The Bohemian influenced décor of this interesting Bed and Breakfast, Cinco Hormigas Rojas (Five Red Ants), might be the most distinctive place to stay in San Jose. Every inch of this tiny B&B displays the character, innovation and creativity of the artist and owner Mayra Güell. Mayra, a Costa Rican native whose family was originally from Spain, conceived and created the hotel as a space to commune with nature inside the heart of the city. The day the property was bought Mayra spotted five red ants, hence the name Cinco Hormigas Rojas!

   Although it is only the size of a large house, this combination bird refuge, art gallery, hotel is a lush and verdant places by any standards - especially for San Jose. Each one of the four unique rooms was decorated and titled by the artist. To understand how much personal investment has gone into each room it is important to understand that this is not just Mayra's business but also her home.

   Entering the gate you notice the wildlife of the courtyard immediately. The first thing you notice as you pass under the dense trees is the sound of birds and crickets, a sound not heard in the rest of the city. In fact the garden feels less like a city garden and more like a tropical jungle. 

   Guests will have the opportunity to witness something special at night when Mayra feeds the fruit bats in the front yard. These benign animals are found infrequently in urban areas and it is a testament to the natural setting she has created that the bats come every night to feed. 

   The inside of the hotel is nearly as wild as the outside and the artists' decorations invoke a great deal of natural elements. Dried flowers and grasses adorn the lobby and many of the mirrors and picture frames have painted leaf patterns. Leafs dance on the walls cabinets and furniture in the room titled 'hoja dansante' or 'dancing leaf'. Rooms are intentionally without telephones to create a peaceful atmosphere but calls may be made from reception.

   The room titled 'Dancing Leaf' is a type of suite with private bathroom and kitchenette. The entire suite is painted by hand including the shower, sink and toilet in the bathroom. This bright room has a CD player with local music chosen to create atmosphere, but you may also bring your own. Other features include hairdryer, scale and fridge. 

   The Rosa Room has a double bed, shared bath and fans. It is decorated in a pink motif, with many of Mayra's paintings covering the walls.

   The room, Jungle Window, looks out over the garden and exhibits a natural feeling typically hard to produce indoors. This room has a double bed, fan and shared bathroom. 

   The final room is the Green Room that is decorated in various shades of green. This room has a double bed, fan and shared bathroom.