Albergue San Jose is a gem. Situated just out of the center of San Jose in the Cabo de Gato National Park, it's just a few blocks from the ocean, restaurants, post office, banks, and other city amenities. Yet, it is also on the way from the main part of town to hiking trails that follow along the ocean shore. Because it is not on the "main drag" (which is not so big in San Jose), it is a very affordable alternative to the other hostels/hotels in the city. Also, it is nestled in an area with many trees and a quiet atmosphere.
This said, the hostel is very hip and happening with an excellent atmosphere. It has two beautiful terraces and one inside patio that attract a nice crowd of other travelers and provide an easy way to meet people or just relax in common space. The place is a perfect mix of low-key tranquility with the terraces that look out onto the mountains of Southern Spain and fun with a bar/restaurant in front for congregating people. The bar/restaurant has a tropical atmosphere with a thatched, grass roof and lots of places to sit. Lots of greens and plants decorate all the common areas and give the place a very lively atmosphere that is also open and comfortable.
The dorm rooms include four to six bunk beds. Upon check in, you receive a key to your room and to a large locker in which you can put your things. You receive sheets and a blanket free of charge. The rooms are nothing special in themselves -- pretty standard affair -- but with the wonderful common spaces, you'll probably spend most of your time sitting on one of the terraces or in the bar/restaurant. There's several hallways that lead to rows of dorm rooms. Each hallway has its own bathroom, sink room, and shower-room. The hallways are divided by sex (females in one hallway, males in another), though there might be a mixed hallway as well.
Everything is very clean and well maintained. The beds are comfortable. Showers are plentiful so you will not have to wait in line. Bathrooms are modern and clean. The bar serves decently priced food for breakfast and dinner and also serves an assortment of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The food is surprisingly tasty. Unfortunately there is no kitchen, which is probably this hostel's biggest drawback. There is a phone you can use in the reception area.
There are signs in town to get to the hostel. However, if you get off at the bus stop, turn left at the first intersection you come to while walking into town. Keep following this road for three or four blocks, then you'll see a road that continues almost straight and uphill. The hostel is on the left.
This is an amazing place to stay where you can wake up to birds chirping while hanging out in a super hip and comfortable place. As an added bonus, the hostel is flexible about storing luggage after check-out time, which is nice if you plan on doing any hiking in the area.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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