Palacios Arenal (Hostel/Hotel) — Hotel in La Fortuna

Almost came back there just for the hostel, if only I had the time ^^||||This hostel is an absolute GEM. First, it is the cheapest I've been in Costa Rica without camping, this in such a touristy place than La Fortuna. Quality price rating? 5* is an absolute understatement.||||Second, the hostel is clean, solid, showers and beds are good, rooms are generally somehow apart from the common place which gives straight on the street so it's relatively quiet for a good sleep. The kitchen is quite decent (very good on Costa Rican standards, couldn't find better and made the job for a great crepes party), but hey Adrian, the owner worked in kitchens, so that's logical.||||Third, the equipment is tremendous! Like, there are some board games, there's a bar (closed so far for Covid), there's a damn PING-PONG table with equipment, and there's some arcade games (old school nerds, if you like Mortal Kombat that's the place). So okay there's far more to do around Arenal than staying at hostel, but this means great times after a good day out, or before a good day out, great ways of socialising, great fun, and good excuse to extend your stay :)||||Because yeah you can extend. We eventually stayed 6 days, felt like home, did Tenorio NP with rio Celeste from there, found other things to do, just to make the most of our stay there.||The most important remains that Adrian, the owner, is a wolderful dude. He helped us in so many ways, helped us with the car when we had issues with it, helped us when we somehow had another king of issue, he cooked meals for us and we did the same in return (crepes party, the kitchen allows it ^^), made sort of a private party, etc. Really world class and helped us in any way, made everything so we could have the best stay.||||If you're in a rush and don't have much the time for this, still: Adrian knows EVERYTHING about the region (and possibly everyone I reckon ^^). So if you want to know the good spot for a swim, a cliff jump or rope swing (free) without a car;||if you want to know which Arenal tour is the best (answer: the secret 3rd, cheaper and better) ; the best way (free) to enjoy the hot river; the place (free) of secret hidden waterfalls ; and some more activities to do around for friend price...||||||What else to say? Just this hostel is worth the stop in Arenal. World Class, top 5 in my travels around the...

This is by far the cheapest hostel I've stayed in, and yet the quality of my stay was higher than most. The interior felt clean and my 4-bed room was spacious enough to lay out my luggage without intruding on others. Showers were hot (sometimes a little too hot!), and they had storage lockers for valuables. Amenities such as ping pong tables, a generously sized kitchen, coworking space, and even a small gym stood out to me, and were all well-used and great ways to meet fellow travelers. I should note that while the gym did have a rack (!), I didn't feel comfortable doing a full workout there, but it was sufficient for a light workout. ||||You definitely won't find the party hostel vibe here, but that's to be expected for a nature getaway town like La Fortuna. The location was convenient enough -- the city center with all the restaurants and bars was a quick 10 minute walk.||||Adrian, the owner, was the highlight of my stay. Upon arrival, he gave us a full list of personalized recommendations, and even booked tours on my behalf (WITH taxi transportation!). He went above and beyond by waking up early to help a group of us catch our intercity bus to SJO. I could tell that he truly cared about creating the best possible experience for...

I could have given Palacios anywhere from one to three stars. Giving it three because when I left, the guy at reception was exceptionally kind and apologetic.

Room was low & dark, hot and no fan, there was what looked like an air conditioner but I couldn't figure out how to turn it on.

The room had a clear window into the next room, which was lit with the bare bulb. No curtains or any way to block the light. It shone into my room all night.

I asked three people who worked there whether there was breakfast or coffee in the morning. The first one didn't know. The second one simply told me that he wasn't on duty at the moment (which I guess meant that he couldn't take the time to answer my question). Third one said no, there is nothing. So in the morning I set out, walking down the busy strip, searching for coffee.

Big supermarket across the street and there's a kitchen you can use. If that's your thing, go for it. And the price is right. But it wasn't for me. After one semi sleepless...