Alajuela Tropical Hostel Reviews

BEWARE. Alonso confirmed my reservation and pickup the day before and did not show up at the airport. Eventually another person holding signs for other hostels called him, he had given away our room and sent us to another hostel. What a terrible way to start a trip. We had to pay $6 for the cab and $20 more for the night even though Alonso said it would be the same price. It has been a week and he has still not responded to my request for my deposit back. Just stay at Alajuela Hostel instead.

I would not recommend this hostel to someone driving there in their own car. There is no sign and you cannot see the property from the road because it is behind a locked gate. It is truly not possible to get to the location unless you call and arrange to meet the owner. We communicated to him that we did not have access to the phone, and he did not provide an alternative. I think that our experience on the whole would have been more positive if we were being picked up at the airport.

The Alajuela Tropical Hostel was a fantastic choice for our trip to the Imperial Music Festival (~.5 miles away). Take note: the Tropical not your typical grimy, low-touch hostal, but Alonso's well manicured and spotlessly clean/secure compound. It feels like you're visiting a kind and wealthy uncle in the countryside eager to help you make the most of your trip throughout Costa Rica. There was high-speed internet and guidebooks galore, along with comfy couches/bed and most importantly, quiet.

This is perhaps the best hostel to start your trip in costa rica. Alonso will pick you up from the airport no matter what time it is. The hostel itself has a wonderful view towards the sorrounding mountains which is especially nice while sunset / sunrise. The host Alonso makes you feel very comfortbale and welcome and offers several tours in the sorroundings e.g. the animal rescue center, the butterfly garden and many more. He´s also a nice cook and the breakfast is really delicious.

Alonso is very accomadating. Very knowledgeable of the country and its natural inhabitants. He went above and beyond to help us find our way around the country, as we were in Costa Rica for two weeks. The time spent at the hostel is well worth it! I even went for morning jogs with him. Will be returning again.

i was thankful to have stayed there! Exceptional customer service! Look forward to my next visit there!

Sitting on top of the Alajuela world, the view is gorgeous from here. Hard to get to with public transportation but staff are willing to pick you up at the airport. Wonderful breeze and terrific sunsets. Nice airy common area.

The hostel is located in a beautiful place, on the hill with a great view. You immediately feel like at home. The house is lovely and cosy. The Host picked us up from the airport and gave us a lot of assistance. There will be soon a SPA opened as well which is an additional asset for staying there. I highly recommend this place to stay!

I've stayed with Alonso, the owner, before and am always impressed with his attention to detail and service. I would highly recommend staying here.

This is a great hostel!! Very close to the airport with beautiful views. Alajuela is a beautiful place that sits in a valley with mountains on every side. Alonso, the hostel host is great. He knows where to get all the local yummy food and is very knowledgeable about the area. This is a great place to stay if you want to avoid the city. We felt at home during our stay at this hostel.

The host was very friendly, welcoming and helpful. He accommodated rides to the airport and bus station and helped us order dinner devilered to the hostel. The setting is lovely with a great breeze. Beautiful view of the full moon from the location on a hill. Everything in the town is hard to find so get specific directions, ask the host to meet you and guide you, or hire a taxi to take you there or guide your car there. The last option worked well for us.

Owner was extremely nice-- picked us up when our cab driver got lost and gave us some great travel recommendations. Felt very at home at the hostel! We were on our way to the airport, so we can't didn't have time to explore the surrounding area, but the property is gorgeous, with great views and buses nearby to take you to San Jose, etc.

This hostel locates in very inconvenient place. In addition, there was no tour desk. The staff offered private tour which costs lots, but we had no choice. Because we did not have a car and there was no close public transportation. But it might be a good idea for older couples who want to relax and need not to worry about money. Because the staff knows very well about nature in Costa Rica. The staff dropped me off at highway bus stop but I had to wait for a bus for 2 hours!