El Maragato San Jose

Costa Rica , San José / Central Valley
SAN JOSE, Avenida Central, Calles 1 y 3
Show on Google | Website | Map

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Very reasonably priced and the location was excellent.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

30 Mar 2019

donovan

Dont go here! Let me first say i dont do bad reviews or comments but the reviews i read and what i got were not the same. I also want to say im a backpacker and im used to sleeping on the ground so my standerds are not high. 2 days we didnt have water. They ebed up fixing it after about a hour each time. No parking, you have to park 2 blocks away at 2 dollars a hour, do the math if you leave your car because you book trips, and they pick you up it adds up really quick not counting the meter is running when your sleeping, and if you get back late at night its a scary walk back to the hotel at night. spend the extra cash for a hotel that has parking. all the staff but one was good! We stayed a week left a day early. Rooms were horrable and i do not have high standerds at all again. Last night we found a much better hotel near the air port with parking and shuttel. This was my first trip to c.r. i would highly recomand staying outside of s.j. and drive in for the day, night time can get pretty hairy.
The good: staff was good and at day time you are smake in the middel of down town market.
The bad: the room, parking, night time safty, no water when you try to take a shower

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Great location, great breakfast, dated facilities friendly service

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

The staff was very helpful to assist me in setting up my local Sim card. Also the breakfast was delicious and finding the fridge stocked with juice and beer and snacks was another nice touch.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jun 2018

Mike

Hotel is in a great location in downtown San Jose. Everything you need is well within walking distance. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2018

Alyson

The hotel looked old and rundown, there was a weird scent in our room. The hotel was on a street that cars couldn't access, so we had to get picked up and dropped off around the corner and walk. The hotel was in a very busy area and there were a few restaurants within walking distance. I had never been to San Jose before, so I'm not sure if the whole city is this way, but I didn't feel like the hotel was in the safest area. The hotel staff was friendly enough, especially the man who checked us out in the morning- he called a taxi for us and was chatting with us while we waited. Complimentary breakfast was fine- nothing fancy.

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2018

Miguel

Location, location, location !!!! At this place, you're a the center of everything in San Jose !!!

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2018

Helge

Great location

Hotell located close to
Plaza cultura , easy access to all facilities

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2018

Robert

Single traveler.

No frills hotelt in great downtown location. If you enjoy lots of shopping, lots of places to eat and lots of people of all ages and economic statis then this hotel is a good place to consider. Breakfast is basic but good. I enjoy staying at the El Maragato hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2018

peter

They deliver what they advertise

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Nice hotel in the centre of the town.

At the beginning I felt that I am going to stay in a dormitory, or worse. The lobby is very little and not so welcoming. And its position in the noisy street of hussling vendors made me feel uneasy.

But when I saw the silent and clean room, enjoyed a simple breakfast and had access to PC and wifi, I felt really confortable and safe.

Due to its position it deserves the price. Moreover for young backpackers a few rooms are adapted to a cheap hostel.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Good but not convenient for visits

Nice place. No guests allowed. Will probably stay elsewhere.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2018

Daniel

Cody little hotel

Small and tidy little hotel situated in central San José, staff are very friendly and helpful and rooms were comfy and clean. Only problem was the noise levels at night, especially facing the street, which made it a bit tricky to sleep but otherwise no complaints, a good little place with fair prices

4/10

Poor

05 Feb 2018

Robin

disappointed

wrong room, billed to my credit card instead of cash, No receipt copy. Room had no secuity bolt or chain! Carpets stained towels ripped. poor hot water. Breaker kept tripping for electric in room. windows dirty.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2018

sheily

Nice hotel close to shops and restaurant

Exc hotel friendly staff right in San Jose center. I love to come over and over great for family

8/10

Excellent

03 Feb 2018

bILL

Basic hotel

Basic hotel good location for museums, food and shops

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2018

wine man Dan

Nice hotel in great location in the center of Sanj

I like the hotel for the location and the price one of the best deals in sanjose .

2/10

Poor

26 Jan 2018

Matthieu

Worst Experience

Arrived to the hotel and had we had booked a room with a king size bed and received a room with two double beds on a loud noisy street. The hotel staff didn't try to get us our proper booking or try to make any extra accommodations for the mistake. We were told simply \"Sorry too bad, this is all we have...\"
Wifi is limited and very slow.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2018

patricio

Best location in town

Close to everything, good place to walk around. A bit noisy at night due to street noise.

4/10

Poor

04 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Stay Away

Very poor shower, no hot water, terrible mattress, very loud street noise and beeping all night long hard to get sleep.

6/10

Pleasant

27 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

bad experience concerning security. I reported stolen money to the front desk and asked to speak to the owner. He said the owner would come to speak to me. HE NEVER SHOWED UP!

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2017

Roberta J

Great Location on a Wallet-friendly Budget

The hotel is located in walking distance of many museums, the National Theater, shops, and restaurants. It is a well-worn property, so if you're looking for the lap of luxury, El Maragato is not it. However, it is excellent for the price, offers an ample (not really a continental) breakfast every day, and the staff is amazingly welcoming, helpful, and cooperative.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Apr 2017

T. Cash

nice hotel in walking distance to everything

hotel staff was wonderful very clean hotel and very inexpensive highly recommend for busget travelers

8/10

Excellent

02 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Well Located, Clean and Comfortable, Budget Hotel

This hotel was very well located for walking to nearby attractions, but it's situated in a very congested and noisy commercial area. Light sleepers and guests who are bothered by loud noise should request rooms in the rear of the hotel, which are much quieter. The front desk staff was polite, friendly, and very helpful with booking sightseeing tours. The housekeeping staff was excellent. Overall, I was pleased and satisfied with my 2-week stay at this clean and comfortable budget hotel.

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2017

Matt

My 10 day stay...

It was my 4th time stay in 4 years in this hotel, looked a lot better this time after they'd done some renovations, i like the location the best, if you prefer the room with balcony make sure to bring some earplugs, the noise from the street & the construction jack hammer from the hotel & casino across from this hotel is very annoying!! Rooms are clean, thanks to Olga lady the head maid, Breakfast is also good with fresh fruit every morning to make your day, thanks to Martin the head chef:)). The front desk crew ( Luis, Warren & Ricardo) are very helpful & bilingual and attentive, the supermarket next to hotel is a plus too. I used to pay around $35 per night to stay here in past years but this time the rate was at $60 per night, i guess to make up for their renovation:)), Overall this hotel is central & everything is in walking distance. And yes I'd stay here again and hope they reconsider their rate....

8/10

Excellent

27 Feb 2017

Audrey

Fun , convenient location in downtown SAN Jose

The location for our purposes was great and we truly enjoyed being on the pedestrian street. The street noise stopped by 9:30 but we loved the balcony that overlooked the action below. Also, we felt the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2017

Shirley

Central Ave's great

We loved being on Central Avenue, where we could walk out the door and be on that great shopping street. Nice view from our balcony overlooking busy pedestrians. There
was lots of noise that night due to remodeling across the street, but we slept good.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Jan 2017

Scott

In the heart of the city

Great hotel for anyone on a budget, and appropriate for small families (with rooms available with 3 beds). Elevator was very small, but worked good; beds were a little stiff, but did the job; great water pressure, which can be rare in some San Jose hotels; and great location on Central Avenue. The only down-side to the hotel being on a pedestrian-only street, is you may need to walk a block or two to meet taxis or tour operators. Overall good experience.

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jan 2017

Tai

Great downtown location

The location was nice if you want to stay in downtown San Jose. However, the location of the hotel is in the uglies part of San Jose and it is very dangerous at night. The room was okay but had hidden charges for snacks and beverages that appeared to be complimentary based on my choice of an executive suites. There are also many birds in downtown San Jose, which made it impossible to enjoy the balcony! Overall an okay place to stay but I would recommend a hotel out of downtown San Jose for safety and a more beautiful experience.

8/10

Excellent

15 Nov 2016

Bryan

Good basic mainstreet hotel

The hotel is basic, but good for Latin American standard.
The hotel/hostel is good, as it's one block away from the main street where tours depart. There are shopping and eating places around as it's in the center of the shopping mainstreet in the capital. The area is very busy with people. Cars cannot park at the hotel, the mainstreet is only for pedestrian. The area is safe with constant police surveillance. Staff is basic, not very talkative or cheerful, mostly young men working at the front desk. But they are polite. The womens doing the housekeeping are friendly, nice and do their job very well. Overall a nice stay at this hotel

Family

6/10

Pleasant

31 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

Good for the value

The best asset of the hotel is the location, but don't bring cars, no parking. Right in the heart of the city. The room was fare, according to the rate. Simple breakfast. Overall, good for the value

Partner

4/10

Poor

09 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

Not good

This hotel is right on Avenida Central near Teatro Nacional. Good for being right in the middle of downtown SAN Jose. But nothing else. Rooms are like motel rooms. Basic, no frills. Minibar is the worst-it's a few cans of beer & soda smh. Do not choose a balcony side room-the noise is unbearable even if you sleep through anything you won't sleep through this. People yell in the street all day to sell their products so you can hear them all day & night. Plenty of food options nearby, couple of bars, and casinos. Gets a little sketchy at night but not that bad. Front desk service is great and helpful. The free breakfast is really bad. Old, dated hotel. Don't stay here! Better off staying in Santa Ana or somewhere else & doing a city tour for half a day & leaving....

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2016

Morgan

The Best on a Budget

This is my Go To Hotel When Visiting Friends and Family. I will never stay anywhere else unless they are booked. I look forward staying there again in October. The Staff is wonderful

8/10

Excellent

04 Sep 2016

Harley

The man working on reception went out of his way to help us when we only spoke a little bit of Spanish. We also made an error with our booking which he managed to sort out instantly, great hotel for the price would recommended staying here in the future.

Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Aug 2016

Verified traveler

I stay there once per month. Nuff said.

No, as I said, I stay there once per month so stop asking me every time.

THanks.

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2016

Josephine

Cheap Dorm in central San Jose

great help from staff on reception as I had late check-in.
good wifi, clean dorm - I was lucky to have whole room to myself.
located in centre of San Jose near Nacional Theatre.
Large room, plenty of space.

only light in dorm was near door entrance so would have caused problems for beds at other end of room.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2016

No direct parking. Hostel type hotel.

The hotel seemed clean.the TV in my room was broken off its stand. Shower was large but water pressure was none existant. The bed were made. Not sure there bed bugs or not. Put every piece of clothing in the washer on high heat . Still have others in plastic bags.
Hotel is in the heart of downtown San Jose right next to Teatro national. No street parking if you have a rental. You have to come thru a side street to access it. Free wifi worked ok

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

Staff was super helpful and friendly. Everyone just wants to help you out. Loved it!

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2016

Carl

Easy access to all the conveniences eg stores ,socials and theaters

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2016

Jessa

One night in downtown San Jose

We stayed here for one night when we got to Costa Rica. The accommodations were alright. Nothing luxurious but the rooms were clean and it was in a central location in downtown San Jose.

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2016

Jay

Wonderful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2016

Jay

Great location! Balcony over Centro walking street.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2016

Verified traveler

Best Place for the Price in the Heart of San Jose

I am an American that has lived in Costa Rica for over 5 years and El Maragato is the only place I stay in San Jose. The location is superb and the staff are even better. Walking distance to all the museums and you walk out the front door onto the Central Avenue, the cities walking avenue. The hostel has recently done some renovating so its even better; new 32\" plasma TVs, new carpet, new curtain, new bed spreads and some new paint. I recommend a balcony for the views. Try to stay on floors 7 and 8; the views are better and the street noise is less. Stay here!

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2016

Morgan

Best Deal Yet and Impeccable Service

Arrived at 8 p.m. and was greeted by the front desk staff, ythey remembered me from previous stays and treated me like i was wanted. i was so excited due to me always having such a wonderful time at their hotel. This is a Must stay in the El Carmen district of Central San Jose, you will not regret it.

4/10

Poor

01 May 2016

Sue

Dishonest charges for the room.

We were overcharged. The desk clerk charged $26. Over the Hotels.com charge, $45. That was advertised as $20.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2016

Tim

good for downtown San Jose

this is a great hotel for those who want to be central to the downtown area. Great for going to theatre and just enjoying what San Jose has to offer. The only problem is pigeons and noise, but the latter is also part of any downtown area (and I guess the former as well)--just very annoying at times--especially if you want to use the balcony and it is covered in 'it'. I would very highly recommend for quality versus price! Clean and central and not expensive!

6/10

Pleasant

02 Apr 2016

RMadrid

Hotel is OK, staff is great, but too

The hotel is OK, the staff are rally helpful, just don't ask for room with terrace, because them have a window to the central Avenue, and you will not sleep at all, is too loud! You must and have to ask for rooms in the opposite side to the central Avenue

6/10

Pleasant

27 Mar 2016

jay

Decent Hotel

Hotel stuff was helpful. They book all of my tours. they spoke English.

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2016

Jeannie

Excellent location and helpful staff

The continental breakfast was a full breakfast. The staff was helpful and friendly - maids, waitresses, and administration. The tours offered at the hotel were excellent. They are in the middle of an upgrade at the hotel - new carpets, going to do card locks, but the furniture is old and tired. I hope that is on the list. We didn't have a chair in our room for 4 of the five days. One finally arrived without our asking.
We were very pleased. The price is higher is because of the location. Excellent location on pedestrian walkway. We did have small roaches even though they said they had sprayed recently.

6/10

Pleasant

14 Mar 2016

vadim

Great location but too noisy

great walking location, but hotel is very old, very noise especially in the morning where you have bunch of people yelling for their products that they sell.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Mar 2016

Sharon

Good room, but NOISY

Location of hotel, in city center, is good for those without a car. The hotel is not new, shows some wear but is clean, the staff friendly. My room was clean, roomy and air conditioned. The bathroom, though tiny, had hot water.

The problem is the noise, especially on the street side. I did not sleep my first night and had to be moved to another room on the back side the next morning. A nearby pedestrian crosswalk signal beeped loudly all night, yelling and shouting from the Casino across the walkway and the early morning loud cooing of pigeons, on the room balcony, all contributed to the unending cacophony. If you can't sleep through this, make sure your room is on the backside.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

08 Mar 2016

Matt

Budget hotel in the center of the city.

The hotel has a good location in the center of the city. It only has a small presence on the street front and doubles as a tour office so it can be hard to miss. It is located on a very busy street that only allows walking during the day. At night it can be rather noisy with people, vehicles and the beeping from the cross street mechanisms for the visually impaired. Did not sleep very well the first night, but better the second.

Both staff members I spoke with at the front desk were very nice and helpful. Breakfast was included, but we didn't get a chance to try it as we had early plans both days. Free drinking water is provided. Wifi worked well.

The hotel is rather outdated and doesn't look quite as nice as in the provided pictures. It needs a few repairs and some fresh paint. The freezer that they keep ice in is destroyed and needs to be replaced.

All in all it was what I expected from a budget hotel in the central downtown location of the city. If you're looking for more than a cheap place to sleep at night, I suggest you skip this place.

4/10

Poor

12 Feb 2016

Carlos

Hotels.com gave me false hopes.

I did get what I expected, a room with balcony and mini fridge was on the Hotels.com reservation confirmation 126826686250. Instead I had a back room with a view of roof tops in an enclosed courtyard and a mini bar with warm refreshments.

Partner

4/10

Poor

09 Feb 2016

Kevin

Friendly staff/Central

The hotel couldn't be more central. The staff were friendly and helpful. Very good breakfast. The hotel is a little rough around the edges, a solid 2*. Inexpensive but central to the action. We were on the 8th floor and we're still affected by street noise. You couldn't really leave the balcony door ajar as pigeons would try to enter the room. My advice in general? Blow off San José. ;-)

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2016

Monika

Good central location

we only stayed during the day before a late flight after spending 6 hours on the bus from Tamarindo. The room had 2 double beds , was large and comfortable. But it was VERY noisy from the Street. Although a Pedestrian one but with lots of activities. A little balcony overlooking all the action, from street musicians, people selling lottery ticket, really screaming for attention. Everything you could hear up to the 5th floor. The problem is that above the single glass door to the balcony has another window to regulate the opening ( Persianas, in spanish) they do not close properly.......for us it was OK since we did not intend to sleep. It would not have been possible. We do not know how it would be at night. Needed to print a boarding pass before leaving for the airport , nobody helped, they wanted to send me to an office Depot.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2016

James

Not a bad place to stay for max 2 nights. Chose this hotel because of its location right in the heart of San Jose near the National Theatre. Wifi wasn't the best. Breakfast was okay. If you're on a budget and looking for a decent place to stay, I'd recommend this place.

Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Jan 2016

joseph

Center of the action

Right on Av Central, we had a room with a balcony overlooking it. A little noisy but not a problem for us.

Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Dec 2015

Allan

Best for the Dollar vs. Dollar. Can look better by replacing curtains.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

Nice place downtown

Great hotel where you can walk everwhere...hotel staff are very helpful...It is a hotel where locals stay....the rooms are modest but adequate. AC fridge coffee maker are not always available....

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2015

yen yun

Value for you paid

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2015

yen yun

Good location

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

Good experience.

Great location. Friendly staff.

2/10

Poor

28 Oct 2015

Not Provided

Not convenient if you have a vehicle, hard to find

After driving around the block twice, we found out we had to park on a street and then walk through all the crowded areas with all of our belongings(luggage, bags, etc) to reach the hotel. Old hotel and did not have a secure feeling about it. After checking in and then looking for a place to park overnight we decided to get a different hotel. Parking was not available nearby and was also about $2 per hour. Also there was not a free shuttle to the airport. I was not able to cancel my reservation, and with the costs of parking and what the taxi ride would have cost we got a hotel with better amenities for about what these would have cost and in the same area.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

I BOOKED FOR AND PAID FOR 2 NIGHTS. THE NIGHT OF THE 10/26/2015 THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY ROOMS AVAILABLE? WHY THE RESERVATION. OH WELL I WOULD LIKE A REFUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8/10

Excellent

17 Sep 2015

JuveMar76

Great hotel if you can handle the street noise.

I was expecting much worse for the cheap price, but the hotel was very decent. It was clean, had a large bed, a TV, wifi, and AC - amenities that are not always included in a Costa Rican's hotel. Breakfast was poor though.
The best part - and the worst - was the location, right on Avenida Central. It was right of the middle of the action, and close walk to most museums, sights, etc. However, the street noise was VERY loud. While it was charming at first, it was just not fun to have loud trumpets, drums, street sellers shouting on top of their lungs starting at 5am in the morning until late in the evening. If you can handle the street noise, I would highly recommend this hotel.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Sep 2015

abdul

Needs repairs, but great service and location

Old hotel which needs a lot of repairs and modernization. Curtains had holes in them. Air conditioner was a wall unit (not central AC, and it ran out of \"free-on\" twice during my stay). Old worn-out carpet, beds, and TV. Old narrow slow elevator. However, the hotel had great Wifi signal, excellent breakfast, wonderful customer service, perfect location downtown, and came at a very cheap price, and so I would we willing to stay there again at that very cheap bargain rate.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2015

Kenzuli

Still the best deal in San Jose

I live in Liberia Costa Rica and travel to San Jose monthly. I have shopped around and El Maragato is the only place I ever stay. Its clean and comfortable with a friendly staff and the location cannot be beat. It is right on the central avenue and next to the Plaza de la Cultura. There is a supermarket right next door and you can walk to all the city's cultural sites and museums. I prefer the rooms on the top floor and in front with balconies but if you are adverse to the noise (street vendors mostly) you might want a room in the back without balconies. Either way, I recommend rooms as high up as you can get.

6/10

Pleasant

20 Aug 2015

louis

it is located in center of city

room was good but did not have small refrigerator to have cold bottle whater or keep your medication

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2015

Andrew

Hotel Maragato was a good budget option!

I must say, after reading all the horror stories online about the hotel Maragato, I was pleasantly suprised! I stayed in room 502 , on the far side from the streetand the noise. It was clean and comfortable-with good A/C. Its located in the center of town- near the central market.Its fun to walk around during the afternoonwithenty to see and do!

8/10

Excellent

30 Jul 2015

Verified traveler

Great hotel for the price and location is supurb!

Staff was very friendly and helpful, gave wonderful dining suggestions. Wifi in room was very good as was the breakfast.
We had a room directly on Central Ave. With a patio, which we enjoyed people watching from, but if you are a light sleeper be sure to ask for a non-patio room.
The room was clean and large sized, the carpet was a bit dated but overall it was a great experiecne and we will return there.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2015

Marco

Nice hotel

Good hotel, great room service and house keeper(s).

4/10

Poor

18 May 2015

Verified traveler

Not the best hotel

The hotel was located smack in the middle of town, the street below us was always full of people day and night, couldn't sleep with all the yelling and music outside all hours of the night, The hotel itself was dirty, would not walk on the rug bare foot, Breakfast was fine

Family

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2015

julia

clean and centrally located

Hotel is a little bit on the older side but was very clean. It is centrally located in the heart of San Jose and all the museums and markets are within a short walk. My room was spacious and clean and the shower had hot water. Perfect accommodation for a short stay in San Jose.

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2015

Verified traveler

Very good facilities !

Enjoyable ! comfortable ammenities, clean. Shuttle to/from airport.

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2015

Robert

Nice hotel in a great area!

I enjoyed Hotel El Maragato in San Jose. The staff was helpful and the location is central. The price is what made it most enjoyable along with environment on the street. It is steps from a park with lots of activity. It across from a casino. The National Theater is on the park and they have concerts. I usually stay at the Gran Hotel San Jose which is across the street but the El Maragato was $25 less per night and just as nice or nicer. I plan the to return.

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2015

baron

good

very close to bussiness center,walking distance to restaurants and bars, not a big recepcion lobby but good sizes rooms.. affordable rates ..high recomended.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Apr 2015

paul

Good for a night or two.

Just a short stop-over stay. Centrally located downtown. Cabs cannot deliver you to the door, as it is in a pedestrian only zone. Not a long walk though.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Apr 2015

Kenzo

two nights.

Stayed two nights, as I said before the staff, specially the ones that clean are very rude. The guy that is there in the after-noon is very friendly.

2/10

Poor

19 Apr 2015

ilu

The owner should clean it !

My experience was not so good. The hotel has to improve a lot, I know that the rate is cheap but, they should be careful with many details, my room 603, was dirty, I pretty sure that towels was not clean. The breakfast, is terrible, Gallo Pinto and one egg. This hotel need to improve, you can be cheap, it doesn´t mean that you have to give the necessary. Very unsastified.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2015

Kathleen

The Hotel El Maragato

Enjoyed the hotel. The views from the balcony are incredible!!! If you what to be close to some San José museums and shopping this hotel works!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2015

harry

downtown, convenient, close to it all, great place

easy transport from airport by bus or taxi, on Avenida Central, can walk
to other bus terminals to leave town.

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2015

Daniel

In the centre of Downtown San Jose

Great location if you want to see downtown San Jose. Hotel was actually better than I expected for the price. We enjoyed walking around the downtown area. Within walking distance of many museums, churches, restaurants and bars. Avoid P3 pub. Charged me 6000 Colones for 2 10oz draught beers. Hotel has no parking and does not have an airport shuttle.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2015

Verified traveler

Great place to stay - right in mercado central

The staff was great; location was great; a little run down but clean

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2015

Nice hotel

Nice hotel close to the city

All was ok ! The only trouble was the noise all day.

2/10

Poor

26 Feb 2015

Christopher

Not the worst, but you can do better

Not clean and bed was very uncomfortable. Location & price are ok, but can get a lot cleaner and comfortable for just a few extra dollars a night.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Feb 2015

Jermaine

Nice location.

Stayed on night, good location, regular price for the service provided.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Feb 2015

Sergio

Tico Time

I had a room on the pedestrian mall side. Bad idea! There is a chirping pedestrian light that chirps all night and it is loud. Difficult to sleep.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

09 Feb 2015

Great Location

Expedia puts incorrect information on their web site and does not back it up so check your recite very careful they may tell you breakfast is included, but on your recite NOT INCUDED.
The Hotel is right in the center of San Jose you can walk everywhere! the breakfast is made to order and very filling the rooms are nice but old the carpet is in need of a cleaning I enjoyed my stay here

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2015

Verified traveler

Good stay

Helpful desk personnel, close to many attractions,phone in room, breakfast available at hotel.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2015

rebecca

Decent place to stay for night.

We stayed at El Maragato our last night in Costa Rica. It was fine, clean, and right on the pedestrian boulevard in downtown San Jose. Easy to drop off our luggage, clean up and wander the city to shop and find dinner. Our room faced the pedestrian boulevard, which was fine for us but probably not ideal for light sleepers. Fun to watch people from the balcony, though. The guys at the front desk were very helpful and called us a cab to the airport at 4:30 am (someone is a the front desk all night long). At that early hour, the cab just drove onto the pedestrian walkway and picked us up right at the door.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2015

Rebecca B.

Great location, great staff, great breakfast...

Right downtown San Jose, perfect for walking. Not good if you have a car - no parking. In fact, vehicle access is limited by the central ave being pedestrian only. I stayed on the 7th floor, facing the street. It was a bit noisy, as other people have commented. Get some ear plugs, you'll be fine. And it dies down by about 10pm-ish.
Nice enough place, good enough price that I extended my stay by two days to finish some errands in town.

It sounds a bit silly, but I really felt looked after while I was there. This was my first trip outside of Canada as a single female traveler. Staff had plenty of information on fun stuff to see around town, felt safe in the hotel. Good value - coffee and fridge in room. Comfy bed.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2015

Verified traveler

A good place to stay close to everything.

Good location- good service by staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2015

daphne

Lovely view great location

The people on the hotel where extra nice, when i got there the air-conditioning wasn't working so they changed my room really nice.. Also it was nice to being able to walk to through the town.. For the price it was great cant wait to visit again

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

Close to town but noisy.

Clean rooms and staff very helpful. The breakfast are very nominal but it seems to be the case in every hotel in Costa Rica. A continental breakfast. It also helps to speak a little Spanish.
Beware of thieves in the streets I had my Mobile - Cell Apple Iphone stolen on the second day.
It is also cheaper to book online than in the hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2015

dennis

great hotel with downtown advantage and better than competitor next door
i left the gran hotel to go to el maragato and glad for that
the el maragato clean and friendly place with a better money value

2/10

Poor

23 Jan 2015

Esmeralda

Filthy Hotel

This hotel was disgusting! The walls were dirty, the rug was sticky and had not been vacuumed after the last guests and it smelled like urine. When we walked into our room there was someone already occupying the room! Yes! There was someone staying in the room that they gave us. Turns out that person was supposed to be in the room next door. Yes! Her key and ours opened all the doors in the hotel. When we brought this to the hotels staff attention they said they had to make copies of the 'master' key because the previous guests had taken the keys with them. This hotel was a nightmare, stay away!

8/10

Excellent

20 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

The location was fantastic, and the rooms were very clean and comfortable. The only negative aspect was the wifi was very slow and wouldn't connect from the room--we had to go I to the hallway to connect to the network.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jan 2015

Great location

Breakfast was a great surprise. Staff were very cheerful and helpful.

4/10

Poor

16 Jan 2015

James

You get what you pay for

Reserved a balcony room with air conditioning. No balcony, air conditioning didn't work. Fortunately it was a cool night. Switched to a balcony room the next day, air worked. Unfortunately the toilet was clogged. Despite numerous assurances, when we returned that evening the toilet was still clogged and filthy. Night manager took care of it. Almost zero water pressure in the shower, we were on the top floor (8). Impossible to get a hot shower. Old ratty carpets, lousy pillows. However, great towels, good mattresses, great location and great price. Bottom line, be prepared to put up with a lot of shortcomings to stay right in the middle of all the museums and near the main markets for cheap.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jan 2015

Anthony

PERFECT POST UP IN EL CENTRO DE SAN JOSE

Such a great location and good customer service. The hotel is an old building but in decent shape and they have done a nice job with the basic, clean interiors. Close to the main attractions, transport, etc. It is quite noisy but you expect that posting up in the middle of town.