The atmosphere is very relaxing and in a good location. The rooms are clean and the community bathroom facilitys are well maintained. Close walk to the beach and supermarket. The food at casa zen is ok but you have plenty of other options around you. Great price, you definately get more than what you pay for. After reading some comments on here about theft, I must say that anywhere you go in Costa Rica there is theft. Don't leave your stuff outside at night,you are in a tourist area. What else do you expect! I suggest trying the Yoga. I did it for the first time and it was good. More of a workout than i expected. Definately will be back! Don, Kelly, and the rest of the staff are really nice people. Goto Casa Zen!

We've stayed at the Casa Zen several times and it is always great. The facility is always clean and nice, the price is very reasonable, the location is central and easy to walk everywhere in town, the beautiful beach is less than a minute walk away and most importantly the people are fantastic. Everyone is friendly and very helpful.

Having lived in Costa Rica previously for 11 years, I kinda knew how to "expect the worst, hope for the best". CZ is somewhere in the middle. The service was ok, mostly friendly but losing the personal touch that is so important and that they should not let slip. The property is very nice and well kept but... we were in the apartment, my husband and I, and the cleanliness was a little slipshod; there was no room service but wasn't really expecting it even though all the comparable properties we'd stayed at provided it. Lot's of ants of various species and yes, I know it's the jungle, but this property had by far the most of all the places we stayed in two weeks. There was someone else's food in the fridge - oops - the kitchen sink leaked horribly and there was no way to lock the safe. The ceiling fan over the bed did not work but there was a floor fan that kept us cool. Ask for extra pillows.

We ate at the restaurant a couple of times and were excited to be eating Thai as we consider ourselves Thai officionados - it's one of our favorites. Disappointing. The curry was served over way too much rice which made all the curry sauce disappear and it needed a ton of salt. The pad-thai also not so great. And finally, someone tried to break into our completely empty rental vehicle that was parked in the adjoining hotel owners or managers driveway.

All that said, for what we paid for the room and the location, it was a good deal but I don't know if we'd come back with all the other interesting looking properties in the area.

If you are looking for a calm, enjoyable time in Santa Teresa, then stay here!
When I first arrived to Santa Teresa I stayed at another hostel, but one night and I knew I needed to find another place. I was in Santa Teresa at the end of August, which is the beginning of low season in Costa Rica, so there were not many people in town. I walked to a number of different hostels to look at the facilities, but didn't find one that I thought I would like for the few days I would be there, then I remembered that my friends had raved about this hostel in Santa Teresa called Casa Zen, and once I saw it I understood. There are other hostels that are cheaper in town, but the dorm rooms are nice and if you are travelling with 2 people the privates are the same price as staying in a dorm and that is a great deal. I loved the balcony with all the hanging hammocks and spent a lot of time there. It is only a 2 min walk to the beach from the hostel. The owner is great, myself and another guest had some issues on the beach and the owner was very helpful and compassionate. There is also a restaurant downstairs that has great food. In the mornings for an additional charge you can do yoga, and the instructor is amazing! She was so helpful and knowledgeable, probably the best instructor I have worked with. I had a great time here and will return again!