Costa Rica boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It just so happens that Playa Grande stands out from the rest, boasting a gorgeous accommodation called The Pipe House Playa Grande.
So when there’s an option to stay in a 5 star Eco-friendly hostel just seconds from the white sand, what’s stopping you?
The Pipe House offers unique design, wide-open spaces and a spot on mix of relaxation and outdoor living.
It’s your answer to a relaxed stay not too far away from lively Tamarindo. In fact, this hostel is on our list of favorite beach hostels worldwide.
Catch up: our collection of 44 best hostels in Costa Rica – so many choices in a relatively small country!
We are Hostelgeeks. We collect the most amazing Hostels around the world: the 5 Star Hostels.
Our awarded hostels tick all the boxes of our transparent rating criteria.
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The Pipe House Playa Grande in Review
Follow the natural melody of breaking waves and singing birds. The Pipe House Playa Grande is a 5 star hostel in Costa Rica because…
1. It’s an Eco-friendly and Sustainable Paradise
Forget standard (some might say boring) square rooms inside a typical building.
At Pipe House you can expect to sleep in exactly that; a pipe house!
Yep, the nine bedrooms which make up the house are built entirely by hand using recycled concrete pipes.
It’s quite evident from the outside that each room is inside a section of pipe, because the original grey concrete has been left on show. Yet that just adds to the character.
Step inside and marvel at cosy and artistic design fit for a king and queen.
Wood and bamboo has also been used throughout the property. This has given it that real eco-friendly vibe, blending in wonderfully with the surrounding nature.
It almost looks as though it’s supposed to be there!
So more about the design…
2. Huge spaces, simple Design
Wild, fresh and simplistic – that pretty much sums it up.
Wander around the huge gated area and you’ll spot beautiful mandalas splashed on the otherwise dull walls.
Each room has a different design and colour allocated to it, complimenting the cosy space. Our favourite is orange – which will you choose?
Considering there are only 9 rooms, the area is huge.
There is, in fact, a queen sized bed in each pipe, along with that much needed added bonus of an A/C.
Solo traveller or couple, it doesn’t matter. Every traveller type is welcome!
All of the social spaces are either outside, or undercover with zero walls so you can enjoy the beautiful trees and sound of the ocean.
Read: Ultimate List of +114 Design Hostels around the world
Cute details such as hanging hammocks and a yoga platform with put a smile on your face.
There is even four bathrooms to use, so forget queuing or planning your daily shower.
3. Unique never felt so good
How often to do you get to basically live on a beach during your travels?
Maybe more often if you had more money, right? Not necessary this time, my friend!
Not only that, but when you’re not relaxing on the sand, you can still hear the waves crashing from the comfort of your very own cosy little home.
It’s a gated community with private access to the beach.
And of course we must mention the unique room design again. It’s such a clever use of old materials!
The entire concept is unique, there’s no doubt about that.
4. Socialize on your own time
Imagine all of that fresh sea breeze and warm air filling your lungs.
Now imagine big open spaces designed for travellers looking to relax and generate organic social interactions.
Whilst there are no organized events or activities at The Pipe House Playa Grande, it really doesn’t matter.
Instead, they’ve gone to great efforts to design beautiful spaces shared by all.
Whether you choose a spot under the trees, the kitchen or BBQ area, you’ll find plenty of seating.
Now and then there will be group yoga sessions in the dedicated Yoga Scala, but we encourage you to go for it regardless.
Read: 🧘♀️ best yoga retreats in Costa Rica
When all else fails hit the beach!
Again: stay at The Pipe House and you’ll be just 75 metres from the beach. It’s practically your back garden.
5. Team Players
If guests had to choose just one word to describe the staff at The Pipe House Playa Grande, it would be “AMAZING”.
It’s used again and again as contented travellers are offered a warm welcome and continued support throughout their stay.
Big shout out to the wonderful Felipe for his local knowledge and help arranging surf lessons!
Personalised tours are also an option, just ask.
Read: what NOT to pack to stay at a Hostel
Alongside sorting you out with hitting the waves, the staff are at hand 24 hours a day so that you can explore to your heart’s content without a curfew to consider.
Summary
All right dear readers, there you have it. The Pipe House Playa grande is unique, chilled and most certainly the one and only answer on where to stay in Costa Rica.
Don’t forget to check out all of the best hostels in Costa Rica is you’re backpacking the country.
It includes all of the major destinations and a very handy map to make your planning easier.
So make sure you give it a thorough read and save precious time!