Reviews of Hostel El Pretal
25mts Sur de la Estación de Bomberos de Liberia, 50101 Liberia, Costa Rica

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Reviewed: 2 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 28 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe staff were very kind and the place was in general very clean and friendly
There was no proper window in my room
Reviewed: 9 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 3 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThe 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.
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
Reviewed: 16 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewA 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.
Reviewed: 8 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewSo beautiful and homey. I felt so safe and welcome. The staff were also so wonderful and kind.
Reviewed: 26 May 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 30 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewVery 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.
The house rule of not bringing alcohol to the hostel is a bit odd.
Reviewed: 29 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewVery simple but it met all my needs. Garage to keep our vehicle safe was a big bonus. Communication with the owner was great.
Rooms are very small but it was ok. We just needed a decent place to sleep with walking distance to the local restaurants.
Reviewed: 26 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewA 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!
For the price, and a hostel experience, it couldn't have been better.
Reviewed: 23 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewEverything..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
Nothing all good
Reviewed: 19 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewEverything! 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!
Reviewed: 16 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewLovely 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.
Reviewed: 11 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewWe 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!
Reviewed: 24 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewWe loved everything, great central location, the warmest loveliest hosts, super clean and comfortable.
Reviewed: 24 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewPerfect 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.
Not much food nearby if you don’t know where to go. Just small takeout and mini marts.
Hi Olivia. Thanks for the review. We can always recommend places to go if a guest doesn't know where to eat, but it will also depend on the hour. Just in case, about 200 mts there's 4 restaurants (Mexican, Chinese, Nicaraguan and BBQ/fast food). Most of these places close around 9 pm. And around 300mts there are "sodas" (local small restaurants) open until 8pm with lower prices.
Hi Olivia. Thanks for the review. We can always recommend places to go if a guest doesn't know where to eat, but it will also depend on the hour. Just in case, about 200 mts there's 4 restaurants (Mexican, Chinese, Nicaraguan and BBQ/fast f… Show more
Reviewed: 20 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewEl 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.
Reviewed: 20 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 16 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewWe 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.
Nothing.