Alajuela Backpackers Reviews

Decent enough place to stay for a night when in transit or flying out. They don't book shuttle services like a lot of the rest of Costa Rica, but they do have a free shuttle to the airport. The tv room was pretty dirty, roof top bar is small but a decent hang out spot, pizza isn't as good as they say. Good location, just down the street, about 10-15 minute walk is a nice mall with a movie theatre if you have some time to kill, was a great find for us after being stuck in Alajueal an extra day.

The hostel is fine, and it is good value for money. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Negative: the drink at the roof bar was awful!

very convenient. Private rooms a little pricey. Had a little trouble getting in late at night, no one would answer the door for awhile, and confusion about our reservation, but all turned out well.

guidebook said there were TV´s in rooms also we are used to getting potable water with a room. But the staff was nice and helpful. Thanks, James Clock

Good hostel close to airport which is what I needed. Clean and friendly. Bathroom wasn't the nicest I've seen, but it's a hostel

I had an excellent room with a/c, a comfy bed and a private bathroom. The social areas are small with the exception of the downstairs restaurant. I loved my stay here and found the staff to be very helpful and fluent in English. The entire place was very clean and was one of the best looking places I stayed at. Would definitely recommend it again.

Unfortunately, the receptionist was both clumsy and unpleasant. Furthermore, it is quite tough to find the hostel, there was no sign on the building to find it. In a nutshell, we were disappointed, for the value for money (50$, which is quite much for a hostel) is very poor.

They wanted 5 dollars to store my bag from 3-5 pm!. Shuttle to airport is only 4times a day and all in the morning but public bus is steps away and goes right there for a dollar.

Much better option than staying in San Jose if you have a flight, there is a free shuttle to the airport as well. If your flight is in the afternoon it's really easy to take the public bus to the airport. Make sure you get a drink at the bar on level 4, the view is really nice.

It looks like a hotel that was modified a little to host backpackers but it definitely still looks like a hotel. Which means it's maybe a little less friendly than a "real" hostel but nonetheless a great place to stay and the staff is helpful although email communication was somewhat difficult

Only annoying thing is that I booked on the site that had me pre-pay 1.20 for the 12 dollars for the room, then had to pay 17 for the room when I arrived. -_- Still, incredible value, so not really complaining. Also, wi-fi's only in the reception place on the first floor. Complimentary computers though. Food is really good, even though they don't serve it when they say they're going to. Free shuttle to airport is nice, though!

Felt completely ripped off by Alajuela Backpackers Hostel. Paid $55 USD for a double room with a filthy bathroom and dingy, dirty ripped sheets. The wifi never worked, nor did the hot water, and the hallways smelled of urine. Only two of the four computers were in working order. It was the most expensive place we stayed in our two weeks in Costa Rica and by far the biggest disappointment. What a sad way to end our wonderful trip.

All staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Location was great and free airport transfers were appreciated - easy access to all amenities also. On site pizza was excellent! Rooms were clean. Beds were comfortable. Only complaints: missing light bulbs, bath. shower tub did not drain well and hooks would be a great addition to the room (esp. bathroom). Security was also good. WIFI was not reliable on several occasions and 3 of 4 computer stations had problems while we were there.

This place is nice enough and is a good first or last night type of place. The hostel itself is nice enough that it doesn't detract from anything and it's like 5 min from the airport and literally next door to the bus station. The airport shuttle is a HUGE plus. I would stay here again without a second thought. (the spaghetti though could use some work...;) ).

Free airport shuttle is excellent, but they are not good about replying to email. They finally answered my third email. Another hostelmate got no reply. Atmosphere is more like hotel: efficient, professional but impersonal, great architecture, and no kitchen. Rooftop bar is fabulous, but the only common room is hidden on the third floor. Some rooms face the street, so you have traffic noise. No curtains to block out street lights or morning sun. Wifi spotty at best. And no soap in our bathroom!