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.

B
Benny Voncken
From
United Arab Emirates
The owners were great people and always there. They were ready to help you with anything you needed and the communication was excellent. The facilities were the same quality. The breakfast was varied and delicious. The dorm was very clean, as was the entire place, the beds were made every day and the showers cleaned the same. Each bed had a curtain which provided a lot of privacy. Overal a great place to stay and the location was excellent as well.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 485 reviews
Price from
US$44
1 night, 2 adults

Hotel de conveniencia Travesía urbana

San José

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.

J
James
From
United States
Small hostel with the family living on premise. They were very kind and accommodating. Everything was kept very clean. Excellent wifi. A good portion of San Jose is a little dangerous these days but this neighhborhood felt quite safe. It has quite a few restaurants (and a good gym) within walking distance but lacks a nearby laundry service and not offered by the hostel. Something to ponder if you plan on staying longer. Bed was comfortable.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 12 reviews
Price from
US$40
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.

M
Melanie
From
Cambodia
Absolutely perfect place in San Jose to stay. Breakfast was yummy, with coffee. Not a party hostel or whatever so it was really good to rest and have some space for yourself. I had some troubles with a booking in Santa Teresa and the staff has been extremely helpful in assisting me to sort it out.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,370 reviews
Price from
US$36.46
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...

E
Evelyn
From
Argentina
Great location, and very cleaned hostel
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 848 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, 603 reviews
Price from
US$68
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
AnotherTreeHouse
From
Italy
Excellent place, beautiful decor, very friendly staff. There is fully equiped kitchen, and nice shared living room for work and rest.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 933 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 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 344 reviews
Price from
US$59
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, 248 reviews
Price from
US$75.67
1 night, 2 adults

Hostel Casa Ridgway

San José

Set in San José, 4.1 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Hostel Casa Ridgway offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge.

O
Olivera
From
Bosnia and Herzegovina
As my 1st accommodation in Costa Rica they set the standard so high it went unmatched for the 3 weeks I stayed in the country. Although not modern, it features sizable dorms, comfortable beds, has no lockers but clothes hangers are available and valuables may be stored in a specialised room. Pretty good breakfast, decent shared kitchen with an impressive spice rack, stable wi-fi. All that, however, is just facilities. What truly makes the property stand apart are the staff and especially its manager, with his insights into local culture, support, and warmth. The fact that the building also houses a local NGO makes the place even more dynamic and provides opportunities for some interesting conversations.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 137 reviews
Price from
US$50
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 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 23 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 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 538 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 872 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,370 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 344 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 933 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 848 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 248 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,764 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 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 872 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, 292 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, 3,764 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, 538 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, 603 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, 3,764 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, 848 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, 603 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, 344 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