Cabinas Las Palmas

I've come back for a second visit and booked four nights in an AC room. For $20, you get a very clean private room with AC, a fridge, private bathroom, towels, and super comfy beds. The rooms without AC are $15 a night. If you're unsure what Hostelworld means, just tell the owner you want a room with AC, and he'll confirm whether one is available and the price. I couldn't be happier with the value, and I haven't seen anything like it elsewhere in Costa Rica. The location is right in the center, but set back from the busy street, so loud cars don't wake you in the morning. The owner and his son are friendly. If nobody is at reception, walk past it to their house and call out "Hola" to get help. Sometimes the owner might be watching a game or busy when you arrive, but he's got a life too. Some people seem to have trouble being sociable and friendly themselves. The bad reviews seem totally unjustified to me. This is literally the best place to stay in all of La Fortuna. Be sociable, say clearly what you want, and I guarantee you'll have an amazing stay for an absolute rock-bottom price.

We found a place on Airbnb south of the creek after two sleepless nights. The neighbor's dog barked all night, so close it felt like it was in our room, and nobody came to check on it. The room, price, and location were very good otherwise.

The rooms were clean, the mattresses firm, and towels were provided. Even so, coming back feels like too much of a gamble, and I wouldn't bet on it. We were promised private parking, but there wasn't any. After a discussion, when I could get the receptionist's attention away from the soccer game, I was given an acceptable alternative, but I basically had to fight for it. He seemed more focused on the game than the seven customers at reception with booked reservations. The lack of interest was insulting, and he had no idea what customer service is. I asked for two AC bedrooms, but we got one, and the AC in the other unit didn't work. Nobody took responsibility. Hot water had been promised in both rooms, but the AC room had none. Toilet paper was scarce, so I bought my own rather than beg the receptionist for it.

At 2:53 pm we wanted to take a coffee and chocolate tour that began at 3. They kindly drove us to the tour, then brought us back to the city afterward. All that cost $30, and the tour was exceptional.