The 10 best hostels in San José, Costa Rica | Booking.com
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Hostels in San José

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The best hostels in San José

Some of the best backpacker spots in San José

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Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only

San José

Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only is situated in San José, within 7.5 km of Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and 10 km of Parque Diversiones.

G
Garance
From
Belgium
I highly recommend this hostel! I stayed here three different times for a night, and every time it felt so welcoming – just like home. Everything is very clean, the beds are comfortable, the showers are hot, and there’s even a TV with Disney+/Netflix/Prime… just perfect! The place is designed with so many thoughtful details: a fully equipped kitchen, hair dryers, shower products, extra blankets if needed… you really feel that everything has been thought of for the guests’ comfort. The staff has been incredibly kind and helpful – they even let me leave some of my belongings a couple of times, always with such friendliness and quick responses. The automated check-in system makes everything super easy as well. For me, it’s the perfect place to stay for a night or two before exploring the rest of Costa Rica. A huge thank you to the whole team 🌸
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 112 reviews
Price from
US$33.74
1 night, 2 adults

Eco Stay Hostel

San José

Situated in San José, 4.7 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Eco Stay Hostel features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

L
L
From
India
Calm, laid back family run place in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance to barrio Escalante and city center.. wifi was good, breakfast was awesome, First time I've experienced dorm beds getting made everyday with clean bedsheets and towel! The garden area was a nice place to chill. The family was very humble and welcoming.. will definitely stay again.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 484 reviews
Price from
US$41.60
1 night, 2 adults

Gaudy's Hotel

San José

Situated in San José and with Poas National Park reachable within 47 km, Gaudy's Hotel features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace.

B
Bianca
From
Brazil
My experience was really nice on this place. I just stayed there to sleep because I needed to take a bus 5:00 to Nicaragua, and they was super nice with me since from the begging. The people that work there are super receptively 🫶🏽 i liked it so much! And if i'll back to there, for sure i'm gonna stay with them again :)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,362 reviews
Price from
US$78.98
1 night, 2 adults

Casa Escalante Hostel

Barrio Escalante, San José

Situated in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 6.1 km, Casa Escalante Hostel features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a...

l
lai
From
Hong Kong
Good privacy! Clean! Quiet! Nice garden and nice simple breakfast. Big kitchen! The staffs are friendly. Private plug and lights!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 853 reviews
Price from
US$34.20
1 night, 2 adults

Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante, San José

Located in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 5.3 km, Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the...

N
Nella
From
Luxembourg
Beautiful and clean, the beds have curtains, and it's always dark in the rooms, even in the day.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 595 reviews
Price from
US$50.87
1 night, 2 adults

NATIVUS Art-Hostel

San José

Set in San José and with Poas National Park reachable within 47 km, NATIVUS Art-Hostel offers concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace.

Y
Yasmine
From
Romania
Incredible stay! The best in terms of costs and quality in the past 2 months of full time traveling! Great facilities (kitchen, shared spaces), clean (they clean the room and towels daily) and the breakfast super big and good! And super nice staff!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 932 reviews
Price from
US$54.15
1 night, 2 adults

Stray Cat Hostel

San José

Set in San José, within an 8-minute walk of San Juan de Dios Hospital and 1 km of Metropolitan Hospital Costa Rica, Stray Cat Hostel offers accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi.

T
Tugba
From
Germany
Great location and very friendly staff.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 341 reviews
Price from
US$59.14
1 night, 2 adults

awā San José

Barrio Escalante, San José

Located in San José, within 4.8 km of La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 6.2 km of Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, awā San José provides accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the property...

A
Amber
From
Netherlands
The property is authentic yet modern. It’s a calm oasis in the hectics of the city.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 273 reviews
Price from
US$67.98
1 night, 2 adults

Hotel Casa Colon

San José

At Hostel Casa Colón, we are committed to offering an unforgettable experience to our guests in the heart of San José, Costa Rica.

M
Mallory
From
Italy
Great location and value for the money. The responsiveness of staff via Whatsapp was incredibly helpful, and overall the staff was so friendly and attentive.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 295 reviews
Price from
US$65.49
1 night, 2 adults

In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse

San José

Located 6.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse offers 3-star accommodation in San José and features a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace.

C
Carol
From
Netherlands
It was just as described, in a safe location and very clean. We arrived there with a lot of luggage and Marc at the front desk was so nice to help us carry our luggage to our private room on the first floor. We left early the next day but we wished we could of stayed longer. Definitely recommend this place!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 541 reviews
Price from
US$21.60
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in San José

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.

Most booked hostels in San José and surroundings in the past month

See all
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 19 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 25 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 541 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 867 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,362 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 341 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 932 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 853 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 273 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,781 reviews

Save money on hostels in San José and nearby – budget options available

  • Hostal del Este Santa Fe

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 3.5
    Poor - What previous guests thought, 25 reviews

    Offering free WiFi throughout the property, Hostal del Este Santa Fe is located in San José, 5.2 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and 8.2 km from Parque Diversiones.

    From US$72.32 per night
  • Hostel Shakti

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 867 reviews

    Situated in San José, 50 km from Poas National Park, Hostel Shakti features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.

    From US$40.68 per night
  • Luz de Luna Escalante

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 19 reviews

    Situated in San José, 5.9 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Luz de Luna Escalante features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace.

    From US$58.88 per night
  • Capital Hostel de Ciudad

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 25 reviews

    Located in San José, 49 km from Poas National Park, Capital Hostel de Ciudad provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

    From US$61.02 per night
  • Ester`s Place

    Escazu
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 123 reviews

    Set in Escazu, 50 km from Poas National Park, Ester`s Place offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace.

    From US$68.37 per night

No credit card needed to book these hostels in San José and nearby

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 14 reviews

    Hotel de conveniencia Travesía urbana is set in San José, 8.6 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and 10 km from Parque Diversiones.

    From US$45.20 per night

Great access to the city centre. Check these hostels in San José and nearby

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,781 reviews

    Located in central San José, Costa Rica Backpackers offers an outdoor pool, gardens, an international restaurant and a communal kitchen with free tea and coffee. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

    From US$25.63 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 541 reviews

    Located 6.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse offers 3-star accommodation in San José and features a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace.

    From US$27.12 per night

FAQ about hostels in San José

Hostels that guests love in San José

See all
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 595 reviews
    The hostel is in a great location - walking distance from lots of restaurants. We felt very safe. The staff were friendly and helpful.
    Guest review by
    Lien
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: US$25.63
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,781 reviews
    Cheap stay, and we booked a car through the hostel’s recommendation; excellent experience. We also sorted a SIM card very efficiently. Bed sheets were soft and room was comfortable
    Guest review by
    Maria
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$53.11
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 853 reviews
    The hostel is in a great location. Barrio Escalante is the best choice, a safe place and close to the center. The common areas are beautiful and large, the kitchen very well equipped. The rooms are comfortable and clean, the showers have hot water. The owner is a wonderful person, always available to help. I've been to several hostels in San José and this one is the best. Thank you for everything Casa Escalante Hostel.
    Guest review by
    Marco
    Young couple
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 595 reviews
    one of the best hostels I've stayed, clean, curtains, good vibes, helpful staff, nice kitchen, great location. favourite place i stayed in san jose
    Guest review by
    Shayna
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$55.37
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 341 reviews
    Friendly staff, super clean hostel, nice new and clean rooms, bathrooms and kitchen. Bed was also super comfy and room temp perfect. Great location near bus terminals and felt safe inside hostel. The kitchen has free tea and coffee and a breakfast that starts at 5am so you can eat before an early journey. They even offer pizza for 5000 colones.
    Guest review by
    Caitlin
    Solo traveller