Pura Vida Hostel

Really terrible Hostel that should not be open! Also not even cheaply priced for what your get, they also make you pay cash only. Photos online are minimum 15+ years ago, sad to see what a dump it has become. Do yourself a favor and skip this one!

If I could give this place zero stars, I would. Upon arrival, the owner asked for even MORE money than we had paid, so it ended up being even more than we had paid online. If you want somewhere cheap, definitely just find somewhere else because it was also so disgusting and not cleaned upon arrival. The owner appeared drunk and when we got there, he asked for the extra money and didn’t even have the room ready. We had to go to a different place to get cash and then when we gave it to him, the room had hair and dirt on the floor. The bathroom had bugs and mold and so did the air conditioner. The security was awful, and we had someone knock on our room door late at night, asking about someone who wasn’t staying there. My friend and I felt so unsafe and kept hearing footsteps outside of our door that would stop at our door entrance. We heard scratching on the walls and ceiling and couldn’t sleep because we felt unsafe, and he had no phone number posted online to contact. We told him about it in the morning because he said he locks the gate at 10, and he brushed it off by saying that a festival is happening and that people stumble in sometimes. The worst experience ever and I would never stay here again even if you paid me.

Don’t book on Pura Vista “official website” wubook.net I did and the owner did NOT get it. Only book on “booking.com” or “hostel world” I arrived on new years eve and he said he didn’t get my booking and said the place was full. Even though I had a booking confirmation through the “official website” I was really tired after traveling 24 hours. He said I could stay in the hammock for $10 and gave me a sheet towel and pillow and a key and a lock for locker. He said the previous owner had the website and he said he has been trying to fix it. Nice Guy. I like him and he was trying hard and was short handed. He needs technical help to get the booking situation figured out. If it trys to charge my card from the original booking. I’m gonna have to dispute it. I am thankful he did his best to accommodate me. It was worth the $10 he charged me but I didn’t sleep very well in the hammock. Because the loud music outside and fireworks because on new years.

Booked my hotel far in advance. When I got there he said he had no information on me. Gave him reference number... He didn't even check. I reckon i booked it when it was cheap and he sold my room for a higher price. Didn't help whatsoever and was quite rude. Didn't even give me my booking deposit back which I showed him that I paid. Also was full of old people so maybe a blessing in disguise but I wouldnt even recommend this hostel to someone I hated.

My stay at Pura Vida Hostel was a nightmare. The facilities were poorly maintained: dirty rooms, cold showers, and an unpleasant smell. To make matters worse, the staff was rude—Erika, the manager, was confrontational, and the owner made everyone uncomfortable.

Terrible! Pura Vida Hostel should not even be open. Everything was dirty, with insects in the rooms and freezing cold water. The worst part was the staff. The manager, Erika, and the owner were rude and disrespectful. I felt unsafe the entire time.

This was probably nice years ago: well-planted with rooms decorated with murals of famous musicians from the 70's (Janis Joplin, Iron Maiden, etc.) Pictures must be from another era, too as they don't look much like the current situation. The kitchen is often full of dirty dishes, and the dust and wind in Tamarindo in February make it unpleasant to spend much time in the spacious common area. Our broken A/C was fixed promptly and the owner who lives there was nice, but don't expect much from the bathroom, especially not soap.

My friend and I stayed in the Bob Marley themed room, and instead of being greeted by three little birds…we were greeted by three little cockroaches (they were hanging out in the shower! 🤢)…this place is dirty and stinky. I guess you get what you pay for but definitely not worth it! The shower is dingy and our toilet was covered in dead ants when we arrived….why has no one cleaned it?! Gross! Go to another place. I’ve never stayed in another hostel, so I don’t have any comparisons but I really expected better.