Travel Memoirs: My First Hostel Experience

Typically I stay in hotels that are at least 3 stars and better depending on the city and the hotel chain. However, I wanted to try something different as I journeyed through the cities of Costa Rica. I decided to join hostel world to meet others who shared a love for travel and liked taking the road less traveled.

I loved my first hostel experience! The Cabinas Vista al Golfo in Monteverde has spectacular views. This hostel has set the bar high for any other hostels that I may choose to stay for a day. The front desk agent let me into my room and allowed me to check in 15 minutes later since he had a line at the front desk. Great customer service! The room was too small for my blood but comfortable and clean for $15 bucks a night.

The streets were filled with hostels, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants, so I felt safe even though the neighborhood and residents their were a little sketchy. My room is very clean with two beds and a wooden like dresser. They had a excellent breakfast featuring three types of fruit (huge bananas, juicy watermelon, and sweet pineapple), four types of cereals, white and wheat bread, two type of juices, and of course Cafe Britt coffee. It was great!

The hostel is about a three minute walk to downtown where I visited Restaurante Maravilla and several souvenir shops. After a nice dinner and shopping, it was time to head back to the hostel and check my emails on the complimentary internet service. They even had Skype downloaded and earphones for their guests to use.

I am glad that I brought my trusty flashlight. It was pitch black outside as the evening rolled around. When trying to find my way to the shared bathroom, the flashlight helped me avoid bumping into tables or trying to enter another person's room! Thank God for flashlights!