The Hostelz.com Review
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.
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
Their Description
Arenal Backpacker's Resort Details
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Arenal Backpacker's Resort Reviews from the WebHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Very good When we arrived we found out that our room had a plumbing problem. The fellow at the front desk had arranged a bigger room at the hotel next door for us to stay at the same rate. So that was very nice! We still went over to the hostel and enjoyed the facilities; pool, lounge, hammock garden. I would recommend this hostel. — Joan , Canada (2012-05-14) Friendly Staff, Clean This was an excellent hostel. Very clean and staff super honest and helpful. Good value -- only complaint would be the limitations on the use of the air con. We had a sick member of our group who had to stay in the room during the day and it was very very hot for him. But there was a staff member who made an exception for us when we explained the situation. Overall -- would highly recommend! — Sarah , Canada (2012-05-12) Not the best experience Honestly, my experience at this hostel was not very good. I found the guys at the desk not very helpful, and frankly, quite rude. Upon arrival they greeted us by telling us off for complications with our bookings that were in no way our fault. They made no apology and I was appalled that they would treat a paying customer the way they did. If only I hadn't already paid, I would have walked out that instant and stayed elsewhere. The air conditioning is on timers which you have no control over, and seems to have little to no effect upon the actually temperature of the room. The beds made absurd amounts of noise when one moved, and were quite uncomfortable. Noise can be heard basically all night from the bar across the street, and from cars driving past. The food was incredibly delicious, though ridiculously expensive. They did successfully help us to get tours and transportation but it was in no way cheap. None of the computers in the internet room worked well. On a positive note, the other people staying there were super friendly and the pool was quite enjoyable.
So, it was a great vacation in Fortuna, as Fortuna has lots to offer, but our experience with Arenal Backpacker's resort was sadly lacking. — Anonymous , British (2012-03-04) I want to go back to Costa Rica, just to stay here again Not only is the location great (a short walk in to town and within minutes from waterfalls, horse back riding, hot springs and hikes, this hostel was just so amazing. It was spotlessly clean, the staff was friendly and more than accommodating, the pool was beautiful and the food they serve in the restaurant and bar area was DELICIOUS! I was with a group of 7 other people and we all were able to stay in a huge room with a huge bathroom. Some of us enjoyed this hostel so much, we went back a couple weeks later! Just an incredible place. They also have free wifi, computer lab and hot hot hot water! — Anonymous , USA (2011-08-18) Could almost be a hotel! Loved it! Rented a private room with my bf and it was as nice if not nicer then a hotel room for a fraction of the cost. They have a restaurant with fairly cheap food, a pool with a swim up bar, free internet, laundry service, and an amazing view of the volcano. Alonso, one of the staff there, is extremely helpful when it comes to organizing tours but be prepared to pay about $5 more for having them do it. Also, if they tell you a public bus will not get you somewhere that you need to book the shuttle, be wary, the shuttles are triple the cost of the bus and not comfortable at all. Great experience staying here though and highly recommend it. — Christy , Canada (2008-12-15) Best hostel I've stayed at in Costa Rica The staff always seemed friendly. The dorm rooms are immaculate. The AC goes on automatically at certain time slots. Very organized internet room, pool, and good cheap restaurant right at the hostel. You get into the rooms with a key card, which was really surprising to see at a hostel in Costa Rica. I admit, the tours they posted were much more expensive than what you could get in town. They also have a security guard at the gate door at night and he will only let you in as long as you are wearing the wristband that they give you at the front desk. It definitely seems more like a resort than a hostel. — mary , USA (2008-04-27) Great, clean hostel! One of the best I stayed in in Costa Rica! Nice sized room and a great big bathroom with each room was great! (no wandering around the halls looking for an available bathroom) The people were very helpful with tours... definitely do the canopy tour and baldi hot springs and if you are going to Monteverde, opt for the jeep-boat-jeep tour. Its shorter and more fun! I didn't go in the pool but it looked like fun. — Jannine , USA (2007-09-10)