Poshtel Arenal
Location: South side of the Catholic church, La Fortuna, Arenal La Fortuna, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007, La Fortuna, CR
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
About this Property
Recreational Amenities
Indulge in the outdoor pool and rent bicycles to explore the area, adding excitement to your stay.
Culinary Delights
Savor delicious meals at Creperia and socialize at the daily complimentary reception, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.
Convenient Services
Benefit from amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, tour assistance, and a convenient airport shuttle, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable stay.
To experience all this and more, book your stay at Poshtel Arenal today for an unforgettable La Fortuna adventure.
Important Information
- Hot springs access available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- One child 5 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Amenities & Facilities
- Boat tours nearby
- Express check-out
- Hot springs nearby
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Garden
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Street parking
- ATM/banking
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Rafting nearby
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Express check-out
- Smoke-free property
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free reception
- Ecotours on site
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Pool sun loungers
- Boat tours nearby
- Hot springs nearby
- Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
- Wheelchair-accessible on-site restaurant
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe Triple Room, 2 Double Beds
2 Double Beds
Features a private balcony/patio
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Balcony, City View
2 Double Beds
Balcony with city views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Lever door handles
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Lever door handles
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only
1 Twin Bed
269-sq-foot room with a balcony/patio
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds
2 Double Beds
269-sq-foot room, balcony/patio with courtyard views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Portable bathtub seat
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Portable bathtub seat
- Lever door handles
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Standard Room, 2 Double Beds
2 Double Beds
269-sq-foot room, balcony/patio with garden views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Deluxe Quadruple Room, 2 Double Beds
2 Double Beds
Features a private balcony/patio
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
-
Deluxe Double Room
1 Double Bed
269-sq-foot room, balcony/patio with garden views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access
Sleep - Memory foam bed, premium bedding, a pillow menu, blackout drapes/curtains, and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, soap, and toilet paper
Practical - Yard
Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Lever door handles
Need to Know - Shared accommodations, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Yard
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Separate dining area
- Memory foam mattress
- Pillow menu
- Rainfall showerhead
- Balcony or patio
- Shared accommodation
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Portable bathtub seat
- Lever door handles
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Guest Reviews
- Tyler (10/5): - Absolutely amazing place. Staff was super helpful and friendly. Amazing experience. Would recommend this place to anyone looking to have a great time right in the center of La Fortuna.
- Nicole (4/5): - The service at check-in was friendly, but the place was not as advertised. They were doing renovations so the pool was not open, nor was the bar and the courtyard was a mess. I was not informed about this upon booking nor upon check-in, very disappointing. Also, the beds came with one thin sheet, that's it.
- Rachel (6/5): - Staff was short and we had to go back and get towels and also never received our complimentary drink.
- Nikita (10/5): - I enjoyed staying here and would defiantly stay again. However the walls are paper thin. I had to bang on the wall and knock on the door to the people next door multiple times.
- Evan (10/5): - Simple accomodations, air was cold, beds were fine. Nice location in town. Staff was extremely friendly.
- David (4/5): - We was greeted to the room by a roach(killed it). They would not provide a blanket, hand towels or wash cloths for the room. Pool music was very loud, nightly to10 or 11pm. Very old rooms.
- Yoerles (2/5): - No se si las otras avitaciones estarian igual pero la que estuvimos nesecita mas iluminacion una reparacion completa y deverian poner televisor un refrigerador y colchas estoy muy dececcionado.
- Jesus (10/5): - Me gusto mucho la atención, lo recomiendo saludos desde cd Juarez Chihuahua México 🇲🇽
- Gabrielle (10/5): - Situé près de tout, restaurants et boutiques accessibles à pieds. Station de bus à quelques minutes à pieds également. Chambre propre, eau chaude pour se laver. Présence de casiers dans la chambre pour y laisser des objets de valeur. Piscine propre et bien entretenue. Personnel agréable qui aide beaucoup à planifier les excursions, très accueillant. Cocktail de bienvenue offert.
- Rammell (10/5): - Very Nice staff
- Martha (10/5): The place to stay in fortuna. - Great place, very clean, convenient. This was our second visit to Poshtel and we loved it. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Location location, closes to everything in town which we loved it since we didn’t have a car and walking in town was great. We will definitely go back! Thank You.
- Halima (10/5): - Great location and service!
- Robin (10/5): - It was a great location. Nice pool, nice garden area. Gated and someone around 24/7. Was a hostel with private rooms and bathrooms ahared kitchen. AC worked well. Bar at the pool and they played music from early afternoon to 10 pm every day, which I didn't love, but it was okay. A ton of restaurants nearby!! All good food. We had birds in the trees every morning and every night so that was cool - they were pretty loud lol.
- Ingrid Marie (8/5): Great place - Really nice place to stay in La Fortuna. We were 3 girls traveling and had a double room. Amazing common areas. Nice pool. We were really happy all in all. The staff was friendly. Would definitely recommend. Only minus is that there were no places to hang your clothes in the room and you’re not allowed to hang them outside to dry. And considering the humidity that’s a big minus - you will definitely need to dry clothes and your swimsuit. Most of our stuff never dried for the days we stayed there.
- Jason (4/5): - No me gustó, no lo recomiendo.
- Patricia (6/5): - Great location and courtyard. However, we booked 2 “ Deluxe” rooms. 2 beds and a bathroom. They hand you 2 bath towels. No washcloths or hand towels. We had sheets and one thin blanket but our friends only had a sheet on their bed! They also had one tiny wastebasket in the bathroom, and since you can’t put anything in the toilets here, that’s a problem! Diago ( who checked us in)was terrific. Welcome drink is a four ounce strawberry daiquiri, literally served in a small plastic champagne glass. The grounds are well done, just wish they would put a little effort into the rooms.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Diego was very Helpful. Gave excellent advice and helped us with booking tours and even our trip outside La fortuna.
- Andrea (8/5): - Food options nearby. Shared dorms were very open.
- Bradley (8/5): - The private rooms are a good size. The staff are very helpful with organizing excursions and giving travel tips. Eddie’s a great bar tender as well!
- Vidal (8/5): - Hotel con los servicios básicos, muy austero, pero bien para el poco tiempo que normalmente se pasa en un viaje en la zona por la cantidad de excursiones y lugares a conocer
- martin (10/5): - Helpful staff. Beds were comfortable. Music was off by 10pm. Good security. Older bathroom but clean. Would stay there again.
- Martha (10/5): Cozy and cute! - Very cozy! Definitely we will Come back. Location location. Since we use the bus from San Jose, it was very convenient. Just a few meters away from the bus station.
- Martha (10/5): Cozy and cute! - Very cozy! Definitely we will Come back.
- Sylvie (6/5): A éviter - Une ambiance de spring break raté : la musique très forte jusqu'à 10h du soir - sans qu il n'y est le moindre soupçon d'ambiance. Pour la chambre, 18 prises pour les collectionneurs, mais aucun reliée à une lampe à proximité du lit. Rien pour poser ses affaires. Franchement bof Et .
- Jared (10/5): - Very cute little spot centrally located in La Fortuna, easy to get around and grab what you need.
- Jill (8/5): - Great value for the money! I'm too old for this place and it's bit noisy. The walls aren't insulated. Great Staff. I highly recommend this to those under age 30 !
- MikeM (10/5): - The two Michelle’s that work the front and tour desk are absolutely amazing.
- Alejandro (10/5): - Muy bello lugar.. cómodo y cerca del centro.. linda vista del volcán
- Verified traveler (10/5): - The property was beautiful. It looked better in person then in the pictures. Rooms were decent and the beds were very comfortable. The outside is very nice has about 4 hammocks and chairs outside all the rooms. Very nice mini bar with a cool pool.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Wir waren eine Nacht hier. Alles da was man brauchte. Highlight war für uns die hoteleigenen heissen Quellen.
- Frederick (4/5): - When you book on this Hostel, you will ended up in Backpackers Hostel (sister hostel). I book for a double room and I got room 125 next to the bar, music was off by 10pm and light by 10:20pm but people still around that area playing pool/smoking/loud conversation which didn't end until 11pm, kinda of late if you want to get some rest after a long day.
- Tommy (10/5): Une nice place - Vraiment une bonne et belle place. Chambre de base mais très fonctionnelle. Les utilités de l'hôtel sont sans reproche. Le seul hic, le barman de la piscine nous surfacturait en disant que les prix n'étaient pas affichés, mais je les ai trouvé à la fin de mon séjour.
- Eliette Rocio (10/5): - Excelente, comodidad,seguridad y rtranquilidad.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - La connexion internet n’est pas accessible dans toutes les chambres et quant à l’eau chaude c’est sur un coup de chance. Sinon, cadre magnifique, cocktail de bienvenue.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Hostel super hermoso tiene dos pisinas 1 aagua fria y otra con agua caliente que tiene barra dentro de ella. Muy limpio las habitaciones. La decoracion hermosa luces de noche hamacas para acostarse. El mejor hostel que he visitado.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Lots of rules for a backpackers. No smoking areas and had to go out the front or back which was no trouble but didnt feel too safe after dark outside gates by myself.. very nice staff and great grounds.. nice swim up pool bar.
- Martine (10/5): - Personnel chaleureux, chambre propre et fonctionnelle pour le prix.Très bien situé.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - They overbooked; we did not get the rooms we reserved; it was a horrible experience to spend a night with 6 people in the same room - totally ruined our vacation spirit, not mentioning if they would refund some of the cost.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Centrally located in the heart of La Fortuna, this hostel is part of the Costa Rica hostel chain. Big spacious and clean rooms, with pools and bar and hammocks in the courtyard. Cheap prices, friendly staff.
- Bill (6/5): - Rooms are very small, Staff is not very helpful When I checked in ,No towels in room . I was provided with one bath towel only. Over priced.
- Cecilia (8/5): - Hostel is pretty, housekeeping not very good. They don’t have enough towels and we had to ask for a blanket/comforter. Fabio, the bartender is very nice and welcoming.
- joanne (6/5): Ok - The hostel has two sides, one that is very standard and the other that is more upper scale depending on price. Social areas are accessible to everyone regardless of what room/side you choose. Great idea if you want a quick place to stay and on a budget but still want to enjoy a more upper scale environment. We choose the standard. Our room looked a bit run down, was noisy and the roof leaked in the bathroom. Told them about the roof and they said someone would come look at it but no one did. Told them the next day again and no one seemed bother by it. One bed had no box spring so uncomfortable. Staff was great tho, very helpful!!
- Verified traveler (6/5): Nice staff but poorly organized - When we got there at 2pm, our room wasn't ready and it took them another hour to clean it. It was also raining (as it often does in La Fortuna), and our room was leaking and our suitcases are wet. The shower was also clogged and the shower head was not working well. We asked to get another room and the other one's shower was also clogged, and we had to get moved to a 3rd room. Also, when they cleaned our room during the day, they took the dirty towels and when we asked them for new ones, they said we had to wait until 6pm. Wifi is also extremely slow in rooms. Positive points: Nice pool bar, friendly staff, close to all restaurants
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Rooms were very nice, spacious and comfortable. Staff was helpful and welcoming. Carlos helped us plan all of our adventures, which went seemlessly (and he also helped arrange our transportation to the next town).
- Lexsu (4/5): poor facilities - Nice environment but I was very disappointed with the room facilities. My friend and I spent three nights here. The shower room drainage was blocked so water everywhere. We requested maintenance first thing in the morning, but apparently nobody came so the room was flooded again on the 2nd night. We requested maintenance again so it was fixed on the third day. The shower system was also working strange. The faucet stopped automatically in the middle of the shower for 10 sec, then only EXTREMELY HOT WATER came out, it was dangerous at the time. On top of that, the shower started working automatically at 5am without anyone touching it. It was so loud that we thought was the pool downstairs. Maybe we just had bad lucks but I hope no one gets something like this again.
- Serena (4/5): Not impressed at all - Very disappointed, first night had to stay in my friend’s room as they put me in a dorm (Although said no other guests would be in there) which was not what I’d booked or wanted, the room was horrible. I asked to move but they were full. The following day I managed to move to a better room but the shower didn’t work properly, it was scalding hot or freezing cold and intermittent, would start and stop. Location was good but I wouldn’t recommend this hotel to others.
- jonathan (10/5): - Great place with beautiful relaxing gardens and friendly staff at front desk. Would definately stay here again.
- Stephanie (10/5): Helpful staff - The staff were very helpful and friendly. The room was nice and the hotel is in a convenient location in La Fortuna.
- John (8/5): OK Place to Stay - But Beware of Noise from Bar - We found this place pleasant enough for our 2 night stay but on 1 night the noise from the Bar kept us awake past midnight. All rooms in the main complex face the courtyard where the bar is, however we were informed they have rooms across the street in a four story building that would be quieter. Overall the hostel presents well - and like all hostels your experience may vary depending on the guests there at any one time. The property has a small pool and waterfall with a sit down and swim up bar. We did not see much in the way of amenities except for a spa. Breakfast was an extra $7.00 USD per person.
- L (10/5): More than excellent staff - Had the best Costa Rican experience over there, a part from the weird showers (didnt get how the hot and cold worked, we all kinda struggled at the dorm actually, also the showers could use some sort of rack in which we can put our shampoo and stuff and a rack to put our towel on) Arenal Hostel Resort has the best staff I've ever seen, they went the extra mile to help me plan and organise my activities and trip, the friendliest I've had so far. Had a lot of fun at the poolbar at as well, funniest bartender. Everything was just so Pura Vida and chill vibes. 100% will come back.
- susan (10/5): Great place to stay right in downtown La Fortuna - A clean comfortable convenient place to stay while visiting La Fortuna. Close so all amenities. Great staff. Great food in the Corner restaurant. Will certainly use it again.
- Laura (10/5): Little tropical escape in downtown La Fortuna - This hostel was great! We stayed in a private room, which had a balcony overlooking downtown. Two pools, a bar, and lots of hammocks for lounging as well. Would definitely stay here again!
- Prashant (2/5): Not for families- Misleading info on Hotels.com - We reserved 5 rooms in the Arenal Hostel Resort from Dec 24-27. The hotel was located close to shops, restaurants and a park, which was convenient but very loud and noisy. We were woken up every morning at 4 with roosters competeton with each other to see who was louder. Although the rooms were a good size, none of the rooms had sufficient towels or blankets when we arrived. The overhead light in one room did not work. The hotel had sufficient notice to ensure that our rooms were ready. The staff was very indifferent to our requests. Upon asking for towels, some of us were told that towels and blankets would be requested from a sister property while others were informed that none were available. Contrary to what the hotel advertised on Hotels.com , most of the rooms had no TV’s and none of the rooms had safes that worked. We were instead asked to use the one common safe at the front desk which was accessible by all guests staying at the property. The Wi-Fi only worked in common areas and not in the rooms. One of the rooms even had a lizard on the coffee machine ( picture attached). We were quite disappointed.
- Verified traveler (4/5): sent away to a plain sister hotel, no hammocks - We were very disappointed. We saw a picture of hammocks and a courtyard area on Expedia and thought we reserved a room there. When we showed up we were told yes we had a reservation but they needed us to stay at their sister hotel. They put us in a cab and we were dropped off at a plain hotel. I made the reservation because I wanted to spend my down time in the hammocks. Very misleading advertising. We stayed in the hotel la fortuna. Best thing about it was maricky the desk clerk. He was awesome!!!
- Lisa (8/5): Easy Access - Upon arrival at the main hostel, we were directed to their 2nd location, which then directed us to their 3rd location which was called Arenal Hostel Backpackers. Although it was super close, they were kind to have offered to drop us off for the first time free of charge. It was unfortunate we didn't get a room at the main location as it seems like it has more going on, however, the service at our branch was excellent. You can have access to the main branch if you'd like as well.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Arenal visit - Great hotel location in downtown Arenal, all shops and restaurants are walking distance. Hostel common area had hammocks, a bar area and a pool which was all nice. Room was a bit of a mess. Very poor lighting inside. Bathroom had no towels, had to put a deposit at reception to borrow towels except they were out of towels for the first day and half. Arenal as a place is awesome - enjoyed all activities and loved the lava trail, zipline, rapelling, hot springs at Baldi’s and Fortuna waterfall
- Alex (10/5): Great hotel - Great hostel to meet people, very friendly and helpful concierge for activities, events, places to eat and places to visit. Nice bar and pool for budget travelers.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Nice place, bad room - This is a nice hotel and the staff is always very helpful, but the room was very basic, just two beds and a nightstand, no closet, no table, not even one shelf to put your things on. Also, the curtains didn't keep out the light and we could hear the noise of motorcycles in the street and people outside. They ask for a deposit for your room key and another one for the towel, which they return when you return the item in question. We've had a lot less hustle and were more comfortable in places less expensive.
- ivanhoo25 (8/5): 3 hostels in 1 - This is a huge chain of hostels in Costa Rica! There are 3 hostels in La Fortuna, one behind the other. You can use the facilities and spaces in any of the 3. I really liked this hostel! Room was clean and comfortable. It had a hammock outside to relax (and dry the clothes after rafting lol) staff was very friendly and helpful.
- Julie (8/5): Little paradise inside - This place is beautiful and relaxing with the hamac in the center of the hostel. You can cook your own food in the kitchen and the staff is great. The alcohol is very expensive but its great to enjoy a fresh pina colada (6$us) at the side of the bar from the warm pool. The parking is free and we decided to stay one more day as we love this place.
- Mish (10/5): Great Time! - The staff, and facilities were amazing! They treat you very well and there's security around the clock, so you feel safe. If you are splurging for a private room, try to get room 307 in the towers, it has amazing views!! BTW, I would recommend the two volcano tour.
- Justin (10/5): Amazing place! - The staff was an A+, the place was very comfortable outside of the rooms. Two pools, one swim up bar, TVs, tons of hammocks. Made it pleasing to rest and read without many distractions. 2 kitchens too so you can cook your own food. I can't wait to stay here again!!!
- Alexandra (8/5): Hostel fun! - I had a great time at this hostel. It's well located in La Fortuna with many young travelers. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Office staff were very friendly. No hot shower water. (We learned that Costa Rica hot is much different than American hot. Costa Rica hot seems to mean "less cold than the other cold"). Bunk beds were not very comfortable. But the rest of the amenities were great! Kitchen was very user friendly. Hammocks and swinging chairs all over, which made it comfy and inviting. Great landscaping. It was in the middle of downtown. We had windows facing the street and it was very noisy. Overall, still a great stay for the price and I would definitely stay there again.
- Chris (10/5): - A good middle of town hostel. Rooms were spacious, airy and clean. The toilet roll holder needed to be replaced and the information in the rooms about the cost of the breakfast buffet was not correct, leading to an embarrassing confrontation at the restaurant the following morning. The communal kitchen was very small and often without crockery, but was fine if only a few people were using it (one or two!) Overall, a good stay here and the guys behind reception did their utmost to get good prices for trips.
- Aaron (8/5): The room exceed our expectations - The room was large, had a balcony, AC, and a roomy shower that always had hot water. My only complaint was that there was no wifi in the room.
- Tyffany (10/5): Great Hostel in a good area. - Great hostel. Didn't actually feel like a hostel. We had our own room & bathroom, & the area was very convenient to everything. Room was basic but clean. Hammocks in the common areas, pool & swim up bar. I'd stay here again. They have a $7 US buffet breakfast but there are many other places to eat for less & sufficient enough.
- Rach (6/5): Clean, centrally located but noisy - The hostel is in a great position bang in the middle of La Fortuna. Rooms are clean and of a good standard. The hostel is in two sides; we were on the newer side, which had less ambience (less leafy, cold pool vs hot pool on other side, no bar) but did have a kitchen, which was really handy, as restaurants are expensive in Costa Rica. Didn't quite get the 'resort' concept - I've stayed on resorts before, and they are nothing like this! I would rate it as a nice hostel. The big downside, and it's a BIG downside for me, was the noise. The combined noise of cars (with altered engines it would seem, to enable revving engines...why Costa Rica?!), cockerels (??!) etc meant that there was little in the way of sleep for me. The noisiest place I have ever stayed in my many years of travelling. My companion wore earplugs, which seemed to help.
- Justin (10/5): Great place - Nice place. We had one of the private rooms on the ground floor. It was clean, only uncomfort was the cold shower. The heated pool with swim up bar was great. The hammocks were a great touch. The breakfast buffet was nothing special but good. To me it was worth it to spend a bit more and try the food around town instead because it's located great for walking around.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Greatest hostel I've been to. - I have been to many hostels and this one is definitely one of the best ones.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Awesome, easy to meet people, great atmosphere - Had a great time, I was a solo traveler and I felt very welcome
- Brittany (8/5): - The place was in a great location downtown and close to alot of shopping and food. The only downfall was that people were very loud until about 1am and then again at 7am. The staff, and facilities were great though!
- Joni (10/5): Luxury hostel - Beautiful hostel resort. Luxurious room on the 2nd floor with renovated bathroom and view of volcano. Great location in town. Amazing breakfast for $6. Loved our stay here. My only complaint is that even when I reserbed room 8 months in advance and had a confirmation email that I would not be bumped to the sister hostels , they tried to bump me to another one of their hostel. I insisted that I want to only stay here and I emailed them 8 months ago that I didn't want to be bumped. Luckyly we checked in at 1 pm and they bumped someone else. Overall this hostel is amazing.
- Katherine (8/5): Nice Hotel and clean - I really like the hostel, I was very impressed. All the facilities are very clean. My overall rating is a 4 only because the internet wifi was not great. I only had internet in the reception area. Otherwise, the Arenal Hostel is good. And in good location.
- genevieve (10/5): First time backpaking - Had a blast! The staff is wonderfull! Very secure, super clean and very well managed! I will come back for sure!
- Verified traveler (8/5): - One of the best hostels I ve ever stayed in. Room was big, staff were all very helpful and pleasant and the grounds are very well kept. Would definitely stay again
- julio (8/5): Awesome location, super nice for a hostel. - We had a great stay. Very helpful staff and nice hostel and a great area. Only complaint was bad wifi.
- Verified traveler (8/5): THE place to stay! - Great place and super staff-friendly and helpful!
- kari (10/5): Poshtel. Very nice hostel - Fabio and Christian so much fun. Excellent, clean, fun hostel
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Comfortable but very noisy area.
- Matt (10/5): Awesome hostel in the city center - The entrance to this hostel is a hallway decorated with plants, flowers and lights. It really sets the mood for what to expect. Once you are inside it opens in to a big courtyard which is nicely decorated with more plants, flowers and lights. There are hammocks, a pool and bar area and a kitchen for guest use. Elena checked us in quickly and showed us our room and then gave us a quick tour of the place. She was polite and friendly. Our room was what we expected and was nice and clean. The water pressure in the shower was not great but everything else was good. The pool and bar area are very nice. The pool is kept warm which is nice, but a cool pool would have been refreshing at times. We were offered a free welcome drink and the bartender, Fabio, whipped it up for us quickly. He was very friendly and provided excellent service. Although this place is a hostel, it is way better than many other hostels!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - My favorite hostel I've stayed in! The owners have created a little oasis in the middle of town. Fun, relaxing, good breakfast, gated parking.
- Diane (2/5): Too noisy - Noise! Couldn't sleep. Too bad as it is a really nice place but we had a room next to the bar and kitchen and hardly got any sleep. They turn off the loud music about 10 pm but there is a lot of loud partying after that. Then, the first night, at 4.39 am, we thought we were sleeping in a bottle sorting depot or something with all the banging and clattering. They start preparing for breakfast and the noise is unavoidable although it was less when I mentioned it after the first night. It is a nice place but not much use if you cannot get any sleep.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great courtyard w hammocks & rocking chairs - The private rooms were very nice - flat screen TVs, air conditioning. Wasn't hot, so didn't need to "cool" the room, but the "dry" setting on the air conditioning helps to ensure that any wet clothes dry overnight.
- Marlon Jay (10/5): Great and friendly staff - The hostel was kind enough to let me know about incapacity to accommodate me and my friend. Upon arriving, they hooked us with free breakfast which was awesome. Great and friendly staff. I truly recommend this hostel
- Michael (10/5): Thumbs up! - The place is just simply awesome! Only reason I stayed in arenal so long!
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Some rooms smelled so bad with fungus… the location is good.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Do not stay in the all female dorm otherwise great - I love this hotel and have stayed here many times in private rooms and dorms. The facilities are super nice, the staff is great and until this trip I've never been disappointed in the slightest. Unfortunately, I chose to stay in the all female dorm room this time. There is ONE plug in the bathroom for 10 people to recharge their phones, etc. The showers BARELY spit water at you, making it impossible to wash your hair. The walls looks like they've been through some sort of water damage repair and never repainted:( Every other room I've been in was great. Learn from my mistake- Don't choose the female dorm room. This hostel is miles above the $8 hostel down the road. spend the extra $8
- jenna (10/5): You should stay here - The people working at the front desk were very friendly and checking in was easy. My friend and I stayed in a dormitory room and there was one other person in there. It was very clean and the shared attached bathroom was very clean. The second night we were there we came in a bit after midnight and it was a little hard to find/wait for someone to let us in as we had been ringing the bell. The next day my friend and I decided to hike cerra chato and the staff at the hostel kept are bags for us which was very nice of them. After hiking in the jungle for 7 hours all we really wanted was a shower. We returned at the hostel to grab our bags and asked if while we were there we could shower. The ladies in the office said no because the maids had already cleaned the rooms. After we explained our situation and how we had been hiking and still had to drive to San Jose they decided to make an exception. They did not have to do this and it was awesome that they did.
- Isaac (10/5): A great place to stay solo or with friends - This hostel was perfect for a solo getaway but would also be great for a getaway with friends. I stayed in a shared dorm with 6 beds (3 sets of bunks). The room itself was very clean and was cleaned every day by housekeeping. The staff was friendly and they provided a complimentary welcome drink at the bar which was a nice touch. The courtyard was well appointed and had hammocks and seating to relax and socialize. The courtyard is fenced in and I never felt unsafe at all during my stay. This is a great place to stay on a budget.
- Megan (10/5): Great for solo backpacker - This was a lovely hostel right in the middle of town. Belen was very welcoming, showed me around the hostel, and helped me plan tours- I recommend doing the Arenal Observatory Lodge tour, which is only $35 and a lot of fun with great guides. I also enjoyed the ziplining tour that included use of Los Lagos resort's hot springs, which I had almost to myself. I stayed in the female dorm, which was fine- had AC, the only outlets were in the bathrooms but there are also outlets in the shared kitchen area. The common areas were great-hammocks, a fun pool bar, and a shared outdoor kitchen. I met a lot of great people. Definitely recommended for solo travelers!
- Verified traveler (8/5): Solo Lady Traveler - Great hostel ro stay in for the solo lady traveler. Went on a trip by myself and it was a great place to stay. The people are nice and helpful.
- CJ (4/5): Very disappointing and not what was advertised - Hostel rooms were very damp with huge damp patches on the walls in the dorms. Naturally the dampness resulted in a very unpleasant odor. Mattresses were very poor and left a huge dent in the middle when you slept, so very uncomfortable. The bunks were not stable, so when someone moved in the night you felt like you were in a bouncy castle. Rooms were so cramped that people were bumping into others all night long, which naturally brought it's own disadvantages. Bookings would be made elsewhere instead in future. On the positive side the staff are pretty friendly and helpful and can arrange things quickly.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great little downtown hotel - We had a great time staying at Arenal Hostel, we got a tour of the hotel when we checked in, there's a safe parking lot and the room was very clean. The hostel is right next to all the restaurants and shops, close to grocery stores and ATM machines.
- Brook (10/5): Perfect location, great food, and clean rooms. - Joe did an awesome job at helping our group get directions and booking tickets to Baldi always remembering our names, etc... Other staff was awesome too, great breakfast, great drinks from the bar. Rooms and pool were clean. Are group was couples from 25 to 42 in age and all of us want to come back soon! (Our travel agency has put you on our top vendor list)
- Barbara (6/5): Arenal hostel resort - good deal. - Arenal Hostel Resort has a super location in centre of town. Staff are friendly and helped us book guided tours of volcano, hot springs visit and nature reserve boat tour plus transportation on to Monteverde. You can buy breakfast (recommend fruit plate) & other meals. We ate breakfast there all three mornings. There is kitchen area for all to use. We stayed in ten bed female dorm (had reserved space in 4 bed shared female dorm so we were surprised to see five bunk beds). No window in room. Room is small and the five bunk beds are crammed in. Two showers and two toilets in room - all kept clean. Shampoo provided. Towels available with $10 refundable deposit. Room smelled musty. It was air conditioned. Quiet after 11 PM. Open court area is nice - has hammock garden. Price is good. Free wiFi. Location and service super. Security adequate. Overall, it was a good cheap place to stay in Arenal.
- Hugo (10/5): La fortuna Arenal Hostel - This Hostel is by far one of the best in La Furtuna the people working there are amazing ( helpful, friendly, and they really take the time to give you explain how to go to the different activities) I was very happy with the service specially by Diego,Luis Carlos at the reception, and Belinda at the bar.
- trina (8/5): Not bad at all! - Pretty good value for this hostel. Loved the garden in the center and the complimentary welcome drink upon arrival! The staff is super friendly and helpful with activities to do in the area. =)
- Verified traveler (6/5): Noisy!! - The location is great, and yes, when you walk in, the surroundings are lovely. The rooms look very nice- all wood, and since I was on the second floor, there was a vaulted ceiling. But the noise! The rooms are situated around a courtyard, with a bar at one end. So if there's not a party going on in the courtyard where the hammocks are (right outside your window if you're on the first floor), the music is blaring at the bar. And as lovely as all the wood looks, it creaks- the swing chairs downstairs are attached to the floor of the rooms upstairs, so if someone is swinging, it sounds like a creaky rocking chair in your room! And the TV next door was on the same wall as the head of my bed, so I got to listen to TV until after midnight. I also had a problem with the darkness of the room- candelabra bulbs in the vaulted ceiling left the room a bit too dark to read easily. So, if you are young and enjoy a party atmosphere, this may be the place for you. But if you're looking for looking for relaxation, look elsewhere.
- mwallenst (4/5): Disappointing - It's not that bad, but since the reviews were so good, I expected something above the average. I paid for a bed in a 6 bed female dorms, and when I got there there were 10 beds in that room, and it was definitely too small to accommodate so many beds in this windowless room. There was no other room to stay. My bed was really close to the toilets, and I would have expected them to place trash bins with cover since in Costa Rica you have to throw the toilet paper in these bins, but the trash bins were with no cover and so, it was pretty ugly sleeping next to the toilets. I found the service to be very impersonal, and the prices they offer in their tourist office are quite expensive and you can find something cheaper in the tourist agencies in town.
Photos
