Finca Escalante - Hostel

I used to get good service and decent rooms here for a reasonable price when I stayed 6 and 4 years ago. Since then it's had a makeover, changed its name to Awa San José, and had cosmetic work done. Now a double room costs 90 USD a night. At that price, I expect working internet in the room, a light and a fan in the toilet-only bathroom that won't wake everyone with a motor-like noise, and a bathroom door that doesn't block the room entrance. I'd also expect at least two separate charging points and some towel racks. The renovation feels like a cosmetic makeover to raise prices, and the place doesn't meet what I expect from a hotel that redid its façade. Not recommended.

Barrio Escalante felt like San Jose's hip neighborhood, with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops all within walking distance. We were a group of 12 at the start of our Costa Rica trip, and it felt as if we'd rented the whole "house". The rooms varied in size, were comfortable, and had a thoughtful design. There were good shared spaces indoors and out, and breakfast was pretty good. The staff at Finca Escalante were FANTASTIC, especially David and Alejandro. WONDERFUL place!!

The front desk receptionist was so welcoming, and the atmosphere was great. There were lots of good food options nearby; we found one and also stopped at the supermarket. The entrance and main building looked great, and the other rooms we passed seemed nice. Our back-corner private room for my friend and me, though, was less than ideal. We paid $70 for one night, and I wish I'd booked a different private room instead of the one with 2 beds. The bathroom was the worst part, with no counter space and a shower that swung between too cold and too hot. There were also a few ants. This is a hostel, not a luxury hotel.

We had a nice breakfast in the pretty little garden. There was no hot water in our room, though I'm pretty sure it was just a temporary problem.