Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [57]
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Central San José West
Accommodations on the western side of downtown are limited: the area is commercial and crime is an issue, especially in the streets surrounding the Coca-Cola bus terminal. However, this can be a convenient spot to stay if you’re catching an early bus. After sundown, use taxis to get around.
Hotel Musoc (Map; 2222-9437; Calle 16 btwn Avs 1 & 3; s/d US$13/16, without bathroom US$9/11; ) This large building next to the Coca-Cola terminal is a nicer option than it would appear on the outside. The linoleum-tiled rooms look institutional, but they are clean and sunny and the showers are hot. The staff speak some English.
VOLUNTEERING IN SAN JOSÉ
For travelers who want an experience beyond vacation, there are dozens of not-for-profit organizations in San José that gladly accept volunteers. The sheer number of groups means that some experiences are less than fabulous. That said, there are plenty of organizations that could use the assistance. Here are some of them:
Amerispan (in USA & Canada 800-879-6640; www.amerispan.com) Manages programs devoted to everything from animal rescue to women’s education. In San José, there are opportunities to work in educational settings or with the elderly.
Central American Service Expeditions (8839-0515; www.serviceexpeditions.net) A Costa Rican nonprofit that creates custom volunteer expeditions for families and teens, focused on sustainability. Around San José the group has helped build roads and day-care centers in unincorporated city slums.
GeoVisions (in USA & Canada 877-949-9998; www.geovisions.org) An international nonprofit with school, hospital and orphanage-related placements.
Sustainable Horizon (in USA & Canada 718-578-0420; www.sustainablehorizon.com) Arranges a wide variety of volunteer trips, including opportunities to help out at children’s shelters.
United Planet (in USA & Canada 800-292-2316; www.unitedplanet.org) For volunteers interested in health-, child- and elder-care fields.
Volunteer Abroad (in USA & Canada 888-649-3788; www.volunteerabroad.ca) Among other options, they place volunteers in the children’s hospital.
Hotel Mesón del Angel (Map; 2222-1997/3405; www.hotelmesondelangel.com; Calle 20 btwn Avs 1 & 3; s/d/tr/q incl breakfast US$49/59/69/79; ) A nicer, midrange option is this secure, family-owned spot, with 38 small, tidy rooms painted in warm, earthy tones. All are equipped with cable TV, lockbox and private bathroom. There is a garden in the back, making this a surprisingly charming spot for the neighborhood. A few rooms are wheelchair-accessible. Credit cards accepted.
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La Sabana & Surrounds
You’ll find modern inns and vintage B&Bs in the neighborhoods that surround Parque Metropolitano La Sabana.
Apartotel La Sabana (Map; 2220-2422; www.apartotel-lasabana.com; 150m north of Rostipollos; d/q/apt incl breakfast from US$50/72/96; ) This lovely new brick apartment complex has 32 units in various configurations that draw long-term business travelers as well as families. Rooms (with and without kitchen) are decorated in graceful, neutral tones and accented with wood furnishings and folk art, plus an interior courtyard has a nice pool. Service is attentive. Special rates are available for weekly stays; credit cards are accepted.
Rosa del Paseo (Map; 2257-3258; www.rosadelpaseo.com; Paseo Colón btwn Calles 28 & 30; s/d/ste from US$76/88/93; ) Though it’s right on Paseo Colón, don’t let the small facade fool you: this sprawling Victorian mansion (built in 1897 by the Montealegre family of coffee exporters) reaches into an interior garden courtyard that provides a respite from city noise. The hotel still maintains the original tile floors and polished wood ceilings, as well as antique oil paintings and sculptures. Rooms are simple, with polished wood floors