After spending a week in Costa Rica, we opted to stay at the HIE the night before our return flight, primarily because it's so close to the airport. There weren't any real suprises here; it's a Holiday Inn. Check in was quick and easy. Check out was just as simple. The hotel staff are very friendly. There are several computers available in the lobby if you want to print off boarding passes.

We got everything you might expect from the HI Express. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, TV (if that's what you're interested in), good breakfast bar, good coffee any time of day, very close to the airport. They have a shuttle bus that runs to the departure terminal every 15 minutes, tico time. Denny's is right across the street, and a BBQ chicken place. A casino is right there, in your face, and you can while away 20 bucks over a couple of hours if you'd like. 3 or 4 car rental agencies are only a few hundred yards away; don't remember them all, but they're major rental agencies. I was truly amazed at the quiet here. Being just at the end of the runway, we hardly heard the aircraft take off or land.

The HI is located at a major intersection in Alajuela, where about 5 main roads intersect with the PanAm highway. Traffic is astoundingly heavy, and there are only two lights at this bizarre intersection. Drive carefully, please. Beware...once you get here, there's nothing really nearby, such as stores, sodas, shops, etc. Either come prepared or prepare to do without.

On the plus side, for us, the Inn is very close to the airport. It's familiarity was an excellent way to wrap up our trip in CR and get ready to come home. We had a very good rest before our flight. It was kind of nice to ease our way back in to a more North American routine after our blast in Costa Rica. The minus side includes it's relative isolation from local culture, the incredibly heavy traffic, and if you drive and aren't careful, you will have a very hard time navigating the entry off the highway. But, even with this, we'll probably stay here again the night before our flight leaves on our next trip to Costa Rica.

Having stayed numerous times at the Holiday Inn Alajuela, I am always pleased with its location, staff, and value. On the outskirts of the city and a stones-throw from the airport and car rental places, its location can't be beat. Breakfast is included in your stay, and 24-hour coffee bar, gym, and pool are accessible.

We stayed here for one night and had a good experience. It was a very convenient location as we were looking for a hotel close to the airport. The room was nice and spacious and most importantly it was clean. Free international calls were included as well as fee wi-fi. We didn't have too much interaction with staff there but the reception desk clerks were very nice and friendly. The shuttle to the airport was complimentary. Overall, I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a hotel near the airport.

Clean, inexpensive, and a free (and friendly) shuttle ride. Rooms were okay, nice breakfast, smallish workout facilities with a smallish pool (but impressive that they even had these out near the airport). Great stopover for pre- or post- vacation accommodation. Staff is very friendly and you can get your car delivered while you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.