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

Find the hostels that appeal to you the most

The best hostels in San José

Some of the best backpacker spots 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

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  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 485 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 14 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 870 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 540 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 345 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,371 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 931 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 847 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 245 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,759 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, 870 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 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 293 reviews

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

    From US$74 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,759 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, 14 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 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 23 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$71.19 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    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$27.12 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$73.45 per night

FAQ about hostels in San José

Hostels that guests love in San José

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  • Avg. price/night: US$73.45
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 604 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, 3,759 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, 847 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, 604 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, 345 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