I stayed at the Don Carlos for a night (or two?) on arriving in Costa Rica and one leaving. The hotel is a rather rambling structure in an old area of San Jose , an area with a number of nice houses. At one time this was the best area in San Jose although I gather there has not been a lot of attention paid to heritage of the older houses. Don Carlos is within walking of most things one would like to see in San Jose. The Jade museum is right up the street, an easy walk takes you to the pedestrian streets near the post office and near the other museums of note. A cab is needed from the airport, if you aren't renting a car. The hotel has an excellent buffet breakfast, as well as free internet access and the computers actually work (unlike some places which advertise free internet). There are lots of old furnishings of interest, which can be seen from the photos. The staff is friendly and helpful and there is a shop which is recommended by a number of guidebooks. It is a nice shop if you are into shopping. There is a lounge area of the reception where one receives a complimentary drink (unless you arrive too late in the evening) and there are also decent snacks and heavier fare if you want. The concierge or one of the reception staff was very helpful, going out of his way to give advise about wearing a camera and other tips to avoid pickpockets. When I left for the airport, I forgot my jacket and he was able to get it back to me (my plane was delayed , which helped ) via the driver who returned with other people from the hotel. It is a secure hotel. Many rooms differ because of its rambling style. I actually preferred the smaller room I had when I came back to the larger room on my arrival, which was apparently what was available at the time. It was not like being at an American chain hotel and in my way of looking at it, that's a good thing. However, almost everyone I saw staying there was American. It had a lot more atmosphere than the hotel I went to a few blocks away to get my exit stamp/whatever ahead of going to the airport. There are no doubt cheaper hotels in San Jose, and some may be comparable value, but except for the rather squeaky ceiling fan in the first room, I had no complaints.
