Arenal Backpackers Resort

Pros: - The place is well manicured and has a nice pool. - The location is close to town but still quiet Cons: - I was lied to. Repeatedly. The cook in the kitchen lied and told me he was the manager. The girl at the check in counter lied and told me that rooms were still being cleaned, even after I saw the cleaning crew leave. - The check in counter girl was incredibly rude. - The cook in the kitchen tried to lecture me any time I had a problem with something. (and they were legitimate concerns - I don't need a lecture because you are incompetent.) - My first "barrel" had ripped pillows and ripped curtains. - My second "barrel" had trash in it. - The bathrooms and showers were NEVER cleaned. They were always disgusting. - They only take cash at the bar/breakfast kitchen - but there are no signs anywhere to let anyone know about it. - If you ask for the manager / owner's contact, all they give you is the main address that anyone can answer. They did not reply to the email - Speaking of answering, if you book through hotels.com and hotels.com tries to call them to deal with problems, they refuse to answer the phone here so that problems can't be dealt with. - They offer no flexibility whatsoever with reservations. One person tried to check in to their room at 2:56pm (official check in time is 3pm) and was told no, it's not 3. - If you ask if a room might be available earlier than 3, they will not look - they will just tell you it is not 3. No flexibility or customer service

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!

We stayed in the pods, was an awesome experience! Would definitely stay again!

Interesting place, in the description states there is a swim up bar but this doesn’t exist, the bar itself is only open 5-9pm and they didn’t have things like gin when we stayed. Our pod was cute but it was very small so be aware when booking! The receptionist was very unfriendly really did need to learn some customer service skills. The pool was nice but it’s a very quiet hostel so don’t expect a lively atmosphere. Would recommend for one night but probably not longer!

Convenient location