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Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Interior
Lobby
Restaurant
Interior
Double Room with Private Bathroom | Free WiFi

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
SJO Airport Ave, 4th street, Alajuela, Alajuela
  • Place, Juan Santamaría Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Central Market Alajuela
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, City Mall
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room

Free WiFi

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room with Private Bathroom

Double Room with Private Bathroom | Free WiFi

Double Room with Private Bathroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

Free WiFi

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room | Free WiFi

Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room | Free WiFi

10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Free WiFi

Suite

  • City view
  • 194 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Alajuela

Located in Carmen within a short stroll of City Mall, Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel is within a 15-minute drive of Plaza Real Cariari. This 22-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and coffee/tea in a common area.
View more Hostels in San JoséOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Juan Santamaría Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Juan Santamaria Historical Museum - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Central Market Alajuela - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Alajuela Cathedral - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • City Mall - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • San Antonio de Belen Station - 17 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪KFC - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Trigo Miel - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Subway Alajuela Centro - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪El Pollo Parrillero - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪July's Grill - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Guests of Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and microwave in a common area. For transportation, you can make use of a free airport shuttle (available on request), as well as a ferry terminal shuttle. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include an arcade/game room, laundry facilities, and a communal living room.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Relax with a rainfall shower. Change of bedsheets is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM at scheduled times and on request
  • 24-hour train station drop-off shuttle (surcharge)
  • Bus station shuttle (surcharge)
  • Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available for a fee
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Pizza Los Olivos

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible train station shuttle

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Built in 2007
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Rainfall showerhead

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for CRC 7500.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Rollaway bed fee: CRC 7500.0 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the free airport shuttle (available during limited hours).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Property is also known as

Alajuela Backpackers
Alajuela Backpackers Hostel
Backpackers Alajuela
Backpackers Hostel Alajuela
Hostel Alajuela Backpackers
Alajuela Backpackers Boutique Hostel Costa Rica
Alajuela Backpackers Boutique Hotel Alajuela
Hostel Alajuela Backpackers
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel Alajuela

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

As of May 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel on Jun 27, 2026 start from $35, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Carmen, just steps from Juan Santamaría Park, and within a 10-minute walk of Central Market Alajuela and Juan Santamaria Historical Museum. You'll also find City Mall and Central Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't offer parking.

Does Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel have a casino?

No, Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Is Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hostel will value amenities like a rainfall showerhead, a city view in some rooms, as well as a 24-hour front desk.

Are there hot tubs at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Pizza Los Olivos.

Are there connecting rooms at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

The closest major airport to Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 1.8 mi away (7 minutes by car). Another top airport is San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.), which is located 12.1 mi away (28-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel?

No, you won't find rooms with balconies at Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel.

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 87 out of 234 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 65 out of 234 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 234 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 234 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 234 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Natalia

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Yajaira

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ana Gabriela

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
I’ve stayed at my fair share of hostels and budget-friendly accommodations around the world, but Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel genuinely surprised me in the best way possible. From the moment we arrived, the entire experience felt warm, welcoming, and remarkably well-organized — but the real standout? Their shuttle driver, Jesus M. Let me be clear: Jesus M. is not just a shuttle driver. He is the heartbeat of this place. From the very first interaction, he went above and beyond in ways that most five-star hotels could only dream of. He didn’t just transport guests from point A to point B — he made every single person in that shuttle feel seen, cared for, and genuinely valued. Whether it was offering helpful local tips, accommodating everyone’s needs with a smile, or simply making the ride feel like part of the vacation itself, Jesus delivered an experience that was nothing short of exceptional. My partner and I were blown away by the level of personalized attention he gave us. He took the time to learn what we needed, answered every question we had about the area, and made thoughtful accommodations that showed he truly cared — not because it was his job, but because that’s just who he is. In a world where genuine hospitality is increasingly rare, Jesus M. is a breath of fresh air.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Shayla, Concord

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very impressed with this hostel! It didn’t even feel like a hostel since I had a private room. The gentlemen manning the reception area were all extremely pleasant and helpful. I love that they have a 24 hour reception desk and they’ll also store your luggage if you arrive early or have a late flight back out. They are located closer to the airport than San Jose, but there are a ton of shops and restaurants located within steps of the premises. The hostel has an elevator and plenty of random areas to lounge around in on each floor. They have a pool hall on the third floor, and my favorite is the deck with the city views on the fourth floor. It’s such a relaxing place to chill, especially at night with the nice city views and the vibey tunes. There’s an elevator, free WiFi, a coffee lounge on the first floor (I didn’t actually check this out though), and they offer shuttle service to and from the airport for free 99. Only one other guest and I needed to take the 7 am shuttle, so they just paid for a cab for us instead. The room itself was convenient with a comfy bed, cold air conditioning, a warm shower, and a nice view of the local park down below. My only nitpicks were the cheap embellishments (the shower rod kept falling down, the window didn’t close all the way, and the cord to lift the shade up and down came off instantly). Also, my room key became deactivated twice. I wish that the first attendant had warned me not to store it near my phone to avoid the card info g
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

STEPHEN

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quirky hotel/hostel, I had an individual room with bathroom. Room was lovely, clean, comfortable bed. This is a great place to stay over close to San Jose airport, and they run free airport shuttles! All in all, a really cost effective but very comfortable place to stay! Staff were always lovely and helpful, and there is an elevator if anyone's worried that there are 4 floors :) Great place.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ana Gabriela

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Wadiyyah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room was standard and private🇨🇷. I got a good nights sleep
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Brandon

Traveled with partner
I find this place to be pretty cool and a great value. We really just needed a place to crash for the night and its location and prices suited us well. The rooms have minimal amenities and the windows allow ALL of the busy, busy street noise in but what can ya say, the price is right.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Sha-lynn, Swan River

Traveled with partner
It was a good location, building with a lot of character and potential. I know it is a budget hotel but could have improved in cleanliness. Room had a smell to it, shower head was full of mineral build up and maybe even mold(?). I would probably look for another option next time
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Gabe

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Room was clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check-in, easily upgraded to a private room, and good spots to eat close by! Really appreciated the free airport shuttle included.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Tomasz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Goos value for money and transport to the airport.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hostel was simple but was exactly what we needed the night before an early morning flight. The free shuttle to the airport made it a very convenient stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Wanda

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Fantastic value for the price. But zero amenities no soap or anything in the bathrooms no towels provided just bare bones all the way around and no kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Alexis

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was good, friendly staff, room as expected.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Laura, newark

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aijia

The staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hilarie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
8min from airport. First time at an hostel. Really convenient for a night. I was excepting worst but I was lucky. Clean place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Mynor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excelente atención de front desk. Indicaciones y ayuda para puntos de interés y asistencia.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025