Ara Macao Inn

It was so convenient to walk around everywhere in San Jose! The host was very kind and accommodating even though I didn’t speak much Spanish. I would stay here again!

Jorge is extremely friendly and helpful. He helped me arrange a taxi for the next morning. He even showed to make sure everything went well.
I was given a room with a balcony and patio. Very nice and unexpected.

Anfitrião muito receptivo, e prestativo, local limpo.
Com certeza retornarei.

El servicio fue super amable, el check in fácil, el ambiente tranquilo, y el cuarto viene equipado con microondas y trastes

Jorge was lovely

Excellent check-in by Jorge. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp and waited until my shuttle (came in late) arrived.

Jorge checked me in quickly, gave tour of building and room. Awesome kitchen & fridge included. Reasonably priced. Tours drop off and pick up next door. Mercados nearby, walkable.

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Overall a great choice. The professional & friendly host (Jorge) met me upon arrival, quickly checked me in, provided keys & site tour, showed me how to use everything in my room. Room was spacious & quiet, full kitchen, fridge, TV. VERY FAST Wi-Fi. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Check in is a 3pm and I got there waaay before that but Jorge (the front desk person) had the room ready in like an hour so I can check in. I traveled by myself and this place was enough for me, just what I needed. Affordable and just a few minutes walk from restaurants, park, market and bars. The room had a fridge a microwave, a sink and TV. Only thing it didn’t have was a coffee machine, I drink a lot of coffee but it really wasn’t a big deal, its Costa Rica you find coffee everywhere;) also They give you a key to get to the hotel and that made me feel safe, only guests can go in.

Todo estuvo bien un lugar muy tranquilo sin tantos problemas de ruido etc todo perfecto 👌

La estadía estuvo súper buena.
Es un poco viejito pero tiene su encanto. Te sientes super bien. Un poco como una cabaña en las montañas. Y más que eso porque el lugar tiene todo las cosas que nescesitamos : buena cama, agua caliente, cocina con todo, etc. y es súper céntrico.
Además de todo, la persona quien administra ese edificio es super acogedor.
Después de un viaje super largo con el autobús, la pasamos super bien
Muchas gracias. Será aseguramente mi lugar para dormir en San José.
En resumen, por un precio barato es excelente !
Sylvain, un viajero francés

Lovely old house which could use a little TLC

This hotel was perfect for a visit to one of the most lively neighborhoods in San Jose. Many bars, clubs and restaurants within easy walking distance. Jorge was very nice and welcomed us. There is a courtyard patio where you could enjoy a drink with friends, communal kitchen and eating area. The rooms all had full size refrigerators which was very nice. Simple rooms for a good price and location was perfect. The staff was very responsive and helpful. They were available to receive calls if anything was needed. I will definitely stay there again.

Bed was comfortable Good location for Museum and National Park

I stayed at the Ara Macao at the recommendation of a friend in San Jose. The hotel is located just down Calle 25A from the Nicaraguan Embassy. It is NOT on Calle 27 as depicted on Google Maps. It is located next to a bar that was shut down one afternoon by the police while I was there. The people from the bar removed everything so it may be awhile before it reopens.

While the room was OK the overall stay lacked some basics: Upon check-in there were two fresh towels and a full size bar of soap on the bed. I had to ask for fresh towels 3 of the 6 days. The other days I just reused them. The only "staff" I saw was Claudia, a young mother who let her 18-month old son crawl around. I almost stepped on him when coming down the stairs with my bag at check out.

The room was never cleaned (that I noticed). The trash was only taken out once (fortunately I didn't create much). The floor is wooden and has broken pieces and creaks in spots. The wi-fi was a 1-bar at best. The counter top had a bad spot across it near the sink. Some basic plates, glasses and utensils were provided to be used with the 2-burner counter top "stove" but no towels or soap. There was a full-size refrigerator that did work well once we plugged it in.

There was a large stain on the floor where the water had leaked from the line to the toilet. The toilet itself leaned to the left. The bathroom sink had damage as if it had been cracked and repaired. Both the toilet and sink where black (not dirty but actually black). The two cats from the adjacent hotel (Club 69) used the chairs on my balcony for sleeping leaving hair all over the cushions.

On the plus side the ceiling fan did a good job of cooling the room at night. The water pressure was great with plenty of hot water.

The local commuter train passes about 40 yards from the hotel about 8 times each weekday morning starting around 4:30AM. It does not travel very fast but does blow its whistle multiple times each time it passes. It's not a loud whistle like a locomotive but it is very audible.

Stayed at this hotel when my first choice was unexpectedly unavailable. Location is within walking distance of principal museums and shopping. Breakfast was great. Best of all, the hostess was very helpful in navigating this area of San Jose. Price was $40/night including aircon, private bath, decent room. Highly recommended.

The Best part is the staff. They are very helpful and friendly. The location is perfect! Word of caution - Friday and Saturday night it is very loud since the hotel shares a street with 5 or 6 night clubs with loud music, and loud people on the streets. If that doesn't bother you, as it does not bother me, then don't worry about it. It is a 10 min walk (downhill) to the downtown shopping area, and several points of interest as the historical park and the museum were you can see the bullet holes in the towers left to remind the citizens why they don't have an army any more. The worst part is the rooms. Whole clean, they are in need of some serious updating. Our suite had a partial kitchen with a counter top that was broken right down the middle, and 3 tiles were missing in the shower. Had good hot water and water pressure. That said, I would go there again since the price reflects the room condition. Anyway; it beats sitting in one of those tourist hotels like the Holiday Inn, etc. Breakfast served was rice, beans, eggs, coffee, toast, orange juice, one morning; fruit, toast, coffee, orange juice, the other morning. Restaurants in general, are expensive in Costa Rice. We chose to eat out 1 or 2 times a day and bought stuff for sandwiches and had dinner in the room most nights. There is an excellent wood fired pizza grill right across the street that serves beer. You may find the server running across the street to the bar next to you hotel to get your beer, but it's all in a days work. Thanks for reading, and have a great time in Costa Rica

This Inn/b&b is located 5 min from downtown San Jose where the main shopping boulevard starts. You are also close to restaurants, attractions, nightlife and other things that Costa Rica has to offer.
Employees at Ara Macao Inn are friendly, very helpful and always willing to go the extra mile.
The rooms are very comfortable and equipped with private bath, fridge, cable tv and microwave.
This is a great place for the budget traveler, or small groups and a the right settings to start new friendships.