Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

Name: Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
Address: Avenida 6, between Calle 21 & 25, San José, San Jose, 10104, San José, CR

Location: Avenida 6, between Calle 21 & 25, San José, San Jose, 10104, San José, CR

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

About this Property

Outdoor Pool and Terrace with a View
Complimentary Services and Amenities
Dining Options and Socializing Spaces

Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. This hostel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and an arcade/game room. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hostel's coffee shop/cafe. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar.

Central Location and Nearby Attractions
Comfortable Guestrooms and Daily Services
Convenient Airport Shuttle and Parking Options

With a stay at Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel, you'll be centrally located in San José, a 7-minute walk from National Museum of Costa Rica and 13 minutes by foot from National Theater. Make yourself at home in one of the 31 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge, and self-parking is available onsite. Enjoy your stay at the Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel!

Important Information

No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

Amenities & Facilities

Arcade/game room
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Picnic area
Breakfast available (surcharge)
Arcade/game room
Library
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Multilingual staff
Smoke-free property
Tours/ticket assistance
Free wired internet
Free reception
Snack bar/deli
Parking (limited spaces)
Self parking (surcharge)
Computer station
Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
Pool sun loungers
Reception hall

Rooms Available

Comfort Shared Dormitory, Women only, Pool Access

2 Twin Bunk Beds
322 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Shared Dormitory, Men only, Pool Access

2 Twin Bunk Beds
269 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Standard Double Room

1 Double Bed
215 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Shared Dormitory, Men only, Pool Access

3 Twin Bunk Beds
269 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Room, Mixed Dorm, Pool Access

4 Twin Bunk Beds
269 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, shared accommodations, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 8 (8 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Shared accommodation
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Shared Dormitory, Women only, Pool Access

4 Twin Bunk Beds
269 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 8 (8 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Pool Access, Mountain View

3 Twin Bunk Beds
322-sq-foot room with mountain views

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, shared accommodations, no rollaway/extra beds available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Shared accommodation
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Shared Dormitory, Women only, Pool Access

3 Twin Bunk Beds
322 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available
Standard Double or Twin Room, 1 Bedroom, Private Pool

1 Double Bed
215 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Relax - Private pool
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Private pool
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Bed sheets not available
Comfort Shared Dormitory, Men only, Pool Access

4 Twin Bunk Beds
269 sq feet

Layout - 10 bedrooms and dining area
Internet - Free WiFi
Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper
Practical - Safe
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, no rollaway/extra beds available, bed sheets not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 8 (8 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- No rollaway/extra beds
- Bed sheets not available

Guest Reviews

Jonathan (10/5): - Very convenient
JIALIANG (8/5): - The room facing the road is a bit noisy at night and early morning.
Dante (8/5): Not Bad - It was fine for the price. Room was dirty but nothing I couldn't handle. Staff is friendly. A restaurant is located inside the establishment.
Andrew (8/5): - Great
Drunk (8/5): Solo trip - Ok stay, cold showers
Verified traveler (4/5): - I booked this hostel just to freshen up before a long flight. It’s not centrally located, but it was close to my previous hotel so it worked out. The receptionist wasn’t very welcoming, and there was no shampoo or soap, you have to walk a bit to buy your own. Towels are available if you leave an ID. I booked a 4-bed dorm but got put in a 6-bed one—not a big deal since I wasn’t staying long. The room was hot, and even though a window was open, it didn’t help much. It’s fine for a quick stop, but not ideal for a longer stay.
Graham (10/5): - I loved the swimming pool! Me encantó la piscina!
Mauricio (10/5): - It very nice and clean. Friendly staff the onlyfans thing they might work is the restaurant, it tales forever to get whatever you orden. I love this place
Jose (2/5): - First, I requested for hair dryer prior to my arrival and they answered that they don’t provide hair dryer but on their website it says they provide. When arrived, the private room has no private bathroom. In the description, it says private bathroom. All bathrooms are shared with others staying in the hostels and other private rooms. The staff are non professional acting. Especially Jesus who is not even smiling, using his phone all the time, non attentive to the guest, not smiling at all. What they say in their descriptions are not true. They also did not clean or refresh my waste basket in 8 nights of stay there. Worst stay I had in so many years I have been booking with your apps.
Mauricio (10/5): - Always good experience here
Ashley (8/5): - Les employés de l'accueil étaient bien gentils tout dans le hostel m'a plus. Le seul point négatif est vraiment le quartier peu sécuritaire.
Mauricio (10/5): - Clean and nice
Mauricio (10/5): - Muy bonito y limpio
tara (8/5): - Shower needs repair, please
Veronica (8/5): - The space is large with a pool and yoga area.
B (6/5): - The hostel is fine apart from the fact that it is located next to a major train line and from about 4:30 a.m. all day you will regularly hear the train blowing it's horn and rumbling by. This is heard throughout the hostel but is much worse if you are assigned a room in the building at the back of the property. There isn't even an attempt to mitigate it, the dorm room window was not a proper window that you could close, so it sounded like you are sleeping outside next to the train line. The kitchen could do with another sink. There were lots of lineups to wash dishes and some people just gave up and dumped dirty dishes everywhere. Some small baskets to store food with labels on the baskets would help too, I got the feeling like a lot of the food in the fridges and shelves was from people who had already checked out.
Laura (2/5): - They were talking about narcotrafic and rejected me as a guest
Michael (10/5): - Nice atmoshere , good food ,other guests all good and friendly . will stay there again .
Samanta (10/5): Chilling people - So chill and beatifull
Murray (10/5): - Great location. Shared space. Tons of international travelers. Really good vibe
Shauntianna R (2/5): - Very run down NO HOT WATER I didn’t shower for 4 days jus washed myself with cold damn water and it was by loud all night on property and it rain my whole stay no tv in room I seen bugs in my room… most definitely would NOT BE BACK here… worst hostel I ever stayed in and I paid for my own room and it was jus a bad experience!
Shawn (10/5): - Amazing place. So many like minded people traveling from around the world on their own journey in life. Everyone is super nice. There’s a pool. DJ once a week. Shared rooms. With lockers. Great stay.
Anastasia (8/5): - The staff was very nice! It was super convenient that they had a restaurant in the hostel area. Rooms were clean and bed was comfortable.
frantz (10/5): - Very cozy , i loved the atmosphere
frantz (10/5): - My favorite spot in San Jose
Sebastian (10/5): - Exactly what I was looking for, did the job can’t ask for much more really. Pool could’ve been slightly colder although I only went in it at the heat of the day
Jessica (10/5): - located very centrally to museums and some eateries. if you want to hit the museo nacional, the museo del oro, etc. this is the perfect place! reasonably quiet, clean, with a friendly environment, and the in-house restaurant is super authentic and solid.
Julie (10/5): A great place to hang your hat for a short while. - It was a great place to stay. Beautiful grounds with a pool. It was mostly quiet, a lot of young people looking like they were partying, but that is pretty much expected. There was a restaurant, plenty of seating inside and outside, I just had yougert, granola, and fruit, but still very good and a beautiful presentation. It was very relaxing hanging out at the pool after a long day white water rafting. I stayed in an all women dorm and a couple of the girls looked like they had moved in permanently with all their stuff all over the floor. I didn’t know that the shower didn’t have hot water so that was shockingly cold, apparently there is hot water in a different shower, why there wasn't a sign stating this in unbeknownst to me.
Tamara (2/5): - I went to check in at 830pm and the staff told me to come back in 30.minutes because they were chatting and bothered. The room was dirty and sheets had crumbs. I asked about a towel for showering and they said i needed to give my id to hold. I never got a towel. I think thst should be minimum..
Shawn (10/5): - Great place! Great vibe and people and the pool ☀️
Shawn (10/5): - Super cute. Feels like a boutique hotel. Safe area. Walkable. Near bars, restaurants, little parks, a museum, and the police station which makes area feel safe too ☀️
jacek (10/5): - Helpful stuff. Atmosphere. Location. They make you feel like home.
Verity (10/5): - Nice atmosphere, welcoming, quiet, kitchen and restaurant available. Close to a noisy train line but overall a good location.
Tim (8/5): - We had the Twin Bedroom in the basement. It was big enough for two people, but a new Mattress would be nice. The price was good, what the hostel offers. So for a short stay for a few days to arrive to Costa Rica we can recommend it.
Talal (2/5): - As I selected above plus the molds and stint as you enter the room is something of a migraine. Stay away even if you are on strict budget it’s not worth the migraine and the rudeness of the local staff especially the guy who manages the place
Jayakrishnan (8/5): - Good hostel for short and cheap stay. Good reception staff and reception hours. The quality of the room and the furnitures arent great. Also, the toilets are limited.
Verified traveler (10/5): Paradise Hostel - I totally satisfied with the location and the zen atmosphere there at this hostel. So beautiful, bed is clean compare to others. Price is super cheap. I made some good friends there too.
Jeanette (8/5): - This was a wonderful, affordable stay! The courtyard was the perfect place to relax and recharge with plenty of comfortable hammocks. Staff was nice and helpful. Shuttle service was very convenient. The only downside was that there was a lot of street noise: honking, sirens, etc.
Wendy (10/5): - Beautiful place, enjoyed 2 nights, was very comfortable. Very friendly, food is great.
Anastasia (6/5): - Staff was not unfriendly but not super welcoming either. It is oddly dark and kind of gloomy inside but the walls are painted with very fun jungle murals so that was inviting! Dorms are nice and the each bed has curtains/light/chargers which is very helpful. Outside pool, bar, and restaurant area is nice. Kitchen clean. Price is inexpensive and location is convenient. They do not provide a towel.
DAVID L (4/5): - Property online notes private bathroom for private room reserve option. No private bathroom is on site, You have to share toilets and showers with other guests. Cockroaches in Lobby. Bugs on private room floor. Area around dingy and possibly dangerous. I actually saw a female guest run to the property from a nearby main road. The guest has to be buzzed in and out. Tried to contact Expedia on the inaccurate online note that the private rooms offer private bathrooms but Expedia would only allow calls to their customer service Office and my cell phone would not work outside the United States. I would rate the property a step above being in Jail but not much more. Avoid the site unless all you have is $12 a day for a shared bedroom and that does not include any free breakfast.
eli (10/5): - Location
Gemma (4/5): Wouldn’t stay again - For the price the stay was accurate. The double room is advertised as a brighter room but it was dark. It was also misleading as under amenities listed bathroom, turns out it is a shared bathroom. The walls are paper thin and the sheet on the bed didn’t fit the bed and kept coming off in the night which made us feel a bit gross as the mattresses obviously don’t get washed. The staff/cleaners make a lot of noise talking in morning which woke us. And it is right next to the loud train but if you stay on a weekend like we did it doesn’t come too early. When we arrived really late after a long journey we were made to wait while two members of staff finished counting money which went on for a long time and was frustrating. The shares area is nice although the pool didn’t look too clean. Breakfast was good. Good french toast and smoothie. Overall wouldn’t stay here again and spend a little more for a nicer hostel.
Kim (8/5): - Great price, for the convienences, sketchy downtown location.
Amit (6/5): - Great property and friendly staff. Biggest complaint is we booked and paid for a private room but when we arrived we were put in a shared dorm with a few others
Emiko (10/5): - The community of people that stay here are great. Lots of travel information gets shared. Centally located. Walking distance to everything. The restaurant chef makes great food. Staff is attentive. Would definitely stay again.
Carry (10/5): - Really liked the food, the convenient location, and the easiness to store luggage and too get help with taxi. Very nice place. And again mention the food was awesome.
Joseph (10/5): - The bar is a lot of fun, Yancy is a great bartender and attracts a good crowd, She can also book great tours. Guests are very friendly, Staff is helpful, and nice having a pool in the middle of everything, it can be noisy including a train that passes by.
Adam (10/5): - Great spot , works as a hub
Verified traveler (8/5): - You get what you pay for... its was safe and conveniently located. Mainly young guest and a mixture of overnight travelers. Open kitchen, many bathrooms, friendly staff. I recommend earplugs, room spray, travel size body products.
Isabel (6/5): - The front desk in general needs more customer service experience, I asked to switch rooms early in the morning due to my sheets having a stain on them the night before and the front desk guy looked at me and seemed annoyed. I told him I’d come back in the afternoon to get the new room/bed assigned to me and when I made it back, he never updated me. When I asked him, he completely ignored me and started helping someone else, I then asked again and he sent a girl to check the room but the girl never came back to confirm if the room was ready, after 10 minutes sitting in the lobby I walked back up to the desk and asked for updates regarding the room, he said “yeah it’s ready” This was a terrible experience. Whether the price was extremely affordable they shouldn’t treat their guests like that. Other than that, the property looked clean, hot water was available, fairly clean bathrooms /showers, and organized kitchen. Don’t get fooled by the “Free breakfast” The front desk said it was no longer available, we didn’t need it anyway but it would’ve been nice.
Carolina (8/5): - Very nice Hostel, pretty big, cool pool, very easy to meet people, have a Kitchen Beds are uncomfortable
Joseph (8/5): - Friendly guests, helpful staff. Great tours. Pool is very dirty looks nothing like the photo. New furniture is much needed inside the lobby.
Carlos (8/5): - Little worn out. Pool out of service.
Brad (10/5): - Perfect for what I needed!
Dinique (10/5): Best for solo or friend travel - Loved it ! This was my first time in a hostel , as usually I have to many things to stay at one , however it was perfect , there was access to a pool & I met 3 friends !
Verified traveler (2/5): The hostel was closed - There was no stay. When we arrived the hostel was closed because of Covid — which is fair enough, if they would just have told us. Instead we were knocking at the door for five minutes before a man appeared and told us we couldn’t have the room we booked two weeks ago. If they would just have sent us an email
Verified traveler (2/5): Poor management - I booked this hostel without the information that it was shutdown and under quarantine. So I was in San Jose at 9pm with no where to sleep. I'd call and make sure that they're open, because I would hate for anyone to get stranded as I did.
Verified traveler (2/5): Not safe for your belongings - The beds have a draw underneath that "locks" but no bottom inside and the beds are so light and not bolted down, that you can literally just lift them up and steal someone's stuff. Completely ridiculous
Verified traveler (2/5): Gross - Pool was literally green and the kitchen was destroyed. Don't even get me started on the bathrooms
Michael (2/5): Not great - Wouldn't recommend it to be honest. Rude staff, definitely better hostels around
Verified traveler (2/5): Not worth it at all - A literal train passes by your window and shakes the room every 30 mins. I wouldn't stay here if you want a good night sleep.
Verified traveler (2/5): Not safe - Was sitting in the common area watching the tv when a completely intoxicated guest came into the room and started throwing racial slurs at me for a good 5 minutes. This was right next to the front desk mind you, and the staff did absolutely nothing about it. Some other guests ended up taking the guy away, which should have been done by the staff. The next morning I'm told I have to leave with no explanation. This place literally let this guy get that drunk, harass other people (I wasn't the only person mind you) and instead of dealing with him then and there, wait till the next day and just toss out the people he was harassing. Not to mention the night staff was drinking and playing cards with the guests. Long story short, wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. The staff needs to step it up or hire some security if they want to be taken seriously.
Verified traveler (2/5): Not worth the price - Sink was broken for days and constantly ran, kitchen was just destroyed. I was in the shower once and the water just quit working while I was covered in soap. Don't recommend this place at all.
Verified traveler (8/5): - Great balance of guests. Having the POOL on property was so awesome! A lot of people I met were RETURN guests.. very & professional manager there from the UK! Good job!
Verified traveler (10/5): - I love that it’s a little piece of paradise in the middle of San Jose. If you like it quiet at night bring ear plugs, as it is a very social place!!
Verified traveler (8/5): - It was good, but there was a lot of noise all night. Also the kitchen was not really clean. The pool and hamac section were nice to relax.
Roel (6/5): Below to average. - The welcome ain't that good. There's a mini tour that's all. Then on your own after. Fix your own bed, pillow cases to pillows, blankets just handed over. Unsure if it's washed or not. But what can you expect, the price is cheap. You get what you paid for.
LuisO. (2/5): - The pool was gross and I asked the staff multiple times within two consecutive days to clean the pool so I could swim and prevent germs and bacteria spreading from the already filthy pool, especially during times of the coronavirus and nothing; it was not cleaned. Beers and food I had left marked with my name in the fridge was stolen. The female who works cooking in the morning for breakfast can’t cook or on purpose cooks my breakfast terribly; I can cook better and the other older female cooks who cook in the afternoon cook better. The I didn’t give attention to the female local staff who are single or pose as single but already have boyfriends hated on me and refused to honor my next reservation; I don’t even date fat girls, latinas, or dark skinned girls to each their own taste in dating ! I’m not from the country India I don’t do arranged marriages nor do I date or flirt with women I’m not attracted to; sorry that I’m not sorry. There were some local prostitutes who came to stay at the location but like I stated they fall under the same category and not my type so they refused to continue to do buisiness with me and I’m like whatever. I chase European women or a woman from Europe and I’m from the USA and I don’t even chase, date any chic from the USA. They previously didn’t refund me my key deposit nor did. They do so this time either but when I arrived they didn’t charge me the key deposit but still again I didn’t get it back. Over all They just hate on me from reviewing
MiamiLUIS (6/5): - There is a large sized female who work(s) (ed) the afternoon shift until 10 pm and she is a paid local who does speak Spanish and little English but has the worst and most sour attitude out of all the staff. This female gave me an attitude since the moment I walked in to do a check in and the day prior to check out refused to receive my laundry for laundry service before I moved on to trace to the next city; I personally do not like to travel with dirty clothes and the sour staff she was made me travel with dirty clothes because she refused service for no reason. Other than that upon check out when I returned the room key, the key deposit money was never returned to me :-( I want my money back ‼️
Allison (10/5): Great stay - Super cute out door area. Backpackers always brings about a certian vibe of friendly and warm hearted people
Verified traveler (8/5): -
Shannon (4/5): Crappy place - Wasn’t impressed at all. Right off I gave the desk $20,000 and they claimed I gave $2000 funny only had 20,000??? Place is old staff in the restaurant totally ignored me both times I went there. Overall the room is super small and cheap like sleeping in a closet, there was water running down the drain from the washer all the time noises as hell. The location is not really near downtown and hard to find. The one thing I did like was the tour staff where great.
Verified traveler (6/5): - This place is loud. Signs all over dayjng quiet hours 10pm but it was loud till midnight, stafd did nothing to enforce the rules
Verified traveler (8/5): - This is a very practical hostel for travelers and nice price too. (Kitchen, computer room, restaurant, bar, tours desk, pool, free coffee, laundry for small fees,...)
Verified traveler (8/5): - Staff was helpful and friendly. Awesome hang out area. Conveniently located. Loved the free coffee. Not the cleanest. Loud trains at all hours of the night. Good value overall.
Alex (8/5): - The good-Fun atmosphere! Close to the hip bars. Bar area at hostel is fun and you will certainly meet fun people if you engage. Front desk was very helpful. Super affordable! The not so good- Wi-fi coverage was terrible. You have to sit by the pool for decent reception and even then it was painfully slow. My locker was broken in room 19. The restaurant menu wasn't very vegetarian friendly. None of these things would prevent me from staying here again. It was the right price so I really can't complain.
Christopher (8/5): Short Visits Only - This is an okay place to stay for a couple nights max. They can provide you with most things you would need such as food, drinks, and tours. Be aware of the exchange rate as it’s not that good. Exchange money beforehand. Also, I had rented a car and they provide free parking but during my stay they said it wasn’t going to be free anymore when there are signs and even the hotels.com listing states free parking.
Verified traveler (10/5): - lots of people great for meeting other backpackers there’s a bar so people get rowdy
Verified traveler (10/5): - The vibe here is amazing! Very relaxed and with the beautiful plants in the common area you have no idea you’re in a city! The complimentary breakfast was very delicious and a generous portion. Loved it!
Roger (10/5): - Simply an amazing hostel for the price.
SeanBroderick (10/5): - Loved this property! You will enjoy it!! I loved the pool the most. And the living room area with the tv. The open outdoor kitchen area was awesome.
Verified traveler (10/5): Good visit to Costa Rica. - This was a good visit to Costa Rica. I stayed in Dorm 3. The other guests were very kind and quiet.
Verified traveler (10/5): - PLEASE READ TILL THE END I was first attracted to the property by the price. We were going to be in San Jose for just 12 hours overnight so price was key. A twin room for $27, breakfast included, was an ansolute steal. Breakfast was great. 3 large pancakes with syrup and the best pineapple I've ever had, plus coffee or juice. The only negative thing i could say was the pool wasnt full but when we went back 5 days later it was so i think thatwas a combination of bad luck and the drought. The room waa just that, a place to sleep. Perfectfor what we needed with a large double bunk bed and a fan. We were given ear plugs on check in but didnt need them. Appreciated the thought though. There was a good mix of ages amongst guests. Most important part of my review:- I left all (ALL) of our holiday money in the room by mistake. I only realised after we'd left on a bus out of town and had to wait 4 hours to get the signal to call. They were fabulous! They found the money and kept it safe till we came back to San Jose. I was thoroughly quizzed when picking it up to make sure i was the right person. I can't thank the staff enough for all that they did. I travel for a living and it is all too common to hear of stuff disappearing that you know was left in a room, often in luxury hotels too. It would have been super easy to say they couldnt find it. This reason alone would be enough for me to give them repeat business.
Yaacov (10/5): Good accommodation in San José - The place was clean and well organized. WiFi signal was excellent. A good breakfast is included, and at night time the bar is open.
Verified traveler (10/5): - great balye. water no work lv lv lv lv lv lv lv lv
Mitch (6/5): - The hostel was lovely, the room was clean and the staff were helpful and friendly. We had booked a shuttle to pick us up from the airport, and that could have been better organized. It took us a long time to find the person meeting us, and when we did she still had to call for the actual shuttle, which took a long time to get to us. After a long day of flying this was very inconvenient.
Richard (8/5): - This was a nice hostel beds were a little bit uncomfortable but overall my day was good
Charlotte (8/5): Basic but nice - Cute hostel, basic facilities but nothing to complain about. Nothing to do in San Jose apart from eat and drink. There was an older man who was very full on with girls which was quite uncomfortable in the hostel, would recommend a girls only room.
Noelle (10/5): - Hidden gem. Beautiful layout, pleasant staff, all needs met in one area (food, adult beverages, coffee, showers and bathrooms). Only place I'd stay in San Jose. Mary and Randall were very helpful!
Verified traveler (8/5): - As a traveller in my 30's i liked the 4 bed dorm option. Just a bit quieter. A proper door knob would help th door from slamming shut, but thats minor. I love the privacy curtain on the bunks. All in all a good time.
Verified traveler (10/5): Perfect place for leaving/going - This is my absolute place to stay in San Jose - safe, cheap, great atmosphere, shuttle to airport, all you can ask for right?
Danny (8/5): - Costa Rica Backpackers was how I expected, a good space of lobby with friendly staff. Rooms are spacious and clean. Only thing is bathrooms are little dirty sometimes of course not everyone is clean. Wifi wouldn't reach downstairs so you would have to be in lobby or near it to use wifi. Other than that it was great.
Verified traveler (10/5): - Friendly and helpful staff. Sojourners also friendly and helpful. Great location within walking distance of downtown. I probably wouldn't go out at night alone, but that's just me. Probably good to tag along with someone that speaks Spanish if taking a bus.
Verified traveler (10/5): - Nice place to stay for the price and meet a wide range of people
Verified traveler (10/5): - It was a perfect one night stay! They had cheaper options for a ride to the airport. Food was great and the place has a really fun atmosphere.
Jason (8/5): Hostel is in Great City Location - The hostel is in a great location of San Jose in the middle of everything. Rooms could use some improvements and maybe more services and a better breakfast in the morning. Overall it is in a great location and a good place if you're on a budget.
Verified traveler (6/5): loved the staff - Stephanie, Anthony, Manuel, Bren - continuing staff names. . . Brenda, Maria, Chastak? They were all wonderful!
Maurice (10/5): No regrets - I have stayed at the Costa Rica Backpackers Hostel a few times and have not been disappointed in the service, price and quality of the hostel. The staff were always there to assist me in all that I required. The pool and common area are always filled with a positive vibe and add to the ambience and favour of the accommodations. I would recommend it to my friends.
Alex (4/5): Misleading, noisy, dishonest. - Booked through Expedia. Expected $16 per night for 4 people in room with 4 single (twin) beds. Staff said rate on Expedia was wrong and it was $16 per person and room had bunk beds only. 4 days later, others checking in being told same story at front desk. Blaming Expedia and charging much more with no effort to correct 'problem' and stop misleading people and charging much more. Very noisy. 'Continental breakfast' was just 2 pieces of buttered toast with a tiny bit of jam and a spoonful sized serving of watermelon. At least the coffee was free. We had the room to ourselves and used locks provided for the lockers. Returned to find someone with keys had stolen $60 from daughter's luggage and broke the main zipper of my luggage to bypass my luggage lock. Conveniently, staff said our room was in 'blind spot' between two security cams so they couldn't confirm who unlocked our door and our lockers and stole from my daughter and tried to steal from me (and damaged my luggage beyond repair). Bait and switch scam and dishonest staff. Cannot recommend.