Hannah
I didnt stay there
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Hostel Alajuela Backpackers
Northern Mountain Zone / Arenal · Costa Rica
Avenida 4 y Calle 4View location
7.8/10Very good245 Reviews
Cleanliness7.8/10 7.8
Service7.8/10 7.8
Comfort6.8/10 6.8
Condition7.4/10 7.4
Location8.4/10 8.4
Neighborhood6.6/10 6.6
Amenities7.4/10 7.4
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Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.
About Hostel Alajuela Backpackers
A total of 21 units are available for guests' convenience.
Show less
A stay at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel places you in the heart of Alajuela, a 2-minute drive from City Mall and 11 minutes from Plaza Real Cariari. This hostel is 4.4 mi (7.1 km) from Parque Viva and 7.8 mi (12.5 km) from Hacienda Alsacia.
Make yourself at home in one of the 22 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Popular amenities
Free WiFi
Airport transfers
Dining services
Concierge
Laundry
Entertainment
Smoking areas
Transportation services
Check-in and check-out
Check-in from
2:00 PM
Check-in until
Anytime
Check-out until
11:00 AM
Hotel policies
Professional property host/manager
Important information
-
You need to know
- A car is not required for transportation to and from this property.
-
Special Instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply). To arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
-
Instructions
- Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
- Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
- Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
- This property accepts credit cards
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Optional fees
- Rollaway bed fee: CRC 7500.0 per night
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
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Spoken Language
English
Spanish
Nearby attractions
Juan Santamaría Park
0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Central Market Alajuela
0.4 km / 0.2 mi
Central Park
0.4 km / 0.3 mi
Juan Santamaria Historical Museum
0.6 km / 0.3 mi
Alajuela Cathedral
0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Plaza Real Alajuela
1 km / 0.6 mi
City Mall
1.2 km / 0.8 mi
Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto
1.6 km / 1 mi
Casino Fiesta
3.1 km / 1.9 mi
Ojo de Agua Spa Park
6.6 km / 4.1 mi
Parque Viva
7.1 km / 4.4 mi
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
7.5 km / 4.7 mi
Plaza Real Cariari
9.6 km / 6 mi
Cariari Golf Course
9.6 km / 6 mi
Cafe Rosa Blanca Organic Coffee Farm
9.7 km / 6 mi
Hotel facilities & services
Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.
- hotel
Upon availability
Room types
These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability
No room details available for this hotel.
Guest reviews
What other guests saying about Hostel Alajuela Backpackers
100
reviews shown
Miriam
Staff was beyond amazing. They helped us out tremendously during a stressful middle of the night travel situation. It's not luxury but it's very convenient, clean, bed was comfortable, free shuttle to airport and the staff was wonderful.
Natasha
We stayed here for one night before our flight, and for that purpose it worked well. The front desk staff was very friendly and helpful, giving us all the information we needed. The airport shuttle was on time, reliable, and made our early trip to the airport stress-free.
The downside is that the property feels very old and worn. The room wasn’t as clean as we expected the sheets looked a bit dirty, and there was an unpleasant smell coming from the bathroom that lingered during our stay.
Overall, we chose this hotel because it was one of the closest and most affordable options near the airport, and for a couple simply needing a place to sleep before flying home, it served its purpose. I wouldn’t recommend it for families with children or for anyone planning to spend time exploring downtown, but as a budget-friendly airport stopover, it’s a reasonable choice.
The downside is that the property feels very old and worn. The room wasn’t as clean as we expected the sheets looked a bit dirty, and there was an unpleasant smell coming from the bathroom that lingered during our stay.
Overall, we chose this hotel because it was one of the closest and most affordable options near the airport, and for a couple simply needing a place to sleep before flying home, it served its purpose. I wouldn’t recommend it for families with children or for anyone planning to spend time exploring downtown, but as a budget-friendly airport stopover, it’s a reasonable choice.
Zeeshan
Great
Heather
Although I had to wait at the front door because they were away from the Desk at the exact moment I showed up, everyone was fabulous. The rooms were clean. The facilities were taken care of, the shuttle was timely, and I will be back.
Daniel
All the staff was super nice and the place was quiet, beds were comfy and roomnhad AC. it was really nice to have a private bathroom in the door, though they were bathrooms outside in in each floor.
Noce view from the restaurant upstairs and chilled atmosphere. If you are looking for hostel parties and fuckery, this is not the place for you.
I got the bus towards La Fortuna just down the street.
Neighborhood seem safe, but Im also street smart (it's San Jose, so just be a cautious traveller)
Noce view from the restaurant upstairs and chilled atmosphere. If you are looking for hostel parties and fuckery, this is not the place for you.
I got the bus towards La Fortuna just down the street.
Neighborhood seem safe, but Im also street smart (it's San Jose, so just be a cautious traveller)
Lindsayjane
Was better than I anticipated however their 24/7 food service was not available 24/7, I arrived hungry at 11pm and no one was available to cook any food.
Marcelo
The place is dirty
Katrina
I only stayed one night but everything was good. Check-in was easy and fast. The room had everything I needed and adjustable A/C with a remote. They offered free shuttle service to the airport, which was great. Thank you!
Michelle
Room is basic but clean. All you need for a night stay. Perfect for access to airport!
Kasey
I arrived after 10pm so could not get the shuttle, however the host was nice and I had no problems getting in (they buzzed me in right away though the door was closed for the night). The bedding did not look or smell clean. I travelled so long I accepted my fate but if I was remotely awake I would have asked them to replace. I chose a double and it was a double bed but also two (unused) bunks in the room. I slept there as the sheets looked fresher. The hotel is in a very cool building and common areas were very neat. Staff was all friendly, at least on check in and in the restaurant where I waited for my shuttle after checkout. The food I believe is from next door and was delicious. Location is right in town. Overall I would stay here again for the price and value.
Claudia
Internet was fast room clean and the best part was the shuttle to the airport, the restaurant on the 4 floor is very nice the food take too long do not recommend to eat there but everything also was good.
Zori
Everything perfect
Marie
Airport shuttle is a big plus! The room was clean and perfect for a short stay. Very noisy at night.
Martin
Perfect for the budget. Great place.
Gabriel
Cool
Ana Gabriela
I’ve stayed at my fair share of hostels and budget-friendly accommodations around the world, but Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel genuinely surprised me in the best way possible. From the moment we arrived, the entire experience felt warm, welcoming, and remarkably well-organized — but the real standout? Their shuttle driver, Jesus M.
Let me be clear: Jesus M. is not just a shuttle driver. He is the heartbeat of this place. From the very first interaction, he went above and beyond in ways that most five-star hotels could only dream of. He didn’t just transport guests from point A to point B — he made every single person in that shuttle feel seen, cared for, and genuinely valued. Whether it was offering helpful local tips, accommodating everyone’s needs with a smile, or simply making the ride feel like part of the vacation itself, Jesus delivered an experience that was nothing short of exceptional.
My partner and I were blown away by the level of personalized attention he gave us. He took the time to learn what we needed, answered every question we had about the area, and made thoughtful accommodations that showed he truly cared — not because it was his job, but because that’s just who he is. In a world where genuine hospitality is increasingly rare, Jesus M. is a breath of fresh air.
Let me be clear: Jesus M. is not just a shuttle driver. He is the heartbeat of this place. From the very first interaction, he went above and beyond in ways that most five-star hotels could only dream of. He didn’t just transport guests from point A to point B — he made every single person in that shuttle feel seen, cared for, and genuinely valued. Whether it was offering helpful local tips, accommodating everyone’s needs with a smile, or simply making the ride feel like part of the vacation itself, Jesus delivered an experience that was nothing short of exceptional.
My partner and I were blown away by the level of personalized attention he gave us. He took the time to learn what we needed, answered every question we had about the area, and made thoughtful accommodations that showed he truly cared — not because it was his job, but because that’s just who he is. In a world where genuine hospitality is increasingly rare, Jesus M. is a breath of fresh air.
Shayla
Very impressed with this hostel! It didn’t even feel like a hostel since I had a private room. The gentlemen manning the reception area were all extremely pleasant and helpful. I love that they have a 24 hour reception desk and they’ll also store your luggage if you arrive early or have a late flight back out. They are located closer to the airport than San Jose, but there are a ton of shops and restaurants located within steps of the premises.
The hostel has an elevator and plenty of random areas to lounge around in on each floor. They have a pool hall on the third floor, and my favorite is the deck with the city views on the fourth floor. It’s such a relaxing place to chill, especially at night with the nice city views and the vibey tunes.
There’s an elevator, free WiFi, a coffee lounge on the first floor (I didn’t actually check this out though), and they offer shuttle service to and from the airport for free 99. Only one other guest and I needed to take the 7 am shuttle, so they just paid for a cab for us instead.
The room itself was convenient with a comfy bed, cold air conditioning, a warm shower, and a nice view of the local park down below. My only nitpicks were the cheap embellishments (the shower rod kept falling down, the window didn’t close all the way, and the cord to lift the shade up and down came off instantly).
Also, my room key became deactivated twice. I wish that the first attendant had warned me not to store it near my phone to avoid the card info g
The hostel has an elevator and plenty of random areas to lounge around in on each floor. They have a pool hall on the third floor, and my favorite is the deck with the city views on the fourth floor. It’s such a relaxing place to chill, especially at night with the nice city views and the vibey tunes.
There’s an elevator, free WiFi, a coffee lounge on the first floor (I didn’t actually check this out though), and they offer shuttle service to and from the airport for free 99. Only one other guest and I needed to take the 7 am shuttle, so they just paid for a cab for us instead.
The room itself was convenient with a comfy bed, cold air conditioning, a warm shower, and a nice view of the local park down below. My only nitpicks were the cheap embellishments (the shower rod kept falling down, the window didn’t close all the way, and the cord to lift the shade up and down came off instantly).
Also, my room key became deactivated twice. I wish that the first attendant had warned me not to store it near my phone to avoid the card info g
Brigitte
Quirky hotel/hostel, I had an individual room with bathroom. Room was lovely, clean, comfortable bed.
This is a great place to stay over close to San Jose airport, and they run free airport shuttles!
All in all, a really cost effective but very comfortable place to stay! Staff were always lovely and helpful, and there is an elevator if anyone's worried that there are 4 floors :) Great place.
This is a great place to stay over close to San Jose airport, and they run free airport shuttles!
All in all, a really cost effective but very comfortable place to stay! Staff were always lovely and helpful, and there is an elevator if anyone's worried that there are 4 floors :) Great place.
Wadiyyah
The room was standard and private🇨🇷. I got a good nights sleep
Brandon
I find this place to be pretty cool and a great value. We really just needed a place to crash for the night and its location and prices suited us well. The rooms have minimal amenities and the windows allow ALL of the busy, busy street noise in but what can ya say, the price is right.
Sha-lynn
It was a good location, building with a lot of character and potential. I know it is a budget hotel but could have improved in cleanliness. Room had a smell to it, shower head was full of mineral build up and maybe even mold(?). I would probably look for another option next time
Gabe
Room was clean
Sarah
Easy check-in, easily upgraded to a private room, and good spots to eat close by! Really appreciated the free airport shuttle included.
Tomasz
Goos value for money and transport to the airport.
James
The hostel was simple but was exactly what we needed the night before an early morning flight. The free shuttle to the airport made it a very convenient stay
Alex
Fantastic value for the price. But zero amenities no soap or anything in the bathrooms no towels provided just bare bones all the way around and no kitchen.
Tom
Everything was good, friendly staff, room as expected.
Aijia
The staff
Hilarie
8min from airport. First time at an hostel. Really convenient for a night. I was excepting worst but I was lucky. Clean place.
Mynor
Excelente atención de front desk. Indicaciones y ayuda para puntos de interés y asistencia.
shawna
The room was really dirty and everything was stinky and humid. No AC and the windows don't open.
The bathroom had mold and the bedding smelled like dirty gym bag.
The outside of the building and hallways were nice but everything else was smelly.
The bathroom had mold and the bedding smelled like dirty gym bag.
The outside of the building and hallways were nice but everything else was smelly.
Ruth
Courteous staff
Kerrilyn
The staff was so welcoming and helpful. The rooms were clean and the price cannot be beat. Highly recommended!
Jennifer
The person at the desk was friendly and helpful, but he recommended the upstairs restaurant, which ended up being closed. I found this out by taking the elevator upstairs and being met with total darkness. The hall to my room was dark when I was trying to find my room, as well. Otherwise, it was an acceptable place to spend one night.
Kerrie
Good place and location with airport shuttle. Air conditioning is nice and has a restaurant within the hostel.
Kerrie
Ok for the price. It was just loud during my stay and bunk beds did not have curtains. Location is close to food and airport. Front desk was very friendly and helpful.
avalon
I've stay there a few times over the years.
Convenient location and comfortable.
Convenient location and comfortable.
Hans
The Rezeption was Open at Night. Somehow difficult to find as the Place didn‘t Show a visible sign.
The Shuttle did not v
Come; poss
The Shuttle did not v
Come; poss
Jessica
Not a great experience
Flight arrived at 10pm, requested transportation 1 month prior from the airport with flight details. Got a message from the hostel the morning I was to arrive that they couldn't provide a shuttle. That was the only reason I booked this place. Staff was OK, by the time I finally got an Uber, it was well after 11pm and I had a shuttle picking me up at 5am, so wasn't there long, no storage for your bags, so I was up most the night nervous about falling asleep without my bags being secure. Also when I arrived, I was starving from traveling all day to find out that there was absolutely zero restaurants or bars open after 10pm. I wouldn't book this place again, but it was OK if you get an earlier flight and don't mind not having a place to lock your belongings up.
Ana
As advertised: a place to sleep and shower. No frills. Decently clean. Shuttle service was prompt and it took no more than 10 min to get to the sleepy at mid morning.
The only disappointment was that the rooftop bar is closed on Mondays (which was the only night I was there). I was looking forward to cooling off in the breeze up there and having a drink.
The only disappointment was that the rooftop bar is closed on Mondays (which was the only night I was there). I was looking forward to cooling off in the breeze up there and having a drink.
Bryan
Room was cool, the bar was great. Roomates kept farting throughout the night tho.
YanXiang
Good
calvin
This was a one night stop off after arriving at San Jose. No one was at the airport to collect me as stated. Had to phone up then wait .
Pretty poor service .
Pretty poor service .
Amin
Had a private room that was surprisingly large was very close to airport perfect hostel to kill 24 hours before a flight.
Anabella
Well the driver and from desk are very kind the building is clean but the wrkng think is l the building the lught are off too dark
Oliver
.
Verified traveler
Too noisy, cannot rest or sleep
The room was on the street and the windows don’t close fully (there is a gap at the bottom), therefore not isolated at all, which means you hear the whole traffic day and night. It’s impossible to sleep straight through the night.
The room was basic and clean
The room was basic and clean
Samantha
This is ideal for a quick stop over if you've had a late flight into SJO, before you travel elsewhere in Costa Rica. The room was basic, very rickety old bunk beds that I was concerned might break as I was climbing up and down the ladder! The drains smelled absolutely terrible, I'm not sure what it was, but you can't spend long in the bathroom! Airport transfer was very helpful. Staff were reasonably helpful but not particularly friendly, which now I find unusual, after going elsewhere in Costa Rica, and people being SO nice! Essentially, good for a quick layover, I wouldn't stay longer.
VICTOR VINICIUS
The place is good
Verified traveler
First Time; Would Do Again
At 57 years old, this was my first time staying in a hostel. It was interesting to be in a ‘mixed room’ and the gentleman that I shared it with was a very kind, respectful local. The reception was helpful and I felt confident my suitcases were safely secure.
Tiffany
Hello so I booked this for my daughter which is a young adult due to her plane for Liberia didn't leave until the next day. It is very convenient for a quick emphasis on quick layover. The free shuttle is awesome side note, you must book shuttle 24hrs in advance. If the shuttle dnt work a taxis is approximately $10 usd. They initially put my daughter in a dorm room with 3 guys she did not feel comfortable and called me crying. I told her to just stay in the lobby where there is a camera and the front desk personnel. The front desk attendant immediately seen her distress and provided her private room
And bathroom and as a parent I was so grateful for this. So in my heart they get a 10/10!!! Btw I paid for the dorm room, my daughter was just uncomfortable with how many guys in the room.
And bathroom and as a parent I was so grateful for this. So in my heart they get a 10/10!!! Btw I paid for the dorm room, my daughter was just uncomfortable with how many guys in the room.
Charles
Grate place to stay
Devin
Really cool inexpensive option in Alajuela. Nice owner and staff.
Rachel
The property seems to be not well cared for. Extremely noisy! Dirty bathroom.
Derick
Close to the airport for a quick layover, wonderful staff and nicely located close to the market and everything you need
Shaneese
Good location, helpful staff.
Katelyn
The staff were very helpful and the rooms were large and comfortable. We arrived late at night and found the area the hostel to be quite sketchy. I would not recommend walking the streets at night. The hostel itself felt very safe though. Great place to stay if you are looking for something cheap near the airport.
Taylor
I would only stay here if you speak good Spanish. Guy at the front was rude and only spoke to me in Spanish when I couldn’t figure out how to open the door at night to get in. I can speak some but apparently not enough. I was obviously very tired and confused and he was quite rude about it. Also be aware the shuttle you have to get to before 10pm. The communication from them was very limited and took along time to respond when asking about check in and transport.
Also no idea how the AC turns on, not sure if it even worked, which was a bummer cause it said they had AC. The room was very hot.
Also was not shown or told where lockers were so could not lock up stuff. Very noisy- road and people talking in the lobby in the morning.
Also be aware bathroom has no hand soap or towels.
Lucky it was only a one night stay.
Also no idea how the AC turns on, not sure if it even worked, which was a bummer cause it said they had AC. The room was very hot.
Also was not shown or told where lockers were so could not lock up stuff. Very noisy- road and people talking in the lobby in the morning.
Also be aware bathroom has no hand soap or towels.
Lucky it was only a one night stay.
Zarima
never and never !
Alexandra
The area wasn’t super safe in all honesty, especially as a female I wouldn’t recommend to leave the hostel past dark. The hostel itself, very very basic, very dead, not a great place to meet people. The dining area was closed whenever you tried to go, the front desk when we went was not pleasant to interact with. Overall wouldn’t go back, the only pro is it’s by the airport and relatively cheap
Ingrid
Super super
Soany
Excelente para una noche , cerca del aeropuerto.
Donna
Easy check in. Helpful staff.
Alex
Good location. Useful transit to airport. Easy checkin and nice affordable rooms. Restaurant was decent too
Izzy
Perfect place for one night stay. Was very basic facilities, private room was very big though so lots of space to organise. Couldn’t organise shuttle to La Fortuna through the hostel but they were good at getting taxi to airport when the free shuttle timing didn’t work out.
Carolina
Alajuela Backpackers es un sitio cerca al aeropuerto, pero el sitio es muy basico, no tiene mucha luz, y no estaba muy limpio, es para pasar una noche maximo y continuar tu viaje.
Gracen
Comfortable night stay before flying out! The front desk attendants were great and we had a wonderful stay! The shuttle to the airport was really easy and convenient.
Dionne
No fuss hostel close to airport
Private suite very spacious. No worries or complaints
Jacklyn
Loved that it’s 24hr check in, I had transportation issues and didn’t even up getting to the hostel till 11pm and had to leave on the 4:10am shuttle for the airport so it was the most convenient stop to get a quick nap in, wash up and head out.
Noelani
Wonderful, easy, simple
Great! 5 min taxi from the SJO airport. We arrived late at night bc our flight landed at 11pm, and we were greeted easily upon arrival. We even could stash our luggage for a few hours in a locked room after checkout.
Moses
Love this place, glad it’s open again. The rooftop bar is super fun with some great local color.
Michelle
Booked it for an airport stopover as it was close (6mins to airport) and the cheapest I could find - still 50$ a night though!! It was very noisy - paper thin walls letting in all the road noise but also the sound of people having sex next door. It felt seedy and dirty
Samuel
Is a nice place to stay
MacKenzie
It was simple and clean with a really nice community balcony facing a park. The bar/restaurant had limited food options but it good and affordable. Expedía falsely advertised breakfast availability, but there were bakeries really close so it wasn’t an issue.
maria
Close+to+the+airoport
Room%2C+sheets%2C+towels+and+bathroom+were+very+dirty.
Emily Brooks
Nice for a night before a flight
Nice modern facilities, very well represented by descriptions and photos. Check in was efficient and rooms were clean and comfortable. Hot water was a nice bonus. Only thing that would have made it better would have been free toiletries.
Dawn
Low cost alternative
Good options for low cost travelers. Possible to get your own room and bathroom for <$50 a night. They are moving the restaurant/bar to the first floor - the view from the 4th was amazing so make sure to check it out before they're done with renovations.
The shuttle service is not what most Americans will expect. It only runs at certain times, on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, you must sign up for it 12 - 24 hours in advance. A phone call before you fly is the best way to do this - email contact is iffy. Alternatively, there's a bus station right next to the hostel (Station Wagon buses, Orange/green buses) that will get you to and from the hotel in 10 minutes for about $1. The red TUASA buses are another alternative, but do not as closely travel to the hostel (~5 blocks away).
The shuttle service is not what most Americans will expect. It only runs at certain times, on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, you must sign up for it 12 - 24 hours in advance. A phone call before you fly is the best way to do this - email contact is iffy. Alternatively, there's a bus station right next to the hostel (Station Wagon buses, Orange/green buses) that will get you to and from the hotel in 10 minutes for about $1. The red TUASA buses are another alternative, but do not as closely travel to the hostel (~5 blocks away).
vic
Very convenient for airport
Bar nicely situated with good city views. Free coffee nice. Very comfy beds.
sherry
good for an overnight
we have stayed here before- coming and going in our trip. It is clean and basic. Convenient to the airport. Good value for the money. nothing fancy. The rooftop bar has a wonderful view but service is very slow
Verified traveler
New low standard of filth, poor service and value
Stayed Aug 2016. Avoid this Hostel at all cost. The management photos are of the previous hotel at this location and do not represent what you get. The facilities were filthy, uncleaned, and level 3 bio hazard. The staff didn't even try to provide service. Online reservations were not received or just not honored. Floors in rooms had dust bunnies of others filth and hadn't been swept in a very long time and hadn't been mopped in the last decade. The furniture had a layer of dust you could right your name in. AC was promised but upon arrival the remotes/controls were nonexistent and we were told all ACs are automatic, which was an utter lie, it never worked. No fans provided. Linens and sheets were obviously soiled, stained and never washed. Towels and soap were not provided even for \"private, in suite rooms\". To add to the pain no windows had screens, and the bus station next door creates super street noise. Told by staff to smoke in the park across the street, which is illegal and could result in a fine or uncomfortable interaction with the local police. The common areas were worse than the rooms with sticky uncleaned surfaces and trash literately swept into the corners. One of the worst values in Alajuela and a top contender for the worst hotel/hostel I've ever stayed at. The hostel sets a new standard for filth and poor service. It would probably be better to sleep on the street. Not even the architecturally interesting building, 4th floor bar and central location could bu
Michael
Great Stay
Just one night on my way out of town. But I will use this hostel again as it is convenient to the airport, located in a very safe neighborhood with convenient shopping and dining within walking distance.
Verified traveler
Great cheap place to stay without having to go full dorm style hostel of you don't want. Located close to buses. Be aware - shuttle service is limited and fills up regularly. Recommended for budget travelers who want a social environment
Verified traveler
Good value but still a hostel
Good value for a room, close to the airport but the street is load and busy and the place is still a hostel at the end of the day. Friendly staff, just wish people weren't honking their horns so much at 2-4 am.
Nice hostel
Very nice hostel, close to the airport and food
We stayed a night at the hostel, and we'll be having a second night there soon. Very clean, and friendly staff. Nothing too fancy but had fast free Internet and a 24 hour desk person. The only issue we had was the door was a bit finicky and our room didn't have toilet paper, certainly not deal beakers. Looking forward to staying again soon
m
Not a good hostel to stay
The Bathroom was in a really bad condition. For the same price you can have a much better bed and room with breakfast included in a hotel a few blocks near the central park. The pictures in the web page did not show the real hotel conditions.
Very noisy hostel.
Very noisy hostel.
Verified traveler
Great Staff!
Never did something like this before and as a 58 yo single female traveler it worked for me. Slept with my money
under the pillow and that was secure, however one of the Germany backpacker talked on his cell phone till after 9 and I politely asked him to continue the call in the other room so we could sleep. He was nasty but moved, low and behold when I woke at 3:30 am the card to the room was missing from my hat. He stole it. So the front desk was lovely in putting me in another room, however I had to pay the $5. for the extra card.
The guys at the desk were great with directions and knowing about tours. The bistro on the top floor was great food wise and view of city phenomenal. Also, very close to the airport and many other sites in Costa Rica. It made for a very interesting excursion.
under the pillow and that was secure, however one of the Germany backpacker talked on his cell phone till after 9 and I politely asked him to continue the call in the other room so we could sleep. He was nasty but moved, low and behold when I woke at 3:30 am the card to the room was missing from my hat. He stole it. So the front desk was lovely in putting me in another room, however I had to pay the $5. for the extra card.
The guys at the desk were great with directions and knowing about tours. The bistro on the top floor was great food wise and view of city phenomenal. Also, very close to the airport and many other sites in Costa Rica. It made for a very interesting excursion.
renata
Convenient hostel close to airport , shops , museu
Welcoming , accommodating staff .
Bathroom trash can could be bigger or emptied more often .
Pity people can't sit in the 4th restaurant area, even if not serving food , the only nice relaxing spot .
Bathroom trash can could be bigger or emptied more often .
Pity people can't sit in the 4th restaurant area, even if not serving food , the only nice relaxing spot .
Amber
there is no kitchen facilities to cook in
I met lots of friendly fellow backpackers and felt safe happy and welcome
Kathy
Close to old town
Good place but poop all over shower curtain and in need of a lightbulb
Tara
Inexpensive hotel near the airport
I was looking for an inexpensive hotel near the airport with a free shuttle, and that's exactly what this was. I stayed in a four-bed dorm room with bathroom, and it was exactly as described. The free airport shuttle worked.
Two minor points - 1) you can't use credit cards in the restaurant, and I was short on cash at the end of a trip. 2) Interbus doesn't go right to the hotel, so you'll have to take a cab from a nearby restaurant (~$6)
Two minor points - 1) you can't use credit cards in the restaurant, and I was short on cash at the end of a trip. 2) Interbus doesn't go right to the hotel, so you'll have to take a cab from a nearby restaurant (~$6)
Leandro
It's was a pretty bad experience
It's was a pretty bad experience I ever have had. I could not sleep at all. I got there at 1:00AM and I left at 5:00AM, there were 4 long hours. I won't be in that place ever. No more comments.
Tara
Great hostel, kind staff, 5 mins to the airport
I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel. I was flying in and out of Alajuela. The hostel is a 5 min drive from the airport which was nice. Several days before my stay I emailed the hostel with my flight information and got an email confirmation stated that Mauricio would be there to pick me up. This alone is valuable offering! The hostel itself is basic but clean with hot water (which is not always the case in Costa Rica), free wifi, and a rooftop bar where you can watch planes fly into the city. Great drinks and decent food as well. Free coffee in the mornings and they also have a free shuttle that runs at specific times to and from the airport so that you can make your outbound flight. I enjoyed my stay so much that I also booked to stay where on my way back through. Very enjoyable stay and the staff is so kind. Will happily stay there again!!
david
the hotel is in a good location ,in the centre of
hotel ok,but interior rooms are very noisy,with noise from the bar upstairs,we had mould on the ceiling of the bathroom,we stayed on three occasions,the third time we stayed we had a room on the outside wall,which was a lot lighter and quieter,we had room 33,rooms 35,36 are good,its looking a bit tired now,the beds are comfy
Kristian
Accurate review, pleasant surprise
So pleasantly surprised by Alajuela Backpackers! I had seen the hostel on 2 different websites. Interestingly on a hotels website it looked really shabby but on a hostels site it looked really up market. When I got there I was super impressed with just how nice the reception, the lounge and the hallways were. I thought \"let's wait to see how the dorm is though,\" but it was fine. It was clean with really comfy beds and not overly noisy. It also had an AC. The staff I dealt with were great; really helpful and friendly. It has a rooftop bar which is really cool. Even though San Jose is a pretty awful city, they have a view of the sunset which is nice. The menu is decent and reasonably priced but don't get the hamburger. It probably wasn't meat haha. The pizza is good and so is the casado. They have wifi throughout but I don't think it's strong in all the rooms. They also have a FREE shuttle from and to the airport which is great. I basically used this place to fly in, stay for 1 night and leave. I didn't want to be in San Jose, this place is a little away from it, and actually okay as a neighbourhood. It's not as dense, yuck or busy as San Jose. There is a smoothie and juice bar over the road which does amazing things for really cheap. I'd stay here again if I was passing through San Jose.
Malcolm
Close to the airport and clean
Good location close to the airport. The only downside is that there is no kitchen or fridges available to store and make food.
Verified traveler
This hostel is nothing fancy but a great place to spend a night or two, especially if coming from/going to the airport. Rooftop restaurant is excellent!
Verified traveler
Noisey
The room was clean and the staff pleasant but there was a lot of street noise during the night.
jose
ok if you're a backpacker
I pay for air conditioning and didn't have airconditioning I guess it's okay for the price
Verified traveler
Great
Located of walkibg distance of everything, very friendly staff, really cool bar
Location & surroundings
Hostel Alajuela Backpackers
Avenida 4 y Calle 4, Alajuela, Costa Rica
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