“Our time at El Pretal was excellent, and we would look forward to another visit.”

We were pleasantly surprised to see that there was coffee, tea, sugar, spices, milk powder and oatmeal available for guests. Our main contact, Guillermo was very pleasant and helped us out. Other staff were friendly and accomodating. On our second visit we noticed that there was a laundry drying area with clotheslines and pegs for guests.

Really lovely place. The owners are so kind. I arrived early and they suggested a tour that I could take to La Leona waterfall to make the most of my last day in Costa Rica. They arranged the driver and everything for me which was great. I otherwise was just going to sit around the hostel for my last day. Facilities are super nice, good kitchen, super comfy beds and pillows and nice having a private room.

“Amazing - Beyond expectation !”

There was NOTHING to not like. Soon after I booked my room, the owners got in touch and walked me through all the questions I could have, before I started my journey. So I could decided whether to book a car, how to reach the property, whether and how much to tip. Guillermo also arranged a cab for me to travel to another city and also help me book local tours. The bed in my room was comfortable and there was an AC. The linen and towels were nice and white. There were 3 bathrooms to share and they were cleaned multiple times a day, so the bathrooms and actually the whole house was spotless. Kitchen and Fridge were included, so I made myself breakfast every day. There was free coffee when I woke up. The property is in a central place, so I was able to walk to restaurants for meals. Also, not only did I feel secure in my room, but the house itself is gated. Can't ask for more !

It had a great vibe, lots of nice sitting areas, the staff were really nice and accommodating. The bathrooms and showers were very clean. The kitchen was clean but not well equipped. The accommodation felt very secure.

Wonderful hostel and very kind hosts

Helpful staff with a big common kitchen and a lot of shared bathroom always kept clean.

“Great price, great place, will go there again !”

The staff/owners were great!

“Lovely Family Run Hostel”

They went above and beyond for me! The visa requirements have changed for Costa Rica and now people holding New Zealand Passports can no longer enter visa free (which I did not know until I went to the Nicaraguan border). They helped me re route my travels (look for flights/buses etc) and went above and beyond helping me on the day I was turned back as well! Truely lucky for all of their help. On top of all of this the hostel is great, clean tidy and has a great outdoor area. Was not super social (but I think this is because it is a transit town)- but I would highly highly recommend it if you are transiting through to Nicaragua or flying out of Liberia ☺️

great stuff, super clean room and other spaces

The staff, the facilities. All bathrooms are cleaned several times a day. Walking distance from the bus terminal.

Lovely friendly and helpful family that run this place. We were having trouble sorting out our Costa Rica exit fee online, and the guy could not have been more helpful and sorted out the problem. It is a very clean hostel. The rooms, bathrooms and kitchen are all spotless. The kitchen is well equipped and they provide some basics like coffee, sugar, milk powder, oats. Probably one of the best hostels I have come across in 40 plus years of travelling. Shame it is in a place that we only needed to stay one night. They also helped us arrange our shuttle for the next day.

The staff, the location, the service

“Great budget accomodation 20 mins from the airport”

Staff were lovely, price was affordable, secure parking spot, mattresses were comfortable.

The staff were very kind and the place was in general very clean and friendly

“Was exactly what I expected. Staff is very friendly and helpful.”

I provided my own food. Property is centrally located.

The hangout spot is amazing !!!

“Very clean but they lock you”

Super clean. Very friendly staff

This was a lovely little hostel. Everything was immaculately clean, and the owner and his mum were so friendly. Would recommend staying here 😊

Nice family run business. Kind and good vibes.

“:)”

The hostel is very tidy and clean, the staff are super helpful with any question you have! The location was great, close to the main square and the bus station, easy to find!