The main issue is the noise. The property is located near a busy road junction with constant traffic. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers have modified exhausts, and at times, it sounds like a racetrack. The windows offer no sound insulation — it feels like they’re permanently open

The room was very small but the AC worked well. There was a window, although it faced a wall — at least it allowed a little natural light in. The staff were friendly and helpful, especially with directions and form filling. The kitchen was clean and well equipped, and there were plenty of bathrooms which were regularly cleaned. There was also lots of space to relax in. Some gym equipment is available, but it’s poorly placed in a spot where it’s not really practical to use.

Stayed in June 2025

A family run business. All very friendly and helpful. Lots of common areas to relax in. We were in the one bedroom apartment with our own kitchen. It was very well stocked with basic supplies, cooking equipment, crockery. We had an enormous bathroom, comfortable bedroom with great air-conditioning.

Stayed in June 2025

So beautiful and homey. I felt so safe and welcome. The staff were also so wonderful and kind.

Stayed in May 2025

The house rule of not bringing alcohol to the hostel is a bit odd.

Very great and clean little hostel with nice common areas and a good equipped kitchen. Perfect for a short or longer stay in Liberia. the staff was very friendly and I can definitely recommend staying there.

Stayed in April 2025

Rooms are very small but it was ok. We just needed a decent place to sleep with walking distance to the local restaurants.

Very simple but it met all my needs. Garage to keep our vehicle safe was a big bonus. Communication with the owner was great.

Stayed in April 2025

For the price, and a hostel experience, it couldn't have been better.

A quiet, clean, friendly family-run hostel, and an excellent value. A lovely courtyard with lots of comfortable seating, and a well-equipped shared kitchen. The room was small but very comfortable, and the shared washrooms were very clean. The staff were kind, helpful, and accommodating, and went out of their way to make sure everything worked out during our stay in Liberia. An easy walk to the central square and Calle Real. For the price, and a hostel experience, it couldn't have been better!

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing all good

Everything..only stayed 1 night but the owners son worked there was so helpful..well stocked kitchen and we wanted to catch a bus from Liberia to Monteverde.and he sent us a detailed description on a pdf on WhatsApp..place was spotless

Stayed in April 2025

Everything! First of all, the reception such friendly, nice people. Helped me with everything about the area and what to do, especially since people don’t speak English in Liberia. The property was really nice, had an awesome outdoor area. Lots of places to relax. Kitchen was big and had everything you needed. Room had air conditioning and was so nice and cold when we went into the room to escape the heat. Sheets and towels were nice and clean, lots of bathrooms nearby to use and good condition. If I go back I would definitely stay again!

Stayed in March 2025

Lovely hosts-super accommodating! They were very nice and got up early to make us really good coffee before our flight. The courtyard is adorable! The beds are basic, but it was great for a night before flying out of Liberia.

Stayed in March 2025

We had a very comfortable stay. The rooms and kitchen were very clean and well equipped, and we were given extremely accurate and precise directions to navigate the busses to La Fortuna. Would recommend!

Stayed in April 2025

We loved everything, great central location, the warmest loveliest hosts, super clean and comfortable.

Stayed in March 2025

Not much food nearby if you don’t know where to go. Just small takeout and mini marts.

Perfect hostel to hang out in if coming from Liberia Airport. Close walk to Interbus. Bathrooms are shared but an entire room with toilet and shower, not stalls.

Stayed in February 2025

El Pretal is a hostel not a hotel, so expectations are little lower. For instance there was no ensuite bathroom, but you wouldn't expect that in a hostel. The price was modest. What I really enjoyed was the welcome: both people I dealt with couldn't have been nicer and very genuine - they obviously enjoy their guests. The bed was fine and the sheets fresh and very clean. The bathroom (there are several) was fine, instant hot water. I had an early flight, they organized the taxi and it arrived early - there was a fridge to put your stuff, good coffee was prepared for me at 5:45 - the ambiance is fine and room was quiet, the AC worked very well. I'd definitely return.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing.

We loved everything about this hostel! This is a family owned hostel and each family member greets you with a warm, welcoming smile. It was a soft place to land after a busy day of travel. Beds are comfy, ac cold and sheets and towel are provided! They even had a garage spot for our car without an extra fee. I think they truly enjoy meeting people and helping them travel. Coffee brewing in the morning:) This was my husband’s first hostel experience and now he wants to try out more hostels. I hope they can all live up to this.

Stayed in March 2025

Great place, great staff that was very helpful. Just a little bit noisy but good for one night stay

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing. It met my expectations

Close to downtown. The extent of the kitchen facility was wonderful.

Stayed in February 2025

The hostel was very aesthetic. The staff went above and beyond and helped us figure out how to use the bus system and assisted us in finding a driver to take us to one of our excursions. The AC worked great.

Stayed in February 2025

The only thing we didn’t like was noise. Motorcycles zoomed around constantly in the evening.

There are many good restaurants that are easy to walk to. You can also find many stores nearby.

Stayed in February 2025

Really nice, clean comfortable place. Hosts were really helpful.

Stayed in February 2025

The hostel was the cleanest hostel I've ever been to. The owner and his parents were really really nice.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

The staff were amazing and so kind!! Good recommendations for food. Clean and quiet place. Really convenient for a short stay (that was my case).

Stayed in December 2024

The neighborhood was pretty noisy with traffic including motorcycles, but once inside the room it was about as quiet as possible.

Staff was very friendly and helpful, the facility was very clean and the kitchen was well equipped, a great place to stay especially for the price.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing

Excellent and clean space. The Host Family is wonderful and attentive.

Stayed in January 2025

Being American I like hot showers haha and the water is only warm, but for the price, it is totally fine. Everything feels safe here, and you might meet friends from all around the world!

Memo and his family run this place well! Very friendly, trustworthy, they offer a lot of help with transportation, information etc. The place is clean, and this hostel compared to others is very lively and bright!

Stayed in January 2025