Review: Hostel Pangea, San Jose, Costa Rica - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!



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Old 01-17-2006, 05:12 PM   #1
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Spent my first two nites in country there.

www.hostelpangea.com

I will say this: Having the shuttle from the Airport to the hostel was the major draw for me. Additionally, the amenities (free Web, TV room, kitchen, lockers, and new facility were draws.)

Negatives?

The location sucks. Big time. On the border of the infamous Coca Cola district in Barrio Amon. This is a rough barrio- we lost count of the hookers on the corners on the way in. On top of this, i couldn't help but think that I was really crazy when we pulled up and there was a tiny sign and a 20 ft tall razor-wire topped wall out front.

But, inside, there are murals everywhere. The front counter folks are pretty slick. If you need a cab, they don't mind calling you one.

Rooms are a bit pricey- I paid $10 for a dorm. But this included not having a curfew, and 100% access to all facilities (except the bar/soda on the roof) at all times. Bar closed at 12am. So make sure you get your casado or Imperial-weiser before then!

Stunning views from the roof, BTW.

Additionally, this is the NEW Pangea. the old one is about 3 or so blocks away, and you do not wanna get dropped off there at night. Make sure when you book you ask them to clarify. For that matter, if you are taking a cab, Pangea Nuevo is your destination.
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Old 01-17-2006, 09:15 PM   #2
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I stayed in the new side of Pangea as well... much nicer than the old building, where they have more facilities to use. I personally didn't mind being in Barrio Amón at all - it's supposedly the liveliest part of San Jose, despite all the hookers. Then again, my house is surrounded on either side by the ghett-o, so I'm pretty used to it.

That said, future travelers should be warned that if you aren't comfortable around seedier areas, then be very careful with hostel selection in San Jose. When a local (or the front desk) gives you directions, be prepared to get lost, as there aren't many street numbers (if any) printed anywhere, and street signs are a mere formality...
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Old 01-18-2006, 10:33 AM   #3
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Omi, I can tell you this:

When we got there, and walked up to the rooftop bar, and I heard Pearl Jam "Garden" playing, I knew i was in for a helluva trip!

Anyplace that plays one of the best albums of the past 15 years on regular rotation is good in my book.

Oh, and forgot this:

Pangea allows 1 10 minute call for FREE to the States or Canada for every night that you stay there.

Just wanted to throw that in.
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Old 01-18-2006, 03:11 PM   #4
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I was NOT a fan of San Jose however I am a huge fan of CR itself... if I had to give any advice it's to only stay in SJ one night and then get to the rest of the country cause the city is a bad example to the tico people.
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Old 01-18-2006, 08:22 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally posted by MolsonGirl@Jan 18 2006, 04:11 PM
I was NOT a fan of San Jose however I am a huge fan of CR itself... if I had to give any advice it's to only stay in SJ one night and then get to the rest of the country cause the city is a bad example to the tico people.
[snapback]99172[/snapback]
More or less. Because American Airlines (wait until I write my scathing review of them...) was delayed out of Miami, I got in too late to get a ticket to Monteverde for Monday morning as originally planned. As a result (I didn't wanna take the late bus, figured I was there, I'd make the best of it) I chose to see the city.

Shoulda taken the late bus! But a drunken/hungover Monteverde bus trip seems about right in the Tpunk/Costa Rica tradition! :D
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Old 01-19-2006, 10:27 AM   #6
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Yeah, if I had my druthers I'd never bother flying into San Jose again, but hey, even though it's a bit of a craphole, it does have its charms. The main market is great for shopping, there's great nightlife just north of Barrio Amón, and a lot of the people are still awesome... It just massively pales in comparison to the rest of the country. I don't get why some people spend their entire holiday there.
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