Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pay attention: Arenal Hostel Resort and Arenal Backpackers Resort do essentially the
same thing, but they are not actually the same place.
Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna
HOSTEL
2479-9129;
www.hostelbackpackerslafortuna.com
;
dm/s/d/tr US$14/44/
52/69; )
This is the most 'grown-up' hostel in town. The rooms are done in whites and beiges, and
the courtyard is lush, lovely and strung with hammocks. Guests are invited to go down the
street to the sister property,
Arenal Hostel Resort
,
to join the party (swimming pool, bar)
and then to return here for quiet, comfort and a good night's sleep.
The hostels in this town are not very creative with their names. This place should not be
confused with La Fortuna Backpackers, which is a different beast altogether.
Arenal Backpackers Resort
HOSTEL
tents s/d US$25/35, d with/without bathroom US$56/45; )
The original hostel-resort in La Fortuna, this self-proclaimed 'five-star hostel' with vol-
cano views is pretty cushy. Sleep on orthopedic mattresses and take hot showers in your en
suite bathroom (even in the dorms). Somewhere between dormitory and hotel is the
covered tent city: raised tents have air mattress and electricity (but no proper walls, so
you'll hear your neighbors loud and clear).
The main attraction is the landscaped pool with swim-up bar, where backpackers spend
lazy days lounging with a cold beer. You'll be in a traveler's party bubble here. Not that
there's anything wrong with that.
La Choza Inn
INN
breakfast dm US$10, s/d US$35/50, air-con US$10; )
With all the budget 'resorts' in town, it's refreshing to find a charming, old-fashioned,
family-run inn, where kids and puppies interact with the guests and where facilities are ba-
sic but the staff is always accommodating. Take your pick from the dark, palm-wood
dorms or the attractive doubles boasting Arenal views from the balconies.
