Hostal Ola Italiana

How is this only the second review of this lovely little gem? I've stayed at this hostel for almost a week now and can highly recommend it. It is perhaps slightly off the beaten path, but it is still so close to everything. (SJDS just isn't that big!) You get an en-suite, cold shower bathroom, kitchen access, free wifi (that is, admittedly, somewhat sporadic), and fans that cool everything down. All of this for just $7/night for a dorm or $10/night for a private room! It's a small, family-run hostel, so you won't find a bar/restaurant/beach shuttle/tour services on the premises. You WILL find a comfortable place to lay your head at night for the best price around (trust me on this - I checked out a LOT of places before I decided on Ola Italiana). So stay here and walk 2-3 blocks for all that other stuff. Security is good, too. If no one is around to monitor people coming or going (or if the staff has to step away momentarily), the front entrance is locked and a bell has to be rung to get in. This can be somewhat annoying late at night when you have to wait for someone to wake up and come open the door, but I'd rather have the security than not. Also, please note that it helps to know at least a *little* bit of Spanish since no/very little English is spoken here.