Was visiting San Jose for a conference 22-26 May 2017. I was first concerned with some of negative reviews but when I got there I asked myself where the negative reviews were coming from. The shuttle bus was there on time to pick me and I only had to wait 5mn to be seen at the reception. My room was spacious and cleaned and my stay was made enjoyable by the people at the hotel i.e. the receptionists, the managers, the bar staff and the rooms cleaning staff. The restaurant offered a good choice of food for breakfast and the waitresses/waiters provided a great service. The whole stay was great and the people of Costa Rica are very welcoming. I also met few people at the hotel (from the US, the UK, Sweden, India) who shared similar experience of the hotel. I will definitely return to the hotel and will surely recommend it.

David

After arriving in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, take a bus or rent a car to drive about one and a half hours to picturesque Sarchi which is the place where oxcarts are still made today. Many years ago these carts were used to take the coffee beans down from the mountain to the city where farmers could sell their crops. The carts are brightly decorated and people want them today for art and display them at their homes. The carts are made in many sizes and every person can afford at least a small one to display in a home. Fruit is served free of charge there to people taking the tour to watch the carts being made. Just a very relaxing day driving through the beautiful countryside. A must see if in Costa Rica.

I stayed in the master suite and I can say it was probably one of the biggest suites I've stayed.

The hotel is very old. It's my first time visiting Costa Rica and unfortunately I didn't have enough time for personal leisure.

Jet tub in the master bath worked, but didn't look like it's clean enough for jet tub bath.

Limited restaurant options. One Japanese, one Italian, one bar, one Hard Rock Cafe. Considering the size of the hotel a couple of more on-site dining options can be appreciated. But there are a few restaurants within walking distance.

Japanese was actually much more than I expected. Nice selection of food and the quality was pretty good.

Italian and Hard Rock Cafe were just OK. Tried one time each and I almost always had all other lunches and dinners at the Japanese.

Hotel runs a shuttle to the airport and some local places and the schedule is shown in the front lobby area.

Very attentive staff around the hotel.

Tiny fitness w/ two treadmills and some weights.

A few swimming pools.

Breakfast area looked good. Quality is close to typical american breakfast buffet at Hilton Garden Inn.