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Costado sur de la iglesia católica, sobre carretera Principal # 142. South side of catholic church, on main road #142., Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 506 Costa Rica
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Traveller (353)
360
Panoramas (6)
Room & Suite (48)

About

#8 of 159 Specialty lodging in La Fortuna de San Carlos
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
GreenLeaders Gold level
Arenal Hostel Resort, besides standing out for our excellent location in La Fortuna, is a place that characterize for making the difference, where day by day we work as a team to provide our guests a unique experience in boarding and adventure. The charisma of our team members and their renowned assistance, is what makes Arenal Hostel Resort a place to come back. Arenal Hostel Resort was born with the idea of making a new concept in the area, where a good price and the quality of lodging, were the fundamental aspect that would identify us. As well as a point of meeting to make friends.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Game room
Hiking
Massage
Baggage storage
Valet parking
Wifi
Swimming pool toys
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Snack bar
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Fishing
Karaoke
Nightclub / DJ
Open-air bath
Salon
Outdoor furniture
Shared kitchen
Shops
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Seating area
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish

Location

99Great for walkers
Grade: 99 out of 100
116Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
8Attractionswithin 0.5 km
800Reviews18Q+A100Room tips
Traveller rating
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  • 52
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Renata I wrote a review Dec 2022
12 contributions
Arenal Sloth Hostel, in La Fortuna, is one of the nicest places in Costa Rica. It gives you the Costa Rica experience, which means, good peaceful energy, delicious food, and beautiful views and attractions. Although, it is a peaceful, beautiful part of Costa Rica, there are all kinds of fun activities to do, on a daily basis. The people that run this place, are amazing! Brian and Derek are so knowledgeable and helpful. You're not just a backpacker or hiker, passing through, for however long that you need, you're family, while you are here. Flor Nina, and Carla, help you get situated and plan events with you. They are so friendly. Jenny cleans and has everything that you would need to help make your stay a comfortable zenful experience. The guests that pass through are a kaleidoscope of cultures and countries. They brighten your day and enlighten your life. When you visit Costa Rica, this hidden treasure, in Costa Rica, is waiting to be discovered by you!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Caroline wrote a review May 2022
3 contributions1 helpful vote
I lived in a dorm room, and the room was horrible. The bed made noises if you just moved a little, you could feel all of the springs in your bag and it got a lot of mole on the walls. The pool was the best thing about this stay.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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IntrepidExplorers2019 wrote a review Mar 2022
London, United Kingdom50 contributions35 helpful votes
Absolutely blows my mind that this hostel made it into the Lonely Planet. Everything about it was a problem. Our dorm had a serious damp problem with visible toxic black mould on the wall. The mould has clearly been painted over throughout the hostel. This is probably caused by proximity to the extremely loud pool, which is way smaller than photos would have you believe. Hammocks in the centre would be a nice perk but are usually wet. Kitchen is tiny, impossible to have more than 2 people in there at one time. Music is SO loud - everyone was bothered by it 10am - 10pm everyday. Bunk beds are so shaky and unstable. Our bathroom had a serious drainage issue and needed more ventilation. We spent as little time as possible here. They charge your card 72 hours in advance of arrival and we couldn’t leave despite protesting about the respiratory issues that can be caused by mould. AVOID!!! (Staff are friendly though!)
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Melody wrote a review Feb 2022
Toronto, Canada72 contributions12 helpful votes
We stayed here as a couple. Pros: Large and spacious room with AC. Nice pool and aesthetics to the place. Friendly and helpful front desk staff. Can book tours directly from the front desk. Great value. Central location in La Fortuna, close to many restaurants, cafes, and shops. Also close walk to the Sloth Watching Trail. Cons: Everyone seemed more into being on their phones. It was hard meeting others. The bar inside the hostel blasts clubby reggaeton music from 430 to 40pm every day. Nothing but this genre of music. On one of the days, one of the guests asked the DJ to play some mainstream EDM. But then it would just go right back to clubby reggae after one track. It's not relaxing at all and no one is looking to rage. Would be better if they played music that was chill or relaxing, and catered to travelers.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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CloudPixie wrote a review Jan 2022
Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom136 contributions47 helpful votes
We stayed in a private room with our own bathroom. The room was a good size and all the staff were really friendly and helpful. The little heated pool and swim up bar are great after daily activities in La Fortuna. Really enjoyed our stay here.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Nina wrote a review Jan 2020
2 contributions1 helpful vote
We had a private room with bathroom. The room was nice and clean. Bed is comfortable. Room is humid (like all of Costa Rica), but if you turn on the AC it's okay. What we didn't like that much was the noise, the music from the bar/pool area and the water fountains are very loud, but they turn them off at around 10pm. The staff is really friendly and attentive. Daniel helped us with booking tours in the area and gave us information on free things to do. Overall we would recommend it, if you do not mind the noise.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Costa-Rica-Hostels, Gerente at Arenal Hostel Resort
Responded 30 Jan 2020
Hola Amigo, thanks for share your experience with every body, we sorry about the music, we always turn down at 10 pm.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jmarti123 wrote a review Jan 2020
Canada81 contributions52 helpful votes
I stayed in the deluxe room with a friend last month and was terribly disappointed in what we got for our money. At over $100 USD/night, our room was grossly overpriced. Our room had a mouse problem, which meant that we were stuck cleaning up mouse droppings daily (often multiple times/day). Furthermore, our toilet leaked and despite claiming that the showers offered hot water, they most definitely did not. Based on the room that we had, I think it would have been more appropriately priced at $40 USD (or less). I will however say that the location is great. Being located downtown meant that it was easy for us to access restaurants for meals or to just go out for a drink. The hotel's common area is also really nice and an easy place to relax. As other reviews stated, it is a really loud place so I wouldn't recommend it if you are a light sleeper. Overall, I wouldn't stay here again or recommend it unless the price drops significantly.
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Costa-Rica-Hostels, Director General at Arenal Hostel Resort
Responded 13 Jan 2020
Dear customer, we sorry to hear your experience, we haven't hear for other customers your complain about the rodents, but we take actions at once. About the price, we are sure that our price is the right for our installations and services, you stayed with us in the peak season, our rates are according. Thanks for recognize positive things of your stay with us, your words are important and help us to be better every day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley R wrote a review Jan 2020
8 contributions1 helpful vote
The location was excellent being located in the center of town. It was easy to walk to restaurants and shops. Also, the common area of the hostel was lovely with a pool and lots of hammocks. However, the deluxe double room (most expensive) we booked left a lot to be desired. The shower was luke warm at best, the sheets were cleanish, the toilet leaked and we had mice visiting daily leaving droppings. Also, the staff was not accommodating when we mentioned the above problems. Overall, this is a $50 at best place to crash.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Costa-Rica-Hostels, Gerente at Arenal Hostel Resort
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Hola Ashley, thanks for your words.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
#LetsDoThis wrote a review Jan 2020
San Jose, Costa Rica310 contributions9 helpful votes
+1
For our October trip, we stayed in Arenal Hostel Resort. It's a good pick for 10 USD per night. The hostel has various rooms for guests. The cheapest one is the dormitory type so we took that. I love that this low-key place has a heated pool and a bar for relaxation. The best part inside is the hammocks. The rooms and bathrooms are clean. They have functional airconditioning and wifi was fast which I thought was great for 10 USD. Their service though is not excellent. They can improve on that. But I guess, I would still recommend this hostel for the price and the available amenities. 🧡 #LetsDoThis
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Costa-Rica-Hostels, Gerente at Arenal Hostel Resort
Responded 6 Jan 2020
Hola amigo, thanks for you review, we are always improving and your words help us a lot!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Will wrote a review Dec 2019
Louisville, Colorado80 contributions2 helpful votes
We stayed for 4 nights and spent tons of time at this hostel in between excursions. Daniel helped us book several activities at a discounted rate including a shuttle to Monte Verde. The heated swimming pool and swim up bar were great ways to soak our sore legs after hiking. We also enjoyed relaxing in the hammocks every night.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Costa-Rica-Hostels, Gerente at Arenal Hostel Resort
Responded 2 Jan 2020
Thanks friend for your review, was a pleasure having you sharing with us!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaArenal Volcano National ParkLa Fortuna de San Carlos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
68
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ARENAL HOSTEL RESORT - Prices & Reviews (La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica)

Frequently Asked Questions about Arenal Hostel Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Arenal Hostel Resort?
Nearby attractions include Iglesia de La Fortuna de San Carlos (0.1 km), Onirica Art Gallery (0.1 km), and Galeria Estudio (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Arenal Hostel Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a swimup bar, free wifi, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Arenal Hostel Resort?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Arenal Hostel Resort?
Yes, free parking, secured parking, and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Arenal Hostel Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Restaurante Travesia, Chifa La Familia Feliz, and Chipotle's.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Arenal Hostel Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Arenal Hostel Resort located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of La Fortuna de San Carlos.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Arenal Hostel Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does Arenal Hostel Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.