Great mid-price hotel in San José (Gran Hotel Dona Ines)

Member Name: skenaja

Product:	Gran Hotel Dona Ines
Date:	15/11/00 (222 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: central location

Disadvantages: rooms a little small

This centrally-located hotel was very welcoming and comfortable when we stayed there in September for two nights. It is reasonably priced - US$45 for a double room in "Green" season (ie rainy) and the price includes tax and continental or Tico (ie gallo pinto & eggs!) breakfast. Beware if paying by credit card, as they add a 6% surcharge to cover the bank costs. They also sell postcards and even stamps, no no need to trek off to the central San Jose post office...

The rooms were well equipped in "antique" style, with old Bakelite telephones, valve radios, and colonial-style cupboards. They were a little on the small side, but the large cupboards hid all our gear away. The bathroom had a bath in it, and hot water was on tap 24 hours. The rooms are set around a garden inside the house, which were open to the skies above... Whilst it may sound a little weird to have rainwater falling inside your hotel, it makes sense when you actually go there and have a look!! The security was good - with a locked gate to the entrance, and someone always around to let you in.

The owner was very friendly, and spoke reasonably good English (and apparently Italian!), and was helpful in letting us know where various city sights were, booking us an airport taxi, recommending good places to eat & drink...

Recommended, and good value for the money.

Summary: