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Reviews of Arenal Backpackers Resort 5 stars

La Fortuna, San Carlos, 21007 Fortuna, Costa Rica

#109 of 118 hotels in Fortuna

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 305 hostel reviews

7.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.7

  • Comfort

    7.9

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    7.7

  • Staff

    7.8

  • Value for money

    7.4

  • Free WiFi

    8.3

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 21 August 2025

    7.0
    Mixed feelings. Can be a fun place, but also can use some updates.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 3 nights

    I stayed in the slower wet season and the cylinder pod had spiders and visible mold and caused my allergies to flare up - I wouldn't call it a cleaning issue, it seems more of a design flaw with high humidity and no dehumidifiers/circulation. I switched to a regular private room and it cleared up my allergies, but the mattress was old or cheap and had springs poking out of it. Also, the property could use more common area games, planned group activities, and a kitchen - these are all common things expected when staying in a hostel. Overall, I still recommend staying here and will stay here again myself - just want to be honest with my review so the management can know where to improve.

    Great location, staff, and pool. Very large property that looks like it can get quite busy in the high season and unique cylinder sleeping pods are an option.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 July 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The ceiling of our pod was leaking and there were ants in the other one, plus as there was no hanging roof over our rom entrance it was a bit difficult to get in when it was raining. Overall 6.5/10

    It's a gorgeous place, with a private fence/door to get in and out. Great food options right across the street and cheap breakfast plus nice dinners right next door. Theres a market right down the road and overall in a convenient spot. The pool and hot tub are very nice.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 June 2025

    7.0
    Okay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    - construction workers started early - big American student (14-16y) group were there during my stay and made a lot of unnecessary noise. Started at 6:15 in the morning - when I ask directions for local bus to SJ one of the employees was really rude to me, didn’t let me talk and kept interrupting me and kept saying I need to take the shuttle instead of local bus.

    Clean and nice Pool and jacuzzi

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 June 2025

    6.0
    Good hostel but lacks sociable facilities
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The construction work really ruins the atmosphere when you are trying to relax and enjoy the pool etc, and there is a bar area however it is never open or in use. It’s not very sociable as a hostel as the communal area is really uninivitng due to the construction work and lack of social activities to do such as drinks or card games.

    Really clean and good facilities available, bathrooms worked well and the beds were really comfy. Staff were always available to help and are really friendly.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 May 2025

    8.0
    Good property, great location, I do recommend but not the cylinders.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We rented the cylinder bedroom and it is honestly very small and lacks a lot of storage. You cannot hang your wet towel anywhere and the air inside the cylinder is not very enjoyable. Our friend how was in the shared bedrooms had a better sleeping experience.

    The amenities are very good, nice pool jacuzzi and shared bathrooms. The location is perfect and the hotel is very safe with a gate at the entrance.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 April 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The cylinders are clean soundproof and cool Loved it

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2025

    8.0
    La Fortuna tent stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Safari Tent (Adults only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We stayed in one of the tents and it was big enough and cool enough for us but had a few mosquitos even though we kept the door zipped closed at all times. Reception happy to book activities and arrange laundry for you but we found at a slight premium so went into town to book ourselves. There was building work onsite during day and bar nextdoor is quite loud until fairly late especially when staying in the tents (didn't bother us so much as we were exhausted from lots of daytime activities). Pool onsite is nice but the one in the bar next door is excellent (has a pool bar with beers/cocktails) - great place to chill after returning from activities. Not the most social place in the world of you're a looking for that.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2025

    8.0
    An adventurous stay in the cylinders in the middle of La Fortuna
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had the cylinder rooms which was cool however there was some constructions of some of the cylinder during our visit so had a dirt pile outside of the rooms. Other than that the stay was incredibly pleasant and would recommend to hostel stayers and backpackers alike

    A great stay at backpackers lodge, we stayed in the cylinders which were lots of fun and an adventure. The pool was lovely and the environment was chilled and social. Colleagues were very helpful with advice on tours and very kind during breakfast.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2025

    8.0
    Gorgeous and close to the jungle walk
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Safari Tent (Adults only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Renovations going on but not their fault

    Loved the tents and the access to the pool next door

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2025

    7.0
    Good stay, nothing exceptional.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The lights in washrooms and showers often didn’t work. The Zylinder room could have been a little bit more spacious.

    Had everything we needed and the pool was great. It felt safe due to their safety regulations.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2025

    7.0
    Even though there was construction and the pool and restaurant were inaccessible, they provided access to the restaurant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Although I bet the resort will be even better than it was, there was remodeling during the stay and waking up to construction noises and such was annoying.

    The location is close to lots of restaurants and attractions. The breakfast was great. Staff were helpful.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 February 2025

    8.0
    Amaazingg!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only thing is it they gave us the cylinder in the corner with view on construction/parking lot when there were actually many other unused cylinders with better views during our whole stay. There were renovations in the main lobby and pool (which we were never informed), so not convenient to use these facilties when trying to relax on vacation.

    Cylinder rooms and shared bathrooms are new renovated and really clean. There were renovations in the main lobby and pool (which we were never informed), so not convenient to use these facilties when trying to relax on vacation, BUT in return we had access to the next door pool which was HUGE clean with pool bar music and basically no one but us so that was AMAZING!! In general we loved our stay especially the pool beside the hostel!!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2025

    8.0
    Good value for money, great for short stays.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not much space, place can get very humid especially over the night.

    Nice staff, nice facilities, great swimming pool if you want to chill.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 January 2025

    6.0
    The place could be really nice with some maintenance
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The grounds were un kept, the swim up bar was shut down, the pods had a heavy mildew smell inside and the rubber flooring they used for cladding was coming off, the pods were very tight, towels were small.

    It was an experience sleeping in a pod. We saw a toucan up a tree. The pool itself was very nice.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 January 2025

    6.0
    jungle adventure resort
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff were unhelpful and at times slightly rude. There is no kitchen at this hostel People need to be buzzed in and out of the resort. We were not given a code or key to get in so if nobody was on reception you had to wait in the pooring rain

    Loved the cylinder pods and the pool area. Great location. Awesome jungle experience. Other travellers were super friendly

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 January 2025

    8.0
    Cylinder pods for the win!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 3 nights

    They are expanding so they dont have many cool areas to hang yet. The front area is mostly just picnic tables. There are pictures of hammocks but they arent onsite. I also stayed in the cylinders which were really cool but had no where to put your things. It is literally a complete circle. There is space under the bed but it is very hard to get to. Getting on and off the bed is a little tricky because the floor is on a curve. The word resort seems to be a stretch here since there are not really any amenities.

    This hostel is lovely! Wifi is strong enough to work in the front and in the back in the secret garden. The showers are hot and the cylinder is a really unique place to stay. They help you arrange tours and in that way you can meet people. The pool is nice and gets sun. It is an easy walk into town with loads of restaurants and bars.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 January 2025

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noisy surroundings (bars with music). The parking on the property was a muddy place with pieces of trash on it. The kitchen in the bar/restaurant didn’t have an inviting look. The ‘preparation table’ in the reception area was always full of dishes and there was only 1 knife so it was hard to use it.

    The garden and the proximity of the forest were nice.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 December 2024

    6.0
    The cylinder rooms are not worth the money and would not recommend for two people.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    No gathering area to socialize. Only a dark corner next to the kitchen. I stayed at the cylinder rooms. There is no room to put you bags or even standup if you are tall. I do not recommend them for 2 people. I was alone and carried a backpack and a carryon suitcase. The suitcase could go under the bed, but I had to sleep with the backpack on the bed since there was no where to put it. Also, if you have wet clothes (really normal in la fortuna since it rains a lot), there's no where to hang them except outside (no roof). The bathrooms are far away.

    The facilities are over all clean, however very unconfortable.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 July 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not enough room in cylinder room from bed kept sliding and slipping. Curtains showed in little crevices on the side and in the middle.

    Facilities were cleaned daily, cylinder room was an interesting experience,, hot water and towels Access to nightlife , activities and restaurants.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 July 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Safari Tent (Adults only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bathrooms didn‘t seem the most clean when I went there

    I liked the Tent room, it was very spacious

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 July 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Did find it kind of annoying that it didn’t say anywhere besides in the rooms that the reception comes to put on the aircon at 10PM. It’s alright that they control it but it could at least be around 7pm given the heat, humidity and that you sometimes actually want to go to bed earlier than 10PM without having the reception entering the room.

    Enjoyed my stay here, really friendly staff and great value for money breakfast!

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Stayed in one of the capsules which was a fun experience however not ideal for those with larger pieces of luggage and there was no where to hang clothes or towels except outside the room in the rain. Probably more ideal as a single rather than a couple

    Hostel was absolutely beautiful! The pool and the property were immaculate. Beautiful green grass spaces everywhere.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 July 2024

    8.0
    Unique experience!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    There were a few things that could be improved for future guests. It would be nice to know that you can buzz the frint desk for gate entry (it stays locked). I didnt know about the buzzer until my last day since it was hidden by foliage. Many of the tours depart early in the morning, so its really hard to get breakfast due to the operating hours. It cut close, and if there had been more guests it might not have been realistic. The breakfast was great, the coffee not so much. If you stay in the cylinder rooms, just know that the bathrooms require a short trek in the middle of the night. Many of the toilet and shower lights did not work, it was trial and error.

    Location was great, close to everything. I stayed in one of the cylinder rooms because it was such a unique accommodation, and I'm so glad I did! It was private and in the middle of a beautiful garden area. The air conditioning was ideal. I scheduled an all day tour with the staff that was amazing! The resort was pretty empty during my visit, the quiet was nice. Everything was fairly clean for a hostel.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 May 2024

    7.0
    Staff was helpful and friendly.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Cylinder Room (Adults Only - Shared Bathroom)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I stayed in one of the cylinder rooms. It worked fine because I was only there for two nights. However, the only place to hang things is outside the room, but it’s not covered, so during rainy season, things don’t dry. I came home with a bag full of wet things.

    It was a very unique set up!

    Stayed in May 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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