They say they are a four-star “hostel”. There are dorms and then private rooms with different levels of kindness. Selina targets digital nomads like me; they even have a “conviviality” program (which is nothing like the places to live together I recommend). As a woman who travels alone, I always felt safe in Selina.
I used to work in backpacker hostels and sometimes we had very creepy and incomplete guests, as hostels are often the most affordable places to stay in the city. Perhaps there's something about Selina that appeals to a more conventional audience. However, I will say that I have very few requirements to feel “safe” and I have found that other women who travel alone do not have the same expectations as me. I would never pay more to stay in an all-female dorm, for example; I agree with mixed dorms.
If you're on a very tight budget, Selina might be out of reach. This is luxury accommodation with a higher price, and even the cheapest rooms are more expensive than those in other hostels. Overall, it was a great stay and I would definitely recommend Selina Jaco to anyone who stops by and is looking for a good place to work, relax and enjoy the beach. It also has easy access to many other parts of Costa Rica, making it an ideal base for exploring Manuel Antonio, Tortuga Island, Monteverde, etc.
I have nomadic friends who have participated in the Colive program and say that Selina retreats (accessible in the Colive program) are great value for money.
