Hostel Pangea

The Hostel Pangea is quite a well-known hostel in San Jose and is popular amongst travelers.

The Location

Pangea is located a taxi ride away from the San Jose bus stations but within walking distance of ten minutes of the city centre´s main attractions and shopping areas. The hostel is run as more of a commercial business than many Central American hostels. The hostel employs a security guard and every guest is given a wristband to ensure that there are no unwanted intruders in the hostel. Staff advise travelers to take a taxi if traveling around the city late at night. The hostel is located about five minutes away by taxi from the bar and nightclub area.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorm rooms are small but not too crowded and the hostel provides security lockers -- but you must provide your own lock. Rooms are also equipped with fans. The bunk beds are comfortable and clean linen is provided. There is a refundable key deposit.

The bathrooms are also kept clean, however there is no hot water. There is an adequate number of spacious bathrooms in the hostel. There are no hooks or shelves for clothes though.

There is a twenty-four-hour reception and helpful multi-lingual staff. Facilities provided at the hostel include bar/restaurant, swimming pool, laundry service, free internet, and a ten-minute free phone call to Europe, North America, or Canada. There is also a pool table and common area for guests and a TV room. Checkout is at 11 a.m. and departing guests are allowed to use the hostel´s facilities for the rest of the day if they pay a small fee.

Common Spaces

The hostel bar gives backpackers an opportunity to meet other travelers. Similarly the pool area is another area to do this.

Summary

Overall this is a good hostel, with good location, good facilities, and a proper hostel atmosphere.

— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
April 2008