Casa Pura Vida Surf Hostel

We were a couple of Americans in town for a bachelor party, and our stay here was awesome. Most of the group chose the overpriced Americanized resorts on the beach side, while we stayed over here in a private room with two beds. The staff were amazing and the vibe was perfect. We’ll definitely be back!

The pool and hangout areas were really nice, and my private room was just right for me. The AC worked perfectly. There are tons of restaurants, bars, shops, and the beach close by, which is so convenient. I had a really good experience and no complaints. They’ve also got a full-size kitchen, clean filtered drinking water, pool tables, ping pong, and surfboards.

The location was great, and I had a good stay, mostly thanks to the friends I made, though some things could use improvement. The common area was nice for games and socializing, and there’s a decent kitchen with coffee and tea included. You might spot monkeys and iguanas, and there were a few raccoons living there who often came into the kitchen. The dorm let me down. The bunk beds felt cheap and unstable, there wasn’t enough room for belongings so it got cluttered quickly, and the only locker was small. The showers had no hot water, and there were no bathroom hooks for towels or clothes. Most staff were pleasant, though one woman rudely sent me to the front desk when I asked her a question while she seemed to be off duty. Quiet time starts at 11, and you have to be in bed or leave the hostel. You can’t even sit quietly outside, which was annoying. Overall, a good stay, but it needs some improvements.

I love cooking, and the kitchen here had absolutely everything I could need. The staff were fantastic, and staying here was a real pleasure. We met such wonderful, colourful people during the trip, and shared drinks, nights out, surfing, and even cooking together. I’ve never stayed at such a fantastic hostel. I highly recommend it for a great experience. :)