Pura Vida Hotel, Tambor (Alajuela) - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Resort

1.5 Kilometros Noroeste Fabrica De Jabon Punto Rojo, Tambor (Alajuela), Costa Rica, 20101

Pura Vida Hotel, a charming colonial-style resort in Alajuela, Costa Rica, began as a coffee finca and features stunning botanical gardens overlooking Poas Volcano. Its unique history as a former coffee plantation gives the resort cultural significance, while the beautiful natural setting enhances its appeal. Guests experience warm hospitality from owners Nhi and Berni, who emphasize environmental sustainability and local quality ingredients, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Costa Rica's natural wonders.

Location

Pura Vida Hotel is conveniently located just 10 km from Juan Santamaria International Airport, making it an accessible starting point for exploring Costa Rica. Its proximity to natural landmarks like Poas Volcano and the vibrant town of Sarchi allows for easy day trips filled with cultural and historical insights. Guests find numerous transportation options available to explore nearby attractions.

Rooms

The resort offers a range of accommodations including freestanding casitas, each designed for comfort and privacy. Guests can enjoy views of lush gardens and the nearby Poas Volcano. Room amenities include coffee makers, ceiling fans, and private patios, providing a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

Eat & Drink

Dining at Pura Vida includes a delightful open-air breakfast area surrounded by orchids, offering fabulous homemade dishes like bread pudding, fresh fruit, and local coffee. While dinner service features a balanced three-course menu crafted from super fresh ingredients sourced from local Alajuela markets, guests can anticipate unique flavors emblematic of Costa Rican cuisine.

Leisure & Business

Leisure options at Pura Vida Hotel include strolls through the tropical garden, which attracts diverse bird and butterfly species. Guests also have the opportunity to engage in organized tours to nearby attractions such as Poas Volcano and the charming town of Sarchi, or embark on rafting adventures along the rivers. The resort emphasizes unforgettable experiences infused with local culture and natural beauty.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room

Max:

2 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Deluxe Villa

Max:

4 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Garden view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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One-Bedroom Villa

Max:

4 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Garden view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Tambor (Alajuela) 1.7 km

Airports

Juan Santamaria International (SJO) 5.2 km

Tobias Bolanos International (SYQ) 21.7 km

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Excellent Culinary Experience

During our stay, we had the pleasure of dining at Pura Vida Hotel and it was nothing short of lovely. Nhi, the talented chef, prepared a dinner that was a culinary masterpiece. Each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor, making it a highlight of our trip. We also enjoyed a complimentary breakfast the next morning that was fresh and delicious, filled with fruits and homemade treats. I can confidently say that the dinner at Pura Vida was the best meal we had in Costa Rica!

GeorgeK93. United Kingdom, 2024-04-15Read full review on

Cozy and Inviting Casita

We stayed in the Rainforest Casita which was incredibly cozy and spacious. It had a large double bed and a small kitchenette equipped with a fridge. I appreciated the attention to detail, including a coffee machine that allowed us to enjoy morning brews while listening to the dawn chorus from the comfort of our hammock on the terrace. The design provided a perfect balance of comfort and an exotic ambiance that made our stay feel special.

JosephM22. Australia, 2024-05-30Read full review on

Convenient Parking Options

We were so relieved to find that Pura Vida Hotel provided hassle-free parking, especially since we rented a car for our explorations. The rental car was delivered directly to the hotel, which made everything incredibly convenient. We could easily park it and leave it there without any worries before heading to the airport. Berni made sure our car was returned effortlessly, taking a huge load off our minds!

AmeliaS44. Canada, 2024-07-10Read full review on

A Peaceful Retreat

Sleeping in the Rainforest Casita was a delight. The large double bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring we had restful nights. While we could hear some street noises, it was minimal and didn't disturb our sleep. The casita was well-designed to keep things cool, and the soothing sounds of nature outside made it feel like a peaceful retreat. It was the perfect start and end to our adventures in Costa Rica.

GraysonT78. United States, 2024-09-05Read full review on

What’s included

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Currency exchange
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Location

1.5 Kilometros Noroeste Fabrica De Jabon Punto Rojo, Tambor (Alajuela), Costa Rica, 20101

Map view

1.5 Kilometros Noroeste Fabrica De Jabon Punto Rojo, Tambor (Alajuela), Costa Rica, 20101

City landmarks

Avs Central & 1 btwn Calles Central & 2

Alajuela Central Park

2.0 km

Park

Juan Santamaria Park

2.2 km

Tuetal Sur

700 m

Museum

Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum

2.1 km

Church

Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral

2.1 km

Stadium

Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto

2.1 km

Iglesia de Tuetal Norte

670 m

Cementerio de Tuetal

700 m

North

Souvenir Museum

2.3 km

Church

Iglesia Catolica Tuetal Sur

780 m

Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia

1.1 km

Church

Iglesia San Martin Alajuela

1.1 km

Event hall

Iglesia Catolica Pueblo Nuevo

1.2 km

Iglesia de Pueblo Nuevo

1.2 km

Centro Cristiano Alabanza y Adoracion MIEL

1.4 km

MT1275-calve-llaves

1.4 km

Eloy Alfaro Delgado

1.7 km

Salon del Reino de Los Testigos de Jehova

1.5 km

Iglesia Metodista

1.5 km

Plaza Tomas Guardia

monument of Tomas Guardia

2.5 km

MTR033-llaves

1.5 km

Church

Church of the Holy Christ of Agony

2.3 km

Calle 2 Obispo Tristán

Alajuelense Cultural Center

2.5 km

La Paz Waterfall

2.8 km

Cementerio General

1.6 km

Iglesia Ministerios Ebenezer Alajuela

1.7 km

Church

Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

1.7 km

Monumento al Baile Popular y la hermandad de los Pueblos

1.7 km

Cementerio Santisima Trinidad

1.7 km

La Marina of San Carlos

La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center

2.1 km

Nearby

Tuetal Sur

700 m

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

92%

liked the resort and would come back again

9.2/10

Perfect

Rooms

9.4

Location

8.8

Service

10.0

Dining

9.6

Dick

United States, December 2024

9.0/10

What a delightful stay! The hotel is set in an incredibly lush garden that feels like a tropical escape. Our casita was spacious and well-decorated with local art, though we did hear some street noise at times. The breakfasts were fresh and delicious, and Berni was a fantastic host who helped us with our plans. While it’s very convenient to the airport, a clearer sign would definitely help first-time visitors. Overall, it was a great value for a relaxing getaway.

Rooms

9.0

Our casita was spacious and featured beautiful local art, making it a comfortable retreat.

Service

10.0

Berni was incredibly helpful in assisting us with our trip plans, even providing fantastic recommendations.

Location

8.0

The hotel is nestled in a wonderful garden, offering a peaceful environment yet is conveniently located near the airport.

Dining

9.0

Breakfast was excellent, filled with fresh fruits and juices, setting a great tone for the day.

Facilities

9.0

The expansive gardens create a tranquil oasis that enhances the stay.

Patricia

United States, December 2024

9.8/10

Hotel Pura Vida exceeded our expectations with its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service. The hosts, Bernie and Nhi, made us feel right at home, and the casita we stayed in was beautifully decorated and private. Breakfast was a delicious treat, and the overall experience was worth every penny. The only downside was that we wished we could have extended our stay!

Rooms

10.0

We stayed in the Mariposa casita, which was thoughtfully decorated and provided excellent privacy. It was comfortable and had all the necessities, along with a stunning view of the volcano.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding! Bernie went above and beyond by providing a lovely breakfast and arranging our excursions with a knowledgeable driver.

Location

9.0

The hotel is in a quiet area, surrounded by a gorgeous garden and close to the San Jose airport, making transfers a breeze.

Dining

10.0

Dinner was a phenomenal three-course Vietnamese fusion meal prepared by Nhi, and the breakfast was equally delightful with fresh ingredients.

Facilities

10.0

The hotel features a lush garden where you can relax, and the overall ambiance is inviting and tranquil.

Amanda

United States, November 2024

9.6/10

I had an incredible experience at Pura Vida Hotel, which offers a peaceful escape with beautiful gardens and easy access to the airport. The rooms were clean and spacious, providing a perfect home base for my travels. The complimentary breakfast was delicious, and the service from Berni and Nhi was exceptional, making me feel welcome and cared for. The only downside was the occasional traffic noise, but earplugs were provided. Overall, I'd highly recommend this place for anyone seeking tranquility near San Jose.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were clean, nicely decorated, and spacious, providing all the basic necessities.

Service

10.0

Berni and Nhi provided excellent service, offering helpful tips and warm hospitality throughout my stay.

Location

9.0

The hotel is nestled in a gorgeous garden in a residential area, offering a serene atmosphere close to the airport.

Dining

10.0

The complimentary breakfast was amazing, featuring a colorful array of fruits and delicious options.

Facilities

9.0

The lush garden and facilities to rent a car on-site were great, adding convenience to the stay.

Dave

United States, October 2024

9.4/10

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel, which is conveniently just 10 minutes from the airport yet feels like a tranquil escape. The beautiful gardens and well-kept surroundings made for a peaceful atmosphere. The hospitality from Berni and Nhi was exceptional, making me feel like family. However, I wish there were more dining options outside of the hotel since they only serve dinner for guests and require advance orders.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms are clean and comfortable, with a nice hot shower and a cozy feel surrounded by the lush garden.

Service

10.0

Berni and Nhi were amazing hosts, providing plenty of helpful tips for my stay and ensuring I felt at home.

Location

9.0

Located near the airport, the hotel is nestled in a fantastic garden that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Dining

9.0

Dining was a highlight! The breakfast was beautifully served and plentiful, and I savored Nhi's fabulous dinner—a special touch that made my stay memorable.

Facilities

10.0

The facilities, including the tranquil gardens, were impeccably maintained and added to the relaxing experience.

Gail

United States, September 2024

9.0/10

Pura Vida is a little slice of paradise that’s perfect for starting or ending your Costa Rican adventure. The gardens are stunning and add a unique charm to the stay. The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and the owner, Bernie, offers fantastic local insights. Breakfast is truly exceptional, bringing a delightful start to the day. However, those relying solely on it as an airport stop might miss out on its full charm, as two nights barely scratch the surface of what this place has to offer.

Rooms

10.0

We stayed in the Rainforest Casita, which was cozy, beautifully decorated, and equipped with everything we needed, including an enjoyable coffee machine.

Service

10.0

Bernie was incredibly helpful, sharing his local knowledge with us and ensuring we had everything we needed for a great stay.

Location

9.0

The property is set in the most gorgeous gardens, making it feel like an exotic retreat while being conveniently close to the airport.

Dining

10.0

Breakfast was a feast of fruity delights that was simply out of this world, ensuring we started our days on a high note.

Facilities

10.0

The gardens themselves are beautifully maintained, creating a tranquil atmosphere that can soothe any traveler.