Hotel Don Carlos is exactly what we hoped for. We stayed there two nights, at the beginning and end of our week of touring Costa Rica. It is not fancy but is a great place place to stay at the beginning and/or end of your trip to other CR locations. The hotel felt very safe, although we did not venture out into the neighborhood.

The reception desk staff was extremely friendly, although we did not need to ask them for any services. Our room was spacious and clean, with a king sized bed, sofa, desk, ceiling fan, TV, and good bed reading lights. Bathroom was fine. Noise was not a problem.

The first floor bar/restaurant was a pleasant spot to relax, with very low prices. The morning breakfast buffett, in the outside courtyard, is fine.

Altogether, a very pleasant experience.

This is a simply charming hotel, with a very friendly and helpful staff. It was very easy to get from here to the airport (our main reason for being in San Jose, after all) and I will never again stay at one of the dull anywhere-in-the-world airport hotels. This was much, much better, and only about half the cost. Don't be put off by the lack of air conditioning - it's not needed at all. Our standard room (the last room in the house when I booked 2 weeks in advance) was well laid out though a bit small. Next time I'll try to book enough in advance to get one of the Superior rooms.

The real charm is the building itself. The lobby/cafe is relaxing and welcoming, the central garden is charming, the art scattered throughout is unique and interesting, and the public computers with high speed internet actually work! Breakfast was good, though after two weeks of vacation food indulgence we weren't all that interested.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. We wanted a late check-out (my husband wasn't feeling well enough for more touring and we were going straight to the airport) and they okayed it with no fuss - and no extra charge.

All in all, one of the nicest city hotels I've stayed in.

I stay at this hotel when I want to give myself a treat. It used to be the Presidential Palace and has an interesting layout and the charm of local flavour. It's in a great location close to the downtown area, two blocks from some good souvenir shops but quiet and secure.

Our room had its own little private courtyard outside, the bathroom was very spacious and comfortable. Breakfast in the outdoor courtyard was nice. The complementary welcome beverage was a nice touch. Free parking was welcome.

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.