This is my first review I write and I am simply writing it, because I read one review about this place which is just awfully wrong and doesn't do this place justice. Castle Tam is a no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of place. I stayed here for three months and I suppose you have to have been here longer to appreciate the... More

A “British” hostel, owned by some hick from Tennessee who has been to the U.K. twice in his life. (?!?!) I stayed here for my last days in Costa Rica. The only attractive things are the location and the price. The pictures online of this place look good, but in reality it`s just a hole in the wall. The staff... More

Checked in with some friends so we reserved one dorm bed and one private. Went into the dorm that appeared as if a bomb went off, luckily there are 5 beds in the private so I stayed with them. Went to store because there is decent size but dirty kitchen. Went to store beers in fridge, in which there are... More

My two friends and I needed a place to stay very last minute in San Jose and Castle Tam welcomed us with open arms. The rooms were reasonably priced, clean, comfortably sized and quiet. At night there was only a little traffic audible and at times the room can be chilly so I would advice requesting more blankets. In the... More

Jonathan has given that extra effort to raise this hostel to another level in hostelries. On my first day he personally escorted me to nearby food stores and restaurants. He helped me and other guests with a multitude of questions and concerns. His long term residents are also an invaluable source of valuable travel information. The entire environment here encourages... More

Castle Tam is located in San Pedro, a great little area to relax after lots of travel around Costa Rica, run errands or enjoy the University district. You can simply take a short bus from the center of San Jose to San Pedro and then walk (or catch a cab, if you'd prefer) to the hostel. The hostel has an... More

The rooms are clean and nice. There is a shared kitchen with everything you need and a big relaxing area. There are o lot of books about Costa Rica and the owner can always help you with every question. The other guests who are there for a little bit longer are likeable and also helped me with my questions about... More

It just depends on what you were expecting. Yes, it is a little run down, it is a little small, the beds are not super plush -- but it was exactly what my friends and I were looking for. Convenience at a cheap price! And besides, the quirkiness of the place was very enjoyable. If you smoke, you will enjoy... More

Although the hostel is a short bus ride from the center of town it is in a safe area. The staff here are super and have lots of info about activities and give good honest info. The hostel itself is super and easy to live in. Has two kitchens and lots of utensils.I enjoyed my stay here and will certainly... More