I have been all over Costa Rica work in coffee, which doesn't bring me anywhere near the beach or pools. I was passing through San Jose before catching a bus early in the morning and made the decision to stay at Backpackers rather last minute. When I walked in and saw the pool it was like manna in the wilderness. Even though it's not deep enough for diving, I spent a good hour just floating and then lay out in the sun on the lounge chairs in the grass. It was hard to believe I was still in San Jose.

The dorm bunks were average with tired sheets. I don't think they have towels? I had my own. The internet was going in and out, which was rather infuriating since I was there for work, but they did have a few desktops that worked pretty well.

I got a $2 beer on tap and chips and guac at the adjacent bar- all tasty and fairly priced. It seemed like a good place to party and hang- they looked like they were setting up for a band.

The showers had piping hot water, which is always a treat in Costa Rica.

I stayed here for four days at the beginning of my long stay in CR. It was very good for me because I am a chef and to have a really good big kitchen was fine to me. The staff here was great and I thought it was a clean place. I stayed in the dorm room by the front desk so if you want a nap in the day it may be a little noisy. However the other rooms can get loud because of the bar music at night. Stay by the front desk and you will get fine sleep. Alexandra was very nice to me and I had her sign my journal with the others. Stay here the people are very cool man!
PURA VIDA!

Paul

Stayed at the end of my Costa Rican adventure in December and it was easily the best hostel I experienced during my whole journey in Costa Rica. Other travellers that I met recommended me this place and I just have to say that they were absolutely right!

Good and safe location (do not choose downtown hostels, it's too dangerous), close to everything you may need as supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas, museums, malls, bus stations etc... Costa Rica Backpackers is the most popular place in town!
Very clean, the staff was nice and helpful. I had a private room which was spacious and well decorated for only $32. Dorms looked nice too and much cheaper (from $11). There was a beautiful garden (a real one!) with a bean shaped pool, an outdoor and well equipped kitchen in case you dont wanna spend money in restaurants or travelling with kids. There is also a good but cheap bar-restaurant (I specially recommend the caribbean chicken!). I loved the outdoor bar where everybody use to gather from happy hour to midnight for cheap drinks.
The internet was good and wifi was available everywhere. There is a tour desk and you can buy with no stress your departure tax for $32, saving one hour line at the airport. The shuttle service to the airport was fine and cheaper than a normal cab.
During my three days stay I heard no complains from the people who stayed there. This hostel is a must if you go to San Jose.

Stayed twice in Costa Rica backpackers and its an ok hostel. They have heaps of rooms so turning up early in the day you're almost guaranteed to get a bed. They have a big, well equipped kitchen for cooking your own food and large grounds with heaps of places for lounging around. The attached bar/restaurant has come cheap-ish food on offer. Location is fairly central and only a 5 min walk to city centre and 10 min walk to the market. Not much atmosphere here as everyone only stays for a night or two at the start/end of their trip so turnover is really high.

PRO's
- big well equipped kitchen that's clean
- spacious dorms with lockers
- nice pool for swimming
- close to town and San Pedro mall (has cinema)

CON's
- not much atmosphere
- bunks are really wobbly so your bunk buddy will wake you up as they move around
- no charging points in dorms

All in all a convenient place to spend the night in San Jose.