InfoSummary of reviewsHotel Cortez Azul stands out primarily for its exceptional location and the warmth of its staff. The hotel is ideally situated just 5 to 10 minutes by taxi from Juan Santamaria airport, making it a convenient option for travelers, especially those with early flights or requiring a layover. Located centrally in Alajuela, it is within walking distance of bus stations, main squares, parks, grocery stores and local markets, facilitating easy exploration of the city and onward travel to other parts of Costa Rica. Guests appreciate being close to the airport without the disturbance of noise and the overall excellent value for money.
The breakfast offered at Hotel Cortez Azul is a strong point for many visitors. It includes a variety of options, from light selections such as toast and cereal to traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. Many guests enjoy having breakfast in the garden or courtyard, describing it as delicious and fresh. Although some guests mention a desire for more variety, the inclusion of a complimentary breakfast, even if served at a nearby café, adds value to the stay.
Rooms at the hotel receive mixed reviews but tend to meet expectations for cleanliness and basic comfort. Many guests find the rooms tidy, spacious and equipped with large, clean bathrooms, often with garden views and air conditioning. However, ventilation and noise can be issues with some rooms being hot, humid and lacking sufficient airflow and thin walls contributing to a noisy environment. Despite these issues, the cleanliness of the rooms and common areas is consistently praised, highlighted as a major positive feature alongside the hotel's friendly and helpful staff.
The staff at Hotel Cortez Azul are frequently commended for their exceptional service and hospitality. Key staff members like Jesus and Tony, as well as Amanda and others, are often mentioned for their kindness, helpfulness and dedication to making guests feel at home. Whether providing travel tips, assisting with check-ins or helping with trip organization, the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff significantly enhance the guest experience.
Wifi service at the hotel is generally reliable and efficient with fast internet speeds often noted by guests. However, there are occasional reports of weak signals or instances where the wifi password was not immediately provided. Despite these minor issues, the overall wifi experience is satisfactory.
Parking is available near the hotel but not on-site, which some guests find convenient while others mention the need for paid or limited availability options.
Finally, bed comfort appears to be a mixed experience for guests. While many find the beds clean and some even comfortable, numerous reviews point towards discomfort due to issues like broken bed springs, sagging mattresses and insufficient pillows. This suggests a potential area for improvement.
Overall, Hotel Cortez Azul is well-regarded for its prime location, cleanliness and outstanding staff service, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay near the airport. Show more
InfoSummary of reviewsHotel Pacande B&B in Alajuela is highly praised for its strategic location and accessibility, making it particularly appealing to travelers flying in or out of the nearby Juan Santamaría International Airport. Nestled in the heart of the city, the bed and breakfast provides easy access to supermarkets, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, ensuring visitors have plenty of options for dining, shopping, and leisure activities without needing to venture far. The convenience of its location is complemented by its peaceful environment, situated away from the flight path, allowing for a quiet and relaxing stay.
Guests also commend the friendly service and comfort offered at Hotel Pacande B&B, noting the welcoming staff who contribute significantly to a pleasant experience. The staff are consistently described as kind, professional, and attentive, and they go the extra mile in providing support and local insights, enhancing the overall atmosphere with their warm reception and willingness to assist.
The accommodations at Hotel Pacande B&B are noted for their cleanliness and comfort, with spacious rooms equipped with large beds and, in many cases, en-suite bathrooms. The simple yet inviting atmosphere meets guests' expectations, providing a restful environment after long travels. Although some minor issues such as room layout and noise are occasionally reported, these are generally mitigated by the helpful nature of the staff, with options available to address any concerns promptly.
Guests enjoy a delightful breakfast experience that offers traditional Costa Rican flavors, particularly the popular gallo pinto dish. The breakfast, often served in a charming garden setting, receives praise for its taste and warmth, providing a comforting start to the day despite some mentions of limited variety.
Overall, Hotel Pacande B&B is lauded for its clean, comfortable rooms, genuine hospitality, and convenient location, providing excellent value for money and a positive experience for travelers seeking both comfort and accessibility in Alajuela. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Bed & Breakfast Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
InfoSummary of reviewsHotel La Guaria Inn & Suites, located in Alajuela, is highly favored for its proximity to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, making it a convenient hub for both arriving and departing travelers. The central yet tranquil setting is praised, offering easy access to rental car agencies, local attractions and a charming walkable neighborhood with numerous restaurants, shops, parks and cultural sites. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the appeal, making the hotel a preferred choice for various travelers.
The breakfast service at the hotel receives generally positive comments with many guests appreciating the ample and varied offerings, including fresh fruit, croissants, cereals and beverages. The early availability of breakfast, starting at 6 am, is particularly convenient for those with early flights. While some critiques mention a desire for more variety and fresher items, the provided breakfast still meets most guests’ expectations for a complimentary meal.
Rooms at Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites are typically described as clean and functional. Though some guests note the rooms are small and occasionally outdated, the presence of necessary amenities such as air conditioning and comfortable beds contribute to a satisfactory stay. Cleanliness is a common highlight, though noise from the street or proximity to the lobby can be an issue. Overall, the rooms provide basic but adequate accommodations, especially for short stays.
The hotel consistently receives praise for its cleanliness with spotless rooms and well-maintained common areas, including the pool. Some minor issues, such as mold in bathrooms or occasional unclean pool areas, are noted but do not significantly detract from the overall positive impression.
Staff hospitality stands out as a key strength with guests frequently commending the professionalism, friendliness and helpfulness of the personnel. The owners and receptionists, in particular, are appreciated for their English fluency and valuable local recommendations, contributing significantly to the positive guest experiences.
Free WiFi is available but opinions on its reliability vary with some guests experiencing strong connections in public areas while others report weak signals in the rooms. Guests are advised to inquire about the best areas for stable connection if WiFi is crucial for their stay.
The pool area, described as small but inviting, is a valued feature, especially for families. The well-maintained space provides a relaxing retreat within the hotel, though some guests mention the need for occasional maintenance.
Parking options receive positive feedback for being secure and conveniently located with free parking and the added benefit of a transfer service to the airport enhancing the overall convenience for guests.
Families find the hotel particularly accommodating, appreciating the spacious pool, comfortable rooms and attentive staff. The free shuttle service and proximity to the airport make it a practical choice for family travel.
For those interested in nightlife, the hotel's location offers easy access to numerous bars, restaurants and shops, although the immediate vicinity may not have much nightlife directly. The area remains generally peaceful at night.
The beds receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable and clean, while others note issues with bed size, older mattresses and occasional discomfort. Despite some drawbacks, the overall sleep experience is generally satisfactory.
As a three-star hotel, Hotel La Guaria Inn & Suites offers excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. With its essential amenities, clean rooms and convenient airport transfer service, it stands out as an ideal option for short stays, particularly for those arriving or departing from the nearby international airport. Show more
