Holiday Inn Aurola San Jose

This 17-story building with its silvery and somewhat retro exterior has a recognizable green-and-white Holiday Inn sign, making it easy to spot from several busy downtown streets, which can help eliminate stress for those unfamiliar with the city. The underground parking lot is less obvious, so it is best to pull into the turnaround driveway, with a large chandelier and gold signage for a hint of elegance. This easy entrance exudes a traditional hotel feel (rare, it seems, in this part of town) with a bellman, porter, and security guard, along with other uniformed staff who watch over the casino entrance next door. Take advantage of free valet service, where a driver will park the car. From the bland lobby, elevators whiz up to the rooms where the theme renovations intermingling with areas that show age continues. Guests and their purpose of travel seem to be divided in half: business (including political groups), or leisure (including families and student groups). For those in transit to the airport, this is a great spot to be an introvert where one can order room service and get a good night's sleep. Others who want an adventure might start the night with drinks at the lobby bar before continuing the party elsewhere. The central location is within walking distance of rowdy bars like the infamous Key Largo (single men know that this as a great place to meet women), though everyone should be wary crossing the park at night. While guests should take the the usual precautions, the Holiday Inn is a safe place to call home, and parents can rest assured that activity happening at other nearby hotels does not happen here. 

Holiday Inn is in the heart of downtown San José -- Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, next to an urban park. While not everyone's cup of tea, this bustling and pivotal spot is walking distance to shops, dining options, markets, and cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre, National Cathedral, Gold Museum, and Plaza de La Cultura. For those who want to experience a dose of local life before heading out of town, they can stroll along Central Avenue Boulevard, mid-day, when workers are on their lunch break, and enter Mercado Central for interesting sights, sounds, and smells.Many guests who stay here (much like guests at most downtown hotels) are in transit to or from the airport, staying just a night or two, though it is possible to base an entire vacation here if you schedule in day trips. The hotel is 25 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and is under two hours to the Pacific coast. To get around the city, there are plenty of taxis waiting near the hotel. Guests can also walk or use the urban bus system. For those who have a car, there is a secure underground parking with a daily rate and free valet service. This is cheaper than nearby lots, which can cost more than twice the amount. 

Renovated in 2009, the hotel's 200 rooms come with new mattresses and bedding, reliable air-conditioning units, working desks, coffeemakers, and disposable cups. Stocked minibars are not available for storing items (and they're locked). Bottled water is available for a fee. Rooms have a simple color scheme of beige, sage green, and deep red tones. Pale carpeting shows some wear and tear, and suites may have throw rugs for an extra dose of pizzaz. Large windows may need washing, but they let in natural light and are double-paned to keep out street noise. Higher floors have mountain views. Bathrooms have tub/shower combos and decent amenities including lotion and conditioner. Junior Suites are great for business travelers as they each come with more space to fit a sofa and large working desk; however, these may have older tube televisions. For even more space, Suites each have a separate living room that can be closed off, as well as two full bathrooms (one has a walk-in shower). Guests of Executive Floor rooms have their own continental breakfast on the 15th floor, along with free happy hour drinks, snacks, and a separate reception area and business center. Turndown service is also provided. Room service is available for all rooms until midnight. 

This large downtown hotel has traditional amenities typical of the Holiday Inn chain. For one, there is a a rectangular heated indoor pool, under a glass roof to let in natural light, that's popular with kids. Cushioned seating areas are comfortable for parents who want to read a book, and blue towels are provided. A fitness center, renovated in 2007, has modern cardio equipment and free weights. For kids, there is also a ping pong table. The top floor restaurant, El Mirador, has city and mountain views in all directions. This gourmet restaurant is often used for more formal business dinners, but decor has seen better days. Guests interested in more casual cuisine can dine in the lobby-level at a diner-style restaurant called Tropicana (room service is also available). This is where a free breakfast buffet is held every morning. The La Palma Bar is on the second floor above the lobby; it serves beer and cocktails in a sports atmosphere with light pub fare. Windows look onto the street and park next door. For more nightlife and music, a casino is attached to the hotel. Guests can also walk to several bars in the neighborhood.The hotel's second level offers conference and meeting facilities, including a newer space that is called Don Augusto. There is a free business center and Wi-Fi, though some locations report problems connecting (the lobby is reliable). Executive Floor rooms have their own business center and breakfast spread, as well as extra amenities.