The author’s choice for San Jose. (Best Hostel)

This industrial strength, tico owned hostel , has been a popular twenty something backpacker hangout in San Jose for years .It is not difficult to see why :it’s smack in the middle of city and comes stocked with a pool, a rooftop restaurant –lounge with stellar views and a combination bar-movie theater furnished with bean bags and a stripper pole. Needless to say, this is a party spot . But the rooms are clean , the mattresses firm and the fresh bathrooms freshly remodeled.

The hostel’s two new “presidential suites” have dreamy views and flat screen TVs.

Plus there is free internet; free phone calls to North America and the bilingual staff can help you arrange luggage storage, onward travel within Costa Rica as well as airport pick up and drop-off in their private van.

Of all the amenities , it is the restaurant in particular, that is a godsend –open until midnight, it serves lip-smacking quesadillas, veggie burritos and what has to be San Jose’s tastiest burgers .

Popularity: 1% [?]