The staff is so helpful and nice! The hostel is in a gated community. The hostel is small and the exterior doesn't look like much, but inside the gardens are lovely! The portions for breakfast are small, but adequate, and quite tasty. I had the best gallo pinto for breakfast here that I've had in all of Costa Rica! Be aware that the rooms are very small. My family of 4 could not all stand in the room at the same time. However, it was perfect for us because it was cheap and close to the airport, and our flight got in at 3:30 am, so we needed someplace to crash for a couple of hours. We didn't use the hostel's transportation because we didn't know if our luggage would fit in a single sedan, but I wish I had. The taxis (and random transportation we used outside of the airport) did rip us off. They quoted 15 or 20--I though they were quoting US Dollars. But they were quoting 15,000 colones (which is $30 US). The hostel quoted transportation at less than $15. So if you fit, definitely use theirs! Also, they provide a driver for tours in the area. We did not use them because the volcano was clouded over. That tour would have been between $28 and $38 per person. Instead we took Ubers to Doka coffee tour. We were sure we could get an Uber to and from Doka (although we weren't sure the Uber car was actually going to be able to make it up the mountain!), whereas I wasn't sure I was able to get an Uber from the Volcano. If Poas is a must-do, do it first thing in the morning and the driver at the hostel is probably going to be the cheapest private driver you can find.

There is no A/C. And at 4:30 am in the morning we didn't stop to find the fan. If it hadn't been cloudy/rainy weather, we might have been very warm. In hot weather, the single standing fan might not be enough for the 2 bunk beds in the room. Our room was right next to the outdoor breakfast area, so we woke up once people started eating breakfast (7:00 am). We did not consider these things too troublesome, but your mileage may vary.

Really clean and pleasing location

Super friendly and accommodating owners. Felt safe and everything worked properly.

The staff were nice. The bed was comfortable. The shower downstairs was good. A decent breakfast was included. The garden was beautiful and zen. It was the kind of place where you can easily meet people. I loved the blackout curtains on the beds. The airport pickup and dropoff service was appreciated and the cost was reasonable. There was a cute dog.

The sheets had a strong detergent smell. The breakfast was microwaved before it was served. The shower upstairs was cold and I got little shocks every time I touched the knob. I was waiting a bit too long for the airport pickup, it would have been faster to take a taxi. I was asked to send them two texts upon landing and again after passing immigration, which I did, using airport WiFi, but then the details of the pickup were later sent bit by bit, and some crucial information was sent after I had already left the airport to meet them in the parking lot so I didn't receive it. I waited for quite some time while random people were coming up to me to "help" me which was kind of uncomfortable. But when I got picked up and dropped off, the staff were really kind and personable.

Comfy little place close to the airport in a gated community with friendly and accommodating staff. The private room was very clean and comfortable and reasonably priced. We needed to be at the airport at 3 AM and were worried about finding a taxi at that time but they offer airport shuttles for a reasonable price which was great.

The room is not insulated (like most in CR) so we wanted to sleep early but could not because of the noise of the other guests and traffic.

I arrived in early July very late one night as a solo woman traveler, and when I reached the hostel I was immediately relieved. The garden atmosphere (and geckos!) and kind staff helped me make a smooth transition into Costa Rica. This was my first time staying at a hostel and it was wonderful. My room had 3 other beds but no one else was there. There was ample space for storing luggage, a fan to keep the room cool, and a bathroom that had shower soap, shampoo, & conditioner included! Additionally, the breakfast was wonderful (and included!), there was plenty of filtered water to drink, and the garden attached to the dining area has beautiful seating and lush greenery alongside a fountain with fish and baby sharks! I am so glad this was my first impression of Costa Rica! Pura vida!

The only thing I could think of was that if I had spent much more time there (I was there about 12 hours) I likely would not have been able to walk anywhere, that being said, I didn't have the chance to explore much. Really this place is incredible and I would go back.

So uncomplicated! They do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible, pick you up at the airport in the middle of the night and call the busdriver for you to make sure you travel safe to your next destination. And on top of that you get the most delicious breakfast included and meet the nicest people. Highly recommended, would definetely come back 🌴🫶🏽

Lovely home from home hostel. Staff great, helpful and cheerful. Location good, in safe quite area, shops nearby. Kitchen you share with the home. Hot showers which is fab. Beds comfy, linen changed frequently as are towels. Lovely little garden area. Hosts will meet and drop off at airport for $10 each way.

Bottom sheets on bed fitting a little more snuggly (being picky as all good really)

If you are backpacking Costa Rica and landing in San José, this is the perfect hostel for you. Honestly, you can stop scrolling and just book here. It's 10 minutes away from the airport. They will pick you up at the airport. It has breakfast included. It's cheap and very comfortable. It's quiet and not too big. Everything is perfectly clean. The shower is hot. The WiFi is good. The staff is sweet. You can get a shuttle to your next destination. There is a very nice garden for you to relax. They even cook diner! Big thumbs up to Randal and his family (owners). You made me feel home. Pura Vida ✌️

Excellent breakfast and the coffee is perfect! Easy airport transfer Incredibly helpful owners/staff - they couldn’t be more helpful when you’re planning things to do in the area or getting to your next destination! An atm also ate my bank card during my stay and they were more than happy for me to order a replacement card to arrive at their property whilst I was in another location in Costa Rica.

Nothing, it was the perfect stay.

I loved everything about Garden’s House. I wish I had come a few days early to stay in this lovely little haven longer. It felt like a home away from home. Luis and Randall are experts in hospitality, and they have established a wonderfully comfortable, peaceful, and beautiful place for travelers to stay in Costa Rica. Value for price is excellent. Breakfast was delicious and the back patio was my favorite place to lounge. I would definitely come back to Garden’s House again, and I will recommend to anyone I know that plans to stay in Alajuela.

Everything was wonderful.