This place is great, and although the house is beautiful and comfortable, it's George that really makes the experience stand out. I won't even consider staying anywhere else in Alajuela from now on. I've never had a B&B host that opened up their home to guests the way George does and he does it in a way that makes you totally comfortable. My daughter and I only stayed one night, but by the time we left the next day it was like we'd known him for ages. And he is a great cook - breakfast was wonderful. I would give this place 6's if I could.

Alegria feels like a true bnb...it's a large house in Alajuela. There is a pretty front porch and a big living room to hang out in. The kitchen is for everyone to use. The guest rooms are clustered together on one side of the house. We stayed in Las Palmas, a nice cozy room with a bathroom just across the hall. The shower was good and hot. There is no AC, but it wasn't needed at night. George was very welcoming and nice, he gave us dinner suggestions after we arrived and answered any questions we had. My sleep wasn't the best, as I'm a light sleeper and I could hear the people in the room next to us coughing and getting ready at 4am. So, earplugs are a good option if you are a light sleeper. Our shuttle picked us up at 6am the next morning and George prepared us a breakfast to bring along - it was very tasty and much appreciated!

I think George has a great place...it's close to the airport and very reasonably priced. Will definitely stay here again if we go back to Costa Rica!

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.