millie

Hi, I am looking for a clean safe place to stay in San Jose for approx 2 weeks. I want to have some dental work done and will have time to visit other areas of Costa Rica while I wait for my crowns to be made. If any of you can recommend a good dentist as well as a good,clean place to stay and where and what other part of this country I should visit, please respond. I am not sure when I will be going. Any suggestions ?

shillmac

Millie,
I have a friend who owns a very nice bed and breakfast in Alajuela near the airport. This would be too far out for you, but he is a Tico and would probably be able to suggest just the type of accomodation you are looking for. Our personal favorite when we are staying in the city is the Hotel Don Carlos for about $70 (last time we stayed). Don't know what price range you are interested in, but this hotel has an excellent tour desk and tour coordinator and it is in the perfect location for walking and seeing the most interesting parts of San Jose. It is also right across from the Jade Museum. It has one of the best souvenir shops in the entire country. Something for you to consider.

If you'd like to check with my friend, his name is Humberto Brenes. E-mail address is:

[email protected]

millie

Thank you so much. I will e-mail Humberto. Do you have any favorite restaurants in San Jose and is the city as dangerous as I have heard. I will also check out the Hotel Don Carlos, as that seems reasonably priced and close to all. Thank you so much, Mille

shillmac

We haven't eaten much in San Jose except at the Don Carlos, El Pueblo (about a 5 min taxi ride from the Don Carlos, it is restaurants, bars, and artisan shops), and a place just down the street from the Don Carlos called Cafe Mundo. There are lots of people who can advise you this way if you'll do another post (or a search of previous postings).

Certainly you will need to be watchful at all times. I would feel safe as a woman walking around alone in the daytime (when there are lots of business people out and about), but I'd probably not carry a purse or backpack. We've never had a bit of trouble and have walked this particular area a lot as a couple--and also my daughter and I. I'd never walk around at night. Crime is increasing (unfortunately), but I'd still feel relatively safe. Let us all know how your experience goes!

millie

Thank you Shillmac. Is the hotel Don Carlos close to a casino so my hubby can keep himself busy while I have my dental work done ? And,what tours would you recomend ? Oh, by the way, would your friend, Humberto know you by the name of shillmac. Sincerely, Millie

shillmac

Yes, Humberto does know me by Shillmac as well as Jill.

I think there are a couple of hotels with casinos nearby. The Amon Plaza Hotel and El Gran Hotel Costa Rica are a couple that come to mind. For what it is worth, he'd do much better in Vegas! That said, I did put in 100 colones 2 different times and got back 200 colones. I quit while I was ahead.

If you e-mail the Hotel Don Carlos, they will be very good to correspond with you about the casino question and others you might have (restaurants, etc). At least I think they will--we've always been able to work with them ahead of time online.

Where (address) is your dental office located?

If you haven't done it yet, buy yourselves a laminated map by Berndston & Berndston. Barnes and Noble carry them. It's the best one I've seen so far.