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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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Review Score

Wonderful: 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
Wonderful
478 reviews
Price from
$23
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.

Calm, laid back family run place in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance to barrio Escalante and city center.. wifi was good, breakfast was awesome, First time I've experienced dorm beds getting made everyday with clean bedsheets and towel! The garden area was a nice place to chill. The family was very humble and welcoming.. will definitely stay again.

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9.4
Wonderful
668 reviews
Price from
$20
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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9.3
Wonderful
49 reviews
Price from
$17
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
1,417 reviews
Price from
$15.60
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
Excellent
555 reviews
Price from
$11.40
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.

Perfect place cozy good atmosphere and close to walking street city center ,markets etc AND really close to busstations... Very kind staff!helpful and always with a smile for you:-)!

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8
Very Good
873 reviews
Price from
$15.80
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.

Everything was clean, organized and with taste. Is so immersive, you are in direct contact with the nature, you wake up surrounded by trees, parrots, lovely dogs and nice and chill people. It was nicer than what we where expecting. They also offer many tours that we didn’t have time to enjoy but they look like they are worth it.

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8
Very Good
691 reviews
Price from
$11.70
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
Excellent
854 reviews
Price from
$19.95
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
$35
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
$11
per night

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.
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  • Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 478 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.

  • Eco Stay Hostel
    Budget options available
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 668 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

  • Hostel Gaudys
    Budget options available
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,419 reviews

    Hostel Gaudys 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

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

    Featuring a shared lounge, Stray Cat Hostel offers accommodations in San José, 30 miles from Poas National Park and 1.5 miles 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

    Located in San José, 3.3 miles from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Lost in San Jose Hostel & Suites has accommodations 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
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,922 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...

    Cute building, free coffee and pancakes, friendly accommodating staff

  • Hostel Shakti
    Budget options available
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 917 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 center! Check these hostels in San José

  • Hostel Casa Ridgway
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 49 reviews

    Hostel Casa Ridgway offers accommodations 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
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 855 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...

    Great facilities, beautiful decor, friendly hosts.

  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 555 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...

    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 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.

  • 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 0.6 mi of Metropolitan Hospital Costa Rica, StrayCat offers accommodations 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
     · 3,260 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 1148 feet from San José mani square and 984 feet from the National Theater. 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: $67.80
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 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: $27.71
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,260 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: $42.71
    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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $24
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 2,259 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: $43.51
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 555 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: $67.80
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 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 traveler
  • 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 traveler
  • 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
  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,922 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
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 668 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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