Photo by Chad Prahl

Search Hostels in Santa Elena

  • Plan, book, stay with confidence

    • bex rewards loyalty icon
    Be picky
    Search almost a million properties worldwide
    payments icon
    Treat yourself
    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in
    today icon
    Change your mind
    Book hotels with free cancellation

Compare 41 Hostels in Santa Elena with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Selina - La Fortuna
Pool

Selina - La Fortuna

3.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (181)
"Great place, I had so much fun!"
The price is SAR 315
SAR 356 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 January 2025
Selina - La Fortuna
Selina - Monteverde
Pool

Selina - Monteverde

3.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (123)
"Parking for Monteverde cloud forest is right in front of the hotel. Hotel is deep inside with no convenience stores in walkable distance. Hotels.com had incorrect location listed which made us go in circles to find the place. We used yoga room for yoga. They have kitchen. Road the hotel is terrible with many potholes. Driving in rain was terrible experience specifically when you are coming for the first time and have incorrect directions. "
The price is SAR 415
SAR 469 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 January 2025
Selina - Monteverde
Poshtel Arenal
Pool

Poshtel Arenal

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (173)
"Food options nearby. Shared dorms were very open. "
The price is SAR 116
SAR 132 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 January 2025
Poshtel Arenal
Hostel La Choza Inn
Garden

Hostel La Choza Inn

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (184)
"Everybody working there was very nice. The breakfast is great. The courtyard is also nice and quiet and lush. They have good deals with a lot of the tours. The neighbourhood is quiet since it’s away from the main street. The rooms are spacious and clean."
The price is SAR 186
SAR 210 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Jan - 11 January 2025
Hostel La Choza Inn
Hostel SantaFe
Room

Hostel SantaFe

2.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (13)
"Cute area and close to downtown. They offered great recommendations on different excursions"
The price is SAR 127
SAR 144 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Dec - 31 Dec
Hostel SantaFe
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
Hostel Cattleya
Room

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (39)
"Nice two bedroom studio apartment about 200 meters from main hostel building. Managers were exceptionally helpful and accommodating. Only slight negative, really more of a surprise, was that they didn't accept payment via credit card."
The price is SAR 75
SAR 85 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 January 2025
Hostel Cattleya
coati del arenal
Front of property

coati del arenal

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2)
"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
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
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
18 Jan - 19 January 2025
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (75)
"Mother & daughter hosts are a delight and ready to assist you with all your adventuring needs. Assisting with bookings, tours, transport, advice, directions, dining queries - super lovely and kind. The accommodation is perfectly located. So convent to Santa Elena - grocery store 5 mins, food, shops- perfection.👌 The amenities are what you’d imagine for the affordability but certainty not without a feeling of local charm. Hosts have provided all one needs and are quick to assist if there is...
The price is SAR 161
SAR 182 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 January 2025
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Asha Hostel
Interior

Asha Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (4)
"The reception was very nice, it felt very safe and clean"
The price is SAR 180
SAR 204 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 January 2025
Asha Hostel
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! "
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 149
SAR 169 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 January 2025
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 150 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 January 2025
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
12 Jan - 13 January 2025
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Alpha Arenal - Hostel

1.0 star property
The price is SAR 122
SAR 137 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Dec - 30 Dec
Alpha Arenal - 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
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.
Don't see what you're looking for?
See all available properties in Santa Elena
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Sign in
Sign up, it's free

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, (36)
"Very nice facility and super nice staff."
The price is SAR 416
SAR 470 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jan - 29 January 2025
Suwa Villa Arenal
Cabañas del Lago
Front of property

Cabañas del Lago

3.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (30)
"Super cute placs"
The price is SAR 239
SAR 270 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 January 2025
Cabañas del Lago
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Living room

Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines

3.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (366)
"Great place to stay to visit the area nearby. Heater not functioning "
The price is SAR 541
SAR 611 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Jan - 8 January 2025
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
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.
What is a hostel?
No two hostels look exactly the same, but these dorm-style accommodations all have shared rooms (though many have private options too), budget-friendly prices, and a social setting.
What are the best hostels in Santa Elena?
Ready to book a hostel? These ones have the highest reviews from our guests and could be a good place to look first: Hostel Cattleya - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Hotel Sloth Backpackers - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, tour assistance, and a TV in a common area. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. You’ll find towels, showers, and free WiFi in all rooms.
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 12 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 Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. 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.