Dominical Backpackers Hostel

This is a place to just crash. I went with 3 buddies and just kinda partied. The location is awesome right near the beach and some decent places to eat. It's not a luxury place by any means, we went there to sleep not live in. We met some cool people also staying there the prices were cheap, and we even got a A/C room for a whole of $13 a night (not bad at all). People are cool and usually respect your personal belongings.

Frankly, a bit of a dump. And an insecure one at that. Its location is superb, a literal stones throw from one of Costa Rica's prime surfing beaches. To be fair, it also seems quite clean and the fridge works. However, there are issues:

1. It doesn't have any locks on the dorm doors, which means...

2. The outside door is your only barrier. And how do you open that? Go to the office of the cabinas next door, put your hand through the bars and press a switch. EVERY person in Dominical must know about that. Which is...

3. Why they recommend, nay, demand, that you hand them your valuables for the safe and why I suspect the advertised Cable TV is missing from its old iron cage.

I fashioned my own security lock for the dorm by pulling a bunk bed in front of the door while I slept. Fine when you're the only one there...

The balcony has a nice view though and the showers are alright (although not operational as warm showers...). At $10 a night though, it is a tad expensive for what it is.

Shame as I think it is the first hostel I have stayed in which is owned by Costa Ricans.

I am not usually one to be concerned about where I sleep at night but this place surprisingly bothered me. I found it to be quite a slum and even $10 per night made me wish I had spent $50 for something nicer. The rooms felt dirty and had pillow cases on the pillows that looked like they had never been washed. I think I wrapped myself in clothes so as not to touch the mattress for fear whatever might be lurking in there. There was no lock to the dorm room which seemed a bit awkward and then the only lock was to the main part of the building which had literally, the most massive room key I have ever seen in my life. It kind of cramped up your style if you were to go out, if you know what I mean! (see photo below for ridiculously large key ring). The bathrooms were dingy and there were spiders but it worked so I guess that's all that matters.

Ok, I made it sound really bad... If you don't mind a little dirt or not having your belongings in a secure place, then you won't mind the Dominical Backpackers. and you cannot really complain about $10 per night and the awesome beachfront location.