Selina Puerto Viejo: Your Epic Costa Rican Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Selina Puerto Viejo: Your Epic Costa Rican Escape Awaits! And let me tell you, "epic" is a word that's thrown around a lot these days, but this place? This place tries to earn it. (And sometimes, bless its heart, it almost does.)
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, the Slightly Clunky, and the "Hmm…"
Getting there: Selina is super central to Puerto Viejo. It's right there, smack dab in the middle of the action. So that’s good news for getting your bearings and hitting the beach (because let’s be real, that’s why we’re here, right?).
Accessibility: Finding a truly flawless accessible experience seems forever out of reach, but Selina does try. There's an elevator, which is HUGE. Honestly, my knees sang their sweet little song of praise at that one. Some rooms are specifically designed for accessibility, which I appreciated (though I didn't personally need one on this trip). This is where things get a bit "hmm." While they say accessible, you should double-check what "accessible" MEANS to you. Call ahead, ask specific questions about door widths, bathroom layouts, etc. Don't assume. Costa Rica is still figuring this whole accessibility gig out, and Selina, like many places, is a work in progress.
The Tech & Things That Keep You Connected (Or, That Wi-Fi Saga!)
Internet, Internet, Everywhere Internet! (Mostly…): Okay, let’s be frank. Wi-Fi in Costa Rica can be a gamble. Selina claims free Wi-Fi in all rooms. "Free Wi-Fi for special events" is another bold claim. And while generally true, don’t expect lightning-fast, fiber-optic speeds. It's decent, it's usable, but if you're planning to stream 4K movies while you upload massive files, you might want to invest in a personal hotspot or a serious data plan. I spent one day trying to upload some photos and it took… well, let’s just say I learned a lot about patience. But hey, sometimes a forced digital detox is exactly what you need, right? There is also internet [LAN]. Didn’t even know what that was until now.
Relaxation Stations: Spa Days & Chill Zones (With Quirks)
Ways to relax? Dude, Selina’s got options! Let’s be real, you're not necessarily coming to Costa Rica for a "spa" experience in the traditional sense, but they do have a spa/sauna/steamroom situation. It's not a Four Seasons spa, mind you. It's… well, it’s Selina. The body scrub? Let’s just say it was… enthusiastic. The body wrap? Felt a bit like being swaddled as a very large baby. The fitness center exists, and it's… adequate. Think basic weights, a treadmill, and a whole lot of hope. They have a pool with a view, and it's actually pretty damn cool. It's not huge, but it's enough to take a dip, and the view of the jungle is a definite plus. I saw a sloth once. (True story!)
Food, Glorious Food… (And Sometimes Questionable Choices!)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: The food scene at Selina is a real mixed bag. They’ve got multiple restaurants, a coffee shop, a poolside bar. Asian cuisine is a highlight, but everything else can be… interesting. The breakfast buffet is fine, but could be better. They offer a la carte, and I preferred that route. The veggie restaurant is a welcome addition! The poolside bar is where you'll probably spend most of your time, and they make a decent cocktail. Think of it as a good starting point for your adventures into local restaurants!
- A Moment of Truth (and Tacos): One night I ordered tacos. Now, I love tacos. But these tacos… well, let’s just they were an adventure. The meat tasted… different. Not bad, just… different. (I’m pretty sure my stomach handled it okay in the end). Remember the "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items?" and "Hygiene certification?" Well, I thought "oh yeah, that's all okay" but after the adventure with the tacos, I'm not sure how much I trust that.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Important Stuff
- Top points for the use of "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Staff trained in safety protocol," and so on. They're taking things seriously. In a time where safety is key, it's good to see. They also have hand sanitizer everywhere and a doctor/nurse on call.
- They have "Safe dining setup" and "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," although take that with a grain of salt.
- Safety features are generally good, with CCTV in common areas, security, and a 24-hour front desk. The fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are also standard.
Rooms & Amenities: Your Home Base (With Potential for Awesome)
- The Room Rave: The rooms are… decent. They vary depending on which one you get (so double check). I had a "non-smoking" room (which, thank god!). And it was nice. The "extra long bed" was a godsend. The "blackout curtains" were excellent, which is key for those early sunrises.
- The Wish List: I could live in luxury. But, let's be real, it could have been better. I'd love an upgrade on the toiletries situation. The coffee/tea maker was good, but sometimes you should have more choices. The "interconnecting rooms" could be handy if you are with a group, and the "alarm clock" definitely got me up in the morning.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Selina provides some super helpful services, such as concierge, laundry, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping so you can get away with your mess.
- They have a convenience store, a gift shop, and cash withdrawal, so you can easily access what you need.
- Business facilities are available, which isn't a priority to me but great if you need them.
For the Kids… & For the Funky Lovers:
- Selina Puerto Viejo is generally family/child friendly.
- There is a babysitting service, so adults can finally get away from their kids.
- There is an "Indoor venue for special events" plus an "Outdoor venue for special events," so you can host all kinds of things.
- And YES, they allow Pets.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
- Airport transfer? They can arrange it. Car park (free of charge)? Yep. Car park (on-site)? Also yep. Taxi service? Present! Bicycle parking? Of course!
- Valet parking? Not sure. Never needed it. But hey, you are in puerto viejo, and it's a smaller town.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Realness:
Okay, let’s be honest. Selina is not a perfect hotel. There are some rough edges, some quirks. The service can be a bit… uneven. Some staff are amazing, others seem like they're still figuring things out. The music at the pool? Sometimes amazing, sometimes… repetitive. The overall vibe? It's cool, it's backpacker-y, and it's a good place to meet people.
My Epic Costa Rican Escape: The Pitch (and the Disclaimer!)
So, here's the deal: Selina Puerto Viejo is a good choice. It's not a luxury resort, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It strives to be a good basecamp for your Costa Rican adventures. It embraces the vibe, and it’s a great place to meet people, and it is great for its accessibility.
Do:
- Book a room if you're looking for a fun, social, and centrally located base in Puerto Viejo.
- Embrace the imperfections. Things might not always go as planned, and that’s part of the adventure.
- Take advantage of the tours and activities. They can hook you up with some great stuff.
- Ask questions about accessibility if that's a major factor for you.
- Go with the flow.
Don't:
- Expect perfection.
- Be afraid to complain. If something's not right, let them know.
- Complain about wi-fi. Just expect it to be a bit… temperamental.
- Take yourself too seriously.
The bottom line: Selina Puerto Viejo offers more than just a place to sleep. It is an experience. It is an invitation to embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle, connect with other travelers, and create some freaking amazing memories. It is an invitation to slow down, explore the jungle, and find your own version of "epic." If you are
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished itinerary. This is real life, Selina Puerto Viejo-style, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. My head's still slightly fuzzy from the last shot of guaro, so bear with me…
Selina Puerto Viejo: A Slightly-Less-Than-Perfect Adventure (But Mostly Amazing)
Day 1: Landing in Paradise (Maybe… Probably… We’ll See)
- Morning (ish): Landed at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The plan? A pre-booked shuttle. Reality? A sweaty 20-minute scramble to find the guy holding the "WRONG NAME" sign. Turns out, my name is on the list, just under a different… spelling? (Thanks, Mom and Dad). Finally, we’re crammed into a van with a chatty Italian couple and a guy who looks like he hasn't slept in days. The drive is gorgeous, lush green everywhere. My first real reaction to the rainforest.
- Afternoon: The shuttle finally drops us off at Selina. First impression? Wow. Like, wow. The place looks incredible, a laid-back, colorful haven right on the beach. But my room? Small. Kinda… noisy. Right next to the bar. Hmm. I try to keep my spirits up, figuring beach vibes will win me over, and besides, I'm really excited about meeting all the other travelers, and hopefully making some incredible friends.
- Evening: Okay, so first night… Dinner. I think I ordered a burger? Maybe tacos? Honestly, it's a bit of a blur thanks to the happy hour cocktails. The bar at Selina is pumping. The music is excellent, and I met three Aussies who swore they'd been coming to Costa Rica for years and had the inside scoop on everything. The next thing I remember, I’m dancing on a table singing some awful karaoke version of "Sweet Caroline." Embarrassment Level: High. I should probably pace myself with the drinks.
- Late Night: The Aussies and I are now on a night walk on the beach, after convincing a lovely Canadian couple. We walked in the dark, the stars were incredible, the waves crashed, we saw bioluminescence. I was told by the Aussies that it was pretty rare to see, and I was so happy I got to enjoy it with them. I swear, that bioluminescence made all the travel mishaps fade away. This is why I came to Costa Rica.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and My First Near-Disaster)
- Morning: Head throbbing. This is the downside of table dancing. Luckily, the beach is literally steps away from Selina. First thing I did: a swim to rinse the night off. The Caribbean Sea is perfection. Crystal clear, warm, and so calming.
- Afternoon: After some coffee, I rented a bike and decided to explore. The plan was to check out Playa Cocles, a popular beach known for its waves. The reality? I nearly crashed into a sloth. Seriously. A freaking, adorable, slow-moving sloth. I swerved to avoid it, panicked, and ended up… tangled in a bush. Humiliation Level: Moderate. Luckily, a local helped me get untangled, and he even pointed out the sloth, who was now casually munching on leaves. "Pura vida," he said, laughing. He was right, there was nothing to do but laugh.
- Evening: Dinner at a local soda (Costa Rican diner). I tried a Casado (rice, beans, plantain… the works). Delicious! I think I found where I fit in. It might take me a while to get back on the dance floor in front of everyone, but I knew I was making progress. Headed back to Selina early, promised myself an early night to recover.
- Late Night: I somehow ended up in the Selina bar again. Surprise, surprise. This time I ordered a coke. And spoke to a new Australian, and a New-Zealander. They were all super interesting and fun. I ended up staying up until 3AM laughing with them. This is why I came to Selina in the first place, to meet different people from all around the world.
Day 3: Chocolate, Jungles, and Maybe Some Sanity?
- Morning: I can't believe I'm going to say this but the coffee at Selina is pretty good. I needed it. And I needed some time to collect myself after these last few days. So I spend the morning walking around the beach and talking to myself. It was a lovely morning and I was happy.
- Afternoon: Chocolate tour! Seriously, it's a must. The guide showed us how cacao is grown, harvested, and turned into delicious chocolate. We got to taste everything! It was amazing and a total sensory overload, and I might have consumed more chocolate than any human being should in one afternoon. I'm not even sorry.
- Late Afternoon: I needed to walk off my chocolate high, so I decided to actually walk into the jungle! I did a self-guided hike. The jungle is mind-blowing. The sounds, the smells. I saw monkeys, colorful birds, and enough bugs to give me the creeps. At one point, I thought I saw a jaguar. It was a large lizard. I was terrified, but also exhilarated.
- Evening: Okay, so I promised myself an early night. Again. I actually managed to get some decent sleep. Woke up feeling… better.
Day 4: Waterfalls and Farewell (Maybe)
- Morning: I booked a day trip to a waterfall, because I had to see one. The swim up to the massive waterfall was incredible, and the views were stunning. I couldn't believe I had the waterfall all to myself, and it was the most peaceful moment I had since I came to Costa Rica.
- Afternoon: I spend my time going from local market-to-market. I wanted to find some memories of my vacation: key chains, t-shirts, that kind of thing. I ended up finding a locally made painting, and spent the afternoon drinking coffee and reading a book.
- Late Afternoon: I'm getting ready to go, and I'm honestly not ready. Should I just stay?
Final Thoughts:
Selina Puerto Viejo is messy, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming. But it's also full of magic. It's a place where you meet amazing people, have incredible experiences, and maybe, just maybe, learn a little bit about yourself. It's a place to embrace the imperfections, laugh at your own dumb mistakes, and say… Pura Vida.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just maybe with a slightly lower tolerance for cocktails… and a helmet for the bike.
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So, Selina Puerto Viejo… What's the DEAL? Is it actually EPIC or just… okay?
Okay, let's be honest. "Epic" is a loaded word, you know? Like, *every* hotel tries to use it. But Selina Puerto Viejo? Yeah, it *mostly* lives up to the hype, especially if you're looking for that classic Costa Rican backpacker-meets-digital nomad vibe. Think chill reggae beats, hammocks swaying in the breeze, and the smell of the ocean mingling with the scent of… well, various things. It's a *vibe*. It's not the Ritz, people! Expect some (okay, *maybe* a lot) of sand inside, questionable internet at times, and the occasional wake-up call from howler monkeys...or a particularly loud party. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Right?! (Insert nervous laughter here… because yes, totally worth it.)
Who is this place *for*? Like, are we talking spring breakers, super-serious yogis, or what?
Alright, so picture this: you're a traveler, maybe a bit… *flexible* with your plans. You like to meet people (or at least, you're open to the possibility of it). You appreciate good coffee, maybe a sunset cocktail, and you’re not afraid of a little (okay, a *lot*) of adventure. That's Selina's sweet spot. I saw everything from solo travelers nursing their laptops to groups of friends on a serious surf trip, to couples looking to disconnect… and then reconnect in a hammock over a beer. I even met a guy who was *absolutely convinced* he was going to write a novel. (He was still on Chapter 1 after a week, but hey, the *ambition* was there!) If you need pristine silence and room service, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you crave the chaotic energy of a jungle beach town, Selina's your jam.
Dorms or Private Rooms: Which one should I choose, and what's the REAL truth about the noise situation?
Okay, the dorms are, well, dorms. Expect bunk beds, potential snoring symphonies, and the constant rustle of backpackers packing and unpacking. Look, it's the budget option, so embrace the chaos or invest in some earplugs. I actually *did* see some people get surprisingly good sleep. But trust me on this: if you value your beauty sleep (and your sanity), book a private room. Even the slightly more expensive ones are worth it. I once tried to sleep in a dorm for a single night after a LONG travel day and I swear I hallucinated a chorus of chattering toucans singing about my lack of sleep. The point is, private rooms are a lifesaver. Oh, and about the noise… it DEPENDS. Music can go on until late, and especially on weekends it will impact some rooms and areas of the hostel. That’s the cost of the atmosphere in this kind of establishment.
Are the rooms clean? Because let's be honest, I have a thing about questionable bathroom situations.
Okay, let's be REAL real. Cleanliness, in general, is a relative term in Costa Rica, especially in a beach town. The staff works hard, but you're in a humid, jungle environment. Sand *will* find its way everywhere. So, lower your expectations a tiny bit. With that said, my private room was clean. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, but sometimes the pressure was, you guessed it, questionable.. Just be prepared for a little bit of… *rusticness*. If you’re a total germaphobe, maybe this isn't the place for you. But honestly, the atmosphere is so chill, you kind of… let things slide. (Mostly.) And, *pro tip*: pack some hand sanitizer. You'll thank me later. (And maybe some Clorox wipes, just in case…)
What's the food situation like? Is it just overpriced burgers all day long?
Okay, the restaurant… it's convenient, for sure. And they *do* serve burgers. Not always the *best* burgers I’ve ever had, but sufficient. The breakfast buffet is a decent start to the day. I found the food generally… fine. Not mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable after a surf session or a hike. The prices are typical of a touristy area. **BUT**... you're in Puerto Viejo! Explore the town! Venture out! There are so many amazing sodas (local restaurants) offering authentic, delicious, and *cheap* Costa Rican food. Seriously, find the local places. You'll thank me. I had some of the best casado (traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and plantains) of my life just a few blocks down the street. Don't limit yourself to the hotel! (I beg you!)
The bar… Good times or a total tourist trap?
This is a tough one. The bar… it's *the* social hub. It’s where you meet people, where you tell tall tales, and where you possibly make questionable decisions at 2 am. Happy hour is decent, and the cocktails are… strong. You never know who shows up, from fellow travelers to friendly locals. The atmosphere is generally lively, with music and conversation flowing freely. I'd say it *leans* towards "good times," but it's definitely geared towards tourists. It's not a hidden gem, and definitely a bit pricey compared to local spots, but it’s *convenient*. Oh! And the parties, the ones… get ready to see a lot of tanned skin, flowy dresses and the inevitable shirtless surfer. Just… be prepared for a bit of a party-animal scene, especially on weekends. And pace yourself. Trust me on this one. **Pace yourself!**
What's there to DO at Selina besides, you know, drinking and… socializing?
Okay, so there’s a pool (small, but it’s there). They have yoga classes (sometimes, depending on the schedule). There are surf lessons (another good one). There are plenty of organized activities. There's a co-working space (if you're one of those digital nomad types - I *saw* a lot of them). Generally, they organize tours, and the staff is super helpful in recommending activities. But really, the beauty of Selina (and Puerto Viejo in general) is the *absence* of pressure. You can do *nothing* and it's completely acceptable. Lie in a hammock, read a book, watch the waves. Or, you can go surfing (which everyone seems to be doing, seriously, everywhere), explore the beaches, go to the jaguar rescue center, or go hiking in the national park. It’s all about what you make it. The options are plentiful.Uptown Lodging
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