The name of this hotel, translated "grain of gold," is an affectionate term for Costa Rica's greatest product—coffee—which gave the country the "gold" with which to build its thriving civilization is an apt name. The hotel celebrates Costa Rica's history and culture inside and out.
In a quiet residential area on the west side of town, this immaculately restored late-19th-century Victorian mansion that opened as a boutique hotel in 1993 is commonly acknowledged as by far the best choice in San Jose for those seeking a delightful ambience, superlative service, elevated cuisine and intimate confines full of fountains, flowers and tropical charm. Soft piped-in music and trickling water enhance the calming mood.
Guests enter the light golden tan structure framed by modern black columns by ascending gray stone steps with cascading waterfalls in black chutes on both sides of the steps. The friendly, impeccably dressed bilingual staff greets them warmly at a gold and brown marble desk. The elegant vases filled with tropical flowers, colorful area carpets and the dark rattan chairs atop gray-tile floors afford the small lobby modern comfort with Victorian
ambience.
Adjacent to the lobby is an expansion that has taken the hotel to an even higher status. The restaurant was moved here, now in a much larger, more lavishly-appointed setting with private dining rooms on a second floor, all areas showing quality contemporary seating with a tropical touch, elegant drapes, stained-glass windows and antiques, all brought to scintillating life by an array of tropical plants.
The Victorian patio, with chairs of a similar style to the dining room but in rattan, is equally well appointed. The inventive menu fuses local ingredients and French flair and offers what may be the best dessert selection in Costa Rica—reason enough for a visit. Half of the adjoining bar is located inside the restaurant, the other half on the patio.
Up one flight of stairs from the foyer to the restaurant are meeting rooms that exude such quality that together with the new restaurant this hotel's unrivaled status has been cemented. Victorian-style rich wooden tables and chairs seat 40 people in a fully equipped room. 
High-backed Victorian chairs seat 14 in a boardroom that is fit for a king. A nice touch is the photographs of old San Jose on the walls. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the property. One computer is available at the front desk for guests' use for no charge. Secure parking is available next to the hotel.
The rooftop solarium offers splendid views across San Jose to three volcanoes and now boasts two whirlpools to lounge in. The staff arranges tours and car rental and provides reliable tourist information. The attention-grabbing gift shop off the lobby stocks a large, unique collection of Central American arts and crafts.
Rambling hallways feature a small sky-lit courtyard with tinkling fountain, lush bromeliads, and an impressive collection of historic photos. The spacious, each one with its own unique design, feature regal gray and maroon or blue color schemes, paneling, gleaming hardwood floors, throw rugs, Peruvian paintings and tapestries, full-length handcrafted armoires, phones, 21-inch TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, safes, hair dryers and firm mattresses, down pillows, and quality spreads.
Superb baths, many with skylights, have clinical-white tiling with aquamarine overtones and exquisite colonial tile trim, spacious counters, brass fittings and wide tubs or roomy showers or both with handy soap and shampoo dispensers affixed to the wall.
One paneled suite has a whirlpool and private garden, while the suite on the rooftop, exuding a tropical Victorian ambience and reached by a private staircase, boasts plush antiques, comfortable sofas, a king bed, an indoor whirlpool and a window-wall with views. Housekeeping performs faultlessly.
Conscientious hands-on management by the Canadian owners assures this hotel's solid pre-eminence. Exceptionally popular since its opening, this jewel remains San Jose's best boutique hotel, with an understandably loyal guest list. For more practical tourists not in pursuit of elegance, but interested in a hotel that is a part of San Jose history, the Hotel Don Carlos is a better choice.
