COSTA RICA HOSTELS

On a budget? Want to visit lovely Costa Rica but need some info about Costa Rica hostels?

My elite staff (me) has spent lots of time gathering info about hostels for your Costa Rica vacation.

but. . .things change: hostels go out of business, raise prices ( particularly during high season), change their contact info, and a few promise things that aren't true.

More and more Costa Rica hostels have internet access but, if not, internet cafes are everywhere (so you can leave your expensive laptop at home because it is a prime target for thieves).

So, use this info as a guide only. I'm trying to help but there are no promises and I do not vouch for any of these places.

You can help. Post your Costa Rica hostels critiques and comments.

Costa Rica Hostels By Location

Safety, Precautions, and Getting Help

That said, theft is, and has been for many years, a serious problem here, including inside hostels.

Remember that when you travel Costa Rica.

Don't be misled by the pretty country or smiling faces. There is a lot of theft in Costa Rica. Money, portable computers, MP3s, cell phones, and cameras are particularly at risk.

TIP #1: Protect Your Passport

Passports are also commonly stolen, either intentionally or because they happen to be in a backpack. Don't leave your passport in your backpack. Keep it in a front (not back) pocket if possible. Also, make at least two copies of the first two inside pages of your passport and keep them in separate places in case of emergency. And, though still relatively low, violent crime IS increasing in Costa Rica.

There are sections of San Jose, in particular, that are very dangerous at night. Don't venture out alone there.

You may be looking for a great Costa Rica vacation but don't leave your common sense at home.

Accidents happen, people get hurt or victimized by crime, lose their passports, or sometimes just need some help so here is a list of important Costa Rica telephone numbers for police, emergency help, hospitals and embassies

Finding Your Hostel

Indeed, signs with street names are virtually nonexistent and none of the houses or commercial buildings have a street address.

TIP #2: Finding Your Hostel

Write down the name of the hostel, any directions you have to get there (some websites have directions in spanish---write them on the paper) and, most importantly, its telephone number. Every cab driver has a cell phone so he or she can call the hostel and get the information directly.

You will not need the area code (506) when in Costa Rica but you will need it if you call long distance to make a reservation.

TIP #3: Save $$$$

A taxi will cost about $20+ from the airport into San Jose. Some hostels provide shuttle service for much less. Also, amenities differ greatly from place to place. Some offer free internet, breakfast, or free phone service to the U.S. and Canada. So, shop around BEFORE you come.

TIP #4: Save MORE $$$

Some hostels have a student discount. Bring your student ID and ASK FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT (in some places it is 7%).

And always ask if there is a discount for cash. Many, many places offer a 3% discount for cash (cash is called "effectivo"--remember this word and it'll save you money).

TIP #5: More $$$$ Saving Tips

If shopping for Costa Rica hostels online, compare prices. I have found many hostels to be considerably cheaper at hostels.com than lonelyplanet.com and I have also discovered that online advertised prices are sometimes significantly less than quoted on the actual website for some Costa Rica hostels.

TIP #6: Don't Listen to Your Taxi Driver

Some taxi drivers get a commission for delivering customers to a particular hotel, resort, or hostel and falsely tell their passengers that a particular place is full.

If that happens, TAKE ANOTHER TAXI. Don't worry about the feelings of the lying taxi driver. Another patsy will take your place.

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