Photo by Chad Prahl

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Compare 40 Hostels in Santa Elena with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Selina La Fortuna - Hostel
Pool

Selina La Fortuna - Hostel

3.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (171)
"Comfortable rooms and lots of amenities on-premise. Slightly far from the bus stop for airport or for other places in Costa Rica (but still walk-able), but close to the National Museum and it's not like there's many other things to see in San Jose. "
The price is SAR 354
SAR 389 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Selina La Fortuna - Hostel
Selina Monteverde - Hostel
Pool

Selina Monteverde - Hostel

3.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (119)
"Perfect location to hike the cloud rainforest. "
The price is SAR 416
SAR 457 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Selina Monteverde - Hostel
Hostel La Choza Inn
Garden

Hostel La Choza Inn

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (180)
"We were impressed with the how clean and how extremely helpful and nice the entire staff was. Breakfast was more than hopped for. Room was basic but clean and AC worked nicely. If you are on a budget, you get more than you pay for here. Thanks again to the entire staff at La Choza for a wonderful stay. "
The price is SAR 164
SAR 183 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Hostel La Choza Inn
Poshtel Arenal
Pool

Poshtel Arenal

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (172)
"The private rooms are a good size. The staff are very helpful with organizing excursions and giving travel tips. Eddie’s a great bar tender as well!"
The price is SAR 128
SAR 142 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Poshtel Arenal
Hostel Cattleya
Room

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (37)
"Great stay! Has private cabins! "
The price is SAR 71
SAR 81 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Hostel Cattleya
Hostel SantaFe
Room

Hostel SantaFe

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (11)
"Hostel is close to a lot of tour companies, so easy to just walk to these places and pay in cash for a cheaper tour (foregoes processing fees when paying online). Hostel also has paid laundry options, and there is also a launderette right outside. Otherwise, friendly staff, comfortable beds, and a large kitchen area "
The price is SAR 93
SAR 103 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Hostel SantaFe
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Room

Hotel La Cascada - Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (5)
"We had a wonderful time. We visited La Fortuna years ago and since we’ve been back, many things have changed. We liked Cascada because it gave us the experience we had before; a modest and humble place where you see true Tic@ hospitality "
The price is SAR 56
SAR 127 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (72)
"Great place to stay! Staff very knowledgeable of the area and willing to help. My room was very nice. Night winds were high so it was a bit loud. Nothing the hotel can change, just part of the area. Just something to be aware of in the area."
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (74)
"The staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful, however, it was often difficult to find anyone, even during posted office hours. The beds were very uncomfortable; the bathroom was VERY small; hot water in the shower was unreliable; the bathroom smelled (we think from the sink); there was a small step down just inside the entrance and another into the bathroom that were potential tripping hazards; we were told coffee was available in the kitchen from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but the door was locked...
The price is SAR 88
SAR 98 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
coati del arenal
Front of property

coati del arenal

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"We had a wonderful time. Hikda and Dani were ex eptionally gracious and accommodating, even when we misplaced our keys! I stay in many differnet types of lodging in Costa Rica, amd I bring tourism clients, and this one is now high on my list of places I must return. "
coati del arenal
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Room

Arenal Backpackers Resort

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (10)
"Loved this backpackers! Super cool rooms, and the view is excellent looking straight at the Arenal volcano! Awesome pool and bar right on property and downtown is so walkable from the front of the property! "
The price is SAR 287
SAR 317 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Hiking

Arenal Sloth Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Great hostel situated in a nice neighbourhood, 5 minutes walk from the centre including the supermarkets and bus terminal (the centre is frankly not as pleasant as the suburbs). Rooms have secure key codes, and lockers are situated in the communal kitchen which is large, clean and well equipped. Everything was good. Would recommend."
The price is SAR 151
SAR 167 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Little Paradise Hostel
Exterior

Little Paradise Hostel

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (3)
"Alexandra is an amazing host. She was very accommodating, warm and helpful. She even brought us bread and pinto gallo in the morning. LIttle Paradise is well situated and all the major sights (La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde) are at most an hour drive away. The property is scenic and vast, with a beautiful view of the lake. Alexandra has big plans for the future too - a restaurant, spa and more. My travel buddy and I agree that we would have been happy to stay 2 weeks at Little Paradise -...
Little Paradise Hostel
Río Danta Hostel
Front of property

Río Danta Hostel

1.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Very nice hostel for a very reasonable price. I would recommend this hostel for other travelers"
The price is SAR 133
SAR 147 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Río Danta Hostel
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Terrace/patio

Hotel Sloth Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Host was real friendly and very helpful "
The price is SAR 235
SAR 266 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Alpha Arenal - Hostel

1.0 star property
The price is SAR 118
SAR 131 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Front of property

Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (9)
"Be sure to calibrate your expectations: this is not a luxury apartment. It was, however, an excellent value. While the building wasn't new, the room was well-kept. We were able to find parking each night on the street in front, but had to relocate the car closer one night. The owner is helpful and friendly, and the included breakfast of fruit, eggs, and gallo pinto was solid (especially at this price point). "
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Restaurant

Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (11)
"Great location, Staff is friendly and helpful! reasonably priced"
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Shared kitchen

Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel

1.0 star property
6.0 out of 10, (2)
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Hotel Indigo House
Exterior

Hotel Indigo House

2.0 star property
Hotel Indigo House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Other property types in Santa Elena

Suwa Villa Arenal
Front of property

Suwa Villa Arenal

3.5 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (34)
"Very nice facility and super nice staff."
The price is SAR 397
SAR 440 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Suwa Villa Arenal
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Living room

Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines

3.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (361)
"Absolutely adorable cabins with the necessities to make your own meals if you desire. The employees were so helpful and nice. We felt like we were at summer camp, in the best way possible. In my opinion, this was way better than any hotel. "
The price is SAR 430
SAR 475 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Lake Cabin #2. AC / WiFi
Property grounds

Lake Cabin #2. AC / WiFi

9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (6)
"My wife and I stayed here for 4 nights, and the property was excellent! The cabin was clean, with a beautiul view of this little aritificial pond that had ducks and fish in it. We were only a 5 minute drive from La Fortuna for groceries, and any time we communicated with Marco, we received a prompt response."
The price is SAR 244
SAR 375 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Lake Cabin #2. AC / WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
By choosing a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and use more of your budget for going out during your stay. We’ve heard good things about this destination’s natural setting, including its gardens and forests.
How many hostels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to stay in Santa Elena, one of Expedia’s 11 hostels could be a great choice for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
Good weather’s always better when you’re discovering new places, so here’s some information that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually March and February with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 79°F. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June, and September, with each month seeing an average of 19 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Santa Elena?
Overall, Santa Elena is known for its flowers, many birds, and forests. Major attractions include Arenal Volcano National Park. Get out into nature with places like Monteverde Orchid Garden, Jardín de Orquídeas, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Cultural attractions include Ecomuseo de las Minas de Abangares.
What's the best way to get to and around Santa Elena while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in Santa Elena in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), 17.4 mi (28 km) from the city center. An alternative is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away.