Reviews of Toucan Hostel
225 metros oeste Y 50 metros del casino fiesta del aeropuerto internacional. El cacique de Alajuela, Alajuela City, Costa Rica
#29 of 42 hotels in Alajuela City
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 839 hostel reviews
7.7Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
8.2
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Comfort
8.1
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Location
8.7
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Facilities
7.7
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Staff
8.6
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Value for money
8.4
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Free WiFi
8.9
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Reviewed: 14 December 2024
Ronald
United States1 review1.0Very poor- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
There is nobody there to let me in. I felt a little scared at 1:30 in the morning.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: 12 December 2024
Johannes
Germany20 reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Ideal for airport connection, otherwise not recommended”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Area feels unsafe, it is very loud. My dorm bed did not have an electricity outlet. I was sent info about breakfast which did not exist. Staff did not seem accommodating.
If you are willing to cross a busy road, it is a 10min walk to the airport.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: 5 December 2024
Susan
United Kingdom35 reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Convenient for the airport”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
We were a bit earlier than expected and it took a phonecall to get access through the security gate, the doorbell wasn't answered. The room was very small.
Very convenient for the airport. Everything was very clean. Small kitchen to prepare food.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: 2 December 2024
Alan
United States91 reviews18 helpful votes10“Great location and clean”- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Na
Very clean and so close to the airport. 5 minutes by cab.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: 23 November 2024
Paul
Germany40 reviews3 helpful votes5.0Passable- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
We really looked forward to the announced breakfast, which sadly wasn’t available during our stay.
Proximity to the airport, staff was really nice and for $5 they taxi you to the airport. The room and facilities were absolutely basic, which is considerably fair for the price.
Stayed in November 2024
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Reviewed: 10 November 2024
Anthony
United States19 reviews6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
No wifi signal in room. No air-conditioning in room.
Walking distance to SJO airport.
Stayed in November 2024
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Reviewed: 17 October 2024
Arinbjörn
Sweden2 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Friendly staff, AC ventilated room, warm shower. Nothing to complain about
Stayed in October 2024
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Reviewed: 9 October 2024
Stacie
United States5 reviews5.0“Good for a hostel, not great for private rooms. Better values can be had in the area.”- • With a pet
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
Booking had the rooms described incorrectly, or confusingly, and we ended up in a room that did not have what we wanted (private bathroom, air conditioning). That room had the remains of someone else's food in the trash can--fried chicken skin and bones--and hair on the pillows. As far as pricing, that room with a shared bathroom was pretty cheap, sub-$40. But the food trash and the hair didn't leave a great impression. We ended up paying double to upgrade to the only room with a private bathroom. It was small but comfortable, though it only had one outlet in the entire room. Furthermore, it opened to the parking lot, and noise from other guests outside the door could be loud at times. Overall it met our needs, but I don't recommend it for anyone looking for a more hotel-like stay. The excellent reviews must surely come from people who stay in multi-bed hostel rooms as a norm. Because of our dog and our personal needs, that is not something we can do comfortably.
The location to the airport cannot be beat. It would be walking distance if not for the highway, but it takes only 2-3 minutes in a car to get to the airport entrance.
Stayed in August 2024
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Reviewed: 8 September 2024
Anne-mette
Denmark14 reviews2 helpful votes5.0Passable- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
When complaining because of a very noisy family next door with children screamning and running arond the hallway and entering our room and the Mother and father yelling and talking very loud at night, the staff adressed them with no luck and when asking for a diffrent room we were told not possible eventhoug there were a lot of empty rooms. The toilet on the first floor was broke and the staff did nothing before the next day and just put a sign with out of order on the door.
Located quite near the airport. Staff was friendly and tried their best.
Stayed in September 2024
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Reviewed: 20 August 2024
Kendrick
Canada30 reviews3 helpful votes10“Amazing stay highly recommended”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
None
Excellent location close to the airport, friendly staff, comfortable stay.
Stayed in August 2024
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Reviewed: 18 August 2024
Courtney
United States7 reviews10“Very close to the SJO airport, quick layover from Puerto Viejo.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
N/A
Friendly and communicative staff. Nice room, I stayed in a private with a friend
Stayed in August 2024
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Reviewed: 12 August 2024
Billie
Canada1 review6.0“Practicle for the airport”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
A part of the window was completely broken so we could hear the planes so much louder when we were sleeping. The shower didn’t have any hot water
The hostel was very close to the airport so it was very easy to leave. The beds had a lot of blankets so comfortable
Stayed in July 2024
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Reviewed: 7 August 2024
Juan
Spain39 reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Cheap stay near the airport if you are not too meticulous”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The street could seem a little dodgy if you arrive on night. It’s not very clean. Our shower didn’t have hot water, or at least I wasn’t able to make it work
It’s near to the airport and it has private parking
Stayed in August 2024
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Reviewed: 4 August 2024
Elizabeth
United Kingdom4 reviews2.0“Uncomfortable hostel near airport”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The shower was cold. The bed was rock solid.
The area was safe
Stayed in August 2024
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Reviewed: 1 August 2024
Jonathan
United States5 reviews1 helpful vote10“This is going to be our new go to for when we need a stay close to the airport. Great value, safe and friendly.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Everything is good
Minutes from the airport and around the corner from car rentals. Friendly reception and safety. Very clean and quiet.
Stayed in July 2024
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Reviewed: 26 July 2024
Porter
United Kingdom1 review1.0Very poor- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Taxi driver ripped off Sold scammed claro sim
Location
Stayed in July 2024
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Reviewed: 29 May 2024
Arias
United States4 reviews3.0“I've stayed at the Toucan multiple times in the past but they are not as accommodating as before.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Very clean but the bathrooms smell like an old latrine. Lady at the front desk was condescending and seemed put out to help me. The mattress was hard as a rock. I think they should have provided me with a bath towel. Their food truck was closed during my entire stay. I was told that a taxi to the airport would be $5 but he charged me $6 and was rude to me.
Very close to the airport.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 25 May 2024
Brooke
United States7 reviews5.0“Pretty uncomfortable, but fine for a very low budget place to crash for a night.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The bedding was frayed and filled with holes. I know this is an extremely low budget hostel, but I was icked out by what a bad condition the bedding was in.
It’s a good location if you need a place to crash for the night before a flight.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 24 May 2024
Mete
Turkey19 reviews7 helpful votes6.0“Good budget stay; in the need to be near the airport early or late.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Queen Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
I think it was a repurposed office. There was not a proper way to fully close the window(or we couldnt find it) in our room. That’s why it was loud (near airport) and I couldnt sleep. I also didnt like the smell of the bathroom.
The location is really good if you need to be around the airport early. The lady who was managing the place was super nice and helpful.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 18 May 2024
Shelbi
Canada2 reviews5.0Passable- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
They advertised breakfast at their food truck. Food truck was closed so I had to walk into town to get breakfast. Not many gathering areas to meet people.
Good location close to the airport. Felt safe. Very clean.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 28 April 2024
Marie-eve
Canada7 reviews3 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Near the airport! Nice shower and kitchen. Staff were super helpful! Totally recommend
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 25 April 2024
Marjo
Belgium138 reviews10 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Perfectly located clean hostel when you have flights the next day. Staff very helpful and efficient.
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: 31 March 2024
Lisa
United States4 reviews10“Professional and courteous staff, very clean and safe.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Not applicable
Everything
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 29 March 2024
Doug_ji_yoga
Canada46 reviews8 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
This is my go-to spot whenever I’m coming or going to Costa Rica. It’s location is minutes from the airport, always clean, quiet, with helpful staff. I have stayed many times over the years and it remains consistent throughout. Thanks Toucan Hostel 🙏🏽💕
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 21 March 2024
Lawrence
United States4 reviews10“Great location when flying out the next day.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
I thought the $5 cost for a taxi to the airport was already charged when I checked in. Apparently it was not. Or, I was charged twice.
Convenient location to airport.
Stayed in March 2024
