I recently traveled to Costa Rica for 10 days over Christmas with my husband and his mother. I booked ALL of our lodging based on Tripadvisor reviews.

This review is just for the rooms with shared bathroom.

Our first and last stop was Mi Tierra. I chose this place due to it's close proximity to the airport, the incredibly cheap nightly rate and the reviews on trip advisor, of course. The inn was perfectly close to the airport and not too difficult to find after picking up our rental car and using the GPS to find it. They allowed us to park our car within the gate on the property the first night on the way in. On the way out we parked our car around the corner in a gated lot which Mi Tierra paid for.

We booked the only two rooms that share a bathroom. The bathroom is in the hallway a few steps from the two rooms. None of us ever used the shower in the bathroom so I cannot comment on it. But the bathroom was fine. The rooms were fine but the curtains were quite ratty. The beds were pretty comfortable. There was bunk beds and one queen bed in each room. The down side was that the rooms were a bit noisy and fairly bright without a way to block the light out even at night. However for the price, $35 (single) $40 (double) everything was perfectly acceptable.

The breakfast was fantastic! We were very impressed with our first breakfast in Costa Rica, we wished we could have enjoyed the breakfast on our way out but our flight was too early. There is wi-fi but it only works in the common room down stairs. There is also a communal computer with internet in the common room which worked just fine. However they did not have a printer and we could not print our boarding passes on our way out which would have been really helpful.

There are two nice city parks, one being central park within short walking distance along with several fast food eateries and a grocery store.

One of the front desk guys was super nice and helpful but the other we experienced was just kind of nice but had no information about anything.

Mi Tierra is an inn located in the heart of Alajuela, CR. It features a peaceful court yard with a pool, dining space, and a welcoming schnauzer named Cleo. It is only a couple of blocks from the center of town (Catheral, Parque Central, market, buses, etc all within five minutes walk), but is none the less a respite from what can be a lively city.

The staff is very friendly, patient with gringos, and makes a wonderful breakfast. They are quick to help you set up adventures for you, or advise you on them, though they tend to encourage the easier more touristy ones, so if you want to do some things outside of the norm, you may need to have a basic plan before arriving.

Rooms were sufficiently equipped, kept very clean, and a good size. The mattresses are not going to win any awards for support, but that is the only real down side of this place. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.

This modest hostel is just a ten minute / $3 cab ride from the main San Jose airport, so it’s a great place to stay on the way in or out of the country or when meeting others coming in late. There is always a receptionist on duty, there are several local bus stations nearby if you’re heading to or from San Jose, and there is a small pool in the courtyard, perfect for cooling off at the end of a hot day. Complimentary breakfast is served in the courtyard every morning, complete with tea or coffee, fruit, bread, and eggs freshly prepared any style. The rooms are small but fine for a short stay, and there is a common area with couches and a computer station for guest use. Wireless is available in the common area and courtyard only (I couldn’t connect from my room in the lower wing). The staff is friendly and helpful with directions and advice on nearby restaurants and bars.

This a small hotel within easy reach of the airport and in the heart of alajuela. We arrived after a late night flight and were delighted with our quiet room for 4. The hosts are a very special family with many interesting tales of their kayaking adventures and the walls are adorned with their art. They couldn't have been more friendly and helpful, directing us to a great italian resturant just round the corner and near the main square. Considering how peaceful it was there, you would never have guessed a vibrant town surrounds you. Breakfast was fresh and filling and after sitting by the pool ,listening to the baltimore orioles and admiring the bonsai trees in the beautiful garden, we relcutantly left to head south. A great budget resting place with secure parking.