What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in San José?

Motels typically offer cheaper rates than hotels, which makes them excellent if you're exploring around San José on a shoestring. A sought-after pick for overnight stays, these roadside getaways have simply furnished rooms, limited services and on-site parking. Choose a 3-star hotel and you can expect to pay extra for additional privacy, comfort and amenities. Travelers can take advantage of things like a gym, free WiFi and business facilities at this kind of property.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San José?

Keep your budget in check at one of our 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San José. Get up and grab a fresh brew at The Palm House Inn , which has a garden and a restaurant. Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District is another escape that provides your morning drinks and snacks without an additional cost.

Do any 3-star hotels in San José have a pool?

Expedia has some fabulous 3-star picks in San José where you can enjoy a refreshing swim, including Santo Tomas Hotel and Holiday Inn San Jose-Aurola, an IHG Hotel . June, July and August, which are the summer months here, are perfect for checking in to a 3-star hotel with a pool. If you're craving the warmest weather for your poolside break, reserve in March when temperatures average from 14ºC at night to 27ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in San José have an on-site restaurant?

Following a day of touring the sights, unwind with a delicious meal at Hotel El Maragato 's on-site restaurant. This 3-star San José option also includes a terrace and a pillowtop mattress. Or eat without having to go anywhere at The Palm House Inn . A garden and free WiFi are just two of the other amenities available here.

Do any 3-star hotels in San José have WiFi?

Yes, certainly. Exe San Jose Center and Hotel El Maragato are among Expedia's 3-star hotels in San José with WiFi. Opt for one of these stays to easily access weather reports, travel advice and tourist information. Remember, this useful amenity may be free or incur an additional cost.

What 3-star hotels in San José have parking?

Spend more time chilling out and less time searching for a space for your wheels at a 3-star hotel with parking. Exe San Jose Center and Balmoral Hotel San José CR, Historic District are popular picks in San José. Looking for some sightseeing adventures outside the city? Slide behind the wheel and hit the road. Arenal Volcano National Park and Jaco Beach are two favorite day trip destinations from central San José.

Do any 3-star hotels in San José have rooms with a kitchenette?

Staying at a hotel with a kitchenette is ideal if you're planning a self-catered vacation in San José. Enjoy whipping up your own breakfasts and dinners at Apartamentos El Castillo . Premium bedding and a terrace are other amenities at this 3-star escape. Or save money on restaurant bills at Cedar Cats Short Stay Apartments - Adults Only , which also has cooking facilities as well as a terrace and a cafe.

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Our top choices for San José 3-star hotels

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Cacique

Richard

￥21,734 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Ciudad Cariari

Troy

￥16,354 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Alajuela

Enyang

￥22,469 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 11 - Jan 12, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Rio Segundo

Kimberly

￥28,502 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Ciudad Cariari

dahily

￥23,760 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Alajuela

elissa

￥22,807 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Cacique

Gina

￥23,248 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 10 - Jan 11, 2026

Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

Pozos

M. Joan

￥16,454 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2026

Hotel Mango

Cacique

Harris

￥17,415 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 7 - Jan 8, 2026

Irazu Hotel & Studios

Uruca

Anthony

￥15,159 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose

Santa Ana

Milagrito

￥18,046 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 8 - Jan 9, 2026

Room, 2 Double Beds | Down comforters, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

City Express by Marriott San Jose Costa Rica

Ciudad Cariari

Oleg

￥14,685 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 10 - Jan 11, 2026

Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

Carmen

￥22,824 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 2 - Jan 3, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

La Sabana

Tatiana A Rodriguez, Pedro Tovar Quiroga, Veronica

￥21,089 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2026

Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

San Rafael

Payton

￥21,054 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026

Daily buffet breakfast (USD 23 per person)

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu

San Rafael

andrew

￥19,675 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 16 - Jan 17, 2026

Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu

San Rafael

Diana

￥20,904 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 9 - Jan 10, 2026

Daily buffet breakfast (CRC 9500 per person)

Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana by IHG

Uruca

Neelam

￥18,931 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 25 - Jan 26, 2026

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Hyatt Place San José/Pinares

Sánchez

Luis

￥19,107 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 3 - Jan 4, 2026

Hotel Palma Real

La Sabana

Terry

￥17,595 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 30 - Dec 31

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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in San José.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

700 meters West from Bridgestone/Firest La Asunción Heredia

￥33,193

￥37,508 total

Jan 24 - Jan 25, 2026

includes taxes & fees

9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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San José and related destinations

Stroll through leafy Central Park before catching a world-class performance at the ornate National Theater. Delve into Costa Rican history at the National Museum, then browse local art and savor rich coffee at nearby cafes.

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Top San José Hotel Reviews

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room, quick check-in & check-out process. Great breakfast with local food options too."

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Clean rooms, good internet, excellent breakfasts, and friendly staff."

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in San José?

Hotel El Maragato, around 0.32 kilometers northeast of downtown San José, is an Expedia guest favorite. A cafe and an espresso maker are among its conveniences. Exe San Jose Center is another 3-star hotel that ranks highly among travelers. It offers a sauna and a cafe, and is approximately 0.48 kilometers northeast of the center.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in San José?

Use Expedia's sort and search filters to look for a great-value 3-star hotel for your upcoming San José trip. Just set your maximum rate with our convenient pricing tool. You can also choose your amenities, favorite area and a lot more.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from ￥14,881

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in San José?

The key difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in San José is the quality of service and availability of creature comforts. Three-star hotels are typically more budget-friendly and provide the services and amenities required for your comfort, such as WiFi, a gym and breakfast. You can expect a little more at a 4-star hotel — think upmarket interiors, deluxe toiletries and extra touches like on-site spas.

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Our top choices for San José 3-star hotels

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

Hotel Mango

Irazu Hotel & Studios

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose

City Express by Marriott San Jose Costa Rica

Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu

Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu

Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana by IHG

Hyatt Place San José/Pinares

Hotel Palma Real

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San José and related destinations

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Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

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