Hostel Casa Colon

Set smack in the center of San Jose, it might be easy to overlook this simple hostel from the busy street outside, if it weren't for its distinctive architecture. The original, Spanish-style aesthetic and design include a lovely, two-story, street-facing turret, Juliet balconies, and window flower boxes. It all feels charming and reminiscent of a centuries-old European inn. While the property has just 14 rooms, the lobby lounge and small restaurant and bar are filled with the constant comings and goings of guests as well as visitors looking to grab a drink on the outdoor patio. The scene is lively -- though not especially loud -- almost any time of day. As a hostel, the property attracts a steady stream of twenty- and thirtysomething backpackers seeking ultra-low-budget downtown accommodations.

The property is situated in the heart of downtown San Jose, amid dozens of restaurants, parks, and shops. Many of the city’s most popular attractions -- including Museo de Oro Precolombiano y Numismatica and Barrio Amon -- are within a 15- to 25-minute walk, or 10 to 15 minutes by taxi. It's also only a 10-minute walk to the pedestrianized portions of Avenida Central, which runs through the heart of the city. The nearest bus stop is less than a minute away on foot, providing easy access to the city’s public transportation network.

SJO Airport is 20 to 30 minutes away by car depending on traffic. Private shuttle or taxi service are the two cheapest, most convenient ways to get around San Jose. Rental car service is also available in the airport terminal, though the country’s mandatory auto insurance can easily double the total cost of a rental. Parking can also prove extremely frustrating (not to mention the city's legendary traffic jams).

While the hotel's common areas all feel deliberately Spanish colonial, the rooms are bit more austere, though still reasonably modern. The look is simple across the board. Shared dorm rooms feature little more than a handful of bunk beds, and one or two pieces of simple wall art hung on white walls. Private rooms are a bit nicer, with an orange-and-brown color scheme that includes velvet chairs and headboards plus abstract wall art and IKEA-style furniture. All rooms are clean and functional, though some windows only look out onto the hotel's interiors.

Entry-level six- and eight-bed mixed dorm rooms offer no frills except for beds and a stack of security lockers. The layout is extremely tight, with little space to move around. The property’s upgraded private rooms all feature unique layouts. The one-room floor plans are reasonably roomy for the category, and include flat-screen TVs with (mostly Spanish language) cable, safes, and private bathrooms. All rooms provide ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and firm, comfortable beds. Free Wi-Fi is also available property-wide, and we found the service to be stable and fast.

Dorms have shared bathrooms that are small and functional. Private bathrooms are available in upgraded rooms, and are on par with bathrooms found in a standard budget motel. Simple, cream-colored tile covers the floors and walls, there's a decent amount of space on granite countertops, and walk-in shower stalls are standard. Bathrooms in these rooms include towels and toiletries.

As a traditional hostel, there are few on-site amenities here, though most of what's on offer is a nice-to-have addition. Adjacent to the hotel’s tiny reception area, a lobby lounge has ample seating and hotel guests can frequently be found here. The vaulted room features traditional, Spanish-style architecture, a beautiful spiral staircase, and ornate wood detailing. Polished hardwood laminate on the floors and bold red and polka-dot patterned couches and chairs add a bit of modern flair. A single, wall-mounted flat-screen TV is typically tuned to American television. The space is lively throughout the day and can get loud at night as the high ceilings mean that every sound unfortunately carries up to the rooms.

A tiny bar at the rear of the property provides a handful of stools and small tables. Immediately adjacent, the modest main dining area is capable of accommodating two dozen guests. Additional seating is available in a hallway leading from the bar to the street and outdoor patio. A stone fountain and exposed brick add a bit of vintage flare to the decor. The covered patio offers a lively, streetside space with additional stools and chairs for restaurant guests. A simple breakfast is served here and typically includes eggs, toast, and fruit -- it's included with upgraded room rates, but not with dorm rates. Traditional Costa Rican fare is served for lunch and dinner, and coffee can be ordered throughout the day. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no communal kitchen.

Only on-street parking is available and spaces are limited. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hostel.