Reviews of Cool Vibes Beach Hostel
100m al sur y 50m este del restaurante el coco antiguo domilocos, 44500 Dominical, Costa Rica
#6 of 15 hotels in Dominical
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 289 hostel reviews
8.7Score breakdown
-
Cleanliness
8.6
-
Comfort
8.5
-
Location
9.3
-
Facilities
8.7
-
Staff
9.4
-
Value for money
8.8
-
Free WiFi
8.8
How guest reviews work
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We use a weighted review system which means that the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
- Politically sensitive comments
- Promotional content
- Illegal activities
- Personal or sensitive information (e.g. emails, phone numbers or credit card info)
- Swear words, sexual references, hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, or references to violence
- Spam and fake content
- Animal cruelty
- Impersonation (e.g. if the writer is claiming to be someone else)
- Any violation of our review guidelines.
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
Guidelines and standards for Reviews
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
Translations disclaimer
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog content-
Reviewed: 11 August 2025
Louis
United States18 reviews9.0“Roomy, atmospheric, well run hostel in tropical costa rican beach town provides great value.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
They should have their own cafe. A bit of a hike to the town center.
The place looks like a 1930s movie set. Beautiful reception area. Laundry right next door with good service. Very pretty area. Near the beach, tropical woodlands etc. roomy atmospheric.
Stayed in August 2025
-
Reviewed: 6 August 2025
Bernd
Germany1 review9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Just beautiful! Everything was fine.
Stayed in July 2025
-
Reviewed: 6 August 2025
Duncan
United States25 reviews4 helpful votes9.0“I'm coming back. Has the perfect balance of comfort and come-as-you-are vibe.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
I was able to check in early - just after 1 pm. This was my 2nd visit, so I got just what I wanted - free coffee in the am, a chair outside my room that faced the courtyard and its varied flora. It's laid back atmosphere.
Stayed in August 2025
-
Reviewed: 29 July 2025
Bruce
United States10 reviews9.0“Highly recommended”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Convenient to the beach, affordable, the pool was a nice amenity! Very friendly and helpful staff, great hostel environment.
Stayed in July 2025
-
Reviewed: 22 July 2025
Demian
Switzerland63 reviews8 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The electric cable installation was a bit dated and a switch in the room was not properly in the wall.
Very cosy hostel for a good price, close to the beach. We liked the room it was big, the shower and toilet where a separate room in this one. Also the kitchen was clean, with lots of things provided. Hillary at the reception was super friendly and the check-in was a breeze.
Stayed in July 2025
-
Reviewed: 18 July 2025
Laura
Costa Rica4 reviews10“Can’t wait to go back”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
It doesn’t feel safe to arrive to the hostel at night, you have to walk through a street with no public lights.
The style, cleanness, very spacious
Stayed in June 2025
-
Reviewed: 18 May 2025
Shonagh
New Zealand12 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
the swimming pool is very photogenic😂
lovely place near the beach
Stayed in May 2025
-
Reviewed: 5 April 2025
Sharlene
Canada48 reviews1 helpful vote9.0“Wonderful stay, highly recommend”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Double Room
- • Stayed 6 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
So minor There could have been more dry towels to use in the kitchen . They always seemed to be wet which makes it difficult to really get your dishes cleaned up properly. That’s it, pretty minor :)
Everything…. Staff Ambience and proximity to both beach and town.
Stayed in April 2025
-
Reviewed: 26 March 2025
Jonathan
Canada3 reviews8.0“We had a a great stay. Would come again.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double or Twin Room with Pool View
- • Stayed 9 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Needs to be more enforcement of quiet time at 10pm.
Location was great, very quiet most nights.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 23 March 2025
Carolyn
Costa Rica24 reviews2 helpful votes8.0“Chill, friendly, relaxed”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Superior Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
In spite of getting an air conditioned room, there were mosquitos at night. Apparently, they were coming from the toilet tank.
Friendly, relaxed environment. Quiet. Good kitchen facilities. Right next to the beach.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 19 March 2025
Daniela
Austria1 review8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Location a bit far from Center, room didn’t have windows to the outside (but only hallway), leading to lower air quality in the rooms
Good hostel, pool is clean, lots of space to store food in fridges, nice staff, location close to the beach
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 17 March 2025
Mary
United Kingdom5 reviews8.0“I would recommend this place for its cool vibe!”- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Superior Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 5 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
I appreciated the kindness and helpfulness of the staff.
Very relaxed and friendly - nice location near the beach.
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 11 March 2025
Luerding
United States5 reviews1 helpful vote10“good vibes, good price, epic surf spot. Definitely advise staying here !”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
I didn't really have anything I didn't like!
I liked the community aspect of the hostel. There are tons of travelers in this hostel and the age range is all over the place. You have families, elderly couples, solo travelers of all ages, and young couple travelers too. It gives you the opportunity to connect with a bunch of different people and you will be able to find your age or vibe.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 9 March 2025
Justine
Belgium13 reviews2 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The vibe is really nice. It’s well located and the outdoors are nice.
Stayed in March 2025
-
Reviewed: 3 March 2025
Noah
United States3 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Extremely comfortable hostel with great facilities and knowledgeable staff.
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 19 February 2025
Athina
France7 reviews10“I felt at home 🧡”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 6 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Cool Vibes describes itself ! It is cosy, homy and roomy! I felt right at home and extended my trip for 3weeks, the kitchen is amazing, the private bathrooms per dorm is definitely a luxury feel and they cleaned the whole place everyday, the pool is chill since its in the shade in the afternoon, and the staff are just amazing ! Its right next to the beach, the laundry, the supermarket, the bus stop its just the best place ever 🦋 Pura Vida
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 6 February 2025
Aline
Switzerland9 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Super close to the beach and supermarket. Dominical is a hidden gem, would definitely recommend visiting!
Stayed in February 2025
-
Reviewed: 29 January 2025
Tracie
United Kingdom9 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Superior Double or Twin Room with Pool View
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing
Location close to beach and quiet. Good communal kitchen. Friendly staff.
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 28 January 2025
Lady
Canada1 review10Exceptional- • Solo traveller
- • Superior Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
.... That I had to leave
The best hostel in costa rica
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 26 January 2025
Jacky
Netherlands9 reviews1 helpful vote10“Loved it.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Its a safe place that has a kitchen that is fully equiped. The pool is perfect and well maintained. The staff are all really friendly and helpfull.
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 22 January 2025
Manuel
Australia1 review8.0“Would stay again”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing, it’s not a five star hotel but everything was as expected or better.
Very nice place to stay. Plenty of space to relax, big kitchen, friendly staff and comfortable rooms and free coffee till 11am
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 20 January 2025
Karen
Canada43 reviews5 helpful votes9.0“Lovely stay in dominical, great run hostal. Clean”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Very hot, fans do not cut it. A second fan in room would be very nice.
The hostel was very organized and well equipped. The plunge pool was a great addition. Quiet time is 10 pm and the neighborhood is quiet. The cafe right next door has excellent food with better than average prices. Very clean.
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 13 January 2025
Jennifer
Australia20 reviews3 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Standard Quadruple Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing major really. We found the laundry service a bit pricey, internet can be patchy in some bedrooms
Super friendly staff, very clean and comfortable, great communal kitchen, nice common areas including a small pool, surf board rentals, short walk to the beach, laundry service available, carpark. This place is definitely living up to the cool vibes name! We hope to be back!
Stayed in January 2025
-
Reviewed: 12 January 2025
Katrina
United Kingdom10 reviews10“Best hostel in dominical”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double or Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
They had a bit of drainage issue which caused a smell during our stay
Amazing hostel, one of the best I stayed in Central America. Perfect location a stones throw away from the beach. Staff were super helpful and even cleaned your room on request. The free coffee was great and the kitchen was well maintained and equipped. Hot showers. Spacious rooms with outdoor seating. The pool was also really well maintained.
Stayed in December 2024
