Bright and shiny as a new dime, Arenal Backpackers is less like a hostel and more like a motor lodge, which it may well have been in a previous incarnation.
The Location
Just about three blocks from the bus stop and La Fortuna's downtown, it's easy to get to and easy to get around to all of the local attractions.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Each eight-bed dorm room has lockers and a bathroom with a hot shower. Everything is clean and tidy, and the air conditioner is turned on automatically every night. No hooks or shelves are available though. All of the rooms face the pool and bar area, and reception keeps the music going pretty loud most of the time, so don't forget your earplugs if you want to sleep in.
Common Spaces
As you enter the hostel grounds, there's a large grassy area with a number of hammocks. Only one hammock is in the shade, though, so be sure to slather on the sunblock. Just across the hedge is a large swimming pool with lots of comfy lounge chairs, and next to the pool is the reception area with a restaurant and bar, with a menu on the pricey side. No communal kitchen here, although they'll let you put something in the fridge, but no food preparation is allowed. There's a computer room with free internet. Free Wi-Fi is also available, but aside from the bathrooms, there are no electric outlets to recharge your computer.
Summary
This hostel is definitely promoting the party hostel idea, but most people do their partying elsewhere. It's clean, though, and the pool is a really pleasant place to hang out and meet other travelers.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2009
Location/Contact
4.7 Average from 3 Ratings
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