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Pura Vida Hostel

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Pura Vida Hostel

A covered outdoor area with a thatched roof, seating arrangements, and colorful artwork.
A wooden table with a monkey sculpture, surrounded by two wooden chairs, under a thatched roof with a hammock between them.
A covered outdoor area with potted plants and a pathway.
A wooden door with a circular plaque that reads "IRON MAIDEN" and features a skull and crossbones symbol.
A rustic outdoor kitchen with a thatched roof, a dining table, and chairs.

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
Calle Guanacaste Tamarindo, 100m East From Banco National, Tamarindo, Guanacaste, 50309
  • Place, Tamarindo Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, WAYRA Institute of Spanish
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa Langosta
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)
    ‪103 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Private Bathroom, Garden Area

A bedroom with two beds, an air conditioner, a chair, and a door.

Superior Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Private Bathroom, Garden Area

  • 205 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Garden View

A room with two beds, a colorful mural, a small table, and a window with curtains.

Standard Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 205 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Economy Double Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible, Private Bathroom

A bedroom with two beds, a window with red curtains, and a wall with abstract graffiti.

Economy Double Room, Multiple Beds, Accessible, Private Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • 205 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Superior Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Accessible, Private Bathroom

A small, cozy room with two beds, a window, a mosquito net, and a wooden chair.

Superior Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Accessible, Private Bathroom

  • Garden view
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free wired internet

Basic Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free wired internet

Basic Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free wired internet

Basic Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free wired internet

Basic Shared Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free wired internet

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About the neighborhood

Tamarindo

Pura Vida Hostel places you within a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions such as WAYRA Institute of Spanish and Tamarindo Beach. This 9-room hostel has conveniences like a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more Hostels in TamarindoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Tamarindo Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • WAYRA Institute of Spanish - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Playa Langosta - 10 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course - 41 min drive - 10.7 miles
  • Avellanas Beach - 47 min drive - 13.0 miles

Getting around

  • Tamarindo (TNO) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sharky's Sports Bar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Sol Bakery - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Nordico Coffee House - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Refugio Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rumours - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Pura Vida Hostel

Pura Vida Hostel features free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 20 per person roundtrip. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with securing valuables, dry cleaning/laundry, and tours or tickets. Other amenities at this family-friendly hostel include an arcade/game room, a library, and express check-in.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer rainfall showers. Free newspapers and portable fans are also standard.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily local cuisine breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 5 for adults and USD 5 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Playground
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

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

Outdoors

  • 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.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 11 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 12

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); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 11 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for local cuisine breakfast: approximately USD 5 for adults and USD 5 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per person (roundtrip)

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

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 mobile payments and cash
Mobile payment options include: PayPal
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 12
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in and out are easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts mobile payments and cash.
  • Mobile payment options include: PayPal.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Pura Vida Hostel Tamarindo
Pura Vida Hostel
Pura Vida Tamarindo
Pura Vida Guesthouse Hotel Tamarindo
Pura Vida Guesthouse And Hostel
Pura Vida Hostel Tamarindo
Pura Vida Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Pura Vida Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Tamarindo

Frequently asked questions

What can I see within easy reach of Pura Vida Hostel?

This hostel is located in Tamarindo within a short 7-minute walk of Tamarindo Beach. You'll also find Playa Langosta and Casino Diria within a short drive.

Does Pura Vida Hostel have a casino on the premises?

No, Pura Vida Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Pura Vida Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Does Pura Vida Hostel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Pura Vida Hostel serves breakfast (local cuisine) each morning for a surcharge from its cafe.

Will Pura Vida Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Pura Vida Hostel though service animals are welcome.

How close is the airport from Pura Vida Hostel?

The closest major airport to Pura Vida Hostel is Tamarindo (TNO), which is 2.6 mi away (13 minutes by car). Another top airport is Nosara (NOB), which is around 25.3 mi away.

Pura Vida Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 34 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

SCAM ALERT!!!!

Be award when booking this hostel, the owner tries to scam you for double payment when booking through Hotels.com and sites like that. He informs that payment need to happen by cash and you will be refunded through the booking site, bit that is not possible without the host accepting the cancellation and refund aswell. So stay away, very dirty rooms aswell!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Anbefales ikke, slet ikke hvis det er forudbetalt!

Yderst utilfredsstillende! Vi havde på forhånd booket og BETALT vores ophold på hostlet, så vi regnede naturligvis med at alt ville være i orden ved ankomst. Dog fortæller ejeren os, at på trods af vores forudbetalte ophold, at han ikke kan tage imod den betaling som vi har lavet, fordi det er via kort, og han tager KUN imod kontanter. Og da vi igen siger, at vi har betalt siger han, at det har vi i bund og grund ikke, fordi han ikke har modtaget dem, så hvis vi ikke betaler igen, kan vi ikke bo der. Han lover os så, at når vi betaler skal han nok kontakte Hotels.com og bede dem tilbagebetale vores forudbetalte penge. Og lover os på samme tid at de vil komme dagen efter.. I skrivende stund er det knap 3 måneder siden vi var på dette ophold, og vi har ikke set det fjerneste af de penge, på trods af at ejeren er blevet kontaktet utallige gange. Blandt andet med en bekymring efter at have læst en anmeldelse om en pige der havde haft lignende oplevelse i forhold til at hun også har betalt dobbelt, men det fejede han væk ved at komme med undskylninger om at hun også selv havde været problemet og at de havde aftalt at hun skulle tage anmeldelsen ned. Udover at han i bund og grundt skylder os 600kr, så var hostlet ikke noget at råbe hurra for. Man skulle selv putte sit sengetøj på, og der var huller i det meste, skraldespanden (hvor man smider sit toiletpapir i) blev slet ikke tømt de 3 nætter vi boede der, og udover det var det bare ikke særlig lækkert. Jeg kan SLET ikke anbefale
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When I arrived, the owner of the property told me he wanted me to cancel my expedia booking and pay him cash because "he couldnt recieve the funds I paid through expedia". I submitted a request for a full refund and expedia said they need confirmation through the owner of the hostel. The hostel owner told me that he confirmed with expedia and made me pay him money before I received any sort of refund for the money I already had paid for my stay. I contacted expedia yesterday to confirm that I was recieving a refund and they said they still couldnt contact the property owner to confirm. Therefore I have paid this man twice, once on expedia and once with cash for the same booking. I am pretty sure it is illegal to scam your customers like this, this is totally unacceptable. Please find a way to contact this man to help me recieve my refund. The hostel was also very dirty and smelled like stinky feet. As I was packing my bag to leave, I found peanuts scattered underneath my bed. I told my roommate and he said he saw them when he checked in earlier in the week. The room looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a month and the sheets I was given to make my own bed were stained. The hostel owner was also very rude and made me cry when he told me to pay him cash even though I hadn't recieved my expedia refund yet. I will never go back and I hope he doesn't scam the rest of the people who book through expedia.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Personal super amable y servicial, excelente trato al cliente
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Estuvo muy bonito
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Muy buena estadia, Cool y relax

Muuy buena la temática y las habitaciones muy limpias ordenadas y compartir mucho con las demás personas hospedadas
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Place

Great Hostel Experience, nice people.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2020
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness

You won’t be sleeping alone ...

I booked this place with an open mind since it had limited reviews. Everything I came across though said it was good so I took a chance. It’s a unique place that had a very laid back vibe. People hanging out conversing and small jam sessions were cool. The rooms however were a little questionable in terms of cleanliness. The sheets were very worn and had stains on them. The bunk I had had multiple small little ants crawling all over it. Now I get there are bugs in Costa Rica and ants come with the territory but the per capita to the space was a little high. Also when we came back that night we found a giant cockroach on the wall next to the bunk. I scurried it back the bathroom and tried to sleep knowing it was free and it likely had multiple friends there with it. I was awoken at 1 am to multiple firecrackers outside the hostel at this time I decided to use the restroom and I found the cockroach friends all over the sink and shower. To top the night off there were multiple bats in the open area living in the giant hit ceiling and kid you not a skunk ran through the communal area. By far my worst hostel experience and I get that you get for what you pay for but multiple critters is a little much.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fuyons!

Gars de l'accueil sympa mais peu apte à donner des informations pratiques ou touristiques. La chambre et installations basiques de chez basiques - meme rudimentaires et pzs tres propre. Pour un prix qui ne vaut meme pzs la moitié 'de ce que nous avons payer - prix exorbitant de base et encore plu en vue de ce que nous avons eu. Le seul point positif: l'hostel a invite tout le monde pour le repas de Noël ce qui etit bien sympa. Sinon a éviter !
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A fun place to stay if you are young and on a budget
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Un buen hostel cerca de todo

Todo muy bien, confortable, limpio y buena ubicacion. Precio/calidad insuperable en ese sector.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
my 1st time in a hostel. the staff were amazing. my room was large and comfortable. walking distance to beach and shopping. will stay there every time i go back to costa rica
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the ocean and beach, maybe 5-15 minute walk! A great spot with lots of really good food and very nice people within walking distance. The place itself was very beach-hippy esque, bright colours and lots of chill communal spaces. The rooms were ok but quite hot and not the cleanest hostel I have stayed in. Sheets seemed worn and pillow was all lumps. This overall cleanliness could also be attributed to the sand and water being tracked in by all the guests though. While front desk employees were nice they did seem a tad unorganized. Took us 3 different staff before someknew could help us pay as they weren’t confident in how to do it properly. If you are laid back and just need a place to crash while you stay by the beach this is a fine choice. Wouldn’t be my recommendation for a long-term stay though.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Vey central location. The instalations weren´t too clean and the facilities were limited.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Family like atmosphere

Stayed in the four person dorm with my friend for two nights. The room was large with plenty of locker space for belongings. The hostel has two kitchens and a large outside living area. Free coffee in the morning, live entertainment three nights a week. Great hostel.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exc

Me encantó, muy amables. Me encanta el estilo del hostel, el ambiente que tiene! Definitivamente quiero volver
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Close to the beach. conveniente

conveniente, close to the beach and cheap. good attention
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Room comfort

Estadía en el hostel pura vida

No me gusto ya que en el area del rancho la gente se queda hablando muy tarde en la noche y uno no puede dormir. Deberían solucionar esto para que los huespedes tengan ese derecho a la tranquilidad-. Si uno renta un cuarto es para pasarla bien y poder dormir y no soportar hasta altas horas de la noche la gente hablando, eso no puede ser.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Tamarindo para vivir

Excelente ambiente, el personal super amable, te hacen sentir en casa, hay artistas invitados en las noches. No lo recomiendo si viajas con niños.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bodde här tidigare men åkte tillbaka igen för att detta hostel troligast är det bästa jag bott på. Personalen är grym och väldigt hjälpsamma. Många kvällar i veckan händer det någonting, eldshow, olika band som spelar osv. Det är en väldigt skön atmosfär
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had an amazing time. Just bring lots of bug spray.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service

Cheap and close beach

Good attention, I could return. They should put new sheets
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Bien en función del precio

Para el precio la habitación y lugar está bien, solo la limpieza del baño es inexistente. El parqueo es en la calle así que la seguridad es a su propio riesgo. La atención fue buena y cuenta con bastantes utensilios de cocina para poder cocinar.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great hostel stay

great experience, staff- Tomas and Sandra were super helpful and welcoming. Great music and entertainment provided almost every night. 3 minute walk to the beach. We stayed for a week and loved it.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxed atmosphere

Good place if you need a place to rest your head and you don't mind strangers in your room.