Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [55]
MIDRANGE
Kaps Place (Map; 2221-1169; www.kapsplace.com; Calle 19 btwn Avs 11 & 13, Av 11 btwn Calles 19 & 21; s US$25-40, d US$50-60, tr US$70, apt US$80-115, all incl breakfast; ) A colorful little guesthouse on a residential street in Barrio Aranjuez, Kaps has 24 small, homey rooms of various configurations spread over two buildings. Run by Karla Arias, this is decidedly a family place: expect to see kids playing in the yucca plant–filled courtyard or hopping on the trampoline. Also, the guesthouse staff can arrange babysitting upon request. Patios are strung with hammocks and the public areas are wonderfully decorated in bright mosaics. There is free internet and Spanish, English and French are spoken.
Hotel Doña Inés (Map; 2222-7443/553; www.donaines.com; Calle 11 btwn Avs 2 & 6; s/d/tr incl breakfast US$45/55/70; ) This friendly, frayed-at-the-edges hotel near the Supreme Court has 20 small, carpeted rooms that surround a small but pleasant courtyard. The atmosphere is all Spanish colonial, with vintage-style furnishings to set the mood. Rooms are set back from the street, so it’s reasonably quiet; airier upstairs units are the better bet. The staff speak English, Spanish and Italian. Credit cards accepted.
Hotel Posada del Museo (Map; 2258-1027; www.hotelposadadelmuseo.com; cnr Calle 17 & Av 2; s US$52-86, d US$63-86; ) This posada (country-style inn) is at a diagonal from the Museo Nacional, in a 1928 structure with a dramatic entrance that features a Juliet balcony overlooking the foyer. French doors line the entrances to each of the rooms (no two of which are alike), which are all named after Costa Rican birds and flowers. Some rooms accommodate up to four people, making this a good spot for families. Plus, there is no charge for children under 10. The amiable Argentine managers speak English, Spanish, French and Italian. Note to light sleepers: the hotel’s proximity to the train tracks can mean you’ll hear some early morning hooting when the trains barrel through. Credit cards accepted.
Hotel Colonial (Map; 2223-0109; www.hotelcolonialcr.com; Calle 11 btwn Avs 2 & 6; s/d/ste US$52/64/102; ) Guests at this 1940s Spanish-style inn near the Supreme Court complex are greeted by an intricately carved baroque-style carriage door and an arched poolside promenade. The 17 rooms are either whitewashed or painted an earthy shade of mustard yellow, with dark wood furnishings and bright bedspreads. Those on higher floors have sweeping views of the city and outlying mountains, while three of the ground-level rooms are wheelchair-accessible. Credit cards accepted.
Rincón de San José (Map; 2221-9702; www.hotelrincondesanjose.com; Av 9 btwn Calles 13 & 15; s/d/tr/q incl breakfast US$52/66/84/100; ) Centered on three colonial-style houses in Barrio Amón, this tidy spot, popular with couples and families, has 40 guest rooms – some of which are modern with bright linens and ceramic tile, while others are equipped with period-style pieces and polished wood floors. There is an attractive interior garden courtyard where breakfast is served. Laundry service and luggage storage are available, and credit cards are accepted.
Casa Morazán (Map; 2257-4187; www.casamorazan.com; cnr Calle 7 & Av 9; s/d incl breakfast US$55/65; ) This art-deco house in Barrio Amón was built in the 1930s as the residence of John Keith, the cousin of Minor Keith, the famous banana baron who helped construct the Atlantic railroad. It is fully furnished in period-style pieces and bathrooms are well appointed, with bathtubs and bidets.
Hotel Kekoldi (Map; 2248-0804; www.kekoldi.com; Av 9 btwn Calles 5 & 7; s/d/tr from US$57/69/79; ) The Kekoldi is set in an airy art-deco building in Barrio Amón that has 10 expansive, light-drenched rooms of various sizes, painted in light shades of pastel and equipped with cable TV. Murals of beach landscapes adorn the common areas and there is a garden for lounging. A relaxed spot, the hotel is gay-friendly