Hotel Aranjuez

This property can be a little hard to spot on arrival, as the hotel blends in with its residential surroundings; Aranjuez is a rare hotel structure combining several low-rise buildings attached together. There is a subtle glass door entrance with a few gated parking spots on either side. Guests are buzzed in from the front desk, and a small atrium leads to the narrow reception. In the rear, there is a series of neat hallways and seating areas meandering in different directions towards rooms that each have their own individual charm. 

Open since 1992, Aranjuez is run by a Costa Rican husband-and-wife team who first set up shop in two residential houses, eventually adding three more. All five of these wooden houses that make up Hotel Aranjuez have architectural significance, which is reflected in its clapboard walls, high ceilings, floors (both wood and mosaic), and covered terraces. There is a peaceful garden area with hanging chairs and self-serve flavored water and coffee. Quiet hours are implemented from late evening to early morning, so this mixed bag of travelers -- some leisure, some work- or school-focused -- are respectful of other's surroundings (especially since noise does travel). 

This small hotel is located in San José -- Costa Rica’s capital and largest city. The area of Barrio Aranjuez is a historic working class neighborhood, and a good location for those who want to experience a local perspective through the produce markets, sodas (restaurants), and coffee spots -- along with a large medical center and two universities -- in the area. Since San José's "el centro" -- the downtown center, and also the base for the country's corporate, banking, and political offices -- is not everyone's cup of tea, this hotel is a good choice for those who prefer to be a bit further removed from the hustle and bustle. That being said, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk to cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre, National Cathedral, Gold Museum, Plaza de La Cultura and Art Museum. 

While business travelers and students tend to stay for longer periods of time, leisure travelers typically stay in San José for a night or two while in transit to or from the airport. The hotel is a 25-minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and under two hours to the Pacific coast. For those who have a car, there are a few parking spots otherwise its street parking, which is usually not a problem. 

There are several styles and sizes of rooms here, due to the hotel’s interesting layout -- in fact, among the 35 room options, no two are the same. Some have a cottage feel with classic French windows, clapboard walls, wood floors and high ceilings, while others have a retro feel with older tile floors, wallpaper, and dated bedspreads. What they do have in common are flat-screen TVs with cable, free local calls and, free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms range in size and either have a tub/shower combo or walk-in shower, with eco-friendly toiletries. Most rooms have either a little patio or easy access to a shared garden area with different areas for seating.

For those on an extreme budget, there are a few rooms that share bathrooms, making this one of the lowest-priced options in the city. Monthly rates include weekly cleanings. 

Breakfast is included in the rate for two people, for all room types — even the rooms with shared bathrooms (guests are given tickets during check-in). A source of competition for nearby hotels, this meal is a popular spread, which is part of the reason the Aranjuez has so many repeat visitors. The hotel’s chef and baker is diligent about buying local, when possible, and on Saturdays, there is an organic market at the Polideportivo Aranjuez, a few blocks from the hotel. Staple items include made-to-order omelets, tropical fruits, fresh baked breads, and local dishes like gallo pinto, queso frito, and fresco de maracuyá. Guests can dine in a few different areas, but most tend to spread out in the garden where there are tropical plants and fruit trees with the occasional hummingbird.

Other features include a 24-hour front desk for assistance with local suggestions (they have a city map) and airport transfers. Flavored water and coffee are both available around-the-clock. There’s also a tour desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. The property offers free parking, though spots are limited. Street parking is free, and usually not a problem.