Arenal Backpackers Resort

Disliked: the kitchen only had a fridge sink and kettle, and maybe 2 forks that were always dirty

Liked: Loved the pool and culvert pod room. Great location and large common areas. I was able to store my luggage before and after my stay.

Disliked: The staff did not show me any of the common area, where to store food or share wifi info upon check in.

Liked: Social space, great staff.

Disliked: POD we stayed in wasn’t super clean.

Liked: Fantastic hostel with incredibly welcoming and accommodating staff. Everyone was so helpful and went out of their way to share great recommendations on places to see and things to do in the area. The 8-bed dorm was very clean, and the surrounding property was also well maintained. I especially loved that the entire property is fully gated, which made it feel very safe and secure. Would absolutely stay here again.

Disliked: The only downside during my stay was that the air conditioning was turned off during the day, which made the dorm room very humid. The AC wasn’t turned back on until later in the evening unless requested, which meant clothes and towels didn’t dry and everything felt damp for most of the day. Once the AC was on, the room was comfortable again.

Liked: Good location and very clean hotel.

Disliked: WiFi does not work in some of the rooms located on the edge of the property.

Liked: They do not have a restaurant there anymore, which was a little inconvenient upon arrival, but the staff really made up for it. Specifically Ashley at the front desk. She was so kind and welcoming to us and gave us many recommendations on where to go. The bed was very comfortable and everything was very clean. We had so much fun at our stay here! They were also very flexible with me when I made a mistake with my booking.

Disliked: I wish that there was a restaurant at the resort.

Liked: Very cool amenities, cool vibes and different accommodation options!

Disliked: The safari tents could use a better fan

Liked: It is mostly quiet and clean. The location is great and in walking distance to a lot of restaurants and shops. The pool and hot tub are nice. I appreciated that the staff spoke English. It was definitely nice to have AC in my room.

Disliked: This was advertised on Booking.com as including a free breakfast which was largely the reason I chose it. Let me be clear, this hotel does not have breakfast. When asked at the front desk the guy told me, they don't have a kitchen so how could they have breakfast. I got one of the cylinder rooms. Pretty neat experience except the front doors are glass and there were no curtains in mine. There was a rod but no curtains. The hotel requires a $40 cash deposit. The requirements to receive your deposit back is to return your key, towels and AC remote to the front desk on check out. No towels were provided to me and I did not want to be charged for not returning what I didn't have... I had to ask twice to get towels just to be able to return them on check out.