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Costa Rica Budget Hotels and Hostels

Accommodations come at every price and comfort level: from luxurious ecolodges and sparkling all-inclusive resorts to backpacker palaces and spartan rooms with little more than a bed and four cinderblock walls. The variety and number of rooms on offer means that advance booking is not usually mandatory.

Rates provided are for the high- or dry-season, generally between December to April. Many lodges lower their prices during the low or rainy season, from May to November. Prices change quickly in Costa Rica, so view prices as approximations. Expect to pay a premium during Christmas, New Year and Easter week (Semana Santa). Prices are inclusive of tax and given in US dollars, which is the preferred currency for listing rates in Costa Rica. However, colones are accepted everywhere, and are usually exchanged at current rates without an additional fee.

A sales and tourism tax of 16.3% is added to all room fees. We have attempted to include taxes in the prices listed here. Paying with a credit card sometimes incurs additional fees, and note that many hotels charge per person, rather than per room – read rates carefully.

The term cabina (cabin) is a catch-all for Costa Rican hotels that can define wide range of prices and amenities – from very rustic to very expensive.

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$29
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1 Star Hotel

Rana Roja Lodge & Cabina

This Tico-run spot offers one of the best-value options in the area. Small, earth-colored cabins – all with private terraces and rockers – are connected by elevated walkways...

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$11
per night
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Hostel

Hostel Pangea

This industrial-strength, Tico-owned hostel – 25 dorms and 25 private rooms – has been a popular 20-something backpacker hangout for years...

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$13
per night
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Hostel Toruma

This graceful neoclassical home once belonged to José Figueres, the Costa Rican president who abolished the army and granted women the right to vote...

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$10
per night
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Alajuela Backpackers

This four-story inn is more hotel than hostel, with private rooms and dorms surrounding a plant-draped atrium...

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$17
per night
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Hostel

Maleku Hostel

This sweet little backpackers’ abode has spic-and-span rooms tucked into a vintage home on a quiet street, 50m west of Hospital San Rafael. There are also three private rooms, with shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, a TV lounge and free internet...

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$11
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Hostel Vista Serena

In an area that is hopelessly overpriced, it’s a relief to find such a great budget hostel...

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$26
per night
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Hostel

El Punto

This converted elementary school is now a chic loft hotel, and would definitely feel more at home in trendy Miami than in humble Guanacaste. The saturated tropical colors of the lofts manage to be understated and minimalist...

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$14
per night
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Hostel

Tina's Casitas

For backpackers seeking something a little unconventional, Tina's might do it for you. This complex of little rooms and cabins has paths leading through the garden to each room...

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$11
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Hostel

Casa Yoses Hostel

A mellow spot, this nine-room Spanish Revival–style house from 1949 is perched on a hill that offers lovely views of the valley from the front garden...

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$9
per night
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Hostel

Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel

Say it five times fast to ingrain it in your brain, because you'll want to take advantage of this terrific budget deal when you land in Monteverde. A new hostel on the block, this place offers loads of reasons to recommend it...

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$13
per night
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Costa Rica Backpackers

This extremely popular hostel has 15 dormitories and 13 private double rooms spread out over several structures that surround a spacious garden with hammocks and a free-form pool...

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$34
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
1 Star Hotel

Hotel Posada Del Museo

This posada (country-style inn) is at a diagonal from the Museo Nacional, in a 1928 structure with a dramatic entrance that features a Juliet balcony overlooking the foyer...

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$15
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
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Green House Hostel

This attractive hostel is adorned with hanging plants, historic photographs and antiques. The rooms themselves are a bit modest, though the perk here is that they all have private bathrooms (even the dorms)...

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$27
per night
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Hotel Domilocos

This Italian-owned property is a solid midrange option, with Mediterranean-inspired grounds, an attractive swimming pool lined with potted plants and one of the town’s best restaurants, ConFusione...

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$10
per night
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Hotel

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo

Rooms in this bright, kitschy lodge are well kept, the showers are hot and the owners will make you feel right at home. The upstairs balcony rooms ($5 extra) have great views of the rainforest and, on a clear day, the Golfo de Nicoya...

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$12
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
Hostel

Arenal Backpackers Resort

Set out on its own, this self-proclaimed ‘five-star hostel’ with volcano views is among the cushier hostels in Costa Rica. Dorm rooms have private hot-water bathroom, and you’ll sleep easy on the thick, orthopedic mattresses...

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$15
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Hostel

Tranquilo Backpackers

Tranquilo radiates with mellow vibes and relaxing times. Big common rooms are decorated with zen-inspired Japanese lanterns, comfy couches, ample hammocks and enough mounted guitars to satisfy all your impromptu needs...

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$10
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Hostel

Casa Tranquilo Hostal

This wonderful little hotel is owned and managed by a delightful Tico couple, David and Elena (and their little one, Josue). Some of the wood-paneled rooms have skylights and views of the gulf...

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$9
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
Hostel

Galileo Hostel

In a vintage house east of Parque La Sabana, this snug, friendly hostel has several dormitories and four private rooms with shared bath. The colorful dorms are tight but clean, and are the cheapest in town...

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$18
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
Hostel

Funky Monkey Lodge

Up the hill from Tuanis, this funky hostel-cum-lodge is situated at the top of a natural-rock hill, and has sweet, rustic-style bungalows built out of bamboo. Each has an open-air shower, and shares a communal kitchen...

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$15
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
Hostel

Cuesta Arriba Hostel

Up a hill and across from one of Santa Teresa’s best surf breaks, this is a thinking person's hostel attracting an older, more polished crowd. Each bright, colorful room sleeps six and has a hot-water bathroom and creative mosaic tile embellishments...

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$30
per night
Lonely Planet Reviewed
Hostel

Cascada Verde The Green Waterfall

About 2km inland and uphill from Uvita, this organic permaculture farm and holistic retreat attracts legions of dedicated alternative lifestylers for good reason – it's a peaceful place to connect with nature and meditate...

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