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The best hostels in San José

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.

Good overall vibe, helpful staff. Nice location in the middle of bario escalante.

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9.1
Superb
485 reviews
Price from
£21
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.

The place is very nice and has a great vibe. The owner was so helpful and we were so happy to get a SIM card at the hostel. We stayed one night in San Jose and were leaving very early the next day so we didn't experienced the area a lot. They have a great common area to hang out. The place is very clean.

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9.3
Superb
672 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.

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.

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9.4
Superb
54 reviews
Price from
£13
per night

Gaudys Hotel 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.

The private bathrooms come with a bath or shower and free toiletries. Bed linens are provided.

Nice and helpful staff. Thank you so much!

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8.2
Very good
1,438 reviews
Price from
£15
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.

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

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8
Very good
892 reviews
Price from
£14
per night

Situated in San José, 5.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Lost in San Jose Hotel & Hostel 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.

Great place, awesome staff. The common areas are really nice with pooltable and ping pong. Good location

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8.1
Very good
703 reviews
Price from
£12
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.

Super cute, clean, good people, everything worked perfectly

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8.9
Fabulous
856 reviews
Price from
£17
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.

Appreciated the cleanliness, quietness and the huge well made pancake for breakfast made by a very nice cook.

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8.5
Very good
614 reviews
Price from
£10
per night

Parque Viva is 27 km from the hostel, while Barva Volcano is 34 km away. The nearest airport is Tobías Bolaños International, 9 km from Finca Escalante, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

The location and facilities are perfect

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7.9
Good
1,924 reviews
Price from
£11
per night

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.

This functional hostel offers a mix of private rooms and shared dormitories, all with shared bathrooms. Each room has a fan and features views of the gardens.

The hostel has a restaurant and a bar until late around 22:00 PM. The price is fair and the staff were helpful. the beds were pretty comfortable and the room had space to move and put the bags. They also let you use the storage room for free if you want to travel for a few days and leave your suitcase there

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7.7
Good
3,322 reviews
Price from
£8
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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Most booked hostels in San José this month

Save money on hostels in San José – budget options available!

  • Eco Stay Hostel
    Budget options available
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 672 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

  • Gaudys Hotel
    Budget options available
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,438 reviews

    Gaudys Hotel 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

  • Lost in San Jose Hotel & Hostel
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 703 reviews

    Situated in San José, 5.3 km from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Lost in San Jose Hotel & Hostel 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
     · 856 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.

  • In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 614 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.

  • Finca Escalante
    Budget options available
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,924 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
     · 920 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!

  • Hostel Casa Colon
    Budget options available
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 467 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

FAQ about hostels in San José









Hostels that guests love in San José

  • Avg. price/night: £51.48
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 485 reviews
    The hostel is in a great location - walking distance from lots of restaurants. We felt very safe. The staff were friendly and helpful.
    Lien
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £20.29
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,322 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
  • Avg. price/night: £31.95
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 703 reviews
    I was looking for a quiet few last days before flying home and this hostel was the perfect vibe for that! Super comfy and quiet private room, great location in a safe neighborhood to walk around and explore, good food options nearby… the kitchen is also well stocked with appliances and utensils, and there’s a beautiful patio to relax / hang out.
    Dona
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £19.64
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,283 reviews
    Perfect stay! Great location, comfy bed, warm shower, free coffee and you can use the facilities from the backpacker hostel (pool, restaurant) on the opposite side of the street
    Rika
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £30.24
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 571 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: £51.48
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 485 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
    Shayna
    Solo traveller
  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 311 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.
    Caitlin
    Solo traveller
  • 7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,404 reviews
    Nice hostel with great Staff! The area the hostel is located in is very safe and you can go out in the dark. Breakfast included. Perfect for 1 or 2 nights. For a low budget, its perfect. The volunteers are nice too and will help you with everything if you ask for it.
    Pauline
    Young couple
  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,924 reviews
    This place was fine for one night & is great for backpackers on a budget but I think I'm a little old for hostels now 😂 Great location, good value
    lydia
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £41.54
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 672 reviews
    Everything! The hostel was so clean, like the cleanest hostel I have ever stayed at! And I am a seasoned backpacker. The staff/family were amazing. They helped us get a taxi from the airport, got local restaurant reccomendations, and great discounts through the hostel. The backyard is so cute, and the breakfast is lovely, fresh, and there is coffee. Location was amazing top, within walking distance from most major sights. One of the best hostels I have stayed at for sure.
    FrederikkeElisabeth
    Young couple

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