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Situated in northern Costa Rica, Liberia is a hub for tourists visiting the Guana Caste Province. It’s got a little bit of everything – historic buildings, nearby beaches, energetic city life, and nature right on the doorstep.
Nicknamed “La Ciudad Blanca” or “The White City” thanks to its gleaming whitewashed buildings, you’ll find it hard not to be enchanted wandering the streets of this city.
If you’re looking to save some cash, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of hostels in Libiera. We’ve prepared a list of some of the best ones below, so you can pick the one that’s right for you!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Liberia
- Overall Best Hostel in Liberia – Hospedaje Dodero
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Liberia – Hostel El Pretal
- Top Party Hostel in Liberia – Hostel Pura Vida en Liberia
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The Best Hostels in Liberia
Hospedaje Dodero – Overall Best Hostel in Liberia
Located just 100 metres from the main bus terminal and the city market, this is a clean and affordable hostel that’ll suit your every backpacking need. It’s run by a friendly team of knowledgeable staff, offering up plenty of recommendations for eateries and activities in town.
The facilities at this top hostel are well maintained. The best thing about it is the little garden, where you can tuck into meals, chill in a hammock, or get to know a few fellow travellers over a beer or two.
Hostel El Pretal – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Liberia
The location of this hostel is spot on—tucked far enough from the main streets to keep things nice and quiet but close enough to stroll to restaurants and the main square without breaking a sweat. The vibe here is warm and welcoming, with friendly, helpful staff and guests who make it a dream spot for solo travellers.
The hostel itself is cosy and comfortable, with everything in tip-top shape. It’s perfectly placed for exploring Liberia’s highlights, from the central park to the bustling downtown. With a variety of room options, from dorms to entire apartments, it’s an absolute steal for what you’re getting.
Hostel Pura Vida en Liberia – Top Party Hostel in Liberia
This place is a solid go-to in Liberia, especially if you’re just passing through before or after a border crossing. You’d think it’d be pretty no-frills, but it’s surprisingly comfy. There’s even a kitchen with the holy grail of backpacker cooking—a stocked spice rack.
The beds are great, the AC keeps things chill, the showers are solid, and while the Wi-Fi can be hit-or-miss, the vibe more than makes up for it. The real MVP here is the hostess—warm, endlessly helpful, and always in good spirits. She’s your go-to for tour planning and all the local tips. The atmosphere is spot on, with a friendly, welcoming energy that makes it more than just a pit stop. While simple, it’s well-located and a perfect one-night base for commuters, with the city centre only a 10–15 minute stroll away.
Hostal My Green House
Hostel My Green House is a bright spacious house right in the heart of the city, offering up four different guest rooms. Each of these is light and well decorated, and comes with a shared bathroom (which is just as sparklingly clean).
This is a great spot for couples staying in Liberia – rooms feel private, and the hosts are kind and easy to chat to. This place is ideal if you’re looking for a short stay or an overnight sojourn before catching a flight.
Ciudad Blanca, Family and Sun
If you’re visiting Libera as a digital nomad, you’ll want somewhere that makes for a good base for your work. Ciudad Blanca, Family and Sun certainly has that, with lots of space in its private rooms for you to stretch out and get work done. There’s even access to a private work area on site, and a courtyard for when you want to relax.
Location-wise, you’ll find this hostel just a five-minute drive from Downtown, and a 45-minute cruise to the beaches of Liberia. That’s when you can tear yourself away from your laptop, of course.
Hospedaje AM
Hospedaje AM is a clean, simple place to stay. It’s no-frills, but it’s an ideal spot if you’re in town for just a couple of days. The rooms here are fairly spacious and come with everything you’ll need. It’s great value for money, ideal if you’re backpacking Costa Rica on a budget.
It’s easy to get to the airport from this hostel, so you won’t have to worry too much about organising yourself onto multiple buses or taxis. For those in transit, you could do a lot worse than this affordable guesthouse.
Hotel Villa Hermosa
This bed and breakfast in Liberia offers up a friendly place to stay in the city. Complete with a cosy plant-filled courtyard and colourful guest rooms, Hotel Villa Hermosa boasts a laid-back atmosphere to match.
If that wasn’t enough, this place is very conveniently situated, too. There are eateries and shops within walking distance. Plus, it’s just a 15-minute drive to the airport. Score!
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Liberia Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Liberia Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Liberia cost?
Liberia is perfect for travelers on a budget, the dorms are pretty cheap which costs around $11-$15. For solo travelers there are a lot of cheap options that is just around $17-$20 per night. If you prefer a bigger room it’ll cost around $26-$55.
What are the best hostels in Liberia for couples?
Known for its fantastic vibes, Hospedaje Dodero is my top hostel for couples. It’s very close to the bus station and the airport is also just a few minutes away. Their garden have hammocks that is the perfect spot for chilling if you opt for staying in.
What is the best hostel in Liberia near the airport?
Hotel Villa Hermosa is my top hostel that is nearest to the airport. It’s just 15mins drive away and they even have an airport shuttle service for maximum convenience.
Travel Safety Tips for Liberia
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Liberia
There are plenty of places to stay in Liberia to really get to grips with local life and get to know local people. Not all of them are strictly hostels, per se, but they do offer up a great experience staying in this pretty Costa Rican destination.
It’s definitely possible to stay in Liberia on a budget. And there are different styles of accommodation to suit everyone here – from bed and breakfasts to our top pick, Hospedaje Dodero.
Let us know where you end up staying in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Costa Rica for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Costa Rica covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Costa Rica if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Costa Rica before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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