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.

B
B. Harder
From
Germany
This is the place, when you got back from wherever you where before in Costa Rica to just calm down and have a very good night sleep. The beds are comfy, the rooms, showers, toilets are clean (btw the soap in the toilets smells amazing). The area surrounding is barrio escalante, there you can stroll around, enjoy a really good Coffee (cafeoteca is beyond), have great food and Just enjoy your stay in San jose.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 111 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.

M
Michele
From
Switzerland
Freedom and kindness of owner. Common area super friendly
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 483 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.

K
Kaja Torgeirsdatter
From
Norway
very nice staff and good food.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,364 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...

O
Oscar_PZ
From
Spain
I had a wonderful stay at Casa Escalante during my time in San José. The hotel is perfectly located, just a short walk from one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. It's close enough to enjoy the energy but far enough to avoid the hassle. My room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable stay. I especially appreciated the peace and quiet. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. They were able to assist me with anything I needed, including extending my stay on short notice. Although I wasn’t feeling well and unfortunately missed the breakfast, I truly appreciated the thoughtful service. The highlight of my stay was the room itself, which had a very comfortable bed and a spacious bathroom. Casa Escalante offers great value for money. I felt right at home and will certainly return the next time I'm in San José!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 851 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...

J
Jess
From
Canada
Staff was very helpful, beds were clean. They accommodated my late check in
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 600 reviews
Price from
US$75
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.

A
Aroa
From
Spain
Super cute, clean, good people, everything worked perfectly
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.

d
dominic
From
United Kingdom
Apparently I was a bit too old for the dorm so they let me have a room to myself for just a few dollars more.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 343 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...

G
Grace
From
Australia
Lovely staff Great location, plenty of cafes/restaurants, next to a supermarket and it was a safe location Good free breakfast and 24/7 tea & coffee was a plus
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 263 reviews
Price from
US$70.54
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.

C
Chris
From
United Kingdom
Helpful staff, good breakfast, lovely old house, comfortable bed.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 293 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
Cesar
From
Venezuela
Cleanliness, quietness, comfortably and excellent price.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 540 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 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 16 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 24 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 540 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 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,364 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 343 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 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 851 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 263 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,772 reviews

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

  • 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
    Central location
    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
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,772 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, 16 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
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 24 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$66.11 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 540 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$25.99 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 13 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

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

  • Ester`s Place

    Escazu
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 124 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

FAQ about hostels in San José

Hostels that guests love in San José

See all
  • Avg. price/night: US$73.45
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 600 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, 3,772 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 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 851 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$73.45
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 600 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$66.67
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 343 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