Bella's Backpackers

There’s a great social atmosphere here, with a bar, music, hammocks all over the place, and plenty of hangout space. The family-run hostel was clean, the rooms had several levels with beds spaced out, and the kitchen was spot on. Staff were super friendly and helpful, and they organize free outings to places like Monkey Falls to help guests bond and keep busy. The cats and dogs wandering around were an extra delight. Laundry was really affordable, and our clothes came back in perfect shape. The shower was decent, but only had cold water. Hotter water would have been nice on the cooler, rainy days, which happened regularly during my time in San Ig. Apart from that, I had a top-notch stay and would absolutely recommend it.

I planned a shorter visit but ended up staying a few extra days, a full week in all. The hostel has activities and tours around the area, and it’s in a convenient spot near everything you need. Rooms were clean, and the atmosphere was great day or night. The staff were accommodating and made me feel at home. One of the best hostels I’ve stayed in, and I hope to come back.

We stayed with our two kids under 10 and felt really safe. It’s a welcoming hostel for young and old, with a great communal area where people can play games, read, or work. The shared kitchen had a huge bucket of free oranges, and we juiced a few to enjoy. After we accidentally left a charger behind, the kind staff quickly sent it on to our next stop in Belize.

The dorm doesn’t have AC, but each bed has its own fan. We had movie night, played drinking games, and cooked in the kitchen. There’s an amazing view, a nice breeze, and plenty of shady spots to hang out. The staff were wonderful, especially Paydro, and they have a puppy called Tiny. We had the best time at Bella’s, would recommend it 10/10.