I've read and agree with all of the positive reviews about this place. Family run, basic affordable rooms, clean and safe. Arriving at night can be daunting as it's on a dark side street, but once inside and interacting with Johnny and his family you'll relax. Most hotels near airports are either super expensive, total dumps or both and neighbourhoods... More

I have been traveling to Costa Rica for the past 7 years. On my first trip I was lucky enough to come across Hotel El Cacique, and the family who operate it from their home. Jonny and his family have always treated me like a part of their family. I can't say enough how good it feels to visit the... More

I stayed at the hotel for three days recently and I was pleasantly surprised at the level of hospitality I received. The owner, John, makes you feel like you are staying in his home. The room was clean, the linens were clean. There was a blanket (surprisingly rare in Costa Rica, I've found) and plenty of towels. If I could... More

Do you want a $3 taxi ride to the airport? Do you want the lowest price place to stay in the Alajuela airport? Yes and Yes, Hotel El Cacique offers both. Clean, places near to eat, anything you need can be attained. John is super cool. Surfers this is your spot while in transit.

For the last 6 years (has it really been that long) I've stayed at El Cacique Hotel when I was coming to and leaving Costa Rica. It is reasonably priced, clean and secure, and close to the airport. Close enough to the Alajuela International Airport and the Sansa Terminal that if there is gridlock on the highways you can always... More

When I first arrived in Costa Rica I was by myself and had not booked anything for the first night so I was basically winging it. I walked out of the front of the airport and asked the first guy I saw where a good cheap place to stay would be that I could get to easily. He told me... More

We travel to CR at least once a year, sometimes 2-3 and whenever we have an early flight to catch or we get in late, this is the spot we choose to stay. If you're willing to cross the highway at 5 AM you can literally walk across the street to the airport.. soooo convenient its awesome. We've done it... More

In all fairness we didn't stay. We arrived at the hotel late at night. I have been in some rough areas before but this looked bad. When we pulled up it was on some dark side street with no lights at all. It was steel bars and steel mesh grating with what looked like somebody spray painted hotel over top.... More

Johnny, the owner, is super chill and laid back and a great host at El Cacique. It's a small hostel-style hotel, but perfect for the after/before airport visit. I felt safer here than I did at the second hotel we stayed at in Alajuela (we did El Cacique arriving and Alajuela Backpackers departing). We wished we'd stayed at El Cacique... More