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  5. Reviews of Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante

Reviews of Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante

Calle 37 75m south of Sapporro Restaurant San Jose Barrio Escalante, 11501 San José, Costa Rica

#5 of 122 hotels in San José

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 295 hostel reviews

8.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.0

  • Comfort

    8.9

  • Location

    9.2

  • Facilities

    8.7

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.0

  • Free WiFi

    9.4

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 25 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bath towels were not provided for free. Since I wanted to travel light, I didn’t bring a large towel with me, so that was a bit disappointing. The common area closes completely at 10 PM, and since I wanted to have a call with my friend, there weren’t many places where I could talk. For night owls, it might feel a little inconvenient as there isn’t much to do late at night.

    I ran out of cash and was told they couldn’t accept credit cards, which made me panic a little, but luckily they allowed me to make the payment through PayPal. I really appreciated the warm and helpful attitude of the lady at the reception, even though I caused some trouble.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Confortable

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 19 July 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    It's a good value for a one or two-night stay. It has everything you need. The bathrooms could be a little better, but for the price, it's great. I wouldn't recommend it if you need to work, though.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Great vibe, very helpful staff and super clean, kitchen is well equipped. Also quiet and nice common premises to meet other travelers.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 July 2025

    10
    Perfect resting place after a long day of travel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I don't have any feedback for my stay.

    This hostel has been the best I've stayed at so far during my time in Costa Rica. It was super clean, very cute and very chill and quiet as described. I enjoyed the atmosphere, and it was the perfect place to stop and rest on my way from Samara to Puerto Viejo. Having curtains on the bunk beds was a nice touch for privacy. Everyone was very respectful, and the facilities were very clean.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 June 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great spot!

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 June 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    was very hot in the room at night due to lack of A/C

    Hostel is located in a nice area of San Jose, the staff was very friendly and helped with organising how to travel around in Costa Rica, kitchen was well equipped

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 June 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    - There was a cockroach next to my bed - The ladder to reach the upper bed is very uncomfortable and dangerous - Mattress a bit thin - Flexibility can be improved regarding unforeseen circumstances. I know some money cannot be returned but this is based on other hostel stays I've done around the world - Lockers are too small

    - Very clean toilets - Good air conditioning - Quiet after late hours - Easy for booking tours and activities - Close to main square - Friendly staff

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 May 2025

    9.0
    Clean, Chill, Would Highly Recommend
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing major - I wish in the shower room there was a place to set your clothes. There were hooks but it didn’t work well for me. And the rooms are not sound proof at all. The staff do a great job at making sure no one is making noise too late, but you can really hear everything when people start to wake up and go to the bathroom for example. Also the bed is not the most comfortable, it’s a little lumpy but fine for a couple of nights. None of this should deter people from staying here though.

    One of the better hostels I’ve stayed in anywhere!! The common areas are very nice and comfortable to hangout in. The kitchen was exceptionally clean. The bathrooms were also clean and nice. I liked that the bunk beds were super stable and private with everyone having curtains, outlets and lights. There were also lockable cabinets in the room. The vibe is chill just like it says. It’s great if you want to sit and do some work or chat with other travelers. They have some games and the front desk is super helpful and gave me a ton of suggestions. They also have a fantastic website with info you can reference while you’re out and about.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    forgot my phone in the (open) locker when leaving early in a rush. a day after called the hostel. they had found the lost item and kept it safe. honesty of this kind is a precious value... only good stuff can be said about this hostel.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Only minor issues, one with noise (people playing videos out loud on their phones in common areas was annoying, including in reception early in the morning). There is no soundproofing, so you can hear everything from the person talking in the kitchen to the person on the toilet down the hall lol. Bed also needs a new mattress, it was like sunken banana shape, but other than that it was a lovely hostel!

    Lovely hostel with great common areas. I really liked the idea of it being a chill out and quiet place rather than playing loud music and stuff. Safe neighbourhood and walkable to lots of places to eat and shop. Staff were really nice. Good kitchen. Hostel was very quiet when I was there, only a few other people staying, so no waiting for bathrooms.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 March 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Really nice hostel in San Jose. I stayed in a few and I definetely liked this one the most. Great location. The information you get at the reception and website are awesome. They can help you with everything ( transport to different towns... )

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 19 March 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The pillows were awful! They were lumpy and uncomfortable

    The hostel was incredibly clean, airy and bright. The kitchen had everything one would need and the staff was very nice

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2025

    10
    The whole experience here is a great way to start your journey in Costa Rica!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The private bedroom was spacious, cute, and clean as well as the shared bathrooms. The staff were so helpful, friendly, and welcoming. The hangout areas were comfortable. The location is excellent. Close to tons of good restaurants and tourists attractions.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Small Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I booked the private room which is small but comfortable and had all the necessity. The next day I stayed in the outdoor common area and chatted with other travellers: the vibe was great! I would totally recommend this place to anyone! I chatted with the owners and they were super helpful about what to do not just in San Jose but also around the country, giving tips and recommendation about locations and places.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 February 2025

    8.0
    Super friendly hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing negative to say really.

    The staff are incredibly friendly, the lady when we arrived spoke through the local area and where is safe/not safe to walk. The man in the morning when we were checking out advised us of places to see on the rest of our travels. We only stayed overnight as we got into San Jose in the evening, because of this we didn't really use the kitchen facilities, but looked like there's everything you'd need. Bed was super comfy in our room, the hostel is quiet, as the name suggests. It seems like a nice area, although we didn't get to explore much.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 February 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Warm showers. Very chill. Very clean. Good neighbourhood. Lovely staff.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 13 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The lockers were always gaurded the kitchen was super clean and well stocked with quality cooking utinciks The staff was super friendly. My favorite Hostel in San Jose i travel here often for business

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Small Single Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The kitchen is a little small. This wasn’t an issue for me but good to be aware if you’re planning to cook most meals

    Great location. My room was small but had a private bathroom. They let me check in early when I had a morning flight which was very appreciated!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    perfect location for not only a one night stay in San Jose but also for multiple nights. The Barrio escalante is a beautiful neighbourhood, where you can find amazing food and coffee. Supermarkets are also nearby, as is the city centre. The Hostel itself is very clean, the showers and toilets were never even once dirty since my stay there. The kitchen is well equipped. All the people working there are absolutely nice and the owner is such a kind person. 100% recommend and would book again, next time i am in San jose.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2025

    9.0
    Clean hostel in a safe neighbourhood
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms are poorly sound-proofed but I guess that's pretty usual

    The hostel is in a safe area in San Jose. I liked that quiet hours from 10pm to 7am are being "enforced" by closing the common areas. Very clean in all areas.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 January 2025

    8.0
    Great staff, good bed, easy walk to shops and bus stops.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Pillows aren’t worth using.

    The staff are very friendly and accomodating, helped to organise bus trips etc. the front dorm is a little noisy as it’s close to the road otherwise it was pretty good. Beds are good.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 December 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The paper thin walls and bug bite in bed

    Restaurant recommendations and loads within walking distance , free coffee in the kitchen

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 December 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing apart from our room was next to reception so unfortunately got woken up by some loud travellers leaving at 2:30am… maybe the person on reception could remind people when it’s that late ?

    Lovely chill out areas, super super clean, comfy beds, black out curtains in double room (!), hot water, great food in the area… what more is there to say!

    Stayed in December 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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