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The best hostels in San José

Some of the best backpacker spots in San José

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Eco Stay Hostel, hotel in 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.

Very good option for a cheap but nice place to stay in San Jose. The social areas are large and welcoming, the rooms are clean, and they serve a great breakfast. We stayed here before starting a group trip in CR and this was one of the best stays we had for the 2 weeks we traveled the country.
Scored 9.3
9.3
Rated superb
Superb
678 reviews
Price from
£40.67
1 night, 2 adults
Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante, hotel in 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...

Spacious and clean room, free tea and coffee, friendly and helpful staff.
Scored 9.0
9.0
Rated superb
Superb
536 reviews
Price from
£62.13
1 night, 2 adults
Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only, hotel in 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.

It was just so lovely, spotless and comfortable. I was able to wash and dry my clothes so an excellent stop on a longer trip. I also lived that they provided filter coffee. All in all excellent
Scored 9.4
9.4
Rated superb
Superb
9 reviews
Price from
£29.32
1 night, 2 adults
Gaudys Hotel, hotel in San José

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.

Location, quiet , secure ,
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
1,466 reviews
Price from
£62.56
1 night, 2 adults
In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse, hotel in San José

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.

Everything is clean. The dorm, the bathroom and the kitchen. The house seems to be older, but it's obvious that it's been taken care of. There is immediate hot water in the shower. The area is very safe and you can reach the centre of San José easily by bus.
Scored 8.3
8.3
Rated very good
Very good
588 reviews
Price from
£28.02
1 night, 2 adults
NATIVUS Art-Hostel, hotel in 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.

The breakfast was lovely, the staff even made us one early and wrapped it up for us when we had an early bus out of the city one morning. The facilities are super cute and cozy and great work spots for digital nomads. Would definitely stay again!
Scored 8.9
8.9
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
902 reviews
Price from
£43.13
1 night, 2 adults
Stray Cat Hostel, hotel in San José

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.

Showers, bathroom and kitchen were super clean. Girls at the front desk were very pleasant
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very good
964 reviews
Price from
£33.58
1 night, 2 adults
Finca Escalante, hotel in 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, Finca Escalante provides accommodation with a garden and free WiFi throughout the...

Incredible location. Near everything.
Scored 7.8
7.8
Rated good
Good
1,995 reviews
Price from
£38.01
1 night, 2 adults
Costa Rica Backpackers, hotel in San José

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.

Always kept clean especially bathrooms , very sociable and great safe garden space with pool area. Good value meals available. Good location scruffy from outside but little oasis within
Scored 7.7
7.7
Rated good
Good
3,524 reviews
Price from
£19.71
1 night, 2 adults
Hostel Shakti, hotel in San José

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.

The free breakfast was good.
Scored 7.8
7.8
Rated good
Good
939 reviews
Price from
£31.28
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 this month

No credit card needed to book these hostels in San José!

  • Hostal VIP
    No credit card needed

    Located in Guadalupe and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 7 km, Hostal VIP provides a garden, allergy-free rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge.

  • Agata Only Girls Hostel San Jose

    Located in Heredia and with Poas National Park reachable within 44 km, Agata Only Girls Hostel San Jose provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the...

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

  • Ester`s Place
    Central location
    Scored 9.1
    9.1
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 112 reviews

    Ester`s Place in Escazù. provides accommodation with, a garden and a terrace. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom.

    Me encantó el lugar, el barrio muy ordenado, tranquilo y seguro.

FAQ about hostels in San José

Hostels that guests love in San José

  • Avg. price/night: £62.13
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 536 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: £17.36
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,524 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
  • Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 737 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: £22.30
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 2,362 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: £31.53
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 609 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: £62.13
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 536 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
  • Scored 7.9
    7.9
    Rated good
    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
  • Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,242 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
  • Avg. price/night: £66.47
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,995 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: £40.67
    Scored 9.3
    9.3
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 678 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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