INCIDENTALS Hotel Address Alajuela Centro, 200 norte y 50 oeste de la Municipalidad Alajuela, Costa Rica Reservations Tel. 443-8481 or 433-3521 joslozano@uole.com Clean, Comfortable Bedrooms Special Group Rates Centrally Located Group TV room Shared Refrigerator Complimentary coffee always available HOTEL PACANDÉ The town of Alajuela serves mostly as a way point for air travelers and as a central place to stay that isn't the big city of San Jose. Hotel Pacandé is located close to the parque central (center of town); 10 minutes from the Juan Santa Maria International Airport; 15 minutes from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose; one hour from Costa Rica's Pacific beaches; and 45 minutes from Poas Volcano. The friendliness of the owners, Cecilia Tamayo B. and José Manuel Lozano Ch., is very refreshing and the coffee/eating area is set in such a way that it makes it nearly impossible not to fall into a conversation with them, or some interesting traveler. A definite plus in our book. The TV/sitting room downstairs by the kitchen Facade from the street View over the rooftops from the upstairs bedroom The kitchen area as viewed from the entry hallway Sandcruiser Comments RATES (as of 14 April, 2001): From US $24 to $40, double occupancy. CLEANLINESS: Very good. Linens are high quality and brand new during our visit. ROOM: Red Spanish-style tile floors, matrimonial or double bed, bedside table, hardwood ceilings, fans available. BATHROOM: Both bathrooms upstairs (shared and private) are lovely. The stone showers are roomy and have individual water heaters. The private bath in the nicest room has a bidet. The communal toilets and showers downstairs and outside are also clean and roomy; done in large while tiles with rust caulking. PARKING: Literally right next door in a locked parking lot ringed with razor-wire. Very safe and convenient. LOCATION: Good. We are near the center of Alajuela. The town itself is a hub of sorts due to its proximity to the airport. There are many places to eat including several American fast food joints. There is even a movie house. ATMOSPHERE: This is a bed and breakfast located in a former home. That makes it cozy and comfy and the Colombian owners are delightful. SERVICE: There is no service to speak of, but not in a bad way. The breakfast (coffee, bread and fruit) is relaxed and simple; served in the small kitchenette downstairs. Guests pull up a plastic chair around a small table and eat the light fare as though it was a family breakfast table. ACTIVITIES: This is a small B&B, and as such, has no activities. RELAXATION: It is incredibly quiet and relaxed here. Like staying in someone's home without the responsibilities of socializing. OVERALL: Alajuela is an overpriced place to stay. This must be due to the airport proximity. Hotel Pacandé is clean, quite and enjoyable, but like the other hotels in town one pays a lot for what one gets. SOMETHING UNIQUE: There is a sweet-lemon tree out back and if you're lucky you might be offered a taste.