Pura Vida Hotel

Pura Vida Hotel descritpion

Pura Vida Hotel is located in Alajuela and is surrounded by extensive tropical gardens. All the accommodations here feature garden or volcano views, plus it has a restaurant on site serving gourmet dinners with previous request.
The comfortable villas have furnished patios, seating and dining areas, plus private bathrooms. All rooms and villas come with a coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, room safes and a fridge. The extensive tropical gardens feature a large orchid collection as well as numerous plantings of coffee, herbs, heliconias, pineapple, citrus, exotic native trees.
The restaurant at Pura Vida Hotel is specializes in Asian fusion and international cuisine. Special diets can be accommodated upon previous request.
The Poas Volcano National Park is 18.6 miles from Pura Vida Hotel, and Zoo Ave is 4.3 miles away. La Paz waterfall gardens is located 1 hour's drive away. Juan Santamaría International Airport is a 12-minute drive away.
Sarchi, famous for their artisan, wooden products and traditional wooden oxcarts, is located 9.3 miles away.

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The staff speaks English——Pura Vida Hotel's staff speaks:Vietnamese,French,Spanish,English
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Facilities of Pura Vida Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms

Languages Spoken ：Vietnamese | French | Spanish | English

Reviews for Pura Vida Hotel

Review 1：Berni. He asked me to leave the hotel and was making a call to get me in an other hotel!!!!! Why? He is an unhappy mad person. This place is at the corner of a busy street in Alejuela. The pictures on their website does not show the 4 walls you are actually getting in. There is no nature there. No welcome only 2 little gates that make you feel first that you are entering a jail to visit someone. There is a bell you have to ring so that Berni would come and talk to you through the jail like gates with a suspicious face. The bell is impossible to see but Berni will ask you many times why you did not ring it. Once he decides that it is safe to let you in, his big dog will jump on you right away. Nothing of the nice garden is shown and if you make a comment saying that you were expecting a different setting, Berni will say that you do not like the place and will refuse to show you your private Mariposa quarter. Yes, Berni asked me to leave because I expressed my deception of the location. 2 dogs barking later, I left and had the best time ever at Marriot hotel in San Jose for almost the same price but in full nature with pools and trails and birds and food food and more goodies. THANKS BERNI for your lack of consideration. I am writing this at Marriott.

Review 2：The hidden garden inside the jail like gated walls.

Review 3：Nothing bad to say at all

Review 4：We were made to feel so welcome and this family run hotel helped us plan our holiday with lots of unique suggestions. Very unique, very personable.

Review 5：Incredible location. The rooms have a great ocean view. If you take a 10-15min trek down the hill there is a private beach. Wear some water shoes or sandals because it's rocky, but beautiful. Look at the big boulders for lots of crabs.

Review 6：-No air conditioning -Noisy & bad location -When I think bed and breakfast I think quiet and secluded away from everything. This is right in the middle of a slum area of town. It's my fault I stayed here. Next time I need to do more research than just read reviews. The fact that you have to pass through very secure gates and the property is built like a fortress should have clued me in on the location being comparable to slumtown USA.

Review 7：Staff is nice and helpful but I already had my trip planned out and arrangements made. If you have not done any planning for your trip in Costa Rica then the staff is helpful. If you already know what you are doing then the staff is just like anywhere else.

Review 8：The place was close to the airport and near a city bus line. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. The furnishings were superior to the type often found in a hotel. The staff members were friendly and helpful--accommodating my late-night arrival.

Review 9：Had an absolutely fantastic visit! Were met in the middle of the night. The owner was waiting for us. The management team took care of all the need, are very friendly, easy going and have a great travel advice. Really enjoyed visiting with Bernie. He gave us great advice for the rest of the trip. The breakfast was magnificent and a real feast. Their dog Bandit is a sweetheart and had his own sweet way of engaging guests. Had exotic flower arrangements throughout the cabina. Overall, a fantastic stay. Will look forward to more stays in the future.

Review 10：Some road noise, but not too bad..

Review 11：Bernie was great. They stayed up for us on a late arrival and paid the taxi from the airport and called a shuttle for us in the morning. The katydid villa was perfect for our family of 5 to sleep comfortably and the breakfast was amazing and delicious for our first night!!!

Review 12：Nhi and Bernie and not to forget Vincent were the perfect hosts. They helped us with getting set up with excellent local guides all for reasonable prices and gave us tips on pretty much everything about CR. They are extremely professional and they are definitely meant to be doing what they are doing.Their property is perfectly located from the airport and close enough to the Alajuela city center. Though it can get a little noisy due to its proximity to the main road, it's nothing that the ear plugs provided cannot handle. We had trips planned early every morning and they always ensured that we got their breakfast to go. We had an early morning flight back and Bernie woke up early to get us a a cab. We were also lucky to have dinner there and Nhi's cooking is super delicious. They would get Zagat rated the day they open up to the public if they did! We will definitely stay here if we visit CR again.

Review 13：Owner was very helpful and polite but didn't seem to like us much. Not clear if we were not welcome because we were a young couple or just staying for the night and heading to the airport. Otherwise everything was lovely.

Review 14：Beautiful gardens, room was very nice. Breakfast was delicious.

Review 15：There can be some street noise but the host go to great lengths to mitigate it.

Review 16：Well, as you can tell by the headline we liked the food. Truly, it was sublime: delicious and artful with expert and kindly hosting. My parents and I were so appreciative. Very well managed hotel overall.

Review 17：We stayed here the night we landed and the night before our flight out. It was close to the airport and town to get dinner but the grounds looked like you were on the middle of a peaceful, tropical garden. Our room was clean, nicely decorated and we even got a very generous upgrade on our second night. The breakfast was delicious and and the staff was very friendly.

Review 18：Truly Bernie has thought of everything. Already want to come back and explore many of the "off the beaten path" suggestions that Bernie has for places to and people to meet.

Review 19：Noise from traffic right outside property from both sides. Needed to use earplugs (supplied by owner)

Review 20：Breakfast was excellent. Room was very spacious and gardens were very attractive.

Review 21：This was a great jumping off point for our adventures. Berni, Nhi, and staff were very hospitable! We loved exploring the garden and very much enjoyed Nhi's cooking.

Review 22：Noise. Owner a little curt/ snide. Wifi was not effective many times.

Review 23：Grounds were lovely. Room was spacious but showers fixtures, drainage need updating. Food was very good.

Review 24：That we had to leave the next day!

Review 25：We spent our last night in Costa Rica here and it was a great note to end the trip on. It's very close to the airport and they'll even wake up early and call you a taxi and provide breakfast for an early flight. The dinner was delicious and our cabina was very clean and the beds were very comfortable. Plenty of hot water. The grounds are beautiful and there are hammocks to relax in. I'd highly recommend it as a place to stay near the airport.

Review 26：Had to take cabs to get anywhere, but not far and not expensive, except into San Jose. Some road noise from my casita and local dogs, which I liked. Grounds are a rich paradise.

Review 27：Gorgeous, great hosts, great breakfast, fabulous facility. A good place to catch ones breath. Good into the near by town and into San Jose; I also went to the local Zoo Aves, which was wonderful.

Review 28：Wish the WiFi had worked in our casita (Katydid). Also a second key would be helpful for 4 people staying in one casita.

Review 29：Beautiful gardens; friendly and helpful owners and staff. Positive and personal vibe. Felt more authentic and less touristy than other places in Costa Rica.

Review 30：The owner (and his dog Bandit) were very nice and gave us some good advice about traveling within Costa Rica. The breakfast was excellent. The location, though very close to San Jose, felt like a secluded garden oasis. Very happy with our stay!

Review 31：The location was not the greatest.

Review 32：Loved the owners, very kind and VERY helpful! The gardens and grounds were whimsical and beautiful with awesome attention to detail and added bits of humor. The room was spacious and cozy. The breakfast was a nice way to start each day. Great place to stay to start or end your Costa Rican adventure. Dinner was made to order and yummy.

Review 33：The main road is close by, and you can hear motorbikes and trucks passing by quite frequently, and at early hours.

Review 34：The owners and staff were friendly, helpful and conversational. The breakfast was delicious - best bread pudding I've ever had! The property is gorgeous and gave us a taste of what was to come in Costa Rica. A fantastic place to begin our Costa Rican Honeymoon!!

Review 35：This place has a beautiful garden which you would not suspect given the location. It is perfectly situated when traveling to or from the San José international airport. Breakfast was absolutely the best. We had to travel back to Monte Verde from this location (an 8 hour drive in total) because we had to pick up an item there. Bernie (the hotel owner) started calling people to find out if anyone was "coming down from the mountain" to take the item with them for us. In the end it did not work out (low season so little transports) but it shows the immense dedication they have to make your stay a positive experience.

Review 36：What a perfect start to our holiday! Jet lagged we arrived late - free taxi transfer and lovely supper when we arrived. Slept well, tho earplugs were needed in our casita, Katydid. Berni made us feel very well looked after, and couldn't have been kinder with loads of advice and information. Breakfast was perfect and our children gave it a 5 star rating! Wished I had found out about Pura Vida Hotel earlier in the planning of our trip, cos I know berni would've been amazing at helping us plan.... Ah well, next time.....

Review 37：Loved that we could stay close to the airport for an evening arrival and morning departure but still have a Costa Rica experience. The food is spectacular and the property is full of charm. The owners are very helpful and attentive with all aspects of the booking, meals, and transportation.

Review 38：The gates to the "compound"/"estate" could only be opened by the staff.

Review 39：Very close to town--but it felt like you were in the country! Very safe feeling. Lodging well was appointed and very comfortable.

Review 40：Lovely setting, very nice staff, fantastic breakfast

Review 41：Berni, Nhi and staff were superb as host and hostess. They were sincere in making sure you had everything you needed.

Review 42：welcoming helpful staff, great location, comfortable accommodation, lovely garden, 2 endearing dogs

Review 43：Personal little angry (english man)

Review 44：Good breakfast

Review 45：I will write you later

Review 46：Very nice place staff was excellent Loved the dogs there would stay again Wish we had more time there!!

Review 47：Wonderful super helpful hosts Beautiful gardens and villas Tasty packed breakfast

Review 48：We had a great time... nothing negative

Review 49：Staff extremely helpful and friendly, with an excellent sense of humour!

Review 50：WiFi not very reliable.

Review 51：Beautiful facilities and friendly staff.

Review 52：The comfort of the pull out bed. Really uncomfortable.

Review 53：The gardens and the sanctity

Review 54：Welcoming, delightful garden, great accommodation, and Berni [the owner] is the perfect host....thank you Berni.

Review 55：Really friendly staff who were kind enough to organise taxis and book restaurants for us. Highly recommended!!

Review 56：Beautiful breakfast in lovely garden

Review 57：I loved the atmosphere--very relaxing place to be. And I loved the helpfulness and the knowledge of the owners. The food was very good

Review 58：The noise of the street That you have to talk to the reception to leave the house by car

Review 59：It was funny The garden was beautifully

Review 60：Not really in a walkable part of the city.

Review 61：Location was very close to airport; the gardens were gorgeous. Staff was friendly.

Review 62：Road Noise at night Difficult to move luggage around the property

Review 63：Close to the San Jose Airport Excellent Staff & Service

Review 64：The hotel is nestled in a beautiful garden.

Review 65：The english owner was very cute warning us about robbery etc. Wr had a delicious breakfast.

Review 66：Motorcycle noise

Review 67：Comfort, exotic gardens, helpful owner, delicious breakfast,

Review 68：There was really nothing to not like!

Review 69：My husband and I stayed here for the last night of our honeymoon, and we wish we could have stayed longer and used it as a base for exploring the many wonderful places nearby. The hotel and grounds are truly lovely, so many wonderful plants and areas for sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air and views. Staff were wonderful and helpful, and recommended the best restaurant we ate at during our entire trip (Jalapenos.) The breakfast was exquisite. The owner very generously upgraded us from a standard room to a gorgeous suite-- the most beautiful room we stayed at during our entire two week honeymoon. I highly recommend this hotel.

Review 70：Too noisy! Road noise and dogs barking. Driving is not recommended should use taxis in and out of property. Very congested area.

Review 71：Lovely casitas, food was very good.

Review 72：We stayed here the first 2 nights of our 3 week vacation in CR. Bernie, Nhi and Carlos were so welcoming and helpful. We so appreciate their sincere interest in their guests. Loved this place, wonderful innkeepers, beautiful breakfast, lovely place. Thanks Bernie for all your input planning our road trip.

Review 73：You can't just walk out and be someplace interesting--you need to get a car or (frequently running) bus into town. Berni and Nhi have two very large dogs...but they are mellow.

Review 74：I liked the room and building, the laid-back atmosphere, the pretty garden, the owners (Berni and Nhi), staff member Carlos, the owners' connections with the town of Alajuela (restaurants, a local school) and their willingness to show you around a bit, the excellent advice they had on stuff to do, and--most especially--Nhi's unbelievable cooking, which was not only by far the best we had in Costa Rica, but also some of the best I've had in last couple of years, period.

Review 75：The owners are extremely knowledgeable about Costa Rica, and are very friendly as are the staff. The grounds are lush and beautiful, the breakfast was lovely. We had 2 dinners there (by reservation) that were absolutely delicious.

Review 76：The fact that we lost one of our planned days at Pura Vida (because of flight problems) and a chance to experience a second three course meal!

Review 77：All the wonderful reviews we had read about Pura Vida rang true. The staff were very friendly. We enjoyed the beautiful open air dining room overlooking all of the tropical plants in the well kept garden, making you feel as though you were in the country instead of the city. Arriving late at night, we appreciated the close proximity to the airport and Bernie's clear instructions for catching a free taxi ride. We also appreciated not being charged for one night's stay when weather related flight connection problems forced us to make a late cancellation. The food was wonderful! The complimentary breakfast included the most artistically mound of fruit whose color was only surpassed by its flavor. We were fortunate to join Bernie and Nhi on a trip to the Friday farmer's market where we were introduced to many fruits and vegetables foreign to us. Take the opportunity to join them in a "market experience" if you get the chance. Later that evening, we experienced Nhi's culinary expertise when she created a fabulous three course meal from some of the day's purchases. We appreciated Bernie's help arranging a driver (Sterling, who we would also HIGHLY recommend) to tour some of the many sightseeing spots in the area. We would definitely plan to stay at Pura Vida on our next trip to Costa Rica and have already recommended it to friends who are planning a trip.

Review 78：Tropical paradise next to the airport!

Review 79：Beautiful grounds ; awesome breakfast

Review 80：Too much road noise in the canyon.

Review 81：Beautiful property and rooms.

The Fine Print

Payment is also possible by PayPal. Please contact the property in advance for more information using the contact details provided on your booking confirmation.Please note this accommodation has it's own 2 friendly dogs.