Hotel de Haan
Jaco, Costa Rica is a popular Costa Rican tourist spot with a long beach and strong surf. The weather is tropical and balmy. For anyone traveling light, a bikini will see you through most of your stay. Activities abound for visitors interested in hiking, beach games, kayaking, fishing and horseback riding. Jaco also prides itself in its exciting nightlife. One of the great pluses to visiting Jaco is the large choice of hotels. For convenience, comfort and price, the Hotel De Haan, a hostel conveniently located an hour and a half from the airport, tops the list. Visitors agree that it definitely lives up to its motto, “where nobody is a stranger, just friends that have not met yet!”
What to Expect
The Hotel De Haan provides hostel accommodations starting at $10.00 a night. In these economically strapped times, such a bargain is more than welcome. Credit cards are accepted. Check-in at the De Haan is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Private parking is available for the duration of the stay. Unlike some hostels, the De Haan provides twenty-four-hour front desk and security service. There is no curfew, which is good, since the fun usually continues around the clock.
The De Haan opened in 2001 and provides a Costa Rican atmosphere along with, thanks to its Dutch owner, a touch of warm Dutch hospitality. The spectacular surf at the De Haan’s front door makes it a popular venue for college students on vacation and backpackers on a budget. They are there to surf and party, and there is plenty of both. For beginners, surfing lessons are available. American students should take note of Costa Rica’s strict drug laws. Best to get high on wind and surf.
The De Haan is located in the center of Jaco, next to local bars, casinos and discotheques. There is an activity for everyone, and the fun continues long into the night. For more serious business, bank and medical facilities are nearby.
Accommodation and Amenities
Guest can stay in one of the hostel’s four large dorm-style rooms or one of the eight private rooms. The décor is simple, clean and comfortable. The private rooms are small, but come with private bath. There is plenty of hot water for all, which is not always the case in Costa Rica. Regular towels and bedding are provided. Guests need to bring their own large beach towels, however. Air conditioning can be bought as an option. Amenities include laundry, ceiling fans, internet and WiFi. Storage lockers are also available, an important consideration for anyone concerned about the safety of his or her valuables in a communal living environment. Guest can enjoy a lovely swimming pool with Jacuzzi. There is a CD player by the pool. All guests need to do is bring their favorite CDs. Can the party be far away? Of course, the beach is a mere fifty meters from the building, so the choice may be a bit difficult.
Breakfast is not included in the hostel’s rates, but shared cooking facilities are available. The kitchen is located on an outdoor balcony. Who minds cooking with the fresh ocean breeze mixing with delicious cooking odors? Anyone looking to save even more money beyond the hostel’s already reasonable rates would do well to share the cooking and food costs with other guests. It’s an almost guaranteed way to make new friends.
The people at the front desk are friendly, helpful, and chockful of information about local sights and tours.
If you’re planning a vacation to Costa Rica, the Hotel De Haan is well-worth looking into. Inexpensive, filled with amenities and conveniently located, it’s a hard bargain to beat.