So we booked this hostel based on all the fantastic reviews and honestly we just don't get it! Out of all the hostels we've stayed in, this one totally missed the mark. I should 9 their live music and bar instead. Arenal Backpackers has amazing potential but totally missed the mark. Starting with the pool bar that has been totally abandoned. Or the other restaurant/bar that is closed from after breakfast until 5:00pm (no you can't get a pina colada at 4:00pm). To the staff that really couldn't care less about creating a lively fun experience. We were here over Christmas and they didn't even try to do anything to celebrate. Again, Selina had a nice Christmas dinner and music. Oh and every other hostel has had activities like yoga and salsa lessons... not this one!

For the price, I would totally go elsewhere!

As I approach my 30s I find myself less satisfied with the hostel experience. I don't like sleeping on a top bunk, being woken up by partygoers at 4am or fighting for whitebread at the advertised "free breakfast." However, I am still a budget traveler and I still like to rough it a bit. All that being said, my eperience at Arenal Backpackers Resort was nothing short of fantastic. I stayed for 6 nights with my sister in one of the tents and from the first moment we arrived I was impressed. There was plenty of secure parking, everyone has wristbands during their stay to help with security and we were upgraded from a double bed to a king bed! While there is no free breakfast there is affordable breakfast, dinner and cocktails available during most of the day. Everyone who worked there was so friendly and helpful! And honestly, even if the rest wasn't true (which it is), this hostel/hotel would get a 5-star rating for the hot showers and amazing water pressure (plus you can get a new towel everyday). We enjoyed our stay immensely, felt safe, secure and well cared for. They helped with directions, restaurant recommendations, and booking tours. The pool is lovely (though the swim-up bar is not really existant) and there are slacklines and hammocks set up which makes even the downtime there enjoyable. It truly felt like a resort at 1/10 the cost.

I spent 2 nights here (and 2 others at the Princessa de la Luna) in mid November, and really enjoyed it. I stayed in one of the safari tents, and was very happy. The tent locks up, has a safe, fan, and plenty of outlets for phone charging, etc. The showers were pretty basic, but I was very happy with the shared toilets as they appear to be cleaned multiple times per day (which is a big deal). I ate breakfast here both days, and it was cheap and very good. The hostel is close to everything, so no worries there. Loved the pool, and the slack line was a nice bonus as a way to have something to do/try, and meet other people (I was traveling solo). I met a lot of great people here, and booked a tour (volcano/lagoon/hot springs) here which was convenient and cheap-ish.

Overall, if you're looking to meet people, I highly recommend this place, as well as booking tours, as you'll meet people there too.