I have 2 nights in San Jose, arriving and departing from the states. I am looking for a moderately priced hotel. I love to shop for local art and crafts and would love to stay in a part of town where this is available. Any suggestions?

Grano de Oro is really nice. I'm not sure what your budget is. It's a neat historic hotel with a great restaurant on site. I haven't seen a lot of local art and crafts so hopefully someone else can help you with that. Orquideas Inn is another popular spot.

Here's a nice place to shop for masks & other items - http://galerianamu.com/

I've seen Casa 69 and Grano de Oro get good reviews. I often stay at the nondescript chain hotel Palma Real. I like it mainly for the good price, great Italian restaurant next door, 1-2 blocks walk to Sabana Park and about 10 minutes to Pavas airport (which Nature Air flies out of).

Many thanks!!

And would you stay in San Jose or move on out of the city? My flight arrives around noon. My next stop is the Peace Lodge

Do you mean your Int'l flight into SJO comes in around noon? If so, I'd stay in that area (Alajuela) where the airport is, instead of doing the 20-30 minute ride into San Jose, because you'd have to backtrack the next morning. In Alajuela, there are many nice hotels depending on your budget - from Xandari to Dos Palmas Country Inn to Buena Vista Hotel.

Is it possible to just head to the Peace Lodge on your first day? If you get in at noon, I'd just head up that way instead of spending time in San Jose.

OK-assuming I opt to leave San Jose, would you add a 3rd (Night of arrival at San Jose) or would you stay somewhere else. I already have 2 nights at the Peace Lodge.

I love Grano de Oro - really beautiful hotel in San Jose and amazing food at their restaurant, close to downtown as well. But you can also go directly to Peace Lodge upon arrival from the airport - it's not a far drive.

Don Carlos is another option and has a great selection of arts and crafts in addition to having wonderful, old architecture and is walking distance to the central market. Casa 69 is another historic mansion and the entire place is loaded with plants and wonderful original artwork. The owners are wonderful.