The 5 Best Hostels in Costa Rica

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To save you time scrolling through the search engines to find the best hotels for backpacking Costa Rica I’ve compiled this ultimate list for you. Ok, let’s go! Now, before I start, just note that the following list is comprised of some of my favourite hostels in Costa Rica! Most of which I have stayed in or visited so I can vouch for their awesomeness.

I have tried to also incorporate into this list some of the highest-reviewed hostels in Costa Rica. Enough about me, this list is for you! This list is broken down into categories to help you find the Costa Rican Hostel that’s perfect for you.

1. Arenal Backpackers Resort – Best Overall Hostel in Costa Rica

• Dorm (mixed): From $18
• Private Room: From $45
• Address: 350 meters west of central park, towards volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Arenal Backpackers Resort is my favourite of all the hostels in La Fortuna. It’s great for solo travellers who want the resort-style holiday feel with the La Fortuna backpacker hostel vibe. With privates from $50 and Dorms from $20 it’s definitely not the cheapest option, but boy is it worth the price.

Well located just a short stroll away from some local restaurants and bars, Arenal Backpackers Resort is where you want to be. You’ll love this central location and being a short walk to the hubbub because there is no kitchen here. It is however equipped with all the other basics a hostel would need, plus a whole lot more.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Spectacular views of Arenal Volcano
• Hammock garden
• Beautiful pool area

It also boasts a swimming pool, pool table, large hammock garden, information and tours desk and more! The Arenal Backpackers Resort swimming pool is THE place to hang out. You’ll meet loads of like-minded, chilled-out travellers there throughout the day and long into the night.

They have a variety of accommodation offers at Arenal Backpackers Resort to suit a backpacker on any type of budget. This is partly why I think it is the overall Costa Rican hostel GOAT (greatest of all time for all of you living under a rock). Plus it’s in one of Costa Rica’s most awesome areas.

If you’re loaded, you can splash on a romantic private cylindrical pod with a view of Arenal Volcano. And for you true broke backpackers, the dorms or new deluxe camping option at Atenal Backpackers Resort is a great shout. Ideal for travellers on a budget who want to experience something a little bit different in La Fortuna.

To top it all off, grab a drink from the bar and head to the hammock garden. From the best hammock spots you can sneak a view of the incredible Arenal Volcano, it doesn’t get much better than that, right?!

2. Monteverde Backpackers – Best Hostel in Costa Rica for Solo Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): From $12
• Private Room: From $42
• Address: Costarica Monteverde, Santaelena next to the supermarket, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde Backpackers is a super social hostel perfectly located centrally in Monteverde. This could have been one of my best nights’ sleep in all of Costa Rica. I’m not exaggerating when I say the dorm beds are ultra comfy.

Admittedly basic, this hostel lacks luxury items such as a swimming pool or on-site restaurant. However, it does have a kitchen, ping-pong table and great Wi-Fi.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Great Social Atmosphere
• Most amazing staff members
• Ultra comfy beds

Ok guys, not only is this one of the best hostels in Monteverde, this one is actually my personal favourite hostel in all of Costa Rica. I have visited this hostel myself twice (so good I came back). This is mainly down to one thing – the staff.

From the moment I arrived here, the staff were so incredibly helpful and friendly. I had a few medical issues which they helped me with and I then went on to chat to the receptionist for ages. He showed me all the best local things to do (including free activities) and gave me a free beer while we watched the football. I can’t remember the dude’s name for the life of me, but he was a Manchester United fan so you know he was a top g.

Oh yeah, and did I mention the guests are usually very social and up for a night out? You’re bound to meet a whole load of friends here just as I did. This is why I’ve chosen it as the best hostel for solo travellers in Costa Rica.

3. Playa 506 Beachfront Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Costa Rica

• Dorm (mixed): From $17
• Private Room: From $57
• Address: 300m north from Cocles River Puerto Viejo de Talam, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Talking of partying, Playa 506 Beachfront Hostel is my pick for the best party hostel in Purto Viejo or possibly even Costa Rica. Prices are anywhere from $70 for a private room and dorms are from $19.

Playa 506 Beachfront is easily the best party hostel in Puerto Viejo with the open mic evenings just being the tip of the iceberg. Playing reggae from dusk til dawn, and hosting a happy hour every night, the Playa 506 team know how to have a good time. With just the right amount of drinking culture teamed with laid-back beachy vibes, Playa 506 is one of the best hostels in Puerto Viejo overall.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Located right on the beach
• On-site Bar with craft drinks
• Activities on offer like surfing

Although it’s not the same party vibes you would normally associate with a hostel, this is more of a chilled-out, drinking vibe. They have a wonderful selection of craft drinks available at their bar here, and it’s located right on the beach. Making it perfect for finding your special someone for the night and talking all night on the beach.

I will say it’s a bit of a trek to get into town, so I would recommend hiring bicycles when staying here. But overall, I had a really fun night here.

The team will help you max out your time in Puerto Viejo. They can hook you up with surf lessons, day trips to secret waterfalls AND rent you a bicycle so you can get yourself into town. The dorms are pretty cosy but perfect if you’re just looking for a place to crash.

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4. Viajero La Fortuna Hostel – Best Hostel in Costa Rica for Solo Female Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): From $30
• Private Room: From $50
• Address: Ave 325, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica

Viajero La Fortuna Hostel is exceptional and surely one of the best hostels in La Fortuna, especially for solo female travellers. There’s so much to do and so many people to do it with! Not like thaaaaat! You know what I mean! Anyway, as a solo traveller at Viajero La Fortuna, you can hang by the pool, or outdoor fireplace, do some yoga on the deck, or take an excursion to one of the nearby sights.

Whilst I know some of you hardcore backpackers girls aren’t the biggest fans of overly fancy hostels, this one is good, trust me. The female dorms are clean and tidy with sockets near the bed and privacy curtains. But listen up, they also have one person “tent” and small single room options, both excellent for the solo female traveller wanting a bit of time to herself, if the budget can stretch. 

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Nice Pool Area
• Yoga Lessons
• Social Atmosphere

Imagination time folks, let’s picture a whole day’s stay here. Set out to visit one of the many nearby attractions, La Fortuna Waterfall, the hot springs or Hanging Bridges park. Come back to the hostel for a coffee and casado by the pool, then more pool, but the kind you play with new friends. After that, hire a bicycle and cycle around for the afternoon before hitting up the bar and getting social. Top it all off by crashing out into your super comfy bed after a nice hot shower – sounds like a dream to me.

5. Planet B Hostel – Best Hostel in Costa Rica for Families

With a creative, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, Planet B is my pick for the best hostel for families in Manuel Antonio. There are double rooms to stay in or book out one of the dorm rooms which sleep four to eight. Being immersed in the Costa Rican jungle is a dream for anyone of any age, plus there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Or you could have some fam time stretching out the travel tensions on the yoga mats before relaxing in the hammocks, what more could you ask for? Some interaction with the local culture? Sure! See the friendly helpful staff at the reception desk which is open all day.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free Wifi
• Free Breakfast
• Board Games

With a true family feeling, you’ll be welcome to chill on the outdoor terrace and make new lifetime friends at this Costa Rican paradise. There’s air conditioning which doesn’t guarantee, but is sure to help with good night’s sleep and moods. There’s also security lockers so you can lock up your valuables and sleep tight, knowing they’re safe and sound.

If you’ve got laundry to do (which you inevitably will), talk to the host and she’ll happily suss you out. The breakfast is free and delicious and a great start to the day before you venture out hiking or sight seeing. Another thing I love is that there are towels and toiletries provided so that’s one less thing to lug around with you when you’re travelling as a family.

If you haven’t found your dream hostel yet, it’s time to panic… Just kidding… do not worry!

I’ve got a few more stunning hostels up my sleeve, starting off with one of my personal favourites….

Arenal POSHPACKERS

• Dorm (mixed): From $22
• Private Room: From $59
• Address: 700 metro este de la Iglesia catolica, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Arenal Poshpackers is one of the best hostels in La Fortuna. It’s especially great for couples. With a range of rooms, this place is ideal for couples who want the privacy of a room but the social feel of a hostel.

Their backpacker’s bar is a cool little hangout, no doubt you and bae will make yourself some new drinking buddies here. The sun-trapped garden complete with hammocks is the best place to relax after a day of exploring the waterfalls, volcanos and jungles that surround La Fortuna. Be sure to ask the team for directions to the picnic spot at the swimming hole, there’s a romantic travel day right there!

Hostel Cattleya

• Dorm (mixed): From $7
• Private Room: From $20
• Address: Barrio las Orquidias, Frente Quality Trasnfers, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Hostel Cattleya is a friendly hostel with accommodation offers ranging from shared dorms to private family rooms. The staff are super friendly and will help you book tours and advise you on the best things to do and see in Costa Rica. This hostel is fabulous if you’re a solo traveller wanting your own space with lots of little nooks and hammocks to hang out in.

If you’re a solo traveller looking to make friends, Hostel Cattleya is also an epic option with the shared kitchen being an epic meeting spot. You’re a bit of a way out of town here which is something to consider if you like being within walking distance of a place. That being said, you can rent a car easily, ride a shuttle or just enjoy a long walk and keep up your fitness while travelling.

Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante

• Dorm (mixed): From $15
• Private Room: From $45
• Address: Calle 37 75m south of Sapporro Restaurant, Barrio Escalante, San Jose, Costa Rica

Unlimited tea and coffee, drinkable water from the tap – no wonder this place is called Chillout! This San Jose hostel accommodation offers you a serious chance to reset, rest and recharge on your backpacking Central America journey. The staff are friendly and helpful, you’re in a good neighbourhood and San Jose is a great place to start your Costa Rican adventure.

There’s a fully stocked kitchen if you want to cook up a storm and make some new friends or meal prep for your adventures. There’s also a link to Cocori Hostel and you can use the pool there and join in on their social nights. This is epic if you’re a solo traveller looking to make new friends as San Jose is full of people looking for the same thing.

Hostel Plinio

• Dorm (mixed): From $13
• Private Room: From $41
• Address: Main Road 50 Meters Before Restaurant Bamboo Jam, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

With its own swimming pool and garden area that looks out over the Manuel Antonio National Park, Hostel Plinio ticks all the right boxes. This place is epic! Breakfast is included in your room’s rate, as is WiFi, and access to the guest kitchen and laundry facilities too.

Hostel Plinio is one of the best hostels in Manuel Antonio and it’s not hard to understand why. The staff are genuinely caring and will go out of their way to ensure you have a great stay. For couples seeking a more low-key, quiet accommodation option, the Hostel Plinio sister Bed and Breakfast is just down the road.

 Nosara Beach Hostel

• Dorm (Male/Female): From $25
• Address: Guanacaste, Nosara , proyecto Americano lote k74, 300 meters south of Harbor Reef, Punta Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica

Offering male-only and female-only dorms Nosara Beach Hostel is the overall best hostel in Nosarawith the best location in Nosara. Located just 200m from Playa Scripts you couldn’t stay closer to the beach if you tried. In the garden, you’ll find perfectly positioned hammocks, a ping-pong table and a table football too.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained once you’ve finished up on the beach for the day with great cafes and bars to keep you nourished. In the city centre, Nosara Beach Hostel offers guests use of the community kitchen should they want to cook up some home comforts. It’s a small and homely hostel that has just five rooms and without being crowded, there are always enough people around.

Hostel De Haan

• Dorm (mixed): From $13
• Private Room: From $26
• Address: Calle el Bohio s/n, Jaco, Costa Rica

The overall best hostel in Jaco is Hostel De Hann – with a bit of everything Hostel De Haan ticks all the boxes for all travellers. You can learn to surf, brush up on your Spanish or just chill the hell out! The swimming pool is famed for its pool parties and no doubt you’ll wanna get in on the action too.

The dorms are clean, tidy, and pretty spacious. Most importantly the beds are comfy and all the rooms have ceiling fans. Wilson is the hostel’s hero, if you need anything just holla at him, and he’ll sort you out.

Super chilled out and super friendly Hostel De Haan has those Costa Rica hostel vibes on point.

Cabinas El Pueblo

• Dorm (mixed): From $37
• Private Room: From $102
• Address: Santa Elena Monteverde Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Offering private rooms with a hostel vibe Cabinas El Pueblo is the best hostel for couples in Monteverde. Not only is breakfast included in your room rate but they have their own hostel cafe on site too. So once you’ve checked in you don’t need to lift a finger if you don’t want to!

The rooms are spacious and really comfortable at Cabinas El Pueblo, although a little basic some may argue. If you and your lover wanna get out and about and experience authentic Monteverde then swing by reception and book onto a couple of their tours. The Cabinas El Pueblo team can help you book tours, everything from ATV tours to bird watching, make sure you visit Ficus La Raiz!

 Slow Monkey

Slow Monkey is the best party hostel in Santa Teresa. Not the same party vibes that you’d find in an inner-city hostel in Europe, but the best kinda party vibes… The chilled out, chilled beer and the chilled sea lapping against the sand kinda party vibes. Bliss!

Slow Monkey accommodation offers their own hostel bar, jacuzzi pool, pool table and outdoor BBQ area. If you’re looking for a relaxed hostel in Santa Teresa with a welcoming feel and an affordable nightly rate, Slow Monkey is a great shout. FYI, the Slow Monkey team can help you book tours and travel arrangements from their tour desk.

 Hostel Vista Serena

Another Manuel Antonio hostel, this one is ideal for you digital nomads. Offering not only a great internet connection but a great working environment too. If you’re looking to strike the right work-life balance as a digital nomad in Manuel Antonio then Hostel Vista Serena is the place to stay.

You can work while dangling your legs over the edge of the swimming pool or while sipping a cocktail at the hostel bar. There’s a great vibe here, the staff are super helpful and keep this boutique-style hostel in tip-top condition. Interior design geeks get your Insta at the ready and crime nerds get to San Lucas Island!

Casa Aura

Casa Aura is one of the best hostels in Tamarindo, a little pricey I’ll admit but it’s well worth it. The long established, Casa Aura is modern yet homely, stylish yet understated. Right on the beachfront, you’re only ever a matter of steps away from the sea; dreams do come true.

If you want a taste of the high life when in Taramindo then this is the place to stay. The Casa Aura team offer a great free breakfast and guests have access to the hostel’s free WiFi too. There are tonnes of places to laze around, to chill out. If you’re really looking to immerse yourself in nature, why not switch it up a bit and stay in an awesome treehouse in Costa Rica?

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By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Costa Rica has given you at least a starting point. As you can see from my short and sweet list, these are just the tip of the iceberg, the creme de la creme…
My few favourite cool hostels in Costa Rica. 

Whether you want to be within walking distance of the bus station or a short walk from the city centre wherever you’re staying… You’ve now got options. If you’re flying into San Jose, book yourself a couple of nights at Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante, the people are cool. While some hostels have a yoga deck, San Jose is renowned for its yoga massage in San Pedro – check it out!

My overall favourite hostel in Costa Rica though is definitely Arenal Backpackers Resort and if you can make your way here I promise you’ll love it. If you’re a solo traveller, the chances of meeting your new road bestie are high here, between the pool and the hammocks. 

Wherever your travels in Costa Rica take you, I’m sure you’ll meet people and see scenes that will change your life. With so many beautiful sites, fun people and places to party, it’s difficult to have a bad time in Costa Rica.

If you’ve been and think I’ve missed anything, hit me up in the comments. Or even if you just want to geek out about how great Costa Rica is!