No Bargain Accomodations at Hotel Santo Tomas
The bed, bathroom, and room was comfortable and clean enough for the $90 per night with taxes. If peripheral razor wire around the premises and locking gate entrance is disconcerting, don't stay here. When coming and going, if you don't have arrangements for travel, you must depend on the front desk staff who ARE concerned for your safety.
No room safes, but you can get a key for a small box in the lobby. Retruning at night after a trip booked through the staff, the coach driver insisted on walking guests the few feet to the front gate not simply for his tip, but he knew of the growing possibility of confrontations and robberies perpetrated by the poor urban youth who victimize tourists. San Jose has changed so much ... personal security for tourists is a MUST. Not like when I first traveled to San Jose in 1992. I will return, but next time, I will not stay in the Barrio Amon area where Hotel Santo Tomas is, but will choose to stay in a more secure location. That's an adventure I'll pass.
I had booked a room in the interior, knowing of the street noise inherent in the city. It was nice and quiet.
The cleaning staff daily works on the old, beautiful features of this once grand place. I found a dead cockroach smack dab in the center of my room one day, an effect of the exterminator.
Mosquitos were a problem. The "gym" and "pool" are ludicrously small. Smoking inside only in the lobby area by the front desk. When I visited, "free internet" is limited to 30 min., an old Mac, 56K. Not top dollar here, remember. Additionally, there is a restaurant, however, I cannot comment as I had other dining plans each evening.
The "breakfast" is typical of this sort of accomodation in Costa Rica, consisting of sweet pastries and cookies in a plastic Tupperware-type containers, and includes a nice selection of tropical fruits. The unlimited morning coffee is excellent, of course, it's Costa Rica. The staff is careful to quickly clean up after inconsiderate and sloppy guests who share the small breakfast area.
Unique Quality: Staff is friendly and can arrange day tours.
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