Location is great- walk to everything in your guide book- theater, Gold Museum (Don't miss their wonderful museum store! v. reasonable jewelry and gifts) markets. Beautifully redone hotel- shouldn't be called a Holiday Inn because it is better than any Holiday Inn I've never stayed at. This is more of a Sheraton, Hilton class or above hotel. We were stunned at how nice it was considering what we paid. There is also a nice Sauna, jacuzzi, and pool that was enjoyable after a long days shopping and before dinner. We had breakfast included in our price and it was worth it since their service and selection is terrific- USA guys- don't forget to tip the breakfast waiters for heavens sake- just because it's included in your room price doesn't mean they don't need the tips! It is very clean and the employees were all excellent to a person. Internet works well but isn't cheap at $10/hr. I got traveling sickness from the downtown restaurant Tin-Jo's recommended in Lonely Planet and OWNED by a US citizen who apparently didn't think using purified water to make their ice or cold tea drinks was important- and was very well attended to for the 3 days that I sufferd.

Stayed here recently. Nice hotel, with the friendly and helpful staff being the best part. Central to the pedestrian mall and the better parts of downtown. San Jose is not a gem, but if you need to stay in the city, this is a good choice all around.

The Aurora Holiday Inn hotel in San Jose Costa Rica is in need of major renovations! We stayed for three nights last week, and it was three nights too long. The hotel room was very noisy, with people coming and going at all hours. The carpeting in the room was filthy, with stains and cigarette burns. We attempted to use what was called a "gym", but it was a small room in the basement with an exercise bike circa 1970, and a non functioning treadmill. The pool was freezing and the tiles were very slippery. (Not for small children!) There was no way to regulate the room temperature and we were either very cold or very hot. This hotel was a complete disappointment and not worth the hundred dollars a night.

Nice hotel with free parking right in the middle of the city. The staff is really friendly and helpful. The rooms were spotless and the maids service was the best I've ever seen. The room carpeting was a bit worn though. The casino upstairs is fine but was a bit slow when I was there otherwise this hotel was a great bargain.