Tamarindo Backpackers

I stayed at this hostel for six nights in total and genuinely had a really nice time there. What I appreciated most was the social atmosphere. The hostel is large enough to host many people and offers spacious, well-designed common areas. At the same time, it still feels intimate enough that it’s easy to start conversations without things feeling awkward. For me, it struck the perfect balance — big enough to find your own quiet corner if needed, but social enough to naturally connect with others. The kitchen was well equipped with plenty of amenities, and there were enough bathrooms so I never had to wait. Overall, it felt like a lively and welcoming place, and I truly enjoyed my stay.

On the downside, the place could benefit from some additional investment. The mattress wasn’t very comfortable for me, and the beds themselves were quite basic. I stayed in a top bunk in a dorm, and climbing up was a bit tricky because the ladder isn’t properly attached and has to be moved manually. While the kitchen had many amenities, it could have been cleaner at times — it occasionally felt more like a student dorm kitchen than a hostel. That said, for me the positives clearly outweighed the negatives, and I would very likely stay here again if I return to Tamarindo.

The staff were friendly and welcoming. While they weren’t always able to help with transportation questions, they did organize hostel events and kept guests informed about what was happening around town. I stayed in a large dorm and met some truly amazing people. As a solo traveler, I joined a group to go to Crazy Monkey on a Friday night, and it was such a fun experience. Everyone looked out for each other and even waited for the whole group before leaving the club, which really meant a lot. The location was also a plus about a four-minute walk to the beach, with food trucks nearby and easy access to the main road in Tamarindo. The hostel had great vibes overall, free coffee, and security at night to open the doors. Even though I was sharing a dorm with 14 people and the beds were close together, everyone was respectful. No one touched anyone else’s belongings, and the atmosphere felt safe and relaxed. For the price compared to other hostels in the area, this one definitely stood out.

The bunk beds were old and didn’t have safety rails, which made being on the top bunk feel a bit risky. The shower had low water pressure and a broken showerhead, even though the bathroom sinks and toilets were clean. The hostel is slightly out of the way and feels like you’re walking toward a closed road at first, though it’s fine during the day. Overall, I enjoyed my stay. As someone in my early 30s, I had a good experience, and I think travelers in their 20s would enjoy it even more. I’d definitely recommend it for the social atmosphere and good vibes.

Cool hostel with a very well equipped kitchen and a comfy outside area.

Not many large lockers and in dorm 2 the bathroom door was creaking, which woke me up a few times in the night when someone went to the toilet (and I used earplugs!). Mattresses a bit hard.

Great location, staff and ambience. Would definitely recommend.

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