1. Hard to find and drive streets of Alejuela at night! WAZE app was useless. Many one way, narrow streets and the water flood channels are DEEP, dangerous and unforgiving. Scary neighborhood especially asking directions after dark.
2. Hotel is one step above youth Hostel. No room insulation. Door are not bolted or secure. Dark dingy, old, creaky wood hotel.
3. Noisy! Room doors adjoin hallway reception area. You will know when every guest checks in/out and walks down hallway.
4. No onsite parking. You have to drop off luggage then go park your car. Scetchy after dark. Repeat to check out.PITA and expensive! We paid $12 :(
5. Free breakfast is like a snack. Maybe 1.5 scrabled eggs. No seconds. You will need to eat again in an hour.
6. Initially, booked reservation for first/last day to be convenient to airport. BTW, this is 20 min from San Jose airport--not convenient at all. As soon as I saw sparten, basic room, I tried to cancel last day (9daysaway). My friend spoke Spanish, and we were unable to clearly understand if he canceled. Expedia is still showing and won't let me cancel.
7. Back to rooms. I couldnt believe the room had no A/C! No table or outlet next to bed. Expect to walk across room to use charging phone. Bathroom has no room/shelf for personal toiletries. Stupid!
I am not an ugly American. I do not expect much especially when looking for budget rooms. But, I feel compelled to write honestly about Aljuela City Hotel. Any review higher than 3 stars is delusional.