Photo by Chad Prahl

Search Hostels in Santa Elena

    calendar shield illustration
    Change your mind
    Book hotels with free cancellation
    deals illustration
    Treat yourself
    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in
    bed illustration
    Be picky
    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
27 Jun - 29 Jun
In two weeks
4 Jul - 6 Jul
In one month
18 Jul - 20 Jul
In two months
15 Aug - 17 Aug

Hostels in Santa Elena

Poshtel Arenal
Outdoor pool, sun loungers

Poshtel Arenal

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (189)
"Simple accomodations, air was cold, beds were fine. Nice location in town. Staff was extremely friendly. "
The price is SAR 213
SAR 241 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jul - 13 Jul
Poshtel Arenal
Hostel La Choza Inn
City view

Hostel La Choza Inn

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (201)
"Good location, right in town."
Hostel La Choza Inn
Socialtel Monteverde
Yoga

Socialtel Monteverde

3.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (143)
"Very nice place. "
Socialtel Monteverde
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Hot springs, body treatments, mud baths, aromatherapy, body wraps

Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (15)
"Everythong was so nice. great location and clean, cozy room. loved little pool inside of yard. it was amazing experience in La Fortuna. Thanks for everything!"
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Hostel Cattleya
Junior Studio | 2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (50)
"Loved the pool and the wildlife around, clean and comfortable rooms with AC. Hammocks are nice touch. Check in/out was simple and the staff was very kind."
The price is SAR 75
SAR 85 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Hostel Cattleya
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Living area

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (72)
"Very beautiful view and common areas"
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Ceiba Eco Hostel
Front of property

Ceiba Eco Hostel

2.0 star property
The price is SAR 154
SAR 174 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Ceiba Eco Hostel
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Terrace/patio

Hotel Sloth Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Host was real friendly and very helpful "
The price is SAR 235
SAR 266 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Río Danta Hostel
Living area

Río Danta Hostel

1.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Very nice hostel for a very reasonable price. I would recommend this hostel for other travelers"
The price is SAR 155
SAR 175 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Jun - 21 Jun
Río Danta Hostel
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
Front of property

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

2.0 star property
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Family Room, Balcony, Garden View | Terrace/patio

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (79)
"Great locations , friendly hosts."
The price is SAR 127
SAR 143 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Jun - 21 Jun
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
coati del arenal
Hiking

coati del arenal

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Unit is very clean, in good, newer condition. Conveniently located but hard to find as it lacks prominent signage to indicate you're at the right place; and has no "front desk" to check in at when you arrive which is problematic as its just a house in the midst of many others. There is a bar/club nearby that goes til 2:30AM each night. Pack ear plugs. The A/C worked well. Good base of operations for visiting the stites. "
coati del arenal
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Alpha Arenal - Hostel

1.0 star property
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Outdoor pool

Arenal Backpackers Resort

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (10)
"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! "
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Exterior

Hotel La Cascada - Hostel

2.0 star property
6.8 out of 10, (6)
"Se pagó el hospedaje mediante la aplicación, al llegar al hotel estaba cerrado, en mantenimiento, perdí mi día entero de vacaciones buscando donde hospedareme, tengan cuidado, afortunadamente hotels me ayudo"
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Panoramic Cabin | Balcony

Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (13)
"They didn't clean my room during my 3 day stay but it was a decent place to stay, and cheap in a country that is expensive, I would stay again"
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Asha Hostel
Fireplace

Asha Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (5)
"The reception was very nice, it felt very safe and clean"
Asha Hostel
Monteverde Monkey hostel
Aerial view

Monteverde Monkey hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"I have traveled in many countries and slept in numerous hostels around the world and this is one of my all time favourites. The owner is absolutely amazing and super helpful. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The location is good and the dorm room was nice and clean. I recommend this place very much!"
Monteverde Monkey hostel
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Hiking

Arenal Sloth Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Great hostel situated in a nice neighbourhood, 5 minutes walk from the centre including the supermarkets and bus terminal (the centre is frankly not as pleasant as the suburbs). Rooms have secure key codes, and lockers are situated in the communal kitchen which is large, clean and well equipped. Everything was good. Would recommend."
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Palacios Arenal - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Palacios Arenal - Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (4)
"Despite being a little mix-up on room type, Adrian (the owner) did all he could to make it right and I had a very pleasant experience. Their hospitality was amazing and the room was comfortable. I had to work one afternoon and the internet worked great. The lounge/common areas were very comfortable and the kitchen had everything you would need. The only thing I would recommend is that if you book through a 3rd party (like Hotels.com) to call and confirm your room type in advance. "
Palacios Arenal - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Sign in
Sign up, it's free

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
By choosing a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and use more of your budget for going out during your stay. We’ve heard good things about this destination’s natural setting, including its gardens and forests.
What is a hostel?
No two hostels look exactly the same, but these dorm-style accommodations all have shared rooms (though many have private options too), budget-friendly prices, and a social setting.
What are the best hostels in Santa Elena?
Ready to book a hostel? These ones have the highest reviews from our guests and could be a good place to look first: Hostel Cattleya - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant. Rooms come with towels and free WiFi. Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel - You can take advantage of free WiFi and tour assistance, as well as a TV in a common area. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Hotel Sloth Backpackers - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and a bar. You’ll find towels, showers, and hair dryers in all rooms.
How many hostels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to stay in Santa Elena, one of Expedia’s 9 hostels could be a great choice for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
Good weather’s always better when you’re discovering new places, so here’s some information that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually March and February with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 79°F. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June, and September, with each month seeing an average of 19 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Santa Elena?
Overall, Santa Elena is known for its flowers, many birds, and forests. Major attractions include Arenal Volcano National Park. Get out into nature with places like Monteverde Orchid Garden, Jardín de Orquídeas, and Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde. Cultural attractions include Ecomuseo de las Minas de Abangares.
What's the best way to get to and around Santa Elena while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in Santa Elena in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), 17.4 mi (28 km) from the city center. An alternative is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away.