Hotel Santo Tomás

Post by GuillermoG

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I have to say, that one of the most enjoyable benefits of working in this profession, is that no two days are alike. Every day is different and there are no routines. Every day brings with it its own surprises…sometimes not very nice ones; but there are also days that real special treats pop up for the tourist to enjoy. This is what’s happened today, with the Hotel Santo Tomas, at the heart of the San Jose.

Occupying the house of the illustrious son of Costa Rica, Melico Salazar (Manuel Salazar Zuñiga 1887 – 1950); a tenor of great prestige in America and Europe who also has one of the most important theaters in San Jose named after him. The home was transformed into a kind of Hotel-Museum by it’s proprietor William Douglas Tomas who kept the home in its original style, with mosaic and wooden floors.

Furniture of impeccable finishing and absolute pristine condition are paired together in the bedrooms with containing king size beds and a lush five star hotel feeling. Its ceilings were transformed by the owner with the intent and purpose of having a fresh and cool atmosphere where air conditioners would not be needed to keep cool, and its walls designed to keep sound and noise out for a relaxed visit where the visitor can really enjoy an intimate and familiar setting.

The hotels facilities are a comfortable presence. It’s quite difficult to find such quality in small hotels even in ones in the category such as this one is. It has ample spaces furnished with impeccable taste, a restaurant with a wonderful view, plasma televisions within the bedrooms and recreational areas, wireless internet access throughout the entire hotel, a fitness gym, jacuzzi, pool with a slide. All this, in a lovely home with 14 bedrooms, all of which are guaranteed to take you back in time to the feel of the XIX century, the very center of the San Jose world and the guaranteed tranquility that a historical museum/site can offer. All these things place the Santo Tomas Hotel as one of the best establishments offering accommodation in the city.

The maestro Melico Salazar took his talented tenor voice to places such as the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in New York City, and shared his voice with such musical luminaries as Enrico Carusso – pioneer of the recorded voice; among others. He passed away in 1950, after having spent the last years of life in his home country, teaching what he most loved: music.

Should it be that you visit San Jose, Costar Rica for business or pleasure, and whether it’s the first few nights of your visit or the last, don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay here. Experience and take in the essence of a house with exquisite architecture and historical significance. It is ideal for an older crowd, couples on their honeymoon, or small family gatherings. The individual who chooses it will never forget his or her stay at the Hotel Santo Tomas. You can be sure of this.

¡Pura Vida!

Visit: http://www.hotelsantotomas.com/

Photos courtesy of the hotel:

Santo Tomas