We loved our stay here. The staff were more than helpful and honest in what they recommended and didn't recommend we do. The environment is full of opportunities to get to know other backpackers and hang out on the hammock and porch out front. At ten things got pretty quiet, and we were able to get a good night's rest.... more

We stayed in one of the new double rooms with private baths, worth the small extra cost. As others have said, the staff were excellent - knowledgeable, friendly, and great suggestions on what to do in the area. Special thanks to Diego who gave us great advice, not just the ziplining and the Monteverde Reserve (which are not to be... more

We stayed in one of their new rooms - very worth the small additional cost. Staff were beyond helpful....best service we´ve ever received at a backpackers in Costa Rica and all over the world. If you book any tripsor tours do it through them - they were more honest and helpful and better priced than the local information and travel... more

this hostel is great. walking through the main building, i don't think i would have wanted to stay there. looked a bit worn down, shabby, not really clean. but! love their new rooms, they're very cute. i don't think the room we stayed in was quite done as there was no nightstand or mirror in the bathroom, but it was... more

We stayed here for three nights in a double with shared bath for $16 per night (yes! that's $8 per person per night, for a private room). As all reviewers have said, the staff were the best we met in all of Costa Rica. They were simply wonderful and even helpful to people who came in, couldn't get a room,... more

Simply put: the extraordinarily helpful staff, the laid back youthful but quiet vibe, the location, and the price are all reasons to stay here. The rooms are trendy in a very raw and industrial kind of way - the place exudes character. OK, it's not impeccably clean but it was certainly sanitary and my wife (who's a neat freak) and... more

I checked in here all excited since I knew the staff was great and the vibe was fun! I have stayed in hostels all over the world for many many years, and this is some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff around. That being said, the dorm was gross! I laid down to nap and heard some scurrying in... more

Similar to many of the reviews here, I can't say enough good things about the staff at PSE. From booking night tours and ziplining to helping us fix a flat tire, the guys were great, friendly and super knowledgeable. The central location is a plus. But I was put off by the dirty dark room with smelly throw pillows and... more

My girlfriend and I stopped in Santa Elena for two nights to visit the famed cloud forests and decided to stay at the Pension Santa Elena, based on the good reviews we'd read and heard about the place. I know it's been said before, but it bears repeating. The staff at PSE are ridiculously friendly and helpful. I don't know... more