www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I had the wonderful pleasure of happening upon the The Hemingway Inn in San Jose Costa Rica where I lived the nights of November 9, 10, 11, and 12. I left at 5:15am on November 13 thanks to the help from the staff who had arranged for the hotel’s transport service to get me to the airport at such an early hour.

This hotel is perfect for us guys that want to be a bit away from the constant hustle and action and yet still be moments away. Topping that off is the reality New Fantasy is the next door neighbor of the hotel! The hotel is sportsman friendly and I had no problems in escorting a couple of ladies from the del Rey back to the Hemingway. The girls seemed to really like the hotel as well. The hotel is next door to the Hotel Castillo.

This “boutique hotel”/B&B is a renovated house which was originally built in the early 1920’s. It’s been remodeled and the remodeling and upgrading is continual and ongoing although most certainly not disruptive to my stay in any way. This wonderful charming and private lodging has 17 rooms, each with a private bath with both hot and cold running water as well as all the other expected bathroom needs. It’s kept clean and spotless each and every day while your there by the Hemingway’s on site staff of Rosa, Gabriella, or Katherine, and sometimes Patricia; as in your room. No need to be apprehensive about anything showing up missing from your room by any staff person. The hotel does offer a private safe for a very small cost and it’s a very helpful device to stick you passport in if nothing else. Piece of mind is worth $3.00 per night. Lose that passport and you’ve bought yourself a week in San Jose to get the necessary paperwork to get back to the USA.

I arrived very early in the day…..about 9am as I had been elsewhere looking to purchase property. The Inn allowed me to check in and even enjoy the very wonderful, self serve breakfast offered each and every day from 6am- - -10am. It’s a self serve continental breakfast in the Inn’s courtyard where the Jacuzzi is kept. The breakfast fare is a numerous freshly sliced and cut FRESH fruits; fresh squeezed juice; boiled eggs; cheese; tamales; a couple of kinds of bread for the toasting; butter; hot coffee; hot tea; sugar; cream; milk; home made banana nut bread and other goodies to get you ready for your day’s expeditions. (If you’d like fresh squeezed OJ from a street vendor who comes around in the early AM whilst you’re sleeping, the front desk will be happy to get it for you. Have a small water bottle to fill for them….makes it easy and quick and that cost about $1.00 for 20fl oz. DELICIOUS….100% fresh squeezed juice with no sugar added. Wonderful luxury).

I had room 16 which had a double bed in it of excellent quality; My own phone for all the local calls I might need at no additional cost; a cable color television with more channels than I could count; a ceiling fan; windows I could open or shut in both the bath and the room itself and a wonderful feeling of relaxation and privacy. Each of the rooms in the Hemingway are named after an author and are in various sections of the facility.

The Inn has wireless internet throughout the entire facility and management is working to increase signal strength and be 100% in all areas with a very strong wireless signal. If you happen to be in a hinterland of the hotel, there will be an alternative network for you to access from your wireless laptop that you brought with you. Didn’t bring a PC? There’s one on property that you have access to at no charge. Very thoughtful AND functional….particularly if you make international calls via SKYPE, MSN, or YAHOO!. I did and saved a lot of money being able to have access to these programs.

The desk is manned by Leo, Petronio, Manfred, and Memo. All speak and understand English and all are beyond helpful in making recommendations for day trips outside of San Jose or even adventures within San Jose. The reception computer has MSN Live! installed on it and one can contact the hotel that way, although I can’t suggest that at this point in time. It’s Manfred’s private account. I did suggest they add SKYPE for a hotel account so that computer savy travelers could contact them SKYPE to SKYPE and get rates and specials.

The hotel does have special weekly and monthly rates you can inquire via email. Emails to and from the hotel for reservations are speedy and very helpful. The newer owners of the hotel and the onsite manager are more than wanting input from you on to how to help the hotel become even better than it is. It’s a young staff and a fairly “young” hotel given a recent shift in ownership/management.

Next door to the hotel is a very nice restaurant bar with great food and ambiance just to catch your breath. There’s even a “Happy Hour” from 17:00- - -19:00 where you get two for one drink specials. Check with the bar to find out what beverages are included in this special (This bar/restaurant has a Mon.- - -Fri. luncheon special which is always a very good deal and is right next door to Hemingway……nice for early in the AM or very late at night).

The Hemingway is up and coming from what I can tell. There is a central “living room” where you can meet other hotel guests and watch TV or just people watch who is coming into and out of the place where you are. You can practice your Spanish while sitting in the very comfortable chairs in the “lobby” which is more like a private living room and very “homey”.

There is an on-site Jacuzzi…..but given it’s a USA made product, it could be down for repairs as USA imported parts are being waited upon. I never use those things anyway.

The entire staff made my stay fun and private. They interacted with me just enough and I appreciated that. They steered me towards things I wouldn’t have known about and did so with a giant smile on their face. It’s a great little “boutique style hotel”/B&B. As a single traveler well over the age of 55, I can recommend this hotel to any and all. The rates are beyond reasonable…..always open to discussion if you’re staying longer than one night……and it’s just a very friendly and kind place. It’s clean and always being slowly but surely upgraded. I give it 3 stars quality and 5 stars service and genuine friendliness. It’s a superior location…..right in the City Center but not so “right in” that you cannot be away from the hustle and bustle…..you can walk to that within three blocks or even take a cheap cab for about $1.00. There’s a decent restaurant/bar next door named The Gardens which is semi-American in it’s food fare, but there are many other restaurants and bars which are much more “local” right around the corner(s). Café Mundo being one of them.

A great, soon to be discovered place which will surely cause the rates to go up. Get there before that happens!

I thought the Hemingway wasn't monger friendly. It's just down the block from Hotel Castillo.

Yup, friendly. It's simply "low-key" as the on site manager noted. It is next door to the Castillo and more economical. Choice is a good thing!

Steven1 - Why not find out if the hotel is interested in making some offers to CRT members. I'm sure that would drum up more business. Is there a way to see photos of the rooms? See the current rates?

I had stayed at The Hemingway several times in 2004. At that time there was a $10 chica fee, along with the $3 per day room safe rental. The hotel at that time, was in need of some renovation. It was owned by several young guys from Houston, Texas who were absentee owners, and the place was being run by a blonde haired gringa from Houston. She didn't seem to be "with the program," and her management style was lacking. I do recognize a couple of names you mentioned....Rosa and Manfred.....nice people. Is there still a young Tica working the desk by the name of "Ismaura?" Is the place still owned by the young guys from Houston?

The place seemed to be more of a "magnet" for the eco-tourist type crowd, which can be both good and bad.....depending on how you look at it. www.hemingwayinn.com

Zebra

I can really see why someone would like the Hemingway. It really makes you feel like you are in Costa Rica. It was my first hotel in SJO. I stayed there quite a bit my first year. I really liked staying there and it does have a certain charm about it.

Like I any monger I tended to look to see what else was out there though. Once I got the taste of the Castillo and Hemingway I no longer considered it to be "the place" to stay but continued to try to stay there. The reason I was staying there beyond discovering the Castillo and SL is that it was not very busy and I wanted to help the staff. So I negotiated a lower price through an employee and the manager. It seemed to me that even at around $35 total a night it made a big difference to them since the place was often very quiet. They always had availability. I was not trying to be a prick and push their price down, it's just that there was no need for me to stay there and pay more for less than I would have to next door at Castillo. Or, for about the same price they wanted for a good room plus a chica fee I could stay in style at the Sportsmens Lodge. The average room there was not nice and probably unacceptable by most standards at the price they really wanted. Even their deluxe rooms were marginal at the time. Most of the furniture in rooms were what you would find at a much cheaper Tico hotel. Put it this way, I always thought I was doing them a favor by staying even at a discounted rate of around $35.

So twice recently I have stopped back by to say hello and ask if it would be possible to stay there at a similar price on upcoming trips as the Castillo and SL tend to be booked- The staff still knows me from my previous trips. It's kind of funny that they inform me proudly they are under new management, that business is very good- far too good to extend to me any price similar to my previous stays- and that I was so very lucky to have paid so little. Yet, on my trip last week I noticed they have a huge banner screaming "vacancy".

It is a very interesting old house turned hotel though. They have a great breakfast. It also does look like they have given at least some of the rooms the needed face lifts. But did they improve all of them? Some of the economy rooms($30) are very small and in the line of traffic so they could be noisy. But if you get a good one in the back or upstairs it might be ok. If they were to waive the chica fee and put you in a nicer room that has been fully upgraded it would probably be a fair price at a cash price of $45 total. If they have upgraded their rooms and made deals for CRT members I could see staying there if Castillo or SL were full.


By the way, the hot tub used to be too dirty to hang out in by the way but it looks nicer in photos now. Maybe they've cleaned the whole place up.


Zebra, You are right about the hotel and it having an eco-tourist clientele. I have not seen Ismaura there for quite a few months but that is from walking by day and night on my way too and from the Gulch back to the Castillo. She is a real nice girl.

TicaFan,

I agree with everything you wrote. In a lot of ways I felt the same way. The Hemingway worked for me until I discovered The Castillo.

My biggest drawback with The Hemingway was one particular older Tica that worked there at the front desk. She could act like a real "witch" with me bringing young chicas from the Del Rey back to my room. I don't know if she was jealous, or what. I do know that she had been married to a gringo and had spent a lot of time in the U.S. She spoke perfect English. Her husband passed away and she moved back to San Jose. I think a lot of her problem was that she had become "AMERICANIZED" during her stay in the U.S......thus, the "gringa witch" attitude. I don't think this particular woman has worked there for several years.

I could possibly stay there again sometime. For the most part....it wasn't too bad.

Zebra

I have never stayed at the Hemingway but my wingman, the Clam, stays there when he travels to CR without me. I know he likes the price of the rooms, but he did complain of the chica fee ($10 I think) and the "walk of shame" with the chica before the staff and ecotourists. Of course, YMMV.

The female manager is no more....there is now an onsite male manager from the USA who is most friendly and accomodating. During the time I was there, there was no female at the reception desk.

I have suggested to the new manager, Josh, that he consider the CRT discount deal. The restaurant next door, The Garden's is in CRT discount program I do believe. Given this was my first trip to San Jose, I knew nothing about the Castillo....which is next door to the Hemingway. I did make my way over to check out the Castillo and grant you that it has much to offer. However, for me, The Hemingway was more to my liking.

Let's see if Josh and his bosses agree with the idea of becoming part of this CRT network. There are good reasons to do so. On the other hand, I can see reasons not to do so.....selfish ones....but functional nonetheless.

I stayed at the Hemingway about a month ago. I was at the Pres but I wanted to try someplace new. I checked for vacancy at the DR, Morozan, ZB and several other places both inquiring in person and checking on-line. I finally booked 2 nights at the La Amistad. Once I got to the hotel I was told that their wireless internet was not working. I was also told that the on-line reservation (I made through a travel website) was no good but they could squeeze me in for one or maybe two nights. With the lack of internet and due to the extensive on-going construction I decided not to stay there.

I ended up walking down the street and came across the Hemingway. I have always been impressed with how much character the place has and there was a sign out front – a vinyl banner – that indicated vacancy so I went in. I walked into the lobby and the living area and felt that I was walking into a family home in Mexico. The character on the inside was far inferior to the exterior. They said they had wireless internet and the room was $30/night so I figured “what the hell?” I didn’t know the chica policy but I didn’t care as I wasn’t planning on bringing a girl back to my room – I’ve become more of an MP person.

The key they gave me was on this huge and I mean HUGE wooden disk that was too big to fit in my pants pocket and it was attached with a thick ring of steel that I could not remove. The room faced the street and the door opened directly into the living room/lobby area. The bathroom was crummy. The room had two crappy little beds with thin mattresses. I dropped off my stuff and decided that for $30 it was good enough and so I left. The door, however would not latch shut. One of the workers there tried to help with no luck so they ended up giving me a different room – this one with a MUCH smaller key ring. I believe that the room was 16 - the one Steven1 stayed in too.

This room was upstairs and was a good deal nicer than the first but still low standard. There was a TV that I watched but I did not count the channels. It was sitting way high up on an armoire or something like that. The windows did open and there was a view down to the courtyard where the breakfast is. I got a good wireless internet signal from the Hotel Castillo next door. The room had one bed that was comfortable enough but the mattress was thin. At one point there were ants in my bed too. I don’t recall seeing AC but I didn’t need it.

The biggest disappointment was the water. I got up after my first night and there was no hot water; I figured maybe all the ecotourists beat me to the hot water so I just dressed and had a shower first thing at ZB. Not a big deal. Second morning I arose at about 4:00 to catch an early flight and the water was colder than the day before.

I checked out the breakfast too but not very thoroughly. I saw some fruit and bread I think and juice. I had a banana and was satisfied with that.

I don’t mean to bash the Hemingway. The people were nice enough, the basics were there (except the hot water), the location is pretty good. (I found I liked it next to the Gardens/Castillo)….but the hotel in no way in my opinion lives up to the enthusiastic post above; I can't help but wonder who put Steven1 up to writing this post or is this his true take - myabe my mileage varied from his.... This is not a 3-star hotel unless you mean out of 10 stars. Again, at that price point I don’t think it is a bad deal but I think anyone who wants a room even only on par with the rooms in the DR they will be disappointed in the Hemingway. The place is in need of renovation and upgrading.

Would I stay there again? Maybe – if I knew they would have hot water this time. I do like the location next to the Gardens – nice to have a few beers, play guess the monger, and check out the bartender. I think the Dunn Inn is across the street, and the SL is one block east and one north. NF is about 1 block west, and ZB is about 3 blocks west.

Actually the night I was there was the night someone on the board reported the hold-up incident in near the Castillo. When I read that post I felt a dose of reality as I was in my room taking a nap at the time and planning to get up and go to the SL…I ended up just darting next door to the bar at the Castillo and having dinner and a few beers and then dashing back.

My review of the Hemingway – clean enough, good enough breakfast, decent location, quiet area, friendly staff, internet, room safe, $30 price tag (I asked for cash discount and they waived the tax)

I have stayed in the Villa Tournon ($70/night), Pres ($60 to $90), DR ($80), ZB ($195). I have also seen the rooms in the Castillo, SL, and Balmoral.

Hemingway is a $30/night hotel - no mas, no menos – but this place does have the potential to become a good monger hotel, in my opinion if the owners support CRT. This would be a good overflow for the Castillo. With some improvements and maybe no chica fee they could command $40 per night.

But again, I think 3 stars is too generous

CCR,

Unless things have greatly changed since I stayed at The Hemingway in 2004, I'd have to concur with your review.

You happened to note the matresses on the beds.....At one point [maybe still does] The Hemingway's website mentioned that each bed had "posturepedic matresses"......what they fail to mention is that the matresses are 20 years old.

Zebra

Guys:

Nobody has put me up to the review. It's my genuine impression. The Hemingway did me right. My bed was perfect for me, but I'm not huge. I speak some Spanish and amused staff with my efforts in same.

I believe you get what you give. By no means is The Hemingway "deluxe"...it's 3 stars using a European Standard system as I know the Amsterdam scene VERY well; again, this was my first trip to San Jose. One night at the Del Rey told me that place was for suckers.....just my view now....I'm a budget traveler with a fat wad....when you turn the lights out it all looks the same, right?

I had plenty of hot water though I DID let it run for many minutes right after I arrived.

I had the same giant key chain and just left the thing at the desk when I came and went....and trust me....that was muchas. Muchas! I was permitted to use the onsight ice box for my wine and juice...and it was just my kind of place. We're all different.

I DID check out some other places nearby and MAY try them....but they are "family style" and no "guests" in any way allowed. That's not good for me. I may do the Blue Marlin and get the $50 (following discussion) deal just to see and feel. As I type this message now, I am getting cell phone calls and emails from one I met at the Blue Marlin but refused to do the cien dolars. She like that....that and my bad Spanish, I think. We were supposed to have dinner the next day, but didn't work out, although she did let me know. She promised me a morning rate....just like True Fantasy or Zona Blue but that didn't happen either.

I may be new to San Jose....but this boy been around and heard every possible story in every language you can think of. Right now I am being emailed that a plasma tv for a 2year old baby is need for Christmas!!! TOO MUCH!

The Hemingway is a good, decent, honest tico place in my view and no one is on the take there. Let's see what Josh can turn it into being confronted with the need to compromise between us and other types of travelers.

Thanks for this service.

Steven1 QUOTE:

"....Right now I am being emailed, that a plasma TV for a 2 year old baby is needed for Christmas."

That's one I haven't heard before.

deleted duplicate post - sorry about the litter

Hey Steven1 I in no way meant to criticize your post, and thanks for laying it out. That is a lot of good information on the Hemingway, and t obviously took awhile to wrtite that up. Welcome to the forum by the way. I, too, am generally happy with low-budget accomodations. Although I don't share your history and experience, I often think about the 8x12 foot room I used to live in during college for five years. I would walk down the basement stairs and then I had to walk stooped over to avoid hitting my head until I got to my little jail cell on the other side of the washer, dryer, hot water heater, and furnace, then through a concrete walkway/door with jagged blocks on both sides (hole punched through the basement wall to make a door for the addition where "my" room was).

Geeze, I'm getting a bit of track here - only trying to explain that I frequently find myself realizing that pretty much anywhere I go is better than that.

And normally cold water would not bother me that much but I had a cold/fever and felt crappy and the cold water was extremely uncomfortable for me.

It seems we share the same view that the Hemingway could be a very good destination. If they remodeled the front room and made the dining area a little more cafe-like and less like and unkempt park, that would make for a really nice place to sit around and socialize with others.

With a little work on their part, the Hemingway folks could definitely turn the place into place that is always booked up....Seems this was the pattern with the Castillo?

And what was with that key fob ??? I guess leaving it at the desk was a good idea.