One of the more popular ideas of going into business in Costa Rica has always been bed-and-breakfasts. It seems like a natural for someone who has little or no experience in business. Whats so complicated? You just make beds and cook breakfast, right? Theres more to it than that, says Jose Pelleya (originally from Miami).The hospitality business be it a B&B, restaurant, or bar is a year-round, 24/7 operation. Not only that, you have to be a people person, hands-on, doing a lot of the work yourself or with your family to make it work. If you put the responsibility solely in the hands of employees, you will die. It is a great business, but youre a slave to it unless you just shut down a week here or there, or a month, and get away.
When asked about the profitability of a bed-and-breakfast, Jose said, The moneys there, but its not a get-rich business I just consider it a great way to live in Costa Rica. And I can definitely recommend the lifestyle of a bed-and-breakfast if you do it because you like to meet people, rather than want to make a lot of money.
Jose bed-and-breakfast, the Vida Tropical, is located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Alajuela, yet only a short walk to the Parque Central. One thing that has helped his business is his policy of picking guests up at the airport at any hour of the day or night. Since he is only five minutes away, this makes things very handy for travelers who arrive at 2 AM. ( as we often do).
Also located in Alajuela, not far from the Vida Tropical, is Jim Halleys Pension Alajuela. (Actually, Jim and Jose are friends and refer guests to each other when rooms are scarce.) Jim says he didnt really plan o going into business when he came to Costa Rica. I was looking for place to rest and retire, and then I came across Pension Alajuela, which just happened to be on the market. For me, a bed-and breakfast was a logical choice because it is normally small and I could develop its unique character to suit my ideas of what a good, small, and friendly place to relax should be.
Like his friend, Jose, he says that small hotels are not particularly lucrative. You wont get rich, but you will have control. I find it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, dealing with some of the most interesting and adventurous people in the world. Its wonderful hosting people from all over Russia, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United States and seeing them enjoy this country that has become my home and livelihood.
The Pension Alajuela is more of a small hotel than a B & B, with twelve rooms and a full-service bar in the reception area, where the day generally starts and finishes. The quaint hotel is located in the very heart of Alajuela, across the street from the Supreme Court of Alajuela and close to the Alajuela Hospital. Transportation to downtown San Jose is easy from Alajuela. There are two bus companies, and buses leave every few minutes for about a half-dollar fare.

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