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The 10 Best Hostels in San José, Costa Rica

Some of the best backpacker spots in San José

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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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 property and a shared lounge. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features airport transfers, while a bicycle rental service is also available.

Amazing place, no other hostel gets close the cosyness of the chillout hostel

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9.1
Superb
479 reviews
Price from
£19
per night

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. Located around 6.2 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, the hostel with free WiFi is also 9.1 km away from Parque Diversiones. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests.

Very close to the city center and to restaurants. However helpful, cheerful, cool staff. Very good hospitality and spirit.

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9.4
Superb
668 reviews
Price from
£18
per night

Hostel Casa Ridgway offers accommodation in San José. Free parking is available on site.

The rooms are equipped with a shared bathroom equipped with a shower. Hostel Casa Ridgway features free WiFi throughout the property. There is luggage storage space at the property.

The staff were amazing free breakfast and a perfect location

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9.4
Superb
50 reviews
Price from
£14
per night

Hostel Gaudys is located 8 minutes’ walk from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 2 km from San José City Centre. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.

At Hostel Gaudys you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a games room and a tour desk. The property offers free parking.

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.

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8.2
Very good
1,415 reviews
Price from
£14
per night

Situated in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 5.3 km, Casa Escalante Hostel features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is located 6.8 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, 10 km from Parque Diversiones and 23 km from Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and room service for guests.

Casa Escalante Hostel has a wonderful family staff Elena his couple and daughter are so adorable they make me feel so comfortable and care during my two day of stay. I had great comments regarding this place before arrive and definitely exceeded my expectations.

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8.7
Fabulous
556 reviews
Price from
£11
per night

Boasting a shared lounge, Stray Cat Hostel offers accommodation in San José, 48 km from Poas National Park and 2.4 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park. The property is around 3.8 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, 6.6 km from Parque Diversiones and 19 km from Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.

everyone was great. the people staying there and the staff we’re all great

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8
Very good
874 reviews
Price from
£14
per night

Situated in San José, 5.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Lost in San Jose Hostel & Suites features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is located 6.8 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, 10 km from Parque Diversiones and 22 km from Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.

The staff was very friendly and helpful with questions about San José, they even helped me find a way to get to other areas in Costa Rica. The hostel had a nice relaxed vibe and is always clean. There's an outdoor area that is beautiful and surrounded by nature and its great for socializing with everyone. It's in a nice area that is in walking distance from many things like Sodas, the mall, Barrio Escalante, etc. Overall awesome stay

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8
Very good
694 reviews
Price from
£11
per night

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. The property is situated 1.1 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, 1.6 km from Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica and 5.2 km from Parque Diversiones. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, room service and currency exchange for guests.

Really cute, calm and comfortable

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8.9
Fabulous
856 reviews
Price from
£18
per night

Set in San José, within an 8-minute walk of San Juan de Dios Hospital and 1 km of Metropolitan Hospital Costa Rica, StrayCat offers accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is situated 1.4 km from National Theatre of Costa Rica, 5 km from Parque Diversiones and a 15-minute walk from Metropolitan Cathedral. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, and buying tickets for guests.

The hostel offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

I arrived late and had to leave very early the next morning. Staff was very friendly and informative and helped me with finding a bus. I also forgot to change my phone so woke up an hour early so the receptionist made me breakfast an hour early which was very nice of him

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8
Very good
310 reviews
Price from
£32
per night

In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse is set in the heart of lively, upscale San Pedro and only 400 meters from the University of Costa Rica and the student nightlife of Calle de la Amargura. Street parking is available in front of the property.

Ethan Cornfield was the best!! He was so open, welcoming and made my stay uforgetable!

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8.4
Very good
611 reviews
Price from
£10
per night

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.
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  • Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 479 reviews

    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...

    Super friendly staff, very clean. Cool place to hang out.

  • Eco Stay Hostel
    Budget options available
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 668 reviews

    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.

    Owner very helpful and great person Location very clean

  • Hostel Gaudys
    Budget options available
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,418 reviews

    Hostel Gaudys is located 8 minutes’ walk from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 2 km from San José City Centre. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.

    Fantastic location, sparkling clean hostel. Recommended it

  • Stray Cat Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 874 reviews

    Boasting a shared lounge, Stray Cat Hostel offers accommodation in San José, 48 km from Poas National Park and 2.4 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park.

    The staff were lovely and the atmosphere of the hostel was great

  • Lost in San Jose Hostel & Suites
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 694 reviews

    Situated in San José, 5.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Lost in San Jose Hostel & Suites features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

    free parking, nice People, a place with an atmosphere and celan:)

  • NATIVUS Art-Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 855 reviews

    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.

    Great facilities, beautiful decor, friendly hosts.

  • Finca Escalante
    Budget options available
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,921 reviews

    Located in San José, within 4.8 km of La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 6.2 km of Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, Finca Escalante provides accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the...

    Cute building, free coffee and pancakes, friendly accommodating staff

  • Hostel Shakti
    Budget options available
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 918 reviews

    Hostel Shakti is located in central San José, Costa Rica and it is located on the second floor, with access through stairs, it is next to a railway crossing.

    Good location for accessing the bus terminals. Comfy bed!

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in San José

  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 556 reviews

    Situated in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 5.3 km, Casa Escalante Hostel features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a...

    I slept well here. Good breakfast. Places to relax.

  • In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 611 reviews

    In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse is set in the heart of lively, upscale San Pedro and only 400 meters from the University of Costa Rica and the student nightlife of Calle de la Amargura.

    Cleanliness, quietness, comfortably and excellent price.

  • StrayCat
    Central location
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 310 reviews

    Set in San José, within an 8-minute walk of San Juan de Dios Hospital and 1 km of Metropolitan Hospital Costa Rica, StrayCat offers accommodation with a shared lounge and free WiFi.

    Best place to be Very helpful staff I recommend it to everyone

  • Costa Rica Backpackers
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,263 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.

    Very nice garden and enough bathrooms. Ventilator in room.

  • Hostel Casa Colon
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 470 reviews

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

    I enjoyed the rice with pees The coffee was delicious

  • Hostal del Este Santa Fe
    5.7
    Scored 5.7
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 37 reviews

    Hostal del Este Santa Fe is located just 350 metres from San José mani square and 300 metres from the National Theatre. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

    La atención al cliente y los puntos estratégicos de san José al alcance

FAQ about hostels in San José









Hostels that guests love in San José

  • Avg. price/night: £22.18
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,263 reviews
    Nice community area and great location. Beds in my "replacement-hostel" were comfortable
    Jasmin
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £22.18
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,263 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
    Maria
    Young couple
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 132 reviews
    Great location in a really safe area, close to restaurants. The apartment itself is clean, modern and well equipped. A parking bay is included with the apartment. There is an on-site gym and pool and 24 hour reception. I wish I could have stayed longer.
    Catherine
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £42.33
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 668 reviews
    A lovely hostel with super nice owners, very clean and well maintained. The garden with the fairy lights i was very pretty and the breakfast was really good :) I appreciated the opportunity to buy a SIM-Card (a lot cheaper than at the airport) and an adapter for a good price. The Wifi is very good and they have some desk where its possible to work. I can only recommend this hostel!
    Denise
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £37.99
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 874 reviews
    Very good location when you are traveling by bus. I arrived at night at Transnica station and walk to the hostel (5minutes). I felt safe. The hostel is very cute und there are some cats. ;) The staff is very friendly and helpful. Everything was clean and the breakfast good.
    Romy
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £26.23
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,105 reviews
    Great location and very friendly and helpful stuff. There is no AC but it was not very hot when I was there, so I did nto have any issues. Everything was clean and tidy. Hotel is right in the center of the city, close to all main attractions and very safe. It closes at night (including terrace) just for that extra security.
    Ivan
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £34.82
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 556 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.
    Marco
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £58.65
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,726 reviews
    Very luxurious hostel in a quiet neighbourhood that feels pretty safe. Nice beds with curtains and very nice shower with shampoo and everything. The restaurant is good, but expensive.
    Sara
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £43.41
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,418 reviews
    Nice area around the hostel. Felt safe. Large common areas (which can be loud).
    Frederik
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £54.27
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 479 reviews
    The hostel is very clean and I always felt comfortable in the room. The staff was being very welcoming and helped me also in choosing destinations to visit. It helped a lot that the hostel is in the center of San Jose. It’s a great location.
    Zuniga Mora
    Solo traveller

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