Arenal Backpackers Resort

I’m so glad I booked to stay here! This is a friendly and spacious hostel with friendly staff and a great social atmosphere. The pool and jacuzzi are a great way to meet people and chat through the day (and into the evening). There is an also a large lounge area for sitting, chilling and drinking. The showers and toilets are in great condition and there is rarely a wait for them. I stayed in a private tent which was clean, spacious and had lighting and a charging point. It felt luxurious for a social hostel experience! The hostel is also very well located, across from a great food court, and next to a nice restaurant with a lovely bar area at night. 2 minutes walk and you’re surrounded by more cafes, bars and restaurants. The hostel staff were really friendly and helpful, and they have great tours you can book through them (no need to book anything before your visit!). Couldn’t recommend this place highly enough - only wish I could have stayed one more night!

We had a great time. The staff is very helpful and the other guests are very easygoing. The hostel itself is big and spacious and has great facilities like the hot tub and even a pool table. It is super easy to reach the city center from here and there is great restaurants in 5 minute distance. Couldn’t have been better.

We had an amazing stay at Arenal Backpackers Resort! The place is not only in a great location but also clean and modern. The staff is extremely friendly, they helped us a lot during our stay and also organized tours and excursions for us. Common areas like the pool table, the pool and the hot tub offer great opportunities to meet other travelers.

The staff were quite rude. They kept having a go at people about the pool being over capacity despite no clear signs. Instead of honoring the rule that people should wait until it's not at capacity instead of the if someone enters, someone early needs to leave. I understand this rule ensures it is fair, but it wasn't when people were constantly entering meaning the turn around was really quick and you only really got 5mins. You also weren't allowed to control your own AC and if it got too hot or cold you had to go to the front desk and get them to come to the room to change it for you, which is a bit of an inconvenience in the middle of the night and when it is raining and they were entering into the room when people were sleeping. However, definitely the best backpackers hostel I've stayed in by far and I've frequented in many.

this was a nice place i really liked it. the only things i didn’t like was it said it had a restaurant and a bar and it had neither i think they are building a new bar/restaurant but it was still a disappointment. we stayed i a tent the bed was very comfortable! the tent itself had i believe mold and or mold stains and the fan didn’t work welll however the staff it on the hunt for one that work better. the staff has been great ! the showers are hot the hot tub not so much. over all it’s worth the price and i would stay again at the price we paid.

Overall it was fine. We stayed in a tent which we would not recommend as there is so many bugs inside and you can hear noise which is not anyone’s fault but just to know. The hostel itself was in a good location near to restaurants and shops and also to activities close by. The showers and toilets could have been cleaner but staff were very helpful. The pool is very nice and there is also a hot pool.

Just left today and what an experience! Stayed in the cylinders rooms for 2 days, plenty of room under the bed for suitcases and bags etc. The lady at check in gave us so much information and answered all our questions. They also arranged the BEST tour day we’ve had and were helpful with this. The staff were super friendly and helpful with your advice, the breakfast host was also really friendly and helpful. The location is also perfect. The bad reviews are from people expecting a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget completely unwarranted. Great hostel, would book 100x again.

Having travelled through Central America this is the best place in terms of everything you need that I’ve stayed in so far. Costa Rica itself is a haven and this resort has great links, clean rooms and a lovely atmosphere with numerous amenities very nearby.