What is Hosteling?
The concept of hostelling has been around for a long time, but the actual movement started in 1907, when a German school teacher named Richard Schirrmann cleared out some classrooms and laid down some straw mats so that young people of all countries could be provided with suitable meeting places where they could get to know each other!
It used to be that youth hostels had only dormitory-style arrangements reserved for youth and a chore was assigned to offset the low cost of the bed. Well, there have been a few changes since then, although you may still find dorms and some rural hostels that require you to carry out a small chore such as making your own bed or bringing the dirty linen to reception. But hostels are no longer only for the young, and most places have private rooms available. However you will still most likely have to share a bath.
Staying in a hostel in Costa Rica is a fantastic way to meet other travellers who can offer you great advice on things to see and interesting places to go which you may not hear of in books or travel guides. Hostels also tend to have more of a social scene, you will find that even some organize parties, BBQ’s, meetings or have a bar within their premises where people can chat and get to know the fellow guests.
If you are travelling alone then staying in a hostel is a great way to meet long term travel buddies, people looking to do a fun day trip or visit a particular museum together. These, usually, short meetings can make a great impact on your cultural awareness and sometimes be the starting point of a life long friendship.
Puerto Viejo
Pagalu Hostel – Brand new hostel and super clean! It’s just a block away from the center of town and very quiet and comfortable. The dorms have only 4 beds with big lockers and private reading lights, the bathrooms are cleaner than back home, and the kitchen is large and has brand new equipment. Good vibe here, free coffee, free internet. The owners Michael and Christian are laid back and easy going, making for a great experience. Check it out at www.pagalu.com for much more information. Dorm room goes for $8 a night.
Montezuma
Pension Lucy – Very clean hostel, located about 5 minute walk to the town and right on the beach. It’s easy to relax in one of the hammocks while looking out over the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Teresa/Mal Pais
Casa Zen – Nice, clean hostel with a great relaxation lounge. The restaurant has great food however is a little pricey. The owner, Kelly, is very helpful and laid back. Rooms start at $12 a night, a double was $12 as well.
Tranquilo Backpackers – Free pancake breakfast, free Internet. Good place to meet other surfers and backpackers. The rooms are somewhat clean but the beds have seen better days. Dorm room was $12 a night.
Monteverde
Pension Santa Elena – Nice, relaxing place to chill out after a canopy tour with the free, delicious coffee. The brother/sister owners, Ran and Shannon, are very knowledgeable and helpful about the area and able to book tours right from the front desk. The hot water showers are a bonus, especially in Monteverde.
Orosi
Montana Linda – Nice hostel and cheap. Very quiet and clean. From the main road in town walk up to the pizza restaurant next to the supermarket. Turn around to face the bar on the opposite of the road and walk down the road away from the pizza shop. It’s about three blocks down to the end of this road, next to the meadow with horses, you’ll see the sign. Dorm room was $7.50 a night.
Tortuguero
Pension Aracari – It’s your basic hostel, 4 walls, a couple of beds, and a private bathroom. Cheap, affordable, and centrally located. Not much else to add. A room was $8 a night. Bring money along with you here, no ATM in town.
San Jose
Hostel Pangea – Very big, clean hostel with free internet, coffee, and a nice bar. It’s loud there on weekends when the bar is packed. Stayed in a double room here, $14 a night per person.
