I stayed at the Dunn Inn for four nights in late October 2015. Had a great experience with the hotel and enjoyed my stay.
The staff was very attentive and helpful both before and during my stay. They answered every question I had before my trip, and were very responsive in their email replies. They are also an English-speaking staff, which was of course very helpful to me. Besides being helpful in answering questions about their rooms, they also helped me set up a rainforest tour (which I did go on during my stay).
One thing that should be noted: I wanted a deluxe room for my stay, which I believed would be a bit bigger in size. But, they apparently vary what they call a “deluxe” room depending on demand.
For this Halloween weekend, of course there was a lot of demand. I have stayed in some of their standard rooms before, and there’s not a whole lot of elbow room. I think I stayed in what was essentially a standard room, for the deluxe price.
I was in room 22. It was nice but a bit cramped. I would recommend 19, or 24-25, or rooms in the upper 20s. I think they go up to 29, maybe, and these are the larger rooms/suites. (A friend showed me room 19, it was nice.)
My room was on the order of $80 per night. But a nice room in San Jose is going to be about that price (or more), in my experience. Plus, I think all hotels in San Jose (and elsewhere) are going to vary their rates based on demand. So, to a large extent, it is what it is.
But, there were many positives to my stay. Before making my reservation, I emphasized to the front desk my strong desire for a quiet room. They accommodated this request fully, and room 22 is on the second floor, facing the inner courtyard (which actually has a roof on it) and away from the street. I slept just fine (with earplugs) in this room. The room also had a nice (if small) desk and chair where you could do some work, if needed.
The restaurant that is associated with the hotel, Alma de Amón, was a bit of a disappointment. This is the place that used to be Rick’s Café. I think there has been a change in management. I should point out that the hotel and the restaurant are apparently two separate business entities, not related except for the fact that they are tied to each other (practically in the same building).
The restaurant used to have big screen TVs showing sports – alas, no more. It seems to be trying to cater to upscale locals now with a more “elegant” atmosphere. But the menu options seem to have declined, and the service is sadly lacking. Nobody that works there seemed to be too much interested in taking my order. One lady (the hostess seemingly) was much more intent on lighting numerous candles than helping me secure a table or taking my order. On another occasion, on Halloween evening, me and a friend tried to see if we could have dinner there. We were asked if we had reservations. Ummmmm, Ok. We just walked back out. I got the distinct impression that this restaurant wants to cater to upscale locals, not gringo tourists.
I should note here that I believe that the complimentary breakfast that is served by the Dunn Inn in the Tropix bar area is also staffed by restaurant personnel. This was my impression. I am not sure about this, but I think this is the case. Breakfast is served in the Tropix bar area, which is a small, covered courtyard area, not in the restaurant per se. These servers, in stark contrast, were very friendly and efficient and helpful. I am not sure what makes the difference. They did seem to be different people than the ones who worked the restaurant proper, later in the day/evening. The complimentary breakfast is pretty good (pretty much a continental breakfast), and you can add bacon or eggs very for just a few bucks.
Again, it is my understanding that the hotel and the restaurant are separate business entities. So this is not a criticism of the Dunn Inn. I go on about this because those who wish to stay at the Dunn Inn will inevitably want to inquire at the restaurant about lunch or dinner. My advice – Don’t waste your time.
Instead, if you are hungry, just go across the street to the Italian Restaurante IL Gattopardo (great pizza) at the Mona Lisa hotel (soon to be re-named Taormina). This is a very nice restaurant, no waiting, no reservations needed, very good food at reasonable prices, and efficient and attentive servers.
Back to the Dunn Inn. I have enjoyed my time there every time I have stayed there, and would gladly stay there again. It is a nice and quiet hotel, with friendly and efficient staff.
But, the next time I go, I will look to try and stay in one of the larger rooms, even if the cost is a little higher.
So, I highly recommend Dunn Inn as a place to stay in San Jose. But in the evening, I would look for someplace else para la cena.
Pura Vida!
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