Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [53]
Hostel Pangea (Map Click here; 2221-1992; www.hostelpangea.com; Av 7 btwn Calles 3 & 3bis; dm US$12, d with/without bathroom US$35/30, presidential ste US$60; ) This industrial-strength, Tico-owned hostel – 25 dorms and 25 private rooms – has been a popular twenty-something backpacker hangout in San José for years. It’s not difficult to see why: it’s smack in the middle of the city and comes stocked with a pool, a rooftop restaurant-lounge with stellar views and a combination bar–movie theater furnished with beanbags and a stripper pole. Needless to say, this is a party spot. But the rooms are clean, the mattresses firm and the shared bathrooms freshly remodeled. The hostel’s two new ‘presidential suites’ have dreamy views and flat-screen TVs. Plus, there is free internet, free phone calls to North America and the bilingual staff can help you arrange luggage storage, onward travel within Costa Rica as well as airport pickup and drop-off in their private van (from US$9). Of all the amenities, it is the restaurant, in particular, that is a godsend – open until midnight, it serves lip-smacking quesadillas, veggie burritos and what has to be San José’s tastiest burgers (₡2200 to ₡3300).
Kabata Hostel (Map Click here; 2255-0355/3264; www.kabatahostel.com; Calle 7 btwn Avs 9 & 11; dm US$12, d without bathroom US$32, all incl breakfast; ) Run by a a Tico family that lives onsite, this modern, no-frills spot in Barrio Amón has its lobby-lounge painted in bright colors. Small, carpeted rooms are basic but clean and share a couple of roomy bathrooms. There is a small shared kitchen and free wi-fi. The helpful bilingual owners also organize adventure tours all over Costa Rica.
Green House Hostel (off Map; 2258-0102; www.greenhousehostel.altervista.org; Calle 11 btwn Avs 16 & 18; dm with bathroom US$13, s/d/tr US$21/32/43; ) This attractive hostel is adorned with hanging plants, historic photographs and antiques. The rooms themselves are a bit modest, though the perk here is that they all have private bathrooms (even the dorms). There is a TV lounge, a small bar that sells beer and a communal kitchen. It’s a bit pricey compared with other hostels, and it’s somewhat inconveniently located in Plaza Víquez, which isn’t the nicest of neighborhoods, but the charming owners make a stay worthwhile.
Mi Casa Hostel (Map; 2231-4700; www.micasahostel.com; dm US$12, r with/without bathroom US$30/28, all incl breakfast; ) A converted modernist home in La Sabana has polished wood floors, vintage furnishings and half a dozen eclectic guest rooms to choose from (two of which are dormitories). One room is wheelchair-accessible. Mellow communal areas are comfortably furnished, and the shared kitchen is clean and roomy. There is a pleasant garden, where a tiny bar stocks cold beer for guests, and other perks include a pool table, free internet, and laundry service (₡5500). Find it 50m west and 150m north of the ICE building.
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Central San José East
Most of downtown’s better sleeping options are located east of Calle Central, many of them in historic Victorian and art-deco mansions.
BUDGET
Pensión de la Cuesta (Map; 2256-7946; www.pensiondelacuesta.com; Av 1 btwn Calles 11 & 15; dm US$10, s/d/tr/q without bathroom incl breakfast US$20/28/38/48, d apt US$40; ) Situated on a hill behind the Asamblea Legislativa is this 1920s wooden house, whose exterior looks as if it was painted by Ken and Barbie. It’s a ramshackle spot, with 14 dim rooms (with shared bathrooms), most of which are painted an institutional shade of turquoise. However, it is cheap and generally clean, and the sunny lounge is a good spot to read or watch TV. There is also a small, basic two-person apartment equipped with kitchenette.
HOMESTAYS
Bell’s Home Hospitality (2225-4752; www.homestay-thebells.org; s/d/tr incl breakfast US$30/50/75) This recommended agency is run