I need a place to stay in San Jose for a night before heading out to Puerto Viejo the next day. People have recommended the Dunn Inn, Don Carlos, and Hemingway Inn. What do people here think?

We stayed at Don Carlos and caught Interbus to Puerto Viejo the next day. We thought it was a pretty good deal for one night. Pretty basic, but clean rooms. Nice common areas and cool architecture. Felt safe and it was convient. We'd stay here again.

We really like the Don Carlos--feel very much at home here. Front desk service is excellent. Or used to be, haven't stayed in over 3 years.

The Hemingway is right across the street. They used to have electric showers, which I don't really care for--perhaps not now. I think it would be an okay choice as well.

Dunn Inn is also nearby. It and the Hemingway are both less expensive than the Don Carlos, but I don't think you'd be uncomfortable at any of them.

The Don Carlos has a very nice (very large) gift shop, called Anna Marie's. It's always a fun place to shop around. Also, they have an excellent tour office and specialist, Juan Carlos.

shillmac -- Darn those electric showers! Banana Azul has them too, although they assure me they're wired safely and grounded. Still scary.

Oh, I know. I use the one in my homestay and feel very secure with it (used to it, I guess), but in a hotel, I'd just prefer to spend a little extra and have the better shower! It just seems WRONG to be in an electric shower. And occasionally, when the sparks fly, you wonder. . .!

Don't know about the others---I always stay at Don Carlos---comfortable, warm, friendly and fun. I was there in May and nothing has changed except that Anne Marie's has been renovated.

Carol

Funny thing about those electric showers. Not long after Katrina, my wife and went to Monteverde for awhile. We just needed to get out of New Orleans. At that time, there were still piles of debris everywhere, bad smells, flooded out cars, etc. We just needed to see something clean and green!

One of the problems with moving home was that gas lines were broken all over town. Our house (and many of our friends houses) had electricity, but no gas for hot water. So I picked up several "suicide showers" for family and friends. They sure came in handy!

We still have two in the attic, packed with the rest of our "survival items". You never know when they might come in handy.

Pat -- Yeah, especially like the term "suicide showers". Yikes!

shillmac -- I haven't experienced the sparks flying yet! Ack!

Well, "sparks" is an exaggeration. More like some blue streaks in the air around the handle. . .still. .. !