit impersonal at times. The location was convenient, with a short walk downtown where the main pedestrian plaza with the Gold Museum is located. The mini pool with local plants and statues added a nice touch to the atmosphere. However, it's advisable not to venture out in the evening and to have someone call or flag a taxi to avoid any issues. The dining experience was quite poor, but the outdoor courtyard with a fountain was a nice spot to enjoy breakfast, even though the options were limited. The hotel's facilities were satisfactory overall.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were simple but had everything I needed, with a comfortable seating area, two double beds, a large bathroom, and a small external balcony. The view was as described on their website, different and spacious.
Service
7.0
The service was good overall, with the staff being attentive. The doorman, Pura Vida, was particularly helpful, although interactions sometimes felt a bit cold, and there was unnecessary advice about going out at night.
Location
9.0
The location was good, within walking distance to downtown and the main pedestrian plaza with the Gold Museum. The neighborhood felt safe, but it's wise not to venture out in the evening without a proper taxi arrangement.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was below expectations, although the outdoor courtyard with a fountain was a pleasant setting. The breakfast options were limited but made sense for a quick meal.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel offered basic facilities, and the mini pool with local plants and statues added a nice touch to the ambiance.
Ian
United Kingdom, October  2023
9.0/10

I had a fantastic stay at this hotel. The rooms were spacious, clean, and had a lovely view of the mountain. The service was exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the location was safe and within walking distance to downtown San Jose. The dining experience was amazing, and the facilities were top-notch. A great value for money!

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious, clean, and had a lovely view of the mountain.
Service
9.0
The service was exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Location
8.0
The location was safe and within walking distance to downtown San Jose.
Dining
10.0
The dining experience was amazing.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were top-notch.
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room