Costa Rica Guide
The Valle Central and the highlands
Accommodation
1 Charly's Place Hotel Av 5, 200m north of Parque Central 
& 
441-0115 
www.charlysplacehotel.com This friendly hotel attracts a gringo crowd who often fill up the eleven large clean rooms, some with private bath and hot running water. You can hang out with fellow travellers in the TV lounge and also book tours to local attractions such as Volcán Poás. Price: $31-50
2 
Cortez Azul Av 5, C 2/4 443-6145 
hotelcorteazul@gmail.com A comfortable hostel run by a welcoming local artist (whose works hang on the walls) with five rooms (some with private bath), communal kitchen and laundry facilities. Dorm beds are $10. Guided tours to Volcán Poás as well as rafting trips can be arranged. Price: $21-30
3 Hotel 1915 C 2, Av 5/7 440-7163 441-0495 Set in an old house, Alajuela's finest hotel overlooks an attractive patio filled with rocking chairs and plants. All rooms have private bath, a/c, wireless Internet, plenty of hot water and TV. Price: $51-75
4 Hotel Mi Tierra Av 2, C 3/5 441-1974 www.hotelmitierra.net This serene hotel with a pool is beautifully adorned with paintings by the English-speaking artist owner. The well-kept rooms have cable TV and private bathrooms with hot water. The price includes breakfast, airport transfer and parking. Price: $21-30
5 Hotel Pacandé Av 5, C 2/4 443-8481 www.hotelpacande.com It may be sandwiched between Cortez Azul and Hostel Trotamundos, but Pacandé is no neglected middle child. While the small, dark rooms are nothing flash (most have windows facing inside), the charming owners will pick you up from the airport and make you feel right at home. Breakfast and Internet is included. Price: $21-30
6 Hostel Trotamundos Av 5, C 2/4 430-5832 www.hosteltrotamundos.com Cheap and cheerful, this busy hostel certainly ain´t no palace, but with free Internet, a communal kitchen and warm and welcoming staff, you won't be complaining. The rooms have shared hot water bathrooms and dorm beds are $10. Pack your earplugs though – it can get very noisy. Price: $11-20
7 La Guaria Inn Av 2, C 1 440-2948 laguariahotel@netscape.net This bed and breakfast with a lemon paint job is a real winner. The impeccable rooms (some with balconies) have private bathrooms and practically sparkle with cleanliness. The price includes breakfast, a stunning swimming pool and a small lounge area where you can exchange pleasantries with other travellers. Price: $31-50
8 Mango Verde Hostel Av 3, C 2/4 & 441-6330 mirafloresbb@hotmail.com One of Alajuela's top budget spots, this small and cheerful hostel has simple rooms, all with private bath, plus a pretty TV lounge and breakfast bar, communal kitchen and attractive blue-walled yard. Price: $11-20
9 Paradise Alajuela Av 5, C 1/3 431-2541 www.hotelparadisealajuela.com Friendly owners and an enormous garden make up for the dark yet clean rooms (the cheaper ones lack windows and have shared bathrooms). For its central location it´s surprisingly tranquil, Breakfast is included as is free Internet. Price: $21-30
10 Pension Alajuela Av 9, C Ø/2, south side of the Supreme Court. 441-6251, www.pensionalajuela.com A clean and welcoming option, some of the rooms here are light-filled and spacious, while others are rather cavernous. Most rooms have private bathroom and one has a/c. Wireless Internet and a buffet breakfast is included. Price: $31-50
11 Los Volcanoes Av 3, C 0/2 441-0525 440-8006 One of Alajuela's oldest buildings, this former Red Cross centre built in 1920 now houses a charming budget hotel. Basic, comfortable rooms have shared ($35) and private ($45) bathrooms. There's a travel agency and free shuttle service to and from the airport. Price: $31-50