4 Best Hostels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica Guide
Updated: Nov 3, 2023
Who else needs a new friend while traveling solo? 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♂️
When I travel with a friend, I don't always choose to stay at hostels. However, if a hostel offers great amenities, I see no reason not to stay there. Hostels are significantly cheaper than resorts, Airbnb, and hotels.
What I love about hostels is the sense of community they foster among solo travelers.💗Some hostels, like Selina, organize daily events and activities, which is a great opportunity for travelers to socialize and make new friends. If you're a solo traveler traveling with a friend and want to meet new people, I recommend choosing a hostel. A few good ones in the La Fortuna and Arenal area are worth considering.
To be honest, I've stayed in bunk bed rooms before, and sometimes I have trouble sleeping due to other bunk mates snoring. Staying in the bunk rooms is fine if you're a heavy sleeper. However, if you're not, it's worth spending a little extra money to upgrade to a private room. Fortunately, hostels offer affordable prices for bigger rooms, making them a great option compared to hotels or Airbnb.
If you're a solo traveler staying at hostels, you've likely come across Selina. For those who haven't, Selina is an ideal spot for nomads and solo travelers alike, as it provides a place to work, play, and stay. It's actually my top choice in the region, and I'll explain why in the following paragraphs.
3 Best Hostels in La Fortuna Area
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How to meet new friends while traveling?
A hostel in La Fortuna with modern rooms offering many activities, tours, and events for solo travelers, female travelers, group travelers, families, and digital nomads. Selina offers stays in a teepee, shared bunk room, private shared room, private room, and private rooms plus. The unique part of this hostel is the "Family Room," which can sleep four people in total with one queen bed and one bunk bed. For digital nomads, there's a co-working space available for an extra cost starting at $10 USD. The hostel is located on a quiet street within walking distance of many restaurants and stores.
This hostel was great and made us instant Selina fans. The staff was friendly, and the rooms were clean. We greatly appreciated the hosted activities, as it was a great way to make friends. I liked that the bar was open to the public because it allowed us to invite some friends to the karaoke event. I get this isn’t a party hostel, but it was a little annoying that public spaces were closed down so early. By 10 pm they started to kick you out of any seating area. - by sarahcarriere3691
Benefits:
Daily On-site activities, Social Events, Free Parking, Private Parking, Hammock, CoWork, Outdoor Pool, Movie Room, Spa Room, On-Site Restaurant, Shared Kitchen, Shared, Lounge, Family Friendly, Luggage storage (no lock), Tour/Travel Desk, Yoga, Great Locations, Pet Friendly
Location:
Closed attractions:
La Fortuna Park
Bogarin Trail
Sloth Watching Trail
El Salto (Rope Swing)
Arenal Mundo
Aventura Park
Terminal La Fortuna Bus Station
La Fortuna Waterfall
Volcano Arenal National Park
Don't know how to go from San Jose to La Fortuna? Here's a full guide!
Packing for the Rainy Season can be tricky! Learn how to pack for Costa Rica~
Poshtel Arenal is the only hostel in La Fortuna with a heated pool. It features a beautiful common area with hammocks and sunbathing chairs for guests to relax. Private and dorm rooms are available. This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to unwind and socialize with other guests. It is also conveniently located just a minute's walk from top-rated restaurants, supermarkets, and Fortuna Park.
The location was perfect for the three of us (group of 3 female friends). Easy to walk around to main streets and a quick drive to the volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, etc. Parking was on the street, which worked out fine. The area was gated and you needed to buzz to be let in which was nice to know. We shared a private room with 2 double beds and the AC worked great. The room and bathroom was very clean. - by Anonymous
Benefits:
Private room, Dorm room, Security Lockers, Heated Swimming Pool, Parking, Outdoor Terrace, Luggage Storage, Tours Travel Desk, Shared Kitchen, Restaurant, Bar, Private Bathroom Available
Location:
Closed attractions:
La Fortuna Park
Bogarin Trail
Sloth Watching Trail
El Salto (Rope Swing)
Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Terminal La Fortuna Bus Station
Arenal Poshpacks is a hostel in La Fortuna with a swim-up bar, dorm bunk beds, or private ensuite rooms. It's perfect for solo or group travelers who enjoy a younger crowd and a lively atmosphere within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Great hostel! Slightly younger crowd but full of energy. Great staff! Thanks for everything Chris. Breakfasts by the pool, good music, loved all the hammocks! It’s all good! Pura Vida! The room was a little small but adequate. I really appreciated the cleanliness. - by Anonymous
Benefits:
Private rooms & dorms options, Bar & wet bar, Hammock, Luggage Storage, Arenal Volcano Panoramic View, Tour/Travel Desk, Shared Kitchen, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Bicycle Rental, Daily Housekeeping, Private Bathroom Available
Location:
Closed attractions:
Don Juan Tours La Fortuna
Sendero las Mariolas
La Fortuna Park
Arenal Rafting
Cerro Chato Water Volcano
Río Danta offers a budget-friendly option just outside of La Fortuna town center, providing an authentic Costa Rican experience for travelers who prefer simplicity over modern amenities. Despite its basic facilities, the hostel has everything necessary for a comfortable extended stay and is conveniently located a short walk from the town center.
This hostel was great. Relaxing yet fun atmosphere was nice and the staff are all very friendly. Relaxing area is nice and the kitchen is large and well stocked. A short five minute walk from town but dont let that put you off - by Hugohgah2550
Benefits:
Gym, Free Parking, Tour/Travel Desk, Shared Kitchen, Outdoor Terrace, Quiet Location, Pet Friendly, Kid Friendly, Game Room, Bicycle Rental, Private Shower Available
Location:
Closed attractions:
Sendero las Mariolas
Don Juan Tours La Fortuna
Arenal Sanctuary Reserve
La Fortuna Rafting
Things you might be asking...
Where to stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
La Fortuna has many hostels, hotels, Airbnb, and resorts. I recommend travelers without a car to stay in La Fortuna town center. It is easier to catch taxis and shared shuttle buses in the center of La Fortuna, whereas if you are living in an Airbnb, that is more in a remote area. If you have a car and a bigger budget, it doesn't matter where you stay because getting to attractions with a car is easy.
How do I get to downtown La Fortuna from San Jose?
Travelers have a few options to get from San Jose to La Fortuna: public transportation, shared shuttle bus, private shuttle bus, renting a car, or taxi.
Is La Fortuna safe for female solo travelers?
Yes, La Fortuna is safe for female solo travelers, but as always, be aware of your surroundings when you're traveling ANYWHERE.
Each hostel in La Fortuna has its own unique features. I recommend staying at Selina Hostels because of the amenities they provide and the opportunity to meet other travelers with similar interests. Selina is located in the center of La Fortuna but is still quiet. If you have a smaller budget, head to Rio Danta, a hostel with an authentic Costa Rican experience away from La Fortuna town. Have a great trip!
