The story of this hotel's namesake dates back to the beginning of the last century, over four generations, the fourth of which is still running this hotel to this day. Centrally located in San Jose's historical Barrio Amon, the hotel offers easy access to the entire city. This is a good downtown hotel.
The archeological theme in which the hotel is decorated tells a great deal about the history of this family. Don Carlos Balser came to Costa Rica from Liechtenstein in 1921 to help construct and manage the first major hotel in Central America: the Gran Hotel. At the time the 'Banana Boats' were the only way to get to Costa Rica and the Gran Hotel was the only place to stay. However, Don Carlos found little time to follow his real passion, archaeology, and after decades finally resigned himself to give in and dig full time.
In 1947 Don Carlos entered the hotel world again, opening his own 'Pension Canada' that for many years was the place to stay for visiting scientists. The Pension Canada catered to archaeologists as well as biologists and geo-scientists that visited Costa Rica for its bio-diversity as well as its volcanic and seismologic activity.
Don Carlos' next venture was the Hotel Don Carlos that has been open ever since and is now run by his great granddaughter, Lupita Waelar Balser. Inside you can find many of Don Carlos' discoveries, original Costa Rican artifacts and pre-Colombian figures.
Superior rooms have a private bath, comfortable couches, artwork and bureaus to put your clothes in. The king sized beds look extremely comfortable and rooms also provide; safes, hair dryers and phones with free local calls.
Standard rooms are simple but reasonably priced. Rooms can almost always accommodate at least three people and include safe, hair dryers, and phones with free local calls. Most standard rooms had more than one bed; triples have a queen and twin bed or sometimes three twin beds.
The hotel reception offers English-speaking receptionists, free Internet service, free breakfast, free welcome cocktail, free covered parking, private airport shuttle, full laundry service and 24-hour security.
The lobby, restaurant, gift shop and even the exterior of the hotel are beautiful. The rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious, but the standard rooms are quite simple.
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