We stayed eight nights as part of a group. The hotel has parking across the terribly busy street. Ignore the tired small lobby decor and the uncomfortable lobby furniture. All of that is changing and soon.
Several floors are currently being renovated (9th, 3rd), some have been renovated (8th, 6th), and some have not been touched yet (5th).
We were in room 802 and had a view of the park and the Pan American Highway as well as the surrounding mountains. The room was average size and featured the most comfortable hotel bed I've ever experienced. Four large/great pillows topped off the bed.
The bathroom was ok--not great--with indifferent water pressure and temperature that seemed to change at a whim.
Decor was a good attempt at upscale, with a flat screen tv, large wardrobe, and desk. Carpet was new.
Staff was incredibly friendly and kind but didn't seem too eager to offer service. Our room maid performed admirably, but we tipped daily; another couple in our group didn't tip daily and was lucky to receive new towels. One morning at 3:30, the alarm clock went off in the empty room next door. It took staff 30 minutes after my second call to come up and turn it off.
One of the staff high lights was Mario, the head bellhop; he is a short man who sing-songs his sentences and is a delight.
Avoid the casino, which is not actually affiliated with the hotel.
Breakfast was included, and was a buffet. We received omelets cooked to order and bottomless cups of wonderful Costa Rican coffee.
For the 8 nights, we paid roughly $500 per room for two including tax.
As in any large city, going out at night is risky if you go alone. Stick to the main roads and the PA Highway area and you'll be fine. Good restaurants nearby.
When the updates are completed, the Nuevo Centro Colon will be much better.
