Arenal Backpackers Resort

I really enjoyed my stay at Arenal Backpackers Resort. The cylinders are a unique place to sleep. Bathrooms, sheets and towels are clean. The garden is very beautiful. In October the place was very quiet, which I liked a lot. Would come back!

Pros: - The place is well manicured and has a nice pool. - The location is close to town but still quiet Cons: - I was lied to. Repeatedly. The cook in the kitchen lied and told me he was the manager. The girl at the check in counter lied and told me that rooms were still being cleaned, even after I saw the cleaning crew leave. - The check in counter girl was incredibly rude. - The cook in the kitchen tried to lecture me any time I had a problem with something. (and they were legitimate concerns - I don't need a lecture because you are incompetent.) - My first "barrel" had ripped pillows and ripped curtains. - My second "barrel" had trash in it. - The bathrooms and showers were NEVER cleaned. They were always disgusting. - They only take cash at the bar/breakfast kitchen - but there are no signs anywhere to let anyone know about it. - If you ask for the manager / owner's contact, all they give you is the main address that anyone can answer. They did not answer the email I sent. - Speaking of answering, if you book through ********** and ********** tries to call them to deal with problems, they refuse to answer the phone here so that problems can't be dealt with. - They offer no flexibility whatsoever with reservations. One person tried to check in to their room at 2:56pm (official check in time is 3pm) and was told no, it's not 3. - If you ask if a room might be available earlier than 3, they will not look - they will just tell you it is not 3. No flexibility or customer service. I travel extensively and I have stayed in many places from low end to high end, so I understand that expectations in a hostel are different than in a fancy hotel. However, this place was one of the worst I have ever stayed at and despite the fact that it has external charm, a good price and a great location....my advice is to avoid it like the plague!

Arenal Backpackers Resort is not just a place to sleep but a social hub for travelers. The communal spaces and organized activities foster a sense of community among guests. Whether it's a game night, barbecue, or a group excursion, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. The staff's enthusiasm in creating a vibrant atmosphere adds to the overall positive experience. If you're a solo traveler or someone looking to make new friends on the road, Arenal Backpackers Resort is the perfect place to connect with fellow adventurers.

Wow, wow, wow! This place exceeded my expectations for a hostel; it's more like a resort with a fantastic pool, beautiful gardens, and the cylindrical rooms provided a unique and fun experience! We loved it! The place is really clean, has friendly staff, and offers a good breakfast. I can say it's the most beautiful hostel I've stayed in my life. I'll come back for sure!

I absolutely adored this place! The cylindrical rooms are a unique marvel, unlike anything I've encountered before. The beds provide a level of comfort that ensures a restful stay. The staff is not only helpful but goes above and beyond to make the experience memorable. The overall cleanliness of the place adds to its appeal, and the stunning pool serves as the perfect oasis. A delightful combination of distinctive design, comfort, attentive staff, and a serene pool, making this establishment a standout choice for a truly enjoyable getaway.

Interesting place, in the description states there is a swim up bar but this doesn’t exist, the bar itself is only open 5-9pm and they didn’t have things like gin when we stayed. Our pod was cute but it was very small so be aware when booking! The receptionist was very unfriendly really did need to learn some customer service skills. The pool was nice but it’s a very quiet hostel so don’t expect a lively atmosphere. Would recommend for one night but probably not longer!

This hostel is beautiful. The pool is amazing and the gardens as well. The rooms have AC and their showers are spacious and also the water pressure strong. I highly recommend.I stayed in a tent and had an amazing time . Thank you for a great stay

We booked this hostel based on the good review on trip advisor. However we were poorly mistaken. Upon arrival we saw that the place was empty (during busy season), the staff were super unfriendly and then things got worse. Our capsule hotel didn’t have a lock and you could open it from the outside . We are asked for a refund but they refused and put us in a dorm for one night until we finally got a refund the following day. They made me cancel the booking on my phone so I couldn’t leave a review via ***********. Been to over 100 hostels and this is far the worst. Managed to book at another hostel and had a great time. Don’t stay here if you’re looking for a good time. It’s old and lacks maintenance and good vibes.

Disappointing. Booked due to good reviews but unsure how they received these! The place is run down, pool dirty and the staff very unfriendly. Booked a cylinder but complained as does not lock properly, no room to move and smells mouldy. The hostel was very quiet, no activities offered and the bar is not even a bar. Worst hostel experience! Would not recommend to anyone.