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.

O
OanaM
From
United Kingdom
I loved the location of the hostel, in Bario escalante, which is safe and vibrant. Communication with the host was great and I very much appreciate all the info about busses and transport to make the most out of my limited time in Costa Rica. There are enough showers, sinks and toilets on the corridor, I never had to wait to use one. The space is clean, with high ceiling and airy. I loved the fact that they have paper towels and the whole digital codes with clear instructions on what to use where.
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.

W
Wild
From
Spain
Staff kindness and comfort of the beds
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.

M
Marie
From
France
That's was one of the best welcoming I had in a hostel in my life. They gave me a tea (at midnight when I arrived) then they wanted to Cook some food for me in case I was hungry after my trip etc. It's a family that is so friendly. I am impressed. The bed was also very comfy. 10/10.
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...

M
Manuel
From
Finland
Great value for money and nice location. I stayed in one of the private rooms.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 850 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
Johann
From
Abkhazia
It's a beautiful and (as the name is saying) laid back hostel where I could perfectly recharge my batteries after 3 months of traveling. It doesn't have to many beds, but due to the nice commen commenareas one will definitely meet some nice people. The Highlite is the helpful stuff and the safe feeling you have there!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 599 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.

S
Stephen
From
Greece
Anna was very helpful and really friendly, she let us stay whilst waiting for our shuttle !
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.

J
Jazmin
From
Hungary
great location close to the bus stations
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...

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, 261 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.

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, 292 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.

g
glen
From
New Zealand
great place, pancakes at breakfast were a bonus.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 539 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, 868 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, 261 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, 868 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, 599 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, 599 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