We visit Alajuela two or three times a year to visit family. Each time, we spend a couple of nights at the Pura Vida Hotel with Berni and Nhi. They have become like family, like another set of cousins we look forward to seeing (and more laid back with less family drama than the blood relatives!) They continue to uphold... More

We stayed at Pura Vida for two nights upon arriving in San Jose. The hotel is convenient to the airport. You just get a taxi in the official taxi line, bypassing lots of drivers aggressively approaching you at the exit, and tell the taxi manager that you are going to Pura Vida and the hotel will pay. Apparently, this transaction... More

In August of 2012 we sent our only child off to Costa Rica for a study abroad program. Berni made sure all the arrangements were in place to insure his safe arrival from the airport to the Pura Vita Hotel. Carlos took great care of our son, he gave him some great traveling tips on how to be safe and... More

We stayed here our first night after arriving in Costa Rica on recommendation from Leaves and Lizards Retreat owners (also awesome and reviewed by me). To start with, the owners will pay for your cab fare to their lovely establishment. When you step out into the actual property where the Casitas are you will be amazed. We loved this place.... More

We are big fans of Hotel Pura Vida in Alajuela and recommend it to others, but this time we needed a place for a week's stay in or near San Jose. Berni & Nhi's Milano Apartment in nearby Escazu was perfect for us. We live in Dominical, Costa Rica, far from the many conveniences and attractions of the big city.... More

An excellent way to start our stay in Costa Rica. The accommodation was attractive and the gardens lovely and restful after a long flight. It was also good to know what to do on arrival. Next time we will stay longer. I could spend my whole trip here with day trips out. Have dinner here if it is available. Lovely... More

We spent 2 nights at the Pura Vida in march 2013 and enjoyed it very much. First it is very near the airport and easy to get to by taxi (hotel pays), second it is quiet and relaxing, third the gardens are lovely, lots of birds dropping by, fourth the rooms are good, very clean and comfortable and last, but... More

We booked an overnight stay at Pura Vida but our inbound flight was cancelled. The response from Pura Vida was perfect - not your fault so don't worry! Throughout the booking process, we received first class comprehensive information and quick responses to queries. Shame we were not able to sample their hospitality.

Very convenient location for late night International arrivals. Owners paid for taxi transfer and were there to welcome us. I would not have liked to have tried to find my way there at night! The next morning after breakfast our hire car was delivered, which had been arranged through Bernie. Excellent pre-arrival advise on planning our holiday. This was also... More