We stayed at the Pension Alajuela for 2 nights in June 2006 - one on the day we arrived in Costa Rica, and one the morning before we flew out of Costa Rica. It's a quick 5-10 minute taxi ride from the airport, and so was a convenient base for our travels. It's located right near the road which heads out of Alajuela to Poas Volcano, which was convenient since that was our first place to be visiting.

Things did not start well as when we checked in they did not have our reservation. However, it turned out not to be a problem since they still had rooms available. The room that they gave us was located right next to the road and the entrance to the hotel. There is no A/C, so the windows are open, which causes the room to be quite noisy due to the traffic both on the street and in and out of the front door. Their showers had the infamous electric water heaters attached to the shower head, which seemed to work but still made us a little nervous (we took quick showers).

The staff was very friendly and helpful, and there was a basic free breakfast that was included in the cost of the room.

Overall, it definitely wasn't the best night of sleep that we had in Costa Rica, but it was cheap ($50/night for a room with 3 beds), close to the airport, and served us adequately during our time there.