Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo9.65609000,
-82.74368900,
Calle 256, 800 Meters To The South Of Puerto Viejo, On The Way To Playa Cocles.(Show on Map)
7.8
Good
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Summary of reviewsSocialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo is a vibrant and welcoming hostel strategically located at the beginning of Playa Cocles, offering direct beachfront access and stunning coastal views. Its proximity to Puerto Viejo’s picturesque beaches and charming town allows for a balanced experience of tranquility and convenience with a beautiful jungle trail providing a scenic 10-15 minute walk to town. Activities abound, making it an ideal base for exploring the local culture and natural beauty, including nearby national parks.
The hostel’s culinary offerings receive high praise, particularly the breakfast, which guests frequently describe as delicious and varied, providing good value for money. Despite some feedback on high prices and occasional limited selections, the breakfast experience is found delightful and worth the extra cost. Dinner at Selina’s restaurant also receives commendations for its delicious chicken burgers, pizzas and cocktails, creating a vibrant dining atmosphere.
Accommodation at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers a mix of dorms, private rooms and larger cabins that are generally clean and comfortable. The beautiful beachfront setting and daily activities around the pool enhance the experience, although some rooms are reported to be noisy, small and in need of better maintenance. Common areas like the pool and bar are frequently well-maintained, although occasional lapses in cleanliness are noted.
The staff at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo are often highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to the hostel's warm and social atmosphere. Free wifi is generally reliable, making remote work feasible for guests. The pool area, albeit smaller than expected, is well-liked for its ambiance, complementing the social and relaxed environment of the hostel. The beachfront location provides easy access to Playa Cocles’ serene environment, though the rocky shore directly in front of the hotel is not suitable for swimming. Nearby beaches remain appealing for swimming and exploration, adding to the overall beachside charm.
Parking facilities meet guests' needs with ample, secure spaces, though shaded options and transfer costs could be improved. Families appreciate the safe, welcoming environment with spacious accommodations and a variety of activities catering to all ages. Despite minor drawbacks, the overall experience at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo is one of great service, memorable moments and enjoyable interactions, making it a recommended choice for both solo travelers and families. Show more
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Categories
Beachfront Hotel
Hotel near The Beach
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
Hotel for Yoga
3-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo boasts a coveted beachfront location, providing easy access to the sea and stunning coastal views. Strategically positioned at the beginning of Playa Cocles, it grants visitors proximity to the picturesque beaches and the charming town of Puerto Viejo. Although the hostel is slightly outside the town center, it remains conveniently reachable with a beautiful jungle trail offering a scenic 10-15 minute walk to town. For those seeking tranquility, this slight separation from the hustle and bustle of the main town ensures a quieter stay while still being well-connected. Activities abound, making it a great base for exploring the vibrant local culture and natural beauty, including the nearby national parks. The location perfectly balances access to the beach, nearby bars and clubs, creating an ideal setting for meeting fellow travelers. Despite being a short distance from the central hub, the setting allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds: easy access to Puerto Viejo's amenities and the serenity of a beachfront escape.
Breakfast
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers a delightful breakfast experience that many guests have found to be a highlight of their stay. Despite some mentioning the prices for breakfast and drinks being a bit high, the quality and variety of the breakfast received commendations across the board. Guests reported the breakfast as delicious, fantastic and incredible with a large selection always very tasty and fresh.
The restaurant for breakfast received positive feedback with some guests appreciating the ability to enjoy their meal on the terrace or even by the beach. The breakfast offers a good value for money in terms of both quantity and quality. A granola bowl and the Selina Special breakfast are a couple of highlighted options.
However, there were a few areas where feedback suggested room for improvement. Some guests expressed disappointment with the limited selection when breakfast was included in their stay or noted that the breakfast plates were relatively small. Coffee and fresh juice options could also be better, according to a few reviews.
Nonetheless, the overall sentiment underscores a very good, varied and delicious breakfast experience at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo, making the additional cost well worth it for many travelers.
Dinner
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers an impressive dining experience that's garnered numerous positive reviews from guests. The food quality stands out with many guests praising the delicious chicken burger and pizzas. The restaurant consistently receives high marks for its delicious and good food with one guest describing it as "super yummy." Delicious breakfasts and other meals are noteworthy highlights. The cocktails also received favorable mentions, complementing the overall good vibes of the place.
Service at the restaurant is generally well-received with guests appreciating the very good service from the waiters. However, a few noted some organizational hiccups, such as a 45-minute wait for chicken and fries and staff occasionally appearing unsure of their tasks.
Despite some mixed feedback on the pricing with the restaurant being described as expensive, many guests found themselves returning to dine almost every night, indicative of the compelling quality and atmosphere. The shared spaces and evening activities add to the vibrant ambiance, making dinner at Selina’s restaurant a pleasant part of the stay.
For those seeking variety or on a budget, the community kitchen and free on-site activities provide additional options. Overall, the culinary experience at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo is highly recommended, especially for its food quality and enjoyable dining environment.
Rooms
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers a mixed experience when it comes to their rooms. Many guests appreciated that the rooms are generally clean, comfortable and some even received a superb room upgrade. There are a variety of accommodation options, including dorms, private rooms and larger cabins which were noted to be comfortable and well-equipped, featuring amenities like air conditioning and private bathrooms. The shared dorms were reported as nice and clean and the whole place benefits from a beautiful beachfront location with daily activities around the pool and beach, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
However, several reviews pointed out that the rooms can be quite small and noisy with limited lighting and minimal space, which could make the stay uncomfortable for some. Issues with cleanliness were noted in some cases with specific mentions of dirty bathrooms, old and damp conditions and not-so-appealing musty smells. A significant number of guests also found the rooms to be outdated with broken mosquito nets and inadequate ventilation.
There were also practical concerns noted, such as a lack of storage options for belongings, limited places to sit besides the bed and no facilities to hang clothes. Despite these drawbacks, the rooms were still appreciated for being reasonably priced for the budget traveler who might prioritize a convenient location and vibrant atmosphere over luxury accommodations.
Beds
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo has been frequently praised for its comfortable and clean beds. Guests consistently noted that the beds were comfortable with many specifically mentioning nice, comfy and firm mattresses. Some guests enjoyed the spaciousness of the king size beds, while others found the canopy style beds with fresh white cotton sheets particularly appealing.
Dorm room beds did not fare as well with remarks about their basic nature and occasionally uncomfortable mattresses where springs were felt during the night. A few reviews mentioned small bed sizes, particularly in tipi tents and some found the beds too short, especially for taller guests. Other negative aspects included dirty sheets, stained beds, squeaky frames and even bedbugs.
Overall, the general sentiment leans towards positive experiences with the comfort of the beds, though there are occasional issues that detract from an otherwise comfortable stay. The comfortable bedding combined with facilities like comfy chairs and hammocks add to a pleasant experience for many visitors.
Cleanliness
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo showcases a mixed bag of feedback when it comes to cleanliness. On the positive side, several guests have noted that many areas, such as seating by the pool, bar areas and common spaces, are well-maintained and regularly cleaned. The facilities themselves, described as beautiful and pleasant, often leave an overall impression of cleanliness and good upkeep. Daily room cleanings are highlighted, along with clean beds, rooms and some shared bathroom experiences that met guests' standards.
However, there are areas in need of improvement. Multiple reviews point out issues with dirty bathrooms, lack of toilet paper replenishment and poor maintenance of shared kitchen facilities. Some rooms and common refrigerators were mentioned as musty, damp and in need of more regular cleanings. The cleanliness of showers and general bathroom facilities also appears inconsistent with some guests encountering unclean conditions and semi-poor maintenance.
Despite these varied experiences, the overall atmosphere at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo is often described as beautiful and enjoyable, enhanced by the friendly and helpful staff. While improvement in certain maintenance areas would elevate the guest experience, the clean and well-kept aspects of the hotel continue to receive recognition.
Staff
When it comes to the staff at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo, impressions are generally positive. Guests frequently highlight the friendliness and helpfulness that pervades the atmosphere, from the reception to the restaurant. Many of the staff members are described as enthusiastic, welcoming and attentive to guests' needs, contributing significantly to a warm and social atmosphere. Specific mentions of exceptional service from individuals like Lorenzo, Keylin and Jan the intern underscore the personalized attention guests receive.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of inconsistent friendliness and professionalism with a few staff members described as unfriendly or unhelpful. However, these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The proactive and friendly demeanor of most of the staff members, who are often cited as super-friendly and very helpful, provides a generally excellent experience, complementing the laid-back, connective ambiance of Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo.
Wi-Fi
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers free wifi and generally receives positive remarks for its internet services. Many reviewers highlight good wifi with some pointing out that the connection speed is satisfactory for remote work. Guests note that there is very good Wi-Fi available throughout the property, making it convenient for working remotely. However, there are occasional mentions of the internet being unreliable at times with some instances of the wifi not being very fast or experiencing disruptions. Despite these occasional issues, the overall experience is enhanced by the hotel's view and amenities.
Pool
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo garners mixed impressions when it comes to its pool facilities, but the majority of feedback leans positive. Guests frequently remark on the beautiful and well-maintained pool, highlighting its aesthetically pleasing appearance and overall good condition. The pool area, often complemented by a bar, provides a nice social spot for relaxing or mingling. Cleanliness is generally commendable with occasional lapses noted by a few visitors.
Several guests appreciate the proximity of the pool to other amenities like the beach, surf spots and restaurant, making it convenient for an all-around enjoyable experience. The atmosphere around the pool is often praised, contributing to the pleasant ambiance of the hotel. Nonetheless, some reviews mention that the pool is smaller than expected based on photos and there are instances where it appears less clean with algae or leaves present.
Despite its modest size and occasional upkeep issues, the pool at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo is repeatedly seen as a good and enjoyable feature of the hotel, adding value to the overall guest experience.
Beach
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo boasts a prime beachfront location, offering direct access to the beautiful Playa Cocles. Guests appreciate the easy walk to the beach and the serene environment, which makes the hotel perfect for those seeking tranquility by the sea. The hotel's proximity to the beach allows for breathtaking ocean views and a relaxing beachside atmosphere.
For those looking to explore beyond Cocles Beach, renting a bike makes it easy to visit other beaches in Puerto Viejo and nearby attractions like Punta Uva and the Jaguar Rescue Center. This accessibility enhances the overall experience, blending beachside relaxation with opportunities for adventure.
The hotel is also noted for its vibrant, social atmosphere, making it a great spot to meet fellow travelers. However, while the beachfront location is picturesque, the shore in front of the hotel has a lot of coral and rocks, making it unsuitable for swimming. Despite this, the proximity to other beautiful, swim-friendly beaches maintains the appeal of staying right by the sea.
In summary, Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo's close connection to the beach, beautiful surroundings and convenient location make it a delightful choice for travelers, even though the immediate beach area in front of the hotel isn't ideal for swimming.
Parking
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers ample and comfortable parking facilities with plenty of well-secured spaces available for guests. The parking lot is conveniently located, providing free options near the cottages and private parking close to the city center. However, some limitations exist, such as the inability to park in shaded areas and the relatively higher cost of transfers arranged by the hostel compared to local options. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall parking experience is positive and generally meets the needs of most visitors.
Family
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo has transformed into a welcoming haven for families, offering a safe and family-friendly environment that instills a sense of security. The family room accommodations are spacious, providing ample space for everyone to relax, while the family villas are described as divine and the beautiful family bungalow receives praise for its charm. Guests appreciate the variety of activities available, making it a superb choice for families, though some noted the activities are fewer compared to other Selina hostels.
The environment fosters a strong sense of community with families describing their time there as their stable home during their stay. The supportive and warm staff contribute significantly to the positive family experience. Evening offerings add to the charm with multiple activities available for all ages. Family gatherings are made even more enjoyable with highly recommended pizzas from the on-site restaurant.
However, not everything is perfect, as some guests mentioned minor inconveniences such as having to cross the street to use the showers and the lack of storage space in tent accommodations. Despite these points, the overall sentiment is one of satisfaction with great service and memorable family moments taking the spotlight.
3 Star
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo is situated in a loveable location, providing a welcoming environment for travelers keen on networking and meeting others. The facilities receive high praise, described as amazing and excellent for the price, featuring modern conveniences like a lock system operated by a bracelet chip. The cleanliness standards are notably great, contributing to the overall experience of the hostel.
However, the price point emerges as a common concern among guests with many finding it unreasonably high considering the quality of the accommodation. Several reviews mentioned the quality-price ratio is not coherent, pointing out that the hostel does not meet the expectations associated with its cost. The hostel's star rating also came into question with remarks indicating it fell short of three-star standards.
The location, while charming, is a bit removed from town, suggesting a need for bike rentals for easier access to the area. Despite the higher costs, the environment remains appealing to those valuing social interactions and a clean, well-facilitated place to stay. However, potential visitors should weigh the pricing against their expectations for a budget-friendly stay.
Outdoor Pool
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo's outdoor pool has received mixed reviews, but there's a strong leaning towards the positive aspects. Guests have praised the pool's design and upkeep, describing it as beautiful, nicely designed and always in good condition. The pool area itself is highlighted as a great spot, featuring amenities such as a bar, pool table, loungers and hammocks which add to the relaxation factor. Dining by the pool is an added charm with many complimenting the gorgeous poolside restaurant.
For those looking to bask in the sun, the pool area offers a pleasant setting and the heated pool adds extra comfort. The convenience of having both the pool and the beach close by is particularly appreciated by visitors. However, some critiques did arise such as the pool being smaller than expected and occasional issues with cleanliness. Despite this, the overall appeal of having a cool pool area on this side of Costa Rica remains undeniable.
Yoga
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo offers a variety of yoga options, praised for their great classes and nice facilities. Guests enjoyed both free and paid yoga sessions, appreciating the multiple choices available. The yoga space received particular attention with many admiring the nice yoga room and overall facilities. The location of the yoga deck, often used for morning and evening activities, adds to the appeal of the experience. Additionally, the hotel hosts yoga and meditation classes, which guests found enriching. Though there were occasional gaps in yoga offerings, the general feedback highlights satisfaction with the yoga studio and the quality of the classes provided.
Beachfront
Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo enjoys a prime beachfront location, offering guests direct access to the beautiful beach of Puerto Viejo. The hostel is ideally positioned right next to the sea, allowing visitors to enjoy the waterfront's serene views and atmosphere. Although none of the rooms provide an ocean view, the property's proximity to the beach more than compensates.
Guests can directly access a small private beach on the property, adding a touch of exclusivity to their stay. The location is not only picturesque but also practical, being very close to the town and the famous Cocles Beach. Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo's setting is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a striking seaside environment while remaining close to local attractions and multiple beaches.
Yes, Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo.
Yes, Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo.
No, Socialtel Puerto Viejo - formerly Selina Puerto Viejo doesn't have a gym.