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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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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.

the best hostel I have been in so far

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9
Superb
473 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.

Centrally located, spacious &, comfortable hostel with everything a traveler needs. The dorm had two separate showers, comfortable beds and pillows, each bunk has a curtain, electric dock and lamp, as well as lockers. Morning coffee was great on the garden terrace. There's a large living room to watch movies/sports and working stations for the digital nomads.

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9.4
Superb
664 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.

This is a very cute hostel and the location is perfect. The staff was really nice. I can recommend it!

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9.3
Superb
44 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.

Finca Escalante is a clean and welcoming hostel. We stayed at the hostel only one night after arriving on 24th of Dec to Costa Rica. The restaurants were closed in the neighborhood on that day and the guy at the reception was lovely and kind and he offered us a pizza cause we could not find anything to eat that night. We booked 2 beds in a share room and he also gave us a private room cause there was not so many people at the hostel. Hospitality was amazing!!! Ticos are really lovely and helpful!!! The next morning we got delicious breakfast: (a buffet) fresh fruits, coffee, pancakes with maples syrup, jam and peanut butter and toasts. If we are back in San Jose we will definitely book it again. Totally worth it!

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8
Very good
1,920 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.

I love everything about Hostel Gaudys!! Not only it feels like home to me, it's also a very social hostel to meet other fellow backpackers. The staff are super nice, friendly and helpful, always there to help you with any inquiries. The hostel is clean and comfy, it's also close to the supermarkets, city buses and airport shuttle. I've stayed at Gaudys 3 times now and it is the only hostel I will stay when I'm in town! Highly recommend for lovely hostel to everyone. Thank you so much Hostel Gaudys for my amazing stays and experiences! 😘

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8.2
Very good
1,415 reviews
Price from
£63
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.

Very nice place, great amenities, friendly staff, good breakfast

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8.7
Fabulous
549 reviews
Price from
£12
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.

I love that the Hostel cater to stray cats, the facility is really nice and comfortable, it’s clean , the paintings, the way the furnitures are set up.

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8
Very good
861 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. 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 garden, very nice staff and 'value for money' accommodation.

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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.

i liked it very much specially the stuff does excellent job ! i will definitely stay here again if i come back

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8.9
Fabulous
850 reviews

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.

Friendliness of staff. Beautiful art on the walls. Included breakfast

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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.
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  • Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 473 reviews

    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...

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

  • Eco Stay Hostel
    Budget options available
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 664 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
     · 1,415 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
     · 549 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
     · 861 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
     · 690 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:)

  • In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 612 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.

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

  • Hostel Casa Ridgway
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 44 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
     · 850 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.

  • Costa Rica Backpackers
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,244 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.

  • Hostel Casa Colon
    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

  • 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

  • 9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 473 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: £26.17
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 3,244 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: £34.28
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 690 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: £21.67
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,246 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: £44.89
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 549 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
  • 9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 473 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: £39.99
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,920 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: £42.44
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 664 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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