Tamarindo Backpackers Hostel

This place is special. I have stayed in hostels around the world. This is my favorite yet. Marco goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and informed about your interests in the area. The staff are great, the accommodations are clean and well made. The kitchen has everything you need. The location is just outside of earshot of party town, yet in walking distance to everything you need, (surf, grocery, restaurants, dancing, etc.) They make you feel like family with genuine hospitality and generosity.

While only planning to stay here for a few nights, I ended up staying longer due to an accident on the beach where I severely damaged my leg so had stitches. The staff here were so helpful and helped me while I was on the mend, even going to the pharmacy for me and giving me lifts to places. A special shout out to Marco who checked on me and helped me considerably while I was incapacitated. They say you find what a place is truly like when you are having a hard time, which this place passed with flying colours. I actually liked the location of this hostel, as it was away from the hussle on the main road and it's beautiful in the outside space with wild monkeys visiting frequently.

Marco and his volunteers were absolutely legends and often went above and beyond to help you or make you feel at home. They welcomed us by saying "Welcome home" and we left feeling like it was home. Don't hesitate to stay here. I'll be back

Super cozy atmosphere. Clean, organized, amazing staff, great location, comfortable beds. After an uncomfortable incident with another guest, the manager dealt with the situation swiftly, and professionally, gaining my respect and making me feel safe and secure as a solo female traveler.

Had an alright time at backpackers hostel! We stayed in the 8 bed dorm room for 3 nights. Highlights: The people are very kind and helpful. The beds are comfortable and clean, AC on overnight, little pool to cool off (was out of order one day) and some places to lounge in sun or shade. We didn't use the kitchen but it was very big and has everything you need to cook for yourself! Location is good, easy walk to beach and to town. Was quiet to sleep, everyone respectful of quiet hours. Cute little kitty and doggy on site. Not so great: the bathrooms :/ the dorm bathroom door swells so doesnt shut properly and is very loud unless you lift it while closing (staff did not tell us this). there was a sewer smell that came and went in the bathroom and room, had to keep the bathroom door closed. Bathrooms looked like they had never been cleaned, bath mats hard as rock and the toilet was not clean. I saw the cleaner come one day, she swept and cleaned the floors and seemingly only lit incense in the bathroom. There were some other bathrooms available but the one door didn't shut at all. Overall not bad stay but excited that they are redoing the bathrooms soon and hope for a higher standard of cleanliness.

I stayed at this hostel for a week during a solo surf trip to Tamarindo, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. After just a couple of days, it already felt like home. It’s a very chill, welcoming vibe with a great community of other travelers. The location is perfect for surfing, tons of great breaks nearby like langosta. It’s also right near bus stops, supermarkets, and plenty of restaurants and bars. Everything you need is within reach. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with air conditioning which is a MUST in Costa Rica. The kitchen is well equipped, and there are extra shared bathrooms and showers, which is super convenient. The volunteers are all super friendly and always up for a chat. But especially the surf guide/instructor Marco!! Marco is an excellent surfer and has tons of local knowledge to share about reading conditions and determining the best break to visit. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about surfing. I can’t recommend this place enough for anyone looking for a safe, friendly, and surf-focused stay in Tamarindo. I’ll definitely be back!

The people here are golden. Very good welcoming by Marco the manager. Also loved that it was easy to book surf lessons there

one of the best hostels i’ve ever stayed at!!! the staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome. beds were comfortable and room was clean. had air conditioning in the rooms. big and clean kitchen to make dinner or breakfast. We took surf lessons with Julio, which were amazing. the hostel had a homie atmosphere and we will definitely be returning!!!