We didn't spend much time in Alajuela - the first night, we flew in around 8pm on New Year's Eve. George collected us at the airport, saving us an $11 cab ride. Score. The next morning, we headed out early. He made us a sack lunch, which really saved us.

Our second stay was on the way back home. We spent the afternoon in downtown Alajuela - at the Mercado Central (10 min cab ride or leisurely 30 min walk). Very cool! Hardly any tourists. Tip: Check out the ceviche stand inside. Delicious! Again, the next morning George packed us a meal of breakfast sandwiches, fruit and cookies. A real lifesaver!

Tips
- Alajuela is just a few miles from SJO - much easier than staying in San Jose proper.
- Alegria is located in a very residential area. Not much by the way of restaurants or stores. You have to walk about 20-30 min to get downtown, but we didn't think this was an issue.

You just can't beat the southern-style hospitality and squeaky clean rooms for $50 a night! Thanks again, George!

George, the owner, was very friendly. He picked us up at the airport, which was very nice after a +11hr flight.

Because of the jetlag, we woke up quite early, so George made our breakfast earlier.
Great breakfast with fresh fruit, juice and some kind of bread. He would have made eggs for us, if we wanted.

This location is perfect as a first or last night stay before/after your arrival/departure at the San Jose airport. George is very helpful, even before your stay.

My fiance and I recently stayed at the Alegria on our first and last nights of our vacation. We arrived late at night and George was kind enough to pick us up from the airport. I liked George even before I met him, he was so helpful and responsive in answering my questions about Costa Rica, and only grew to like him more. The house is beautiful and so much larger than I expected, we stayed in Las Flores but could have handled a smaller room. George and his friend (his name escapes me) are wonderful people who will help you with anything you need, you'll feel like you are visiting your relatives. Breakfast is delicious, especially the fruit, and if you have to run early George will pack you a delicious take away meal (egg sandwich on an English muffin was my fav).

One tip, we had a little trouble directing our cab driver on the way back from dropping our rental car off. He was only slightly familiar with the area. If you run into this problem, I would suggest you do as we do. Ask someone on the street where the American with the very big house lives, they are likely to know how to direct you better than if you ask for it by name.

My (new) wife and I stayed at Alegria on the last night of our two week Costa Rica adventure and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is close to the airport which made getting out the next morning very easy. The house is big and beautiful and the room we were given was very comfortable.
George (the owner) was excellent. He made sure everything we needed was taken care of. He arranged all of our transportation, recommended where we could get dinner and provided us with a fantastic dinner to take with us in the morning when we were heading out to catch an early flight. The level of comfort and service for the price is fantastic! Will definitely stay here again on any overnight San Jose stay in the future.