I have been to Costa Rica twice and always stayed at the local Selina Hostel. Selina is a hostel chain with over 110 destinations worldwide most of them being in central and south america. Their hostels are widely popular amongst backpackers and digital nomads all across the world. They are offering a perfect mixture of creating a community while traveling, local experiences combined with the opportunity for digital nomads to work in modern co-working spaces. 

Discover Selina Hostels: Prime Locations in Costa Rica

Whether you’re seeking the bustling energy of the city, the serene beauty of the beach, or the adventurous spirit of the rainforest, Selina has a perfect spot for you. Experience Caribbean vibes in Puerto Viejo, wander around the cloud forest of Monteverde, hike Volcano Arenal in La Fortuna, go to the beach in Manuel Antonio or surf in Santa Teresa. 

Rooms:

Selina offers a variety of different rooms from dorms over private micro rooms with shared bathrooms all the way to suites. Making Selina Hostels the ideal accommodation for backpackers, digital nomads and groups.

Dorms

If you are backpacking Costa Rica on a budget, dorms are a perfect option to save money and meet new people. These shared spaces range in size from a 4 person dorm to a 10 person room and feature bunk beds with privacy curtains, individual lockers, reading lights, and charging ports. The dorms are spacious and well-maintained, providing a social yet comfortable environment.

Private Rooms

For guests looking for their own space, Selina offers private rooms for a more intimate setting. These rooms come with either a double bed or twin beds, depending on your preference. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with local art and equipped with essential amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have private bathrooms, but you can also choose a private room with a shared bathroom if you are focused on your travel budget.

• Save

Suites

For a touch of luxury, Selina’s suites provide an elevated experience. These spacious rooms feature king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and additional living space. Some suites also include balconies with stunning views of the surrounding area. The suites are perfect for those seeking extra comfort and style during their stay.

Special Rooms

In some Selina locations you can find unique lodging options such as teepees, treehouses, and glamping tents. These special accommodations provide a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local environment while enjoying modern comforts.

Food:

When booking your stay you can choose if you want to include breakfast. This is a great choice if you don’t want to spend your morning looking for food, especially in more remote areas this comes in handy. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tropical fruit, and an assortment of pastries, along with heartier choices like eggs, avocado toast, and traditional local dishes. If you secluded breakfast and changed your mind you can still go to the in house restaurant and pay normally.

Each Selina has a restaurant for their guests. They serve everything from international classics to local dishes. Usually open for breakfast as well as during lunch time all the way until dinner, the Selina restaurants provide a relaxed and inviting atmosphere to enjoy your meal either solo or with friends. Prices vary but are pretty similar to European prices so if you are looking for a budget meal, you might wanna check out local restaurants instead.

Activities/ Community:

Welcome Drink:

In true Selina fashion, once you arrive each Selina offers you a welcome drink. Those drinks vary depending on your location as each of the different hostels has their own special drink to embrace the local culture of this particular place. This is also the perfect opportunity to meet people you can explore the area with or even join you on your travels.

Community nights:

If you have no evening plans – Selina has you covered. Selina organizes daily events you can join ranging from beach volleyball at sunset all the way to salsa and movie nights. Some locations like Casco Viejo, Panama or Tulum, Costa Rica even feature night clubs with free entry for Selina guests. 

Tour:

Selina Tours offer a diverse range of experiences designed to immerse travelers in the local culture and natural beauty of each destination. From adventurous activities like zip-lining through rainforests and surfing pristine waves to more laid-back excursions such as guided nature walks and cultural tours, Selina ensures every traveler finds their perfect adventure. Each tour is led by knowledgeable local guides, providing authentic insights and unforgettable memories. All the tours come with transportation, the driver will pick you up and drop you off right at the hostel, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

Co Work:

Selina is custom built for nomadic-travelers. Combining travel and work to create the perfect work-life-balance while exploring the world. Selina offers modern co-working spaces at each of their locations. You can book desks per day or for a whole week. Prices start at 10 USD per day. This includes free wifi and coffee. For more privacy you can also book meeting rooms.