Question 1

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Need a later check-out? It's $4 per hour until 2:00 PM; after 2:00 PM it counts as a full night's stay. You can arrange a late check-out in advance if you know you'll need one—just reach out to any of us by email or WhatsApp. We'll also do our best to accommodate early check-in if your room is ready.

Question 2

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

All bookings made on our website are non-refundable — no refunds for cancellations, changes, or no-shows. Your stay is charged in full at the time of booking, and bookings made directly on blackouthostel.com include daily breakfast (book through any other site or third-party vendor and breakfast is available at an additional cost). If your plans change, email us and we may move your dates at our discretion, subject to availability. Travel insurance is always a solid idea when booking hostels.

Question 3

Do you offer group bookings and discounts?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Groups of 8+ receive a 10% discount on accommodation—perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties and friend groups. Contact us directly at blackouthostelreservations@gmail.com to arrange group rates and customize your experience.

Question 4

Can I modify my booking after I've made a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Email us with your reservation number and the changes you need. We'll do our best to accommodate, though room type changes may have additional fees if upgrading. Best to do this ASAP—the later you book, the fewer options we have.

Question 5

What time is breakfast served?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM each morning. If you need an earlier or later breakfast, please let us know in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate you—though we can't guarantee it. Remember: daily breakfast is included free when you book directly on blackouthostel.com; book through a third-party site and breakfast is available for a small additional fee.

Question 6

How fast is the WiFi?

Accepted Answer

Our WiFi is seriously fast—high-speed fiber running around 200 Mbps throughout the property. It's more than enough for video calls, streaming, and remote work, and honestly it's one of the things guests compliment us on the most. Digital nomads, you'll feel right at home.

Question 7

Can I use the kitchen to cook my own meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The communal kitchen is available 24/7 with full equipment: stove, refrigerator, rice cooker, waffle iron, kettle, utensils, and pots and pans. Grocery stores are nearby. Just clean up after yourself—respect the space for other guests.

Question 8

Do you offer laundry service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Laundry service is $6 (₡3,000) per kilogram. We wash it, dry it in a heat dryer, and fold it for you. Just drop it at the front desk—we ask for 24 hours from drop-off to get it back to you, but if you need it sooner, let our staff know and we'll do our best. For everyone's safety, we don't allow guests to use the laundry facilities themselves.

Question 9

Is there air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

We don't have air conditioning, but every guest gets their own individual fan, and Costa Rica's tropical trade winds keep things comfortable—it rarely feels unbearably hot, especially at night. Between the fans and the breeze, most guests sleep great.

Question 10

Are the nightly events included in my stay?

Accepted Answer

Most events are free (Salsa Night, Beer Pong, Recovery Brunch). Some activities and extras have a small fee—nightly hot springs ($15 per person) and a wildlife spotting night walk ($40 per person). Drinks are affordable too: shots are usually $2, beers $3, and mixed drinks $4. Everything is optional—you're never required to join anything. We just offer it for those who want in.

Question 11

How do I book tours and activities?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to book tours is online on our website [right here](/tours)—browse everything we offer, pick your dates, and lock in your spot in a couple of taps. Prefer to wait until you arrive? No problem: just text or email us, or ask the front desk directly and we'll get you sorted. We book volcano hikes, waterfall tours, whitewater rafting, hanging bridges, night walks, and more, and can often accommodate same-day bookings if there's space.

Question 12

Do you provide airport shuttle service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer airport shuttles from both Liberia International Airport (LIR) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO, San José). Rates run around $60–$120 per trip depending on the time of year and which airport you're coming from. Book it when you reserve your room, or just reach out to us directly.

Question 13

What's the best way to get around town?

Accepted Answer

In town, you won't need much—almost everything is a 5-minute walk away: grocery stores, coffee shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and tour offices. For getting around beyond town, we actually do recommend renting a car—the public buses are unreliable and take double or triple the time to get anywhere. That said, if you're not comfortable driving here, we've got you covered: we book shuttles for longer trips to other parts of Costa Rica, and can arrange taxis for closer adventures. And remember—all of our tours include transportation, so if you're planning to stay booked up with tours, you really won't have to worry about getting around at all.

Question 14

Is it safe to be out at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes. La Fortuna is a laid-back, friendly mountain town and it's generally very safe at night—just use common sense like you would anywhere. We make it even easier by offering shuttle service to all of our events, and we can arrange rides outside of our events too. Just ask the front desk, or email or call ahead, and we'll set it up.

Question 15

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, Apple Pay, and SINPE bank transfers. We also take cash (US dollars and Costa Rican colones). A small fee applies for credit cards to cover processing costs.

Question 16

Do you require a deposit to secure a booking?

Accepted Answer

No deposit—bookings on our website are paid in full at the time of booking through ONVO Pay (a 5% card processing fee applies at checkout). There's no balance due on arrival, and all bookings are non-refundable. Just remember: only bookings made directly on blackouthostel.com and paid in full include daily breakfast—book through a third-party site and breakfast is available at an additional cost.

Question 17

What currency should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted everywhere. We recommend bringing some cash in dollars and hitting an ATM for colones once you arrive. Exchange rates at ATMs are better than at airports. You'll need colones for tipping and small vendors.

Question 18

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Accepted Answer

You must be 18+ to stay at Blackout Hostel. Our property caters to adults and we require a valid ID at check-in. Our events are party-oriented and designed for adult travelers. No exceptions.

Question 19

What are the quiet hours?

Accepted Answer

Quiet hours are 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM. During these times, noise should be minimal in common areas and rooms. Dorm rooms are shared spaces, so earplugs are highly recommended. If noise is excessive, management will address it. Respect your roommates' sleep.

Question 20

What is your alcohol policy?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is permitted for guests of legal drinking age, and we just ask that you drink responsibly. We sell drinks at our nightly events—shots, beers, and mixed drinks at great prices—and outside alcohol isn't allowed during those events. Outside of event hours, you're welcome to enjoy your own. It's all about a good time together in a safe, welcoming environment.

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