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Castle Tam Hostel Reviews

Avenida 4,100 metros oeste Escuela de la Roosevelt, San Pedro, San Jose, Costa Rica

Reviews & Ratings Explained

82%Overall Rating

From 52 ratings
  • 79%Character
  • 91%Security
  • 83%Location
  • 85%Staff
  • 81%Atmosphere
  • 75%Cleanliness

The following reviews were submitted by customers who booked in the last 6 months.

The reviews and ratings in the rating box are based on all-time feedback and are the opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up to the minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

We now classify our reviewers based on how well travelled they are.

  • Novice Nomad: 1-10 Reviews Added
  • Avid Traveller: 10-20 Reviews Added
  • Globetrotter : 20+ Reviews Added
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100%

My experience at Castle Tam was a good one. The staff is very friendly and made me feel right at home. They have great local knowledge and answered all my questions. There is plenty of outdoor space, with good views of the mountains to the west. This hostel is very close to some great night spots. Breakfast, coffee, hand soap, and T.P. are included in the reasonable rates. I really enjoyed my time at Castle Tam and would recommend it as a cool place to hang your hat, while in the San Jose.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 12 May 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 41+
  • (1 review)


90%

Castle Tam hostel is a safe and comfortable place to stay at a low price, especially for the area where it is located. The atmosphere is casual and funky, making for a relaxing stay. The staff were very helpful with any questions I had. The only drawbacks are the kind that are endemic to any hostel, basically that it's not a hotel, so the amenities are not up to that standard, and many of the guests are slobs. But what do you expect for 10 bucks a night? P.S. The free coffee is very good.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 11 May 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 41+
  • (1 review)


87%

Really cool people, most of them seem to work there. Just a block from the main road which is packed with things to do.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 07 May 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Canada
  • Male, 18-24
  • (1 review)


63%

Chilled and nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Not my favourite kind of hostel because it lacks cosyness and colour, but the breackfast was really good. Not too clean, but you get what you pay for.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 07 May 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Norway
  • Female, 18-24
  • (3 reviews)


97%

Nice friendly people, 2 kitchens!! And a big room. The hole place is kept nice and clean and it's very organized. It seams to be in a very safe area but keep in mind you need to catch a bus to get into the city( only like 50 cents and 10min though).


77%

We came 6am and were aloud to check in even if the room wasn't ready yet. Also got a room that we could sleep in while we were waiting. Friendly staff that helped us with everything!


97%

Cooked hot breakfast by Johnathon was a REALLY nice touch! The flexibility and helpful character of all the staff was greatly appreciated. Clean and nice sized room. (private). Area is safe enough to walk around at night. We walked to the large American Mall and had dinner at a great restaurant across the street from there. Recommend Castle Tam without any reservations! Thanks for a great first night in C.R.!


63%

It's a Nice hostel. Lots of guest spend more time here so they can tell you a lot about San José and the area. Staff is friendly and helpfull. The beds are very very thin and the door hendle looked like it would fall of any minute. The whole place could also use a seriouse cleaning. It was an ok stay here, but we will probably not come back an other time.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 20 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Netherlands
  • Female, 18-24
  • (1 review)


80%

Very pleased with our stay at castle tam. All staff except the owner were friendly, although he was very helpful if not so friendly. Good beds, good bathrooms, good wifi, free breakfast, walking distance to clubs, safer area, what more could you ask for?

  • Novice Nomad
  • 18 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • New Zealand
  • Male, 25-30
  • (3 reviews)


90%

Very nice place to stay!we loved it and were very welllooked after!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 27 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Germany
  • Couple, 25-30
  • (1 review)


80%

Good hostel, good facilities and very friendly staff, kitchen could be a bit better and cleaner but that's a minor thing.

  • Avid Traveller
  • 19 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Netherlands
  • Male, 31-40
  • (11 reviews)


80%

Like the beds with curtains a lot, and the showers are nice. Hot water is great. Free computer access is a plus too, as well as access to kitchen. It would be nice if the lockers came with locks, but I neve really found any reason to lock my stuff away here. I like the courtyard with the table, and book collection as well.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 17 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 18-24
  • (1 review)


53%

good location, good wifi, reasonalble breakfast included, bad matresses, no propper cleaning, in general not well taken care of, not enough chairs in common area, lazy staff (americans)

  • Novice Nomad
  • 15 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Germany
  • Male, 41+
  • (4 reviews)


87%

Traditional hostel experience. The staff was relaxed and friendly and the location was good. Cool little patio for relaxing or hanging out. In the rooms, the furniture is old and the walls were thin (including the divider separating the ensuite bathroom from the hallway bathroom). However, good night sleep and good value.


80%

Terrific location ..... two blocks from major bus route ... within four blocks of no less than 15 restaurants ..... four blocks from a major mall with two food courts, and a cineplex. Five minute bus ride from San Jose Central and the pedestrian "mall", and Mercado Central. Owner has provided accurate and easy instructions on how to get places in the city as well as to other districts in Costa Rica.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 05 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 41+
  • (1 review)


100%

There was a great atmosphere with the staff and fellow travelers. Ample public space to lounge. I had to take a bus the next day and they helped me figure out how to get to where I needed to get to take that bus. It's close to lots of bars and restaurants, the last hostel I went to in San Jose was in a sketchy neighborhood and not near anything.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 12 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 31-40
  • (1 review)


93%

Staff were really helpful and location was in a safe area with lots of bars and restaurants which was great. I would definitely stay here again.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 07 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female, 31-40
  • (8 reviews)


97%

Breakfast is really good (you can chose between 3 options and coffee, tea or chocolate). The rooms are very clean, only the sheets had some spots.


90%

Great staff and good location in the University area. Streets outside are alittle noisy though, so don't forget earplugs.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 30 Jan 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 18-24
  • (1 review)


97%

Nice hostel with good breakfast and clean bathrooms. Definitely worth the money.


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