Name: Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Address: Santa Elena Del Supercompro 50 Metros Suroeste, Monteverde, 0805655, CR

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2026

Tara

Excellent location and breakfast

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

08 Mar 2026

Laetitia

The location is great, very close to the center of Monteverde. However, noise from traffic can be really loud as you are directly by the street. The staff say they will help you book activities around, but the two people who spoke English were both out the day we could have used their help, and one other guest was way overcharged for a taxi ride to an activity that they booked.
The rooms are small, with no wardrobe, drawers, or hooks to put your clothes anywhere. No hooks in the bathroom either, so good luck drying your towels.
My biggest gripe is the shower. It is the most bizarre, ineffective way I've ever seen to heat water. It takes 5 minutes to get the temperature right (as in neither freezing nor boiling, I'm not being finicky here), and it suddenly changes if someone else draws water in the building. Not fun.

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

jonathan

Pequeño e incomodo

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2026

Emma

Clean and friendly space

6/10

Pleasant

28 Mar 2025

Margaret

Best parts: Very conveniently located in Monteverde. Walking distance to restaurants and a grocery store. Marleny was amazing at efficiently booking all the activities we wanted to do while in the area, including transportation!
The room itself was basic but clean, but lacked a few things that would have made it more comfortable such as a safe in the room (there was however, one at the front desk), a better lock on the door (it didn’t lock properly and we came home once to find it ajar), more hooks (especially in the small bathroom) and a bedside lamp (our room didn’t have one, but I noticed another room did). Also, the bunkbed was extremely squeaky! My teenage son moves around a lot in his sleep and it kept me awake. Could be tightened to get rid of the squeak.
We noticed there was also black mould growing on the bathroom ceiling.
Overall, it was basic but met our needs and we had a great time doing all the activities that Marleny booked.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2025

carolyn

Great locations , friendly hosts.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Dec 2024

Dana

Mother & daughter hosts are a delight and ready to assist you with all your adventuring needs. Assisting with bookings, tours, transport, advice, directions, dining queries - super lovely and kind.

The accommodation is perfectly located. So convent to Santa Elena - grocery store 5 mins, food, shops- perfection.👌

The amenities are what you’d imagine for the affordability but certainty not without a feeling of local charm. Hosts have provided all one needs and are quick to assist if there is something they can do. The rooms are small, but there private baths are convenient and comfortable. The place feels very safe and the local family element brings a homey feel that sets a guest’s mind at ease.

This afternoon a toucan was in the tree adjacent to the property and the host came to find me so that I wouldn’t miss it. It is think kindness that makes this stay one that should not be missed.

10/10 on location & hospitality

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

18 Feb 2024

Verified traveler

Cannot recommend

The staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful, however, it was often difficult to find anyone, even during posted office hours. The beds were very uncomfortable; the bathroom was VERY small; hot water in the shower was unreliable; the bathroom smelled (we think from the sink); there was a small step down just inside the entrance and another into the bathroom that were potential tripping hazards; we were told coffee was available in the kitchen from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but the door was locked until 7:30, and when it opened there was no coffee made. It's on a very busy street, but our room was in back and was quiet, and the sitting area outside was lovely with lots of hanging plants.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2023

Debra

Very friendly and accommodating host - Marleny and family. Clean and friendly place with much information about local tours, eating places, and organized transport to and from San Jose. Great kitchen facilities! and Marleny prepared us a delicious breakfast, for US$7. Comfortable rooms and very clean. The location is noisy on weekends, especially at night, with passing traffic on the main road.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2023

Chelsea

This place is really special.

I wasn’t totally sure when I checked in and felt like I may have been better off at something more geared towards socializing (quiet time is 10). Luckily, I stayed.

The owners are the sweetest people and will constantly elevate your stay to be more comfortable, from a compliment to showing the sloth outside. You have the option to wake up to a home cooked breakfast every morning: a generous plate of beautiful fresh fruit and eggs or pancakes. The family also runs a coffee tour of their own place where Freddy stopped to show us an unbelievable view spot.

This isn’t a lively hostel, it’s a chill resting spot. That said, I spent my time in town with a couple I met at breakfast, and we’ll definitely be in touch again.

I highly recommend staying here if you’re looking for a home away from home.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2023

Jonna

The staff were reliable and efficient in helping arrange guided trips, activities, and shuttles. They spoke English and were very nice.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Feb 2023

Alexandra

The rooms were clean and the hostel had a cute welcoming space. We had a private room which was pretty cramped but it was cozy and the bed was comfortable. The shower temperature fluctuated (I think they were doing laundry at the time!) but other than that we had no complaints. Rates for laundry were higher than we experienced at another hostel in the area. This hostel was very walkable to restaurants, an ATM, a grocery store, and souvenir shops.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2023

Dawn

It was our first time staying in a hostel. Overall it was a good experience the only down thing I would have to say is the beds were hard but that may be normal for hostels. It was clean, breakfast was good, and everyone was very friendly and polite. The staff was helpful, helping us get transportation and recommendations of where to go.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2023

Kelsey

Super cute family run hostel. The entire family is amazing and I would highly recommend their coffee tour! Super clean and tidy rooms. Very quite as well for sleeping! Absoloutly would come back multiple times. I cannot express how helpful and friendly the family is!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2022

THOMAS

The staff was wonderful every person was very nice to speak with and help me in many ways

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2022

Hillary

Cabinas El Pueblo is very centrally located in Santa Elena and is a convenient spot for activity pickups, with easy access to grocery stores and restaurants in the area. The room is clean and inviting and was a good resting spot between trips to the Cloud Forest.

Freddy and Marlenny were amazing hosts - they went out of their way to help arrange activities and shuttles. We visited their family coffee farm for a tour which was wonderful. Freddy went out of his way to try and help us spot a sloth (one of our bucket list items) - he took the long way back from the farm to try and find one. The family's helpfulness made our visit easy and enjoyable!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Dec 2021

Jeffrey

Truly local property, very friendly and helpful. Excellent value, for basic room -- everything worked fine. Good location, easily walkable to town center. Only problem was street noise: wear earplugs!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2020

Stefan

Nice place

Close to town, feriendly staff, nice rooms. Recommended.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The quality if fine for the price. A good low budget option for this city

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2019

Mikel

What a lovely stay!

It was such a lovely quaint place! Great location, amazing and friendly staff, even the breakfast was well thought of! Thanks you to everyone!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Everything was great, nice morning breakfast, clean rooms, close to amenities. Only probably was our neighbour made a lot of noise in the middle of the night crying hysterically for hours. But that wasnt the hosts fault..

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2019

Marc

Staff very nice and helpful..good location, very close to downtown and at night wandering cattle along the road,very nice breakfast

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2019

Joseph

The front desk personnel are fantastic! Warm, friendly, and very helpful. The rooms and bathrooms are clean, there are nice outdoor tables and benches where you can relax, and the free breakfast is incredible!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

pura vida

6/10

Pleasant

31 Dec 2016

Tim

You get what you pay for

We needed somewhere central and cheap in Santa Elena, and this place fits the bill. The kitchen has good facilities and the included breakfast makes for a good start to the day, though the hours are limited. Earplugs were necessary for sleep on the rock hard beds and the 'free parking' is actually on the road opposite the hostel. The owners seem to be more involved in a new place they have across town, so the day to day running is left to the kids.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

Nice hotel near town

Staff was wonderful, made us feel right at home. There to help us with any questions and recommend activities and restaurants ect. I would stay here again:)

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2016

Charlotte

Small hostel two minute walk from the centre

The hostel was perfect for what we needed. A small room but comfortable with a shared bathroom. The bathrooms were clean everyday. The communal kitchen has good amenities with free tea and coffee. The complimentary breakfast was really delicious and filling.

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2016

Ubaldo

Clean and quite

Great place for the money. Clean and quite. Good place to lay your head after exploring Monteverde. If it's luxury you're looking for, don't expect it here. This is intended for backpackers and short stays. The breakfast was good and your just a quick climb from the town.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2016

Lucas

No frill hostel - good location and friendly staff

Nothing special about the room however staff very very helpful in organising tours and forward transportation. It's a basic hostel but sometimes that's all you need!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2016

Cynthia

Monteverde, paradise!

Our hosts Freddy and Marley were incredibly kind and helpful. They helped make our stay sweet, welcoming and memorable. We lover the comfy patios, the dining area, the clean communal kitchen, the well-kept grounds and more. Don't miss (inexpensive)Taco,Taco Restaurant at the Passion Santa Elena Hostel in town! Worth every bite and just a 5 min walk, if that. There's a Super Compromise (grocery store) 2 min away. We recommend goung to the Bat Jungle, the Cheese Factory and into town.

Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Jan 2016

Yevgeniy

Tiny, simple rooms

Pros:Friendly,helpful staff, free breakfast

Cons: Small rooms, limited hot water use in showers, dated decor

Wash your own dishes, no screens on windows

Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2016

Justin

Not just a Bed and Breakfast

It was just one night, but the staff was excellent and called our tour to check where they were without our asking. They even allowed us to leave our stuff there during a tour after we had already checked out. They even allowed us to hang out and use the wi-fi while we waited for our next shuttle. And they had bunk beds for us, so not just a B&B

Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

Great little cabinas

Great little Cabinas located near downtown and close to several restaurants. Transportation to forest and other activities can be accommodating at the Cabinas. The breakfast is ok. The bathroom was really clean.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Dec 2015

Verified traveler

Nice hostel in downtown Santa Elena

Nice hostel in downtown Santa Elena. It's a quiet town, but if you want to visit, this is a good place to stay.

8/10

Excellent

24 Dec 2015

voltamp480

Hostel like. Good breakfast, friendly. Quaint.

Nice hotel. Not too expensive. Good to get laundry. You pay per kilo. For us was $18 for 15 kilos.

8/10

Excellent

17 Dec 2015

Angela

Convenient and helpful

We stayed in a private double room. Room was small but ok, bed small for a double. Bed and pillows very firm. Shared spaces nice. Breakfast each morning of eggs, toast and 2 small pancakes was ample and included. Helpful staff, easy to book tours through them. Very close to town though do get some noise from people leaving town late at night.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Nov 2015

Janette

Would stay again!!

The hostel was very nice. The owners were great and helpful. Service was great! We got to meet different people from all over th world. Breakfast service was awesome!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

Staff is very helpful with booking tours and friendly. Hotel is also conveniently close to stores and restaurants. I would definitely stay again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2015

Verified traveler

great stay

Super friendly staff, help you with everything. Cozy place very close to the main center but in the green. You can choose between toast, eggs and pancakes or cereals for breakfast and they offer coffee and tea all day.
We'd stay there again.

Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2015

Denis

comfy & tidy

The rooms and common areas were clean, tidy and comfortable. The prices are very reasonable especially if you can catch a deal. The location is convenient! The owner/manager was happy to remind us of the rules all the time, even though there were signs all around as well (including the 'fines') but I guess some backpackers have made this necessary for her... Shower was nice and hot. Laundry service was quick (but expensive!). One important thing: The sheet with bus departure times is wrong!! We took a bus to Puntaneras, on the sheet it tells you the bus leaves at 6am. In fact, the bus leaves at 5.30am and if you miss it (which we luckily didn't as we had double checked at the bus station) the bext bus is about 3 hours later which also means you miss the connecting ferry! Yummy coffee, available the whole day.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2015

Steve

Very cozy and run by very friendly locals

Very comfortable, and a great price. Owners are extremely friendly. Breakfast was very fresh and tasty.

8/10

Excellent

28 May 2015

SOFIA

Fair good

A good place to stay, the included breakfast is pretty good and there is coffee, tea and bananas free all the time. The owner is really nice and helpful.

6/10

Pleasant

17 Mar 2026

agnete

Vi fik udleveret ørepropper pga larm fra vejen. Meget lavt toilet. Trænger til at få ordnet mange småting på værelset.
Sødt personale
Tæt på alt

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2026

Adriana

Bastante bien, súper céntrico y los tours en general salen mas baratos con ellos que en otras agencias. Pasa mucha gente a las afueras del hotel por lo que se escucha mucho ruido, fuera de eso todo bien.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Todo muy bien y la localidad excelente. Muy seguro y super cerca del centro.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

28 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Excellent petit déjeuner. Personnel courtois et répondant gentiment à toutes nos questions.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

ontbijt was geweldig, mensen super aardig en tours bij de receptie te boeken.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2018

Martin

Sehr freundlich, sauber, gutes Frühstück

Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2018

Philippe

bons conseils donnés pour les visites et l'état des routes

Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Aug 2016

nadis

bel hotel avec vue formidable

Les photos de rend pas justice a ce charmant hostel lanvue est absolument epoustouflante ´le proprietaire est purement gentil les chambres sont modestres mais tres propres je vous le conseil