This infamous 104-room budget hotel has a longstanding reputation as a nightlife destination for prostitution, gambling, and drinking. It's a place for single male travelers, and the 10 bars are run by more than 50 female bartenders. The lobby bar, casino and Blue Marlin bar are on the first floor, and across the street are Little Marlin and Restaurant Del Rey. The Key Largo entertainment center houses four more separate bars that stay rocking 'til wee hours of the morning. Rooms are clean if basic and dated, and outside guests need to be signed in.
This infamous 104-room budget hotel has a longstanding reputation as a nightlife destination for prostitution, gambling, and drinking. It's a place for single male travelers, and the 10 bars are run by more than 50 female bartenders. The lobby bar, casino and Blue Marlin bar are on the first floor, and across the street are Little Marlin and Restaurant Del Rey. The Key Largo entertainment center houses four more separate bars that stay rocking 'til wee hours of the morning. Rooms are clean if basic and dated, and outside guests need to be signed in.
Though it may not look like much from the outside, this 80-room hotel in the center of bustling San José is becoming increasingly upscale. In fact, family owners are hoping it will become one of the more trendier options in town for short-term stays (leisure guests typically stay a night or two before heading off to other parts of Costa Rica). Rooms -- some quite small and others with a great deal of space -- are clean and contemporary with neutral decor, if not a little bland. Also in the works is an industrial-chic entrance and lobby, as well as a rooftop bar. (Renovations were occurring at time of photo shoot.) The all-day restaurant serves a free breakfast spread before turning á la carte. With steady Wi-Fi and meeting space, this is one of the better downtown options for business travelers.
Though it may not look like much from the outside, this 80-room hotel in the center of bustling San José is becoming increasingly upscale. In fact, family owners are hoping it will become one of the more trendier options in town for short-term stays (leisure guests typically stay a night or two before heading off to other parts of Costa Rica). Rooms -- some quite small and others with a great deal of space -- are clean and contemporary with neutral decor, if not a little bland. Also in the works is an industrial-chic entrance and lobby, as well as a rooftop bar. (Renovations were occurring at time of photo shoot.) The all-day restaurant serves a free breakfast spread before turning á la carte. With steady Wi-Fi and meeting space, this is one of the better downtown options for business travelers.
This 30-room hotel is hidden behind a simple exterior in bustling downtown San Jose. Features include an outdoor pool, small waterslide, and hot tub -- rare for a mid-range hotel of this size. Guests are more than likely to meet the hotel's namesake, owner William Thomas, an American who has added his personal touch throughout this neat historic property -- keep an eye out for those ornate floors and ceilings. Rooms have a traditional look and offer coffeemakers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and hanging plants; a few have private balconies. Most guests stay a night or two here while in transit. Breakfast is served daily, for free; Wi-Fi and parking are also free. Those who prefer a modern chain option could consider the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose.
This 30-room hotel is hidden behind a simple exterior in bustling downtown San Jose. Features include an outdoor pool, small waterslide, and hot tub -- rare for a mid-range hotel of this size. Guests are more than likely to meet the hotel's namesake, owner William Thomas, an American who has added his personal touch throughout this neat historic property -- keep an eye out for those ornate floors and ceilings. Rooms have a traditional look and offer coffeemakers, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and hanging plants; a few have private balconies. Most guests stay a night or two here while in transit. Breakfast is served daily, for free; Wi-Fi and parking are also free. Those who prefer a modern chain option could consider the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose.
This hotel has reopened following the impact of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Travelers should note that the island wassignificantly impacted by the storm. The 23-room Hosteria Del Mar is a laid-back, mid-range boutique property with direct beach access located in the upscale residential enclave of Ocean Park. Guests have easy access to a one-mile stretch of golden sand that's popular with locals and kite boarders. The low-slung property mixes artifacts from the owner's travels to Morocco, Thailand, and the Mediterranean with casual, beach-inspired style. The property's restaurant, bar, and lounge all face the ocean and some rooms also offer sea views from their balconies. Despite its stellar beachfront location, the 30-year-old property shows signs of aging and lacks the resort-style amenities found at larger hotels such as La Concha in Condado or the Courtyard by Marriott in Isla Verde.
This hotel has reopened following the impact of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Travelers should note that the island wassignificantly impacted by the storm. The 23-room Hosteria Del Mar is a laid-back, mid-range boutique property with direct beach access located in the upscale residential enclave of Ocean Park. Guests have easy access to a one-mile stretch of golden sand that's popular with locals and kite boarders. The low-slung property mixes artifacts from the owner's travels to Morocco, Thailand, and the Mediterranean with casual, beach-inspired style. The property's restaurant, bar, and lounge all face the ocean and some rooms also offer sea views from their balconies. Despite its stellar beachfront location, the 30-year-old property shows signs of aging and lacks the resort-style amenities found at larger hotels such as La Concha in Condado or the Courtyard by Marriott in Isla Verde.
Located along a popular tourist road, the Dream Inn is a three-pearl boutique hotel within walking distance of Ocean Park’s restaurants, and a 15-minute drive from Luis Munoz Marin Airport. The beach is just four blocks away. Each of the 13 simple rooms have urban-chic details, and some feature balconies and views overlooking the pool. Rooms offer flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and modern bathrooms. The hotel provides a free, simple breakfast at nearby Kasalta -- a three-minute walk from the hotel -- and free Wi-Fi and parking. With a small pool and two-tiered roof top deck, it’s a tranquil option that's best for couples. For those looking for a little more on-site action, consider Numero Uno Guest House, which has an on-site restaurant
Located along a popular tourist road, the Dream Inn is a three-pearl boutique hotel within walking distance of Ocean Park’s restaurants, and a 15-minute drive from Luis Munoz Marin Airport. The beach is just four blocks away. Each of the 13 simple rooms have urban-chic details, and some feature balconies and views overlooking the pool. Rooms offer flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and modern bathrooms. The hotel provides a free, simple breakfast at nearby Kasalta -- a three-minute walk from the hotel -- and free Wi-Fi and parking. With a small pool and two-tiered roof top deck, it’s a tranquil option that's best for couples. For those looking for a little more on-site action, consider Numero Uno Guest House, which has an on-site restaurant
Hotel Miramar has large (if plain) rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves, as well as free Wi-Fi and a (limited) free breakfast. It's a 15-minute walk to both Condado Beach and the Puerto Rico Convention Center, but the hotel is in a less touristy area on a traffic-heavy street. Many leisure travelers will prefer either to stay in charming Old San Juan, or closer to the sand in Condado.
Hotel Miramar has large (if plain) rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves, as well as free Wi-Fi and a (limited) free breakfast. It's a 15-minute walk to both Condado Beach and the Puerto Rico Convention Center, but the hotel is in a less touristy area on a traffic-heavy street. Many leisure travelers will prefer either to stay in charming Old San Juan, or closer to the sand in Condado.
Sandy Beach Hotel is a two-pearl hotel located in San Juan’s trendy Condado district, less than 100 feet from buzzing Condado Beach. But it's location is really its only virtue. The hotel’s 25 guest rooms could use a refresh, with drab furnishings and functional bathrooms. And there are virtually no on-site amenities aside from an unremarkable restaurant. The hotel's almost-beachfront location is difficult to beat for the price, but budget-conscious guests might also want to consider the Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado. It’s a little farther from the beach, but offers a pool, fitness center, free breakfast, and more modern guest rooms.
Sandy Beach Hotel is a two-pearl hotel located in San Juan’s trendy Condado district, less than 100 feet from buzzing Condado Beach. But it's location is really its only virtue. The hotel’s 25 guest rooms could use a refresh, with drab furnishings and functional bathrooms. And there are virtually no on-site amenities aside from an unremarkable restaurant. The hotel's almost-beachfront location is difficult to beat for the price, but budget-conscious guests might also want to consider the Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado. It’s a little farther from the beach, but offers a pool, fitness center, free breakfast, and more modern guest rooms.
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."