Hotel Aranjuez is quite possibly the best hotel value for its price in San Jose. Secluded in the quiet neighborhood of Barrio Aranjuez you can sleep well on this quiet street. The large trees outside cover the street in a canopy of foliage, but the tree-lined streets do not compare to the beautiful courtyard garden inside the hotel.

   A welcome breeze blows through the open reading area that boasts cushioned chairs with a view that looks out over the tropical gardens. The common living room has overstuffed couches that make you feel at home. Two quieter courtyards on the extreme ends of the hotel allow you to feel secluded even when the hotel is full because the long-segmented layout of the building spreads the rooms out from the center.

   The thirty-five rooms in Hotel Aranjuez vary slightly between simple single rooms with comfortable twin beds and nicer double rooms with queen beds and private bathrooms. Rooms with shared bath are an excellent value. The terra cotta tile in the shower of rooms with private bath is handsomely done.

   Possibly the best aspect of the hotel are the elaborate breakfasts included in the price of your stay. The impressive breakfast courtyard is exploding with plant life. Banana trees provide shade from the strong tropical sun while large tobacco plants and oversized philodendron plants wave in the breeze. Each table has a small African violet growing in its centerpiece pot. In addition to the setting the breakfasts are out of this world.

   The main course is an omelet grilled in front of you with the ingredients of your choice, or you may choose pancakes. There is a wide selection of fresh baked breads and pastries. Fresh squeezed tropical fruit juices and cappuccino are included, and fruit for fruit salads or to mix with granola round out the breakfast. Many hotels include a continental breakfast with your stay, but this is much more substantial than the free coffee and a muffin offered elsewhere!!

   All rooms have phones with unlimited calling within the country and voice mail. Also included are cable television (some rooms), fans, hairdryers, safes, free parking and three free Internet terminals. Kids younger than eight stay free in their parent's room.