Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [88]
Hotel Alajuela (2441-1241; alajuela@racsa.co.cr; Calle 2 btwn Avs Central & 2; s/d/tr/q US$28/32/35/40) Twenty-eight simple rooms make up this centrally located hotel to the south of the Parque Central. It’s not going to win any beauty contests, but the rooms are clean and smell like disinfectant and come equipped with industrial-strength fans. Corner rooms are best (though a bit noisy), with nice views of the park. A downstairs lounge has cable TV. Credit cards accepted.
Vida Tropical B&B (2443-9576; www.vidatropical.com; Calle 3, north of Av 11; s/d incl breakfast US$30/45, additional person US$10, children under 12 free; ) In a quiet residential neighborhood just north of downtown is this Colombian-American-run B&B, operated by the owners of the Jalapeños Central restaurant. The house has five snug, simple guest rooms awash in bright murals and a well-tended backyard that’s perfect for getting some sun. There are plenty of hammocks and comfy couches, plus laundry service is available.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Los Volcanes (2441-0525; www.hotellosvolcanes.com; Av 3 btwn Calles Central & 2; s US$35-60, d US$46-75, all incl breakfast; ) A refurbished, 1920s home with 15 rooms of differing sizes and amenities – from vintage units with period-style furniture and clean, shared bathrooms, to shining, contemporary rooms with flat-screen TV and safe. There’s also an enjoyable courtyard in the back, complete with gurgling fountain. Plus the helpful Tico owners can arrange free airport drop-off at the end of your stay. Credit cards accepted.
Welcome to CR B&B (2265-6563; www.welcometocr.com; d incl breakfast US$50; ) The Tico-American owners of this charming little place used to manage the Hostal Toruma in Los Yoses and now have this B&B of their own. Located about 5km east of the airport on the road to San Joaquín, it’s a homey spot, with three double rooms with private bathroom and à la carte breakfast. They can book all manner of package tours.
Hotel Villa Bonita (2441-0239; www.hotelvillabonita.com; cnr Av 8 & Calle 9; s/d US$50/60, children under 10 free; ) A charming B&B with five simple, whitewashed rooms located on the outskirts of the city center. Units are comfy, with plump white pillows and firm mattresses. The main draw is the well-manicured garden where guests can swing away the afternoon in hammocks.
Hotel 1915 (2441-0495; www.1915hotel.com; Calle 2 btwn Avs 5 & 7; d US$55-85; ) The exteriors may not look like much, but step through the front door and you’ll find yourself in a quaint 16-room inn built around a century-old home. Rooms have adobe walls, wood-beam ceilings, period-style furnishings and most are equipped with a minifridge. In addition, the graceful living room has a stained-glass window and many of the floors are clad in vintage Spanish tile. The lovely open-air lounge is a great space to chill and there is a tour agency onsite. Credit cards accepted.
Las Orquídeas Inn (2433-9346; www.orquideasinn.com; s US$69-140, d US$79-150; ) About 5km west of Alajuela on the road to San Pedro de Poás, this stately colonial-style structure houses 19 well-appointed rooms. Bright standard units with terra-cotta tile floors are decked out in rich textiles and are situated just steps away from a garden with a pool and Jacuzzi. Nicer suites, in various configurations, come with polished wood floors (our favorite is the loft-style geodesic dome), and some have great views of the valley. The popular restaurant-bar is well known for its bounteous Marilyn Monroe paraphernalia. Credit cards accepted.
Trapp Family Lodge (2431-0776; www.trappfam.com; d US$95, additional person US$15, children 3-11 US$6; ) This highly recommended family spot is the comfiest, most attractive option within reach of the airport landing strip. A bright, mustard-yellow Spanish country-inn houses 20 terra-cotta–tiled rooms with comfortable polished-wood beds and a graceful hacienda vibe. The best units have balconies