After reading many good reviews, we were excited to stay at Aranjuez. We emailed months ahead of time, but never got confirmation from them. We called, but never heard back. We had a tour provider in Costa Rica call on our behalf and they reported back that there were no reservations under our name. So we made arrangements to stay elsewhere only to have the hotel charge us for two rooms we obviously never used. We're still fighting the charges. What a mess. They're not worth the trouble.

We stayed at Hotel Aranjuez for 3 nights before heading back to the UK. The hotel itself is very unique - constructed from several mansions there are many nooks and crannies and lots of wonderful outdoor patios and lovely gardens - it doesn't feel like it is in the middle of the city at all.

Thee location is very good. 10 minutes walk from the downtown area and sights the neighbourhood is quiet but since it is near the hospital there are several lovely local restaurants to choose from.

The breakfast buffet is fantastic. The pancakes and omelettes in particular are delicious, there is a lot of fruit and breads and cakes - so much choice!!

And the price is fantastic - we paid just $52 a night.

Hotel Arenjuez is is in historic Arenjuez district, made up of about four large historic homes, connected by a series of breezeways and courtyards. They have beautiful tropical gardens throughout the property, complete with hummingbirds and squirrels. You're free to wander...you can get a flavorful cup of Costa Rican coffee and sit in a suspended chair out in a garden, or take it to the tables set up in the garden off of the open-air dining area.

Each room is decorated differently. The rooms that I've stayed in are not fancy, but this is a budget hotel. They have beautiful Costa Rican artwork...masks, vases, etc., permanently on display throughout the hotel. Most of their employees speak at least some English, and they're very helpful and friendly. They have a tour desk, so it's very convenient to book tours right from the hotel. WiFi in the rooms and common areas is a nice touch.

One of the best parts about staying here is their magnificent breakfasts. They have the freshest tropical fruits, pastries and breads baked daily, eggs cooked to order, gallo pinto, (of course!) meats, and more. I would stay here just for the breakfast, if for no other reason!

I've stayed there a couple times and will be going back in May. Since it's in San Jose, I only stay there when I'm arriving or leaving the country...simply because city life isn't my bag, but when I'm in Costa Rica, I will always spend at least one night at Hotel Aranjuez.

If you're looking for luxury accommodations, you'll want to pass this place up, but really, you'll be missing so much if you do!

This hotel is a real bargain. It's in a relatively quiet neighborhood just a 10-minute walk from central San Jose. The rooms are clean and comfortable, though not fancy or luxurious. The price is very reasonable. And the breakfast is fantastic: Lots of fresh fruit, baked goods, Costa Rican standards like gallo pinto, AND a short-order cook who makes eggs to order. Of course there is also good Costa Rican coffee. Another plus is that they have a limited number of free parking spaces, unlike many places in San Jose. This was the perfect first stop for us on our road trip through Costa Rica. My only complaint is that the rooms are not at all soundproof. We heard neighborhood dogs barking at night and we heard our neighbors getting ready for a 5 a.m. departure for the airport.