Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna

2.0 star property
Family-friendly hostel with 2 outdoor pools and bars/lounges
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna

Interior
2 bars/lounges, swim-up bar, poolside bar
Luxury Single Room
Interior
2 bars/lounges, swim-up bar, poolside bar

Reviews

7.2 out of 10

Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
50 metros este de la Iglesia Catolica, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007
  • Puentes Colgantes del Arenal
    7 min walk
  • Arenal Adventure World
    2 min drive
  • Costa Rica Chocolate Tour
    4 min drive
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)
    4 min drive

Room options

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
LED TV
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Triple Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
LED TV
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Standard Quadruple Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
LED TV
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
TV
Blackout curtains
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

Deluxe Double Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Single Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
LED TV
  • 12.0 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Women only

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Single Bunk Beds

Deluxe Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

Deluxe Quadruple Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Deluxe Single Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

Deluxe Triple Room

Highlights

Patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
TV
  • 14.9 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

Similar properties

About the area

La Fortuna

A family-friendly stay in the heart of La Fortuna awaits you at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna. You'll be within a 10-minute walk of Puentes Colgantes del Arenal and 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from El Salto Fortuna River. Highlights at this hostel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, 2 bars/lounges and a restaurant. .The buffet restaurant, Tropical Rest, serves local cuisine and is open for breakfast. Tropical Bar is the hostel's own bar. Enjoy access to horse riding/hire, rowing/canoeing and bike hire. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a free manager's reception and a coffee shop/cafe. Each morning buffet breakfast is served between 6 AM and 10 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this La Fortuna hostel include Los Lagos Hot Springs and La Fortuna Waterfall.

What's nearby

  • Arenal Adventure World - 2 min drive
  • Costa Rica Chocolate Tour - 4 min drive
  • Baldi Hot Springs - 5 min drive
  • Ecotermales Fortuna - 6 min drive
  • La Fortuna Waterfall - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 124 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chocolate Fusión - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪La Vid Steakhouse & Pizza - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Rain Forest Café - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Soda La Hormiga - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪La Fonda 506 - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna

Family-friendly hostel with 2 outdoor pools and bars/lounges
Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A free manager's reception is offered daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A terrace, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and a beach shuttle are available for a fee. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this La Fortuna hostel.

  • 28 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Deli
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Car service
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Corner/local shop
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
  • Swim-up bar
Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna offers 28 shared accommodations with portable fans and blackout curtains. Rooms open to patios. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate dining areas. Beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include baths or showers. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Beach shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6 AM to 10 AM for a fee: USD 7 for adults and USD 7 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Tropical Bar
  • Tropical Rest

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Rowing/canoeing

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate in-room dining area
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Separate dining area

More

  • Free local calls
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Portable fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Shared accommodation

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 11:30 PM
Minimum check-in age - 15

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 6 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 6 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately USD 7 for adults and from USD 7 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 170 per vehicle (return)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children aged 6 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

Property is also known as

Backpackers La Fortuna
Fortuna Backpackers
Fortuna Backpackers Hostel
Fortuna Hostel
Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna La Fortuna
Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna
Hostel Fortuna
Hostel Backpackers Fortuna
Backpackers Fortuna
Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna?

Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna?

Yep, Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

Does Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna have a pool?

Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna has 2 outdoor swimming pools. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar.

What makes Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna a romantic place to stay?

Garden-view dining, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna.

Is Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as 2 outdoor pools, a corner/local shop and laundry facilities, it's no surprise that Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna is a hit with families.

Does Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna serve breakfast?

You bet, buffet breakfast is available daily from 6 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna?

No, pets are not allowed.

Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 85 reviews" "

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

april

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Marginal needs work
Was convenient to town but very loud, pool not working did have option to go to another hostel to use theirs. WiFi poor.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
this hostel didn't give to me a receipt, I have 2 weeks waiting for it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Fortunate La Fortuna
The front desk staff was great helping us with booking tour, doing laundry, and providing fresh towels after our outings to the hot springs and Baldi thermal baths. The pool is being renovated and the rooms were adequate. It’s right in downtown La Fortunate so there are great bars and restaurants nearby. The rooms are in the back so there isn’t much noise to speak of. Lots of hammocks! The A/C worked great and plenty of hot water. Delicious Free drink with or without alcohol when you arrive. I’d stay here again for a short time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Tiny rooms . Bed springs have lost strength . No iron boards , not much space to keep luggage , bathrooms are smelly . Location is good as it’s in middle of the downtown . Need to remind staff to clean the room everyday and change towels .
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Will

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place, super helpful staff
The room and bathroom were cleaned daily, the entire property was very nice. The staff were very helpful, Danny set us up with activites for our stay in Fortuna and elsewhere in Costa Rica. Overall a great place and would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice place to stay
Easy to find from the bus stop...walk Along shop road the way the bus came,then at end of road turn left and walk up until you see sign. Huge place....second pool being built at the moment. 3 kitchens but badly resourced...need more cutlery for sure! Room a bit cramped with bunk beds narrow passage between . Shower cold and most water came out of tap below, which couldn't be stopped! Good AC though and lockers...a bit of a squeeze with backpackers but possibly do able. Tours expensive.... You get what you pay for with the slightly cheaper priced tours. Best things to do....Hot Springs Balding or Termalilis del Arenal (taxi 3500 colones) and Bogarin Trail (6000 colones ) up the road..next to Arenal backpackers resort is a must...easy to take photos of beautiful birds in garden,see sloths, porcupine,frogs etc with guides help. The trail has taken 19 years to make and finance and 5 yrs opened to public....(Jewish flag desplayed as a symbol of respect for long term Jewish beneficiary) lovely walk through 2kms trail...strongly recommend for anyone, those with limited walking or wheelchair bound, families with children, accessable for everyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property in general was good...good location...share facilities and hot swimming pool HOWEVER I had serious problem with the reservation due to they charge me double...they charge by expedia.com and then by cash payment at the location It was a hell make this people to return the extra payment that they received...initially I open case in expedia and they rejected then call to hotel...and during days they were telling cheating me about that they will deposit the money in my bank account...at the end I get the refund calling again directly to expedia and they refund the payment by expedia.com
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was nice and staff helpful. Very clean and near attraction
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

valeri, costa rica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Budget but nice
Excellent ubication, has kitchen, shuttle service anywhere from La Fortuna, a little poor rooms, but en total very nice place to budget travelers
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel with great location
Clean Hostel, Nice people working there and clean rooms. It is well located for food, supermarket and activities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

6/10 Okay

Tatiana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ok
Clean simple room , WiFi did not work and front seat was not personal .
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mary, Charlotte, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Simple rooms but everything that we needed
Great front desk staff!!!! Everyone was friendly and made great recommendations :)
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017

2/10 Terrible

jessica

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lost my reservation and charged the most on tours
Claimed they did not have my reservation and blamed it on Hotels.com. They apologized and found me a room at a neighboring hotel (no AC even though I paid for AC) and promised that they'd give me a deal on tours. So fine cool at least i had a room, right? Well THEN they rip me off on tours!! I got quotes all around town and they quoted me higher than everyone!!!! I regret being so nice to them, I should have demanded more. Very disappointing

8/10 Good

Stephanie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

4/10 Poor

Elly, Canada

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Past Its Prime!!
This original La Fortuna hostel should be torn down. Everything has been repaited so many times it's ko longer fixable. Repair people always on site. The first dark and dingy and mouldy smelling room had a non functioning tv - why bother even putting one in the room- the second a non functioning air conditioner. No mattress covers. Yuck!!

10/10 Excellent

Erika, Washington, D.C.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel close to Arenal Volcano
Stayed for two nights and was extremely satisfied ! The moment you walk out of the hostel, you have a clear view of the Arenal Volcano. The room and bathroom were extremely clean and worth the price. Highly recommended !

8/10 Good

PAUL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hostel Backpackers
Overall it was a pretty decent place. Private and quiet but right in the middle of Fortuna and close to everything. Had a nice little bar at the back of the courtyard. Very pleasant.

4/10 Poor

Sydney

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Extremely unorganized
From the moment we arrived the staff were a mess. First, they claimed we didn't have a reservation which I had 100% made through expedia. Then once they found it they said they didn't have any rooms available (even though I reserved it). They sent us a few blocks away to their sister hostel, where the receptionist tried to charge us double, claiming the cost we saw on Expedia was per person per night, rather than per room. That went on for quite a while... We finally got our price down (which was still more expensive than listed on Expedia). To top it off we saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen in my life beside our bed, and they lock the kitchen at night all through the morning so if you want any of your food you put in the communal fridge over night or for an early breakfast you're out of luck. Definitely wouldn't recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Shirley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous hotel, good people and fair price.
La Fortuna was a delight. Organized a tour from the hostel. $40. For Volcano, waterfall, hanging bridge and hot springs with a rum drink. We had access to the hostel down the street that had a bar, restaurant and pool.

8/10 Good

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Hostel in La Fortuna
Hostel Backpackers was a great place to stay while exploring La Fortuna. The staff at the front desk are extremely helpful with anything you need! My fiance and I felt very safe and were happy with our choice to book here. It is located right on the main strip, so there are so many stores and restaurants all around. I would recommend this hostel to anyone travelling to La Fortuna.

2/10 Terrible

valery

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Showers water was cool.bathroom has not sheave mirror, wi-fi interrupted frequently

4/10 Poor

Trix, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
smelly place
Bathrooms were dilapidated and smell from the sewage came into the room all day long. The bed was creaky and made a lot of sound at the slightest movement. The neighborhood is noisy all night long- motorcycles and firecrackers and hence very difficult to catch sleep. Was not worth the money we paid for the room. Will not recommend others and will not go back again.