Hostal Casa Azul

Blanca made me a wonderful breakfast. I slept well even though traffic was noisy earlier in the evening, and the shower was hot. I felt safe and had everything I needed in my room. The bathroom was next door, and I really liked the lamp beside the bed.

There’s no parking included, so you’ll need to use a paid garage within walking distance. Meals aren’t provided, but Wi-Fi is included. It’s a shared hostel with private rooms, plus a dining area, yard, and living room. I enjoyed my stay: it was comfortable and affordable, and the person running the place was nice. I’d recommend it to anyone looking around the area.

We were left outside in the early hours after our flight was canceled and we urgently needed a room. We contacted the hostel on WhatsApp, were told a room was available for one night, and agreed to reserve it. We said we’d arrive between midnight and 1 a.m., and they even sent directions. But when my boyfriend and I got there, no one opened the gate. There was no doorbell, so we knocked for about 15 minutes, then spent another 15 calling out. We were alone in a deserted, unsettling neighborhood. Two local women in a car stopped to ask if we needed help. They called the number posted on the gate several times, but still nobody answered. By then it was past 3 a.m. They kindly drove us back to the airport and said the area wasn’t safe. They were glad they found us before something bad happened. We ended up sleeping at the airport to catch our next flight. One star feels generous. This was very unprofessional, and I can’t recommend the place. Look elsewhere. They offer an airport transfer for $15, which seems far too expensive for a drive under 10 minutes. Use Uber. We turned down the transfer, and I can’t help wondering if that’s why they didn’t open the gate.

Our double room was spacious and clean, with a good shower, though it was simple. The stay was good value, right in central Alajuela and about 10 minutes from the airport.