Located in the oldest residential section of San Jose, the 'Four Star' Hotel Don Carlos is a small, but significant part of Costa Rica's rich heritage. Once upon a time residence for two past Presidential families, the historical Hotel Don Carlos' warmth and charm, graciously awaits you. Enjoy Costa Rica's finest art works as you stroll through the gallery-like corridors and maze of quiet, garden & fountain settings, restaurant and Jacuzzi. Wander into Anne Marie's Boutique and get lost within this unique world of local artistic creations in Costa Rica's # 1 gift shop.

We take much pride in our helpful, friendly and courteous, english speaking service, the distinct individual character found in each of our thirty-three, comfortably appointed rooms, our 'user friendly', on-line Don Carlos Tour Service and our 24 hour security guard service. Near the heart of San Jose, Hotel Don Carlos is a fun, quiet and secure place to stay while getting to know Costa Rica. As the most recommended small hotel in the country, come see why our growing numbers of 'return' guests and friends all comment, "Hotel Don Carlos is beyond a doubt, the best hotel in all of San Jose!"

The history of this beautiful hotel begins with its founder, "Don" Carlos Balser. An internationally acknowledged authority on Pre-Columbian art, author of many books on Costa Rican archeology and fluent in seven languages, "Don" Carlos was active in all aspects of the arts, having painted the frescos of the "Santisima Trinidad" in the dome of the San Jose Metropolitan Cathedral. In 1921, "Don" Carlos came to Costa Rica from Liechtenstein to build and manage the first major hotel in Costa Rica, the "Gran Hotel". In that time in history, the "Banana Boat" was the only transport to Costa Rica and the "Gran Hotel" was the only hotel. "Don" Carlos managed the hotel for many decades until his passion for archaeology absorbed him. Together with his exploratory partner, Doris Zemurray Stone, they opened many unexplored archeological sites all around Costa Rica.

Later in 1947, "Don" Carlos left the management of the "Gran Hotel" to start his own "Pension Canada" in the historical Barrio Amon section of San Jose. Surrounded by history, part of the original "Pension Canada" was once the residence for the family of former Costa Rican President, Tomas Guardia. Just across the street, and now part of the Hotel Don Carlos, is where another former President, Julio Acosta, once lived. For many years, this well-known pension was a stopping and resting place for scores of scientists passing through Costa Rica.