Luminosa Montezuma Hostel — Hotel in Cóbano

Absolutely Horrible Experience – Avoid at All Costs

I’ve stayed in some rough places while traveling, but this was by far the worst experience I’ve ever had. I was stung by a scorpion IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT – in our bed. Yes, a scorpion. We found it under the sheets. The room itself was in shambles: holes in the walls, holes in the mesh that was supposed to keep bugs out (clearly didn’t work), and stained bed sheets that looked like they hadn’t been washed in weeks.

The bathroom was such a mess and very dirty while we were there. And the kitchen was covered in bugs and just very dirty in general. Everything was in terrible condition.

To make things even worse, the room had a metal roof with no ceiling – so once the sun came up, it turned into an oven. It was so hot inside that it was genuinely unbearable to be in the room for even a few minutes in the morning.

We told the owner about the scorpion incident, and they couldn’t have cared less. We followed up with the woman at reception who promised the owner would contact us – it’s been over two weeks and we’ve heard absolutely nothing.

Save yourself the trauma and find literally anywhere else to stay. This place is unsafe, unsanitary, and completely unprofessional.

(To respond to your comment on my review)

Your message is noted, but I stand by my review. Encountering a scorpion inside the room is a serious safety issue, whether it’s common in the jungle or not. Saying “it’s never happened before” doesn’t change the fact that it did happen — during my stay.

Accusing me of threatening you for a refund is both false and unprofessional. I raised valid concerns and expected to be treated with respect, not dismissed or blamed. Your claim about cleanliness doesn’t match what I experienced, and other guests can judge based on all available reviews — not just the positive ones.

I’m sharing my experience honestly so others can make informed decisions. If this is how you handle criticism, that’s also...

Absolutely horrible experience — avoid at all costs

If I could rate this place zero stars, I would. The only thing this place has going for it is the view — and trust me, it’s not worth the trauma we went through. At 11pm, while lying in bed, a scorpion stung my boyfriend on his back and finger. We were absolutely terrified and didn’t sleep that much, afraid to even get back into bed because the scorpion disappeared and we had no idea if it was still crawling around.

I messaged the staff in the middle of the night and was told the owner would get back to me the next day. I also asked for a refund — and surprise, it’s been nearly two weeks with zero response. Clearly, they do not care about the safety or wellbeing of their guests.

The staff were indifferent at best. The woman who checked us in was polite initially, but when we brought up this terrifying situation, she quickly became defensive and rude.

The room itself was in terrible condition — holes in the wall, bugs easily getting in, and a filthy, disgusting kitchen that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in ages. The tin roof made sleep impossible after 5am with the heat and noise. We barely slept the entire time.

This was one of the worst stays of my life. I understand we are in Costa Rica but it was completely traumatizing, and the lack of care or even a follow-up from the owner is inexcusable. Do yourself a favor — don’t...

This was the most beautiful, energetic and spiritual place I’ve been in Costa Rica. If you are into nature, yoga, meditation, spirituality and energy balance- this is the place to be for you. Also there is so much to do in beautiful and laid back montezuma- if you have the time: stay at least 1 Week. But don’t go into the Sea here or not even in the natural pools during high tide- waves are smashing you away and you get scratches all over the body or worse. The shower is the best I’ve been in 3 Weeks CR and the Rooms are nice and clean. Nati is super lovely and cyrill the volunteer was helping so much and connected all the people in the hostel, organized free tours & events and is just a really lovely person. If I could I would definitely come back and stay so...