La Palapa Hut Nature Hostel — Hotel in Puerto Jiménez

Beware of Potential Scams – Mixed Experience

I’ve stayed at this hostel twice – once in 2023 and again in June 2025. My first experience was great, and I returned because of Jackie, the owner, who is incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely cares about her guests. She even went out of her way to decorate our door with birthday balloons, which was a really thoughtful touch. I also want to mention that Andrew’s girlfriend was sweet and welcoming as well.

Unfortunately, my second visit was overshadowed by Jackie’s son, Andrew. While he initially came across as friendly and helpful, he ultimately left us feeling scammed. He offered to take us to a fishing spot (which turned out to be the public pier we could’ve gone to ourselves), and then volunteered to help arrange a fishing charter. He insisted on collecting the money and told us it would cost $800 – but the actual fee for the boat was $700, meaning he pocketed the extra $100. He also invited himself on the trip without our consent and broke something on the boat. On my birthday, while we were celebrating, he interrupted to tell us we were responsible for the damage. Fortunately, the boat owner clarified it was his fault, not ours.

He also insisted on filling out the information for a fishing license for all of us including him on my phone, which I found very fishy because he wouldn’t let me see what he was doing on my phone. Trust me, he was not up to anything good. I have his contact information and his ID. So, should anyone else come into any issues, Please reach out to me. I am not here to bring down Jackie’s business. I just want to be clear. I am here to protect the next visitors when they come in from Andrew. Andrew has since blocked me from WhatsApp so he will not receive my messages. He will not be refunding us the extra hundred dollars.

Lastly, to know when we had decided to go to the Hilton After already paying for the hotel, Andrew followed us outside of the hostel and was angry, and was persistent to make drama.

It was deeply disappointing, especially given how kind Jackie and others had been. I’ve since learned from locals that Andrew has a reputation for dishonest behavior and that many people in town avoid working with him. It’s heartbreaking to see how this could hurt Jackie’s long-standing business.

We stayed in a private room with a private bathroom for around $50/night. It was more of a simple hotel stay than a traditional hostel experience. The room had minimal ventilation but was clean and private.

I’m writing this review not to hurt the business, but to warn future travelers: be very cautious dealing with Andrew. I hope Jackie becomes aware of the impact this is having on her otherwise lovely place. The hostel is located right next to the airport so it is convenient.

I like to stay at Cabina’s hostel But that is on the other side of town next to the bus station. So if you’re flying in, you’ll need to take a taxi. But if you’re taking the bus, I highly recommend going to Cabinas across the street

UPDATE TO OWNER'S RESPONSE:

I’m disappointed by the owner’s response and lack of accountability. Andrew was introduced as a friendly local, not a tour guide—yet later demanded money for casual hangouts and added hidden fees to a fishing trip we already tipped him for. The fisherman confirmed Andrew pocketed extra cash and does this regularly. At no point were we informed that Andrew would be charging for anything, and we tipped generously regardless. We asked him directly if he was showing us around as a friend or guide, and he always said friend. The owner’s tone was dismissive and accusatory, rather than open to feedback. This kind of defensiveness reflects a deeper issue with transparency at the hostel. Sadly, this place seems more focused on extracting money from tourists than offering honest hospitality. Andrew Sr., It's nice to see you're standing up for your son. He said his hand was bruised from fighting with you.

DO...

Alright so this hostel is THE place to stay when you are in Puerto Jiménez and here is why.

The location - is remotely enough to think you're sleeping in the mangrove forest yet close enough to the town to get to the supermarket in 10 mins by foot. You're likely to encounter monkeys, racoons, iguanas, sloths, endless birds and all sorts of wildlife here. All while standing in the kitchen whipping up some Gallo Pinto.

The communal areas - are really not the most flashy or modern ones. But hey, if Puerto Jiménez has taught me anything, this place's beauty really is all about the people you will meet here. So I spent the most amazing nights and days in the communal area, dancing, chatting, having a good laugh and a great time. Of course this varies by who is there at the time. However I've seen all sorts of groups no matter their age or intention, get together here.

The rooms - I stayed in a 8 bunk shared dorm. Was it the most luxurious experience compared to a Selina in St. Theresa? No. But if you're looking for a sweet luxury retreat in Puerto Jiménez, then you might need to overthink your travel plans, going to a literal swamp. The environment is humid and damp, people here are going to the jungle, hiking, kayaking, diving. Yes this place won't be a squeaky clean palace smelling like cherry blossoms. But did I sleep like a rock and woke up feeling well rested? 100% of the times. The bathroom was clean, had hot water and the facilities were clean and functional.

The kitchen - Has everything that is needed to cook delicious meals. Enough fridge space and enough space for multiple people. Cleanliness depends on the current guests. I am not the biggest fan of a shared kitchen so I went out to have food. Which is, probably not even more expensive, regarding the prices for groceries in Costa Rica. Very likely your hostel-mates will offer you a freshly cooked meal anyways.

Check-in and service - If you thought you've already had your best customer experience, then you haven't met Jackie. The owner of this hostel is not only super flexible with check-ins and prolonging your stay she is also a heartwarming host to have, that will surely bring a smile to your face. She truly cares for her guests and makes sure that everyone is happy with their surroundings. Without even asking for it.

I came here with very high standards in accomodation and easily bothered by big bunk rooms. I left with really good friends, prolonging my stay for 3 days and a completely changed attitude. I'm so grateful that I could stay with...

You might be attracted by the quite convenient price of the location and by the nice park surrounding the huts, but do not let these distract you. The price you pay will still be too high for the quality of the services offered. In order: no hot water (unless you specifically complain about it) old furnitures with little maintenance done nice “pets” in the room such as the scorpion in the picture attached we asked to leave our luggage and car for 2 nights (while we were on tour). We were of course willing to pay a price for this service but we never would have imagined that the owner would have asked us 48$ for this. Disclaimer: the parking as well the hotel was empty this extra service could have not be paid by card as it was an extra service (….?) due to an emergency (broken bridge) we had to stay a night more in this place. Other hosts who had already anticipated to spend a night after their tour, did not have to pay the ridiculous price of the car and luggage storage, while we had to. The difference? They already had a reservation (…?) In summary, the garden is nice, the person helping the owner (Enrique) is lovely, but the...