Costa Rica Backpackers

This is probably one of the nicest hostels I've ever stayed at. The pool was probably the cleanest pool I've ever seen in any hotel, hostel, etc. everything else was really clean, the walk ways, hammocks, I could tell that the bed was really clean as soon as I touched it and the sheets were nice and soft. There's a really nice garden and vibe is good. The music is nice and I like that it's there because when they shut it off (10pm-10:15pm), most people all go to bed at the same time which is nice. It's a clear signal that quiet time has started. The kitchen was clean and had A LOT of counter space so multiple people could cook at the same time. The restaurant was really good and really cheap. All the staff I dealt with were very friendly. My roommate said she went to take a shower, but didn't have any soap so she tried to take some of the hand soap and the cleaning lady saw her, said "un momento", left for a minute, came back, and then gave her a little bottle each of body wash and shampoo. I thought that was really nice. They have a gate where they buzz you in and lots of cameras. They often let me in before I even had time to press the buzzer, I never waited more than a minute. The homeless guy who slept out front was super chill. Bring ear plugs for the train lol That said, this place might not be for everyone. If you: - Don't want to share a room with others (they have private rooms, but other things like toilet and kitchen are still shared) - Don't want to hear music until 10pm - Don't like or feel safe in areas with homeless people. (Anyone you would actually have to worry about usually isn't homeless. Most homeless people just want a safe place to sleep) - Don't like that a lot of people at nearby stores and restaurants don't speak English, French, German, etc. - Don't like general city noise, especially the train (louder than trains in North America)

I think the property itself is reasonable for the price, however, the noise could be a problem if you don’t have a earplug. Since there’s more than one comments mentioned about it, those who booked the hostel would be aware of this issue. It’s location is a bit far away from major sightseeing spots. One has to walk for more than 15 mins to reach the central market or other stuff. Beds were made of iron bars, they was very strong, but there are some tricky spots that could hurt people easily. I had my calf hurt for this. Besides, There are curtains in every bed and they looked nice and clean. That’s a plus, I’d say. People who are responsible for cleaning are amazing. They strives to keep the place clean, and this is also a plus. There’s one thing I’d like to address in particular, If you ask for laundry, careful, the information staff give you may be contradictory. I asked one staff beforehand due to I am leaving the next day and was given the information that it would be ready in the morning if I give it before 7pm which surprise me a lot for their speed. However, when I delivered them as they said, the staff of night shift? said it would be 24 hours later. I was quite surprised and told him that I’m about to checked out tomorrow and also mentioned out the differences of the two staff which puzzled me. However, I’m very sad to say, he just addressed the 24 hours rule and he can’t be sure about anything. He also mentioned that there’s 4 people waiting for their laundry. I had to wait until finished. It’s fully understandable. He showed no sign of willingness of helping despite I asked if there’s anyone who’s responsible for the laundry to contact. If there’s any chance to get my laundry before check out time or extra price for speedy delivery. Anyway, he just focused on his screen and doing his job. Finally, I took my laundry back and thanked him anyway. I fully understand he’s doing his job, and being resourceful is not part of the obligation of reception. It’s just a bit uncomfortable for the attitude and the lack of support. I guess I would not recommend this place to anyone given the experience.

After visiting and recommending this hostel for a few years, I will never go there again!!! After my last experience. I have to say while some of the people who work there are very nice. There is a couple who I never like dealing with, as they are rude arrogant and dismissive.. 1 lady in particular.. Ignoring me, arguing with me while giving attention to the young people that just arrived. I was given the noisiest room with constant traffic passing all night! I had 2 hours sleep I asked to change rooms and the girl responded condescendingly with anger....the guy with her gave me ear plugs.. The next day before check out time..came the 'bombshell' : I was asked to leave immediately! because the girl had complained about me.. I spent the next few hours looking for an alternative hostel and had to leave my luggage unattended! When I asked for the managers contact to protest this treatment, I was given the generic email address of the hostel! I was devastated! Then at my next accommodation.. I met 3 other people who had recieved this same treatment. Decent people.. (Over 30) told to leave immediately without any explanation!?! This is shameful treatment of paying guests plus the prejudice shown to older guests! I will never recommend this place again!

The property and rooms were clean. The highlights were the pool and shared community kitchen for making meals and saving money. From the staff to the travelers everyone was respectful. It was clean, felt safe and was centrally located for sightseeing, meals and shopping. I highly recommend this place!

I love the beautiful tropical gardens and the pool. The Cafe is so good and very affordable. The beds in my room all had a curtain, outlet and light with storage underneath. My bed was lumpy and you can hear the metro train until about 9pm or so...then it start around 5:30a.m.

Nice hostel Good wifi Plenty of common áreas I was in the “guests house” that’s on the other side of the street but you have access to both venues if you stay in the guestshouse, which is cool because you can use the restaurant, kitchen and pool that’s in CR backpackers. Staff was always welcoming and helpful

A good value-for money hostel with friendly staff and decent, clean and functional rooms. The food at the restaurant was really tasty and very well priced! The only areas for improvement were the showers (I had no hot water, which was probably an unlucky isolated incident), and the fact that after a certain time in the evening the lights were switched off in the social areas, which is a shame! Overall I’d recommend and will return soon.

I picked a bunk and left my belongings, including my laundry, on the mattress. Later that night I went back to the room to sleep and discovered someone in my bed. They had moved all of my belongings to another bunk, even unplugged my computer and moved it. I went to the front desk to report this and they would do nothing, claiming that they don't assign bunks. This was absolute insane behavior and I was appalled that management would do nothing to correct this, while still allowing this person to stay at the hostel. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. The pool and bar/restaurant is nice, and the location is great, but don't expect the people who run the hostel to do anything when there are issues. Any other hostel would confront this person and fix the situation.