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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

Located in San José, 2.9 miles from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Eco Stay Hostel has accommodations with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

Great location, comfortable room with very nice balcony outside
Scored 9.3
9.3
Rated wonderful
Wonderful
676 reviews
Price from
$46.80
1 night, 2 adults
Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante, hotel in San José

Located in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 3.3 miles, Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout...

Great staff
Scored 9.0
9.0
Rated wonderful
Wonderful
541 reviews
Price from
$71.50
1 night, 2 adults
Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only, hotel in San José

Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only is located in San José, 3.7 miles from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 4.6 miles from National Stadium of Costa Rica.

Scored 9.5
9.5
Rated exceptional
Exceptional
10 reviews
Price from
$33.74
1 night, 2 adults
Gaudys Hotel, hotel in San José

Gaudys Hotel is located 8 minutes’ walk from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 1.2 mi from San José City Center. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.

This hostel was lovely and decorated beautifully. It was spotlessly clean and welcoming. The manager was delightful and on top of everything. She is a lovely person.
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very Good
1,463 reviews
Price from
$75.60
1 night, 2 adults
In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse, hotel in San José

In the Wind Hostel and Guest house is set in the heart of lively, upscale San Pedro and only 1312 feet from the University of Costa Rica and the student nightlife of Calle de la Amargura.

Not too pricey, breakfast was nice, hot water in the shower
Scored 8.3
8.3
Rated very good
Very Good
588 reviews
Price from
$32.25
1 night, 2 adults
NATIVUS Art-Hostel, hotel in San José

Located in San José and with Poas National Park reachable within 29 miles, NATIVUS Art-Hostel provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a...

We went at a really quiet time so we had full use of the kitchen and other areas mostly to ourselves which was great. Kitchen had everything you need, there were lovely sitting areas and the staff were lovely. Breakfast was good, we are vegan but we were able to order the continental breakfast and ask for coffee and cereal with no milk (they had a fridge in our room so we bought an oat milk to use) and we asked for toast no butter and they provided jam.
Scored 8.9
8.9
Rated excellent
Excellent
902 reviews
Price from
$49.64
1 night, 2 adults
Casa Escalante Hostel, hotel in San José

Located in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 3.3 miles, Casa Escalante Hostel has a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared...

Everything, Nice Family Vibe! No Racista DeAmericans or Anyone! Great Breakfast, pool Table Cable Tv Hot Water!
Scored 8.5
8.5
Rated very good
Very Good
613 reviews
Price from
$34.75
1 night, 2 adults
Stray Cat Hostel, hotel in San José

Located in San José, within 30 miles of Poas National Park and 1.5 miles of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Stray Cat Hostel provides accommodations with a shared lounge.

Come any hour
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very Good
966 reviews
Price from
$38.64
1 night, 2 adults
Finca Escalante, hotel in San José

Located in San José, within 3 miles of La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 3.9 miles of National Stadium of Costa Rica, Finca Escalante provides accommodations with a garden and free WiFi throughout the...

I loved the location, staff, service and people watching.
Scored 7.8
7.8
Rated good
Good
1,986 reviews
Price from
$43.74
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.

Scored 7.7
7.7
Rated good
Good
3,511 reviews
Price from
$20.41
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in San José
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travelers know there's 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 little more.

Most booked hostels in San José this month

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

  • Eco Stay Hostel
    Budget options available
    Scored 9.3
    9.3
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 676 reviews

    Located in San José, 2.9 miles from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Eco Stay Hostel has accommodations 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
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,463 reviews

    Gaudys Hotel is located 8 minutes’ walk from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 1.2 mi from San José City Center. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.

    Fantastic location, sparkling clean hostel. Recommended it

  • Casa Escalante Hostel
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 613 reviews

    Located in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 3.3 miles, Casa Escalante Hostel has a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared...

    Lovely staff, very large room, brilliant location

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

    Located in San José, within 30 miles of Poas National Park and 1.5 miles of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Stray Cat Hostel provides accommodations with a shared lounge.

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

  • NATIVUS Art-Hostel
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 902 reviews

    Located in San José and with Poas National Park reachable within 29 miles, NATIVUS Art-Hostel provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a...

    The curtains around the beds and the reading lights

  • In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
    Scored 8.3
    8.3
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 588 reviews

    In the Wind Hostel and Guest house is set in the heart of lively, upscale San Pedro and only 1312 feet 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
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,986 reviews

    Located in San José, within 3 miles of La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 3.9 miles of National Stadium of Costa Rica, Finca Escalante provides accommodations with a garden and free WiFi throughout the...

    Breakfast included, a nice garden and a very quiet place

  • Hostel Shakti
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 937 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 center! Check these hostels in San José

  • Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only
    Scored 9.5
    9.5
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 10 reviews

    Casa Pandora Hostel Women Only is located in San José, 3.7 miles from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and 4.6 miles from National Stadium of Costa Rica.

  • Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 541 reviews

    Located in San José and with La Sabana Metropolitan Park reachable within 3.3 miles, Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout...

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

  • Costa Rica Backpackers
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,511 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.

    Facilities, service, amenities like pool, communication with staff

  • Hostel Casa Colon
    Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 419 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: $87.01
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 541 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: $29.70
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 3,511 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
     · 733 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $27
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 2,359 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: $42.94
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 613 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: $87.01
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 541 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 traveler
  • 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 traveler
  • Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,230 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: $56.95
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,986 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $52.88
    Scored 9.3
    9.3
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 676 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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