Hostel Sagú

Christian, the owner, was so helpful and gave honest suggestions about where to go and what to see on our budget. He even joined us for a beer or two. We'd originally arrived looking for another place we'd booked, and he immediately gave us directions and let us use his internet. Turned out the place we wanted was his hostel, under a new name. It's spacious, in a great location, and we found it perfect. Christian is extremely nice. Highly recommend.

We had a room for four with two bunk beds in good condition, but there was nothing else in it, and no sheets or towels had been set out. They asked for a $5 deposit per towel, so $20 in total, and then the shower was cold because there was no hot water. There was never toilet paper in the bathrooms, and one shower flooded the hall. The toilets are under the stairs beside the cleaning supplies, and the odors rise to the kitchen above. The hotel is inside a small mall. The staff were nice but absent most of the time. At 8 pm all the tables were dirty, and it was hard to find anywhere to play cards or talk. The rooms open right onto the two shared sofas, separated only by very thin wooden walls. Someone woke us at 6 am by filling a bucket with water three times. We had to ask her to be quieter because the noise carried through the hall. The rooms have small lockers on the outside, but no lock system inside, so someone could push the door open while you're asleep. The same goes for the pseudo windows. We asked to book an excursion for the next morning, but when we woke up, they said it was scheduled for the afternoon. Breakfast was supposed to be served between 7 and 8, but the same staff handling reception and cleaning only got to it around 9. Luckily, the activity had been postponed, since departure was set for 8:30. Sorry, but with all this, I really can't recommend the place.

The location is ideal if you're on foot, with the main street full of shops, bars, and restaurants right in front of you. There's also a kitchen if you want to cook, though I had a nice meal at Pollo Fortuneño just a few metres away, especially handy for travelling with family or friends. The dorms each have four beds in two bunks, so you could get a room to yourselves with your group. A gym just a few steps away is a great bonus, and the place has what most people need for a stay in La Fortuna. The atmosphere is good and the staff are amazing. They made me feel welcome, like I had a home and family away from home.

I felt safe here.