Skip to main content

The 10 Best Hostels in San José, Costa Rica

Some of the best backpacker spots in San José

Filter by:


Review score

Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest price first Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

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.

Very friendly helpful staff and safe location. Rooms and bathrooms were clean. I would totally recommend!

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
478 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.

Friendly staff, got good travel tips and recommendations for the city, clean rooms and lobby/ common area, kitchen to be used by guests, free tea and coffee in the morning, possible to go to the gym nearby (good and cheap), discount at restaurant nearby

Show more Show less
9.4
Superb
665 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 so so cheerful and welcoming, I felt straight like being at home. The shared shower & toilet was spacious, and felt comfortable using. The kitchen, living room and several shared public spaces were really comfortable.

Show more Show less
9.4
Superb
48 reviews
Price from
£14
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.

Friendly staff, clean room, good breakfast, close to restaurants bar and city. Have a beautiful architecture and gardens!

Show more Show less
8
Very good
1,919 reviews
Price from
£11
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.

Amazing staff, really helpful and friendly and the place looks amazing. It was really clean and you have everything that you need there. They just opened a small bar service and the drinks are A+! Thank you everybody

Show more Show less
8.2
Very good
1,417 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.

The place is clean, beds are comfortable and the owner is super friendly.

Show more Show less
8.7
Fabulous
554 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.

Amazing breakfast, great friendly staff who went above and beyond to help with anything

Show more Show less
8
Very good
871 reviews
Price from
£18
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.

it’s cheap, it’s in a nice area and it has a gorgeous patio

Show more Show less
8
Very good
690 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.

The hostel was quiet, clean, and professional. The staff was delightful and helpful. The atmosphere was lovely with art and plants everyway. It was close to central San José, banks, grocery, and Sábana park.

Show more Show less
8.9
Fabulous
853 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.

It was busy but got a good vibe, chilled people and there was a music playing in the lobby!!Super cool!!

Show more Show less
8
Very good
310 reviews
Price from
£32
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.
Search hostels in San José

Most booked hostels in San José this month

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

  • Eco Stay Hostel
    Budget options available
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 666 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
     · 1,417 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

  • Casa Escalante Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 554 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.

  • Stray Cat Hostel
    Budget options available
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 871 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
     · 691 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:)

  • Finca Escalante
    Budget options available
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,919 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...

    Comfy, clean, super friendly staff, really great location!

  • Hostel Shakti
    Budget options available
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 916 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
     · 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

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

  • Hostel Casa Ridgway
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 48 reviews

    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.

    La gentillesse du personnel, le calme et la propreté

  • NATIVUS Art-Hostel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 853 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
     · 613 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.

  • Costa Rica Backpackers
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,256 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.

  • 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: £54.04
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 478 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: £25.99
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,256 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: £34.04
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 691 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: £21.52
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,258 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: £39.36
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 554 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: £54.04
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 478 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
  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 310 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
     · 1,431 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: £34.85
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,919 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: £42.15
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 666 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

Research, refine and make plans for your whole trip

gogless