The 10 best hostels in San José, Costa Rica | Booking.com
Skip to main content

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

Filter by:

Review score

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, 108 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
Batur Uraz
From
Belgium
Friendly, family owned business. Everything was good. We just stayed one night after a long flight and slept well here!
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.

S
Sophie
From
Austria
The stuff is so friendly, breakfast is great, beautiful green oasis in a loud and chaotic city, 10 mins walk from the airport. I will be back again & felt so safe and sound as a solo travelling woman. Good place to meet other travelers, too.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,376 reviews
Price from
US$60.75
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...

T
Taylor
From
Canada
Staff were ridiculously accommodating and friendly. They far exceeded going above and beyond.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 846 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...

D
Dhruba jyoti
From
India
Good overall vibe, helpful staff. Nice location in the middle of bario escalante.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 606 reviews
Price from
US$63
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
Alex
From
France
Anna at the reception, was awesome ! She call everyone in San José to find my phone after I left it in the cab. Thank you so much
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.

T
Tugba
From
Germany
Great location and very friendly staff.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 354 reviews
Price from
US$49
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, 238 reviews
Price from
US$74.25
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.

S
Svenja
From
Germany
This is a very cute hostel and the location is perfect. The staff was really nice. I can recommend it!
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 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 485 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 12 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 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 543 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 354 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,376 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, 846 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 238 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in San José

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 3,750 reviews

No credit card needed to book 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
    No credit card needed
    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

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

  • Hotel Casa Colon

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 295 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
  • Luz de Luna Escalante

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 12 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.

  • Capital Hostel de Ciudad

    San José
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 21 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
  • 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

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, 3,750 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 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 543 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$73.45
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 606 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, 3,750 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, 846 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, 606 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, 354 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