Hemingway Inn

The manager or owner’s response to my missing phone was what really shocked me. Instead of being sympathetic or looking into the cleaning lady, she made it seem like my fault. The police weren’t much help either and wouldn’t put pressure on the employees. Customer service was absolutely terrible, and I couldn’t return or recommend this hotel in good conscience. My expensive new Samsung J5 was stolen from my room on the morning I was due to leave. I’d only seen two older women in the hotel, and the cleaning lady was right outside my door when I briefly went to the front desk, so I felt there was a serious security gap and at least one bad apple. The room itself was clean, the bed was good, and the water pressure, toilet and general condition were fine. The place just had no charm. I feel tourism in Costa Rica has fallen off a cliff, and that San Jose especially can be mercenary and predatory. It’s not necessarily like that everywhere in the country, but to a great extent I think it’s a fair generalization. Don’t go if you don’t have to; there are much better, nicer places.

Just an overnight stay, and there were no issues.

Right in the heart of San José, a great spot.

The neighborhood leaves a lot to be desired, with prostitution on the corner by the Hemingway Inn from 8pm. Costa Rica is beautiful, but this place gives it a bad reputation. I’d look elsewhere for decent rooms and the helpful service customers deserve. The rooms are dirty and dated, with dust building up on the furniture. The windows don’t work and have no screens, so mosquitoes and other bugs get inside. You can hear everything, from conversations to street traffic, and between the uncomfortable pillows and mattress, a good night’s sleep is unlikely. The staff are unfriendly and seem annoyed to have guests. When you ask something, they answer rudely, don’t listen, and act as if helping is a favor. They don’t provide or sell coffee after breakfast. Their advertised 24-hour bar and kitchen service is a lie, as it’s only available from 7:30am to 9am. The Hemingway Inn is the worst place I’ve stayed, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.