10 Best Hostels in San Jose, Costa Rica (2024)

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There are many hostels in San José, Costa Rica, offering the perfect opportunity to stay in comfortable accommodation at a great price. While many travelers prefer the convenience of a hotel, staying in a hostel allows you to mingle with other tourists, enjoy group activities, and, of course, save money.

In addition, San José is one of the main cities to visit in Costa Rica, so you’ll probably want to spend a few days discovering its attractions. While it’s not known for its beauty, San José has a wealth of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it an interesting place to visit in Costa Rica.

If you’re not sure where to stay in Costa Rica and you’re flying into the capital, I’ve got you covered. This guide has the 10 best hostels in San José, with details about each one’s unique characteristics so you can find your perfect fit.

1. Costa Rica Backpackers, the best hostel in San José, Costa Rica

The first San José hostel that I recommend is Costa Rica Backpackers. Its privileged location will allow you to enjoy all the points of interest in San José since it’s located in the heart of the city.

Here, you’ll find private rooms, shared dormitories, and female or male-only dorms so you can choose the most comfortable option for you. There is also an outdoor pool and a beautiful garden where you can get some peace and quiet after a day of sightseeing. Moreover, the property has a restaurant with great prices, so you can eat here and still travel cheaply.

As one of the best-located hostels in San José, the complex is close to all kinds of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, so you can make the most of your vacation. Overall, it’s an excellent option if you want comfort at a decent price.

2. Selina San José, another one of the best hostels in San José

Selina San Jose is another beautiful hostel in San José, featuring modern facilities and stunning rooms. Plus, it’s just 300 meters from Parque España, so you can walk to all the main tourist sites in the city.

Here, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for a good price. The shared rooms accommodate 4, 6, or 8 guests and have privacy curtains and lights on each of the beds. There are also private rooms for up to 4 people, so it’s a budget-friendly choice for groups or families. Of course, you can also rent the apartment, which features a living room and an equipped kitchen for preparing meals.

Another nice thing about this complex is its coworking area, allowing you to get work done while traveling. However, if you want to fully relax and have fun, there are ample opportunities since the rec room on the terrace has billiards, darts, and group movie nights. And if you don’t want to cook, just head to the restaurant and bar for delicious, affordable food, co*cktails, and live music.

Hands down, this is one of my favorite hostels in San José, Costa Rica.

3. Eco Stay Hostel, a hostel near San José’s city center

While it’s not in the heart of the city, the Eco Stay Hostel is still one of the best hostels in San José that you can choose from. Its location is ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and, instead, enjoy some tranquility.

The property has a charming rustic decor and private rooms for up to 4 people. Some of the rooms have a balcony and private bathroom, so it’s worth checking out the different room categories to find one that suits your preferences. If you don’t mind, you can opt for the 8-bed shared dormitory, which has a private bathroom and lockers to store your belongings.

The common areas are pleasant and spacious, offering opportunities to relax and mingle with other travelers. For example, there is a lovely garden, a covered terrace with a barbecue area, and a shared kitchen with a coffee maker, refrigerator, and oven. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can save money and feel at home, this is one of the best hostels in San José, Costa Rica.

4. Ester’s Place, a quiet hostel in San José, Costa Rica

Ester’s Place is another quiet hostel in San José located outside of the tourist center. If you don’t mind relying on public transport, this is a cheap place to stay. To give you an idea, Central Market is about a 10-minute drive from the accommodation.

Here, you can enjoy your quiet time, as the complex has spacious, private rooms for up to 4 people, perfect for vacationing with friends or family. All of the rooms have a private bathroom, so you can feel right at home. In addition, there is an outdoor terrace and a communal kitchen equipped with basic appliances, so you can prepare your own meals.

5. Chillout Escalante Hostel, one of the best cheap hostels in San José

Chillout Escalante Hostel is another recommended hostel in San José, specifically in the Escalante neighborhood. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere and some outdoor space, as the property has a charming patio.

Inside, there are shared dorms for 4 and 8 people and private rooms for up to 3 guests, so you can choose the option that suits you best. Of course, regardless of the room you choose, you can maintain your privacy using the curtains on the individual beds and the free-use lockers with padlocks.

While the area is known for having some of the best restaurants in Costa Rica, you can always cook your food in the community kitchen, where there is also free tea and coffee all day.

6. NATIVUS Art-Hostel, another good hostel in San José, Costa Rica

NATIVUS Art-Hostel is a relaxing hostel in San José, Costa Rica, just 200 meters from La Sabana Park, one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Most rooms are shared, but if you want to have your own space, you can book a double or single room with a private bathroom for greater peace of mind. Moreover, all guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, so you can start your day on the right foot.

Other facilities at this complex include a cozy terrace, which is very relaxing at night, and a shared kitchen with an oven, a microwave, and a refrigerator. As one of the best hostels in San José, the property has free luggage storage, so you can keep your bags safe if you have some time between check-out and your flight.

7. Finca Escalante, one of the most relaxing hostels in San José, Costa Rica

Finca Escalanteis a unique hostel in San José since it offers a more serene environment. It’s in the Escalante neighborhood and has a large garden where you can rest outdoors and take a break from the busyness and noise of the city center.

The rooms feature a sophisticated and modern style, with comfortable beds that will ensure you get a good night’s sleep. You can choose between shared dormitories or private rooms, and all guests can enjoy the continental breakfast buffet of toast, pancakes, fruit, and fresh juice.

In addition to the garden, you can spend time playing pool and hanging out with other guests. Keep in mind that while this San José hostel doesn’t have a kitchen, there are lots of nice restaurants in the area where you can try some typical Costa Rican dishes.

8. Lost in San Jose Hostel, a well-located hostel in San José

Lost in San Jose Hostel is another accommodation that you should take into account. This San José hostel is just a few meters from the San Pedro Mall, so you can take advantage of your stay to shop for souvenirs.

As for the rooms, they’re tastefully decorated and have a homey, rustic style with wooden details. There are bedrooms for up to 8 people and private rooms for up to 4 people, so if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, this is an excellent option.

In addition, the property offers all kinds of entertainment, including a pool table, a library, and a terrace with outdoor seating so you can take a rest and hang out with other guests. There is also a shared living room and kitchen, so if you’re looking for a home away from home, this is one of the best hostels in San José, Costa Rica.

9. Hostel Casa del Parque, another one of the best hostels in San José

Located right in front of La Sabana Park, the Hostel Casa del Parque is a centrally-located hostel in San José. If you’re looking for convenience, I highly recommend staying here since you’ll be just 10 minutes from Central Market and other top attractions in the city.

This accommodation is a giant house, with spacious and comfortable rooms for up to 3 people. If you’re vacationing as a couple, this is a budget-friendly option to consider while staying in the capital. All of the rooms include a private bathroom with toiletries and towels.

My favorite part of this place is the garden terrace, where you can enjoy some quiet time outdoors, meet new people, or simply rest after walking around the city. There is also a communal living room and a shared kitchen, making this one of the most complete hostels in San José, Costa Rica.

10. Stray Cat Hostel, one of the best hostels in San José for budgets

Lastly, the Stray Cat Hostel is one of the best cheap hostels in San José, where you don’t have to skimp on comfort for a good price. In addition to its pleasant facilities, it boasts an excellent location just a 10-minute walk from the city center. So, you’ll get the best of both worlds: proximity to attractions and a tranquil neighborhood.

You can choose from a variety of rooms, including shared dormitories with 4, 6, or 8 beds and private rooms for up to 3 guests. While the accommodations are simple, they’re tidy and include a private bathroom.

The complex has a shared kitchen, but you don’t have to worry about breakfast since it’s served every morning in the common room. Guests can enjoy the complimentary meal, which is inspired by traditional local cuisine and includes eggs, rice, beans, and more. Finally, coffee and tea are available throughout the day at this pleasant San José hostel.

That wraps up this guide to the best hostels in San José. Before I go, here is a map with all the hostels I mentioned, so you can see their locations and better organize your trip.

Also, don’t forget that I have another guide to the best hotels in San José, so if you’re looking for a different kind of accommodation, be sure to check it out. If you have any questions or want to share your experience at one of these hostels in San José, leave a comment so I can get back to you.

Enjoy your trip to San José, Costa Rica!