1

i think you will have to ask the driver about that. i have been on buses that stop there on the way to san jose and buses that don't. if he will stop at la radial, great. if not, get off at the airport and taxi to maleku hostel. (good choice, by the way) it is close to la radial but i can't remember if it is actually walking distance or a short taxi ride. maybe the website has a map?

2

I looked at the website. Makeku looks like a block or two from la radial. I'll just ask the driver, like you say, and take a taxi from the airport if they don't go to the radial. I have never stayed at Maleku. I wanted to get a private room there. Do you know if they get a lot of street noise?
It is a little more convenient that Los Volcanes in Alajeula and it is cheaper but the back rooms are pretty quiet in Los Volcanes. If if it reasonable quiet, I would sure try Maleku.

3

i think it will be pretty quiet - but just ask them for a quiet room when you arrive. it's very near the new hospital in alajuela - but not sure how noisy it will be at night. probably not very.