A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.

Search Hostels in San José

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
Oct 2 - Oct 4
In two weeks
Oct 9 - Oct 11
In one month
Oct 23 - Oct 25
In two months
Nov 20 - Nov 22

Our top choices for San José hostels

A room with a bookshelf, a potted plant, a puzzle box, and a blue brick wall.

1. Lolas Hostal

Lolas Hostal
2.0 star property
Catedral
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (50 reviews)
"The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I was pleasantly surprised by how excellent the interior was. There are several common areas including a full kitchen and all are well maintained and well thought out. Very beautiful."
United States
Barry
The price is ￥3,600
￥6,938 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Lolas Hostal
A poolside area with a pool, lounge chairs, and a building with large windows.

2. Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
2.0 star property
Catedral
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (364 reviews)
"Excellent atmosphere especially for meeting other travelers from around the world"
United States
D'Arcy
The price is ￥1,265
￥3,335 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
A restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, a bar area, and a menu board.

3. Viajero San José Hostel

Viajero San José Hostel
2.0 star property
Carmen
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (57 reviews)
"One of the cleanest places I have stayed."
Mexico
JOSE MAURICIO
The price is ￥5,584
￥6,310 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Viajero San José Hostel

4. Toucan Hostel

Toucan Hostel
2.5 star property
Rio Segundo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (44 reviews)
"The room was clean & well kept. The bed was comfortable. Good stay overall"
United States
Henry
The price is ￥4,257
￥4,811 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Toucan Hostel
A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

5. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (245 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff, airport shuttle"
United States
Daniel
The price is ￥3,144
￥6,961 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A modern bathroom with a large white sink, a patterned tile backsplash, and a small garden area with a pergola.

6. Capital Hostel de Ciudad

Capital Hostel de Ciudad
2.0 star property
La Sabana
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (72 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay here, the environment was very clean & I felt really comfortable."
United States
Henry
The price is ￥6,286
￥7,103 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Capital Hostel de Ciudad
A spacious living area with a red sofa, wooden flooring, and a high ceiling with exposed beams.

7. Hostel Casa Colon

Hostel Casa Colon
2.0 star property
Merced
7.8 out of 10, Good, (146 reviews)
"It's close to downtown and the tica bus station. "
Canada
Tyler
The price is ￥9,810
￥11,086 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Hostel Casa Colon
A room with a wooden ceiling, a large map on the wall, a red patterned sofa, and a glass door leading outside.

8. In The Wind Hostel And Guesthouse

In The Wind Hostel And Guesthouse
1.5 star property
San Pedro
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (28 reviews)
"Great Hostel to Stay at. Clean, Quiet, Great Value for the $ and the Breakfast is Awesome"
United States
Joseph
The price is ￥3,429
￥3,875 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 26 - Sep 27
In The Wind Hostel And Guesthouse
A room with a bed, a nightstand, a green curtain, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.

9. Selune

Selune
2.0 star property
Alajuela
The price is ￥4,269
￥4,824 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Selune
A staircase leading to a door with a view of a building in the background.

10. Gaudys Hotel

Gaudys Hotel
2.0 star property
Merced
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (34 reviews)
"Bathrooms always dirty you have to rent a towel"
United States
Ace
The price is ￥8,572
￥9,686 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Gaudys Hotel
A hotel room with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a decorative wall, and a wooden floor.

11. Luca

Luca
1.0 star property
Barrio Escalante
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1 review)
The price is ￥4,026
￥4,549 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 24 - Oct 25
Luca
A rustic wooden cabin with a covered porch, a hammock, and a dining area.

12. Finca Guarumo - Hostel

Finca Guarumo - Hostel
1.5 star property
Las Horquetas
The price is ￥5,429
￥6,135 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Finca Guarumo - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
View all properties
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Sign in
Sign up, it's free

Top San José Hotel Reviews

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

10/10 Excellent
"El hotel está en buenas condiciones son muy atentos los trabajadores en la recepción el servicio es excelente"
Odalys 5-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

Find out more about San José

San José Hostels information

Number of reviews
496
Accommodation
26 Hostels
Lowest Price
￥3,335
Highest Price
￥11,086

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in San José?
Hostels are a great way to stay for a good value, so you can save your budget for fun things to do. You can check out this destination's cultural highlights, such as its museums and entertainment venues.
What is a hostel?
These dorm-style accommodations come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have three main qualities in common, including budget prices, a social atmosphere, and shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too).
What are the best hostels in San José?
Based on reviews from our guests, these San José hostels are some of the most popular ones: Viajero San José Hostel - Close to public transit, this property is within a 10-minute walk of San Jose Atlantic Station and San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and tour assistance. You'll find showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel - Close to public transit, this property is within a 5-minute walk of San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station. You can take advantage of free WiFi and an outdoor pool, as well as a restaurant. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Toucan Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms come with towels and bed sheets. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a game room. You'll find free WiFi in all rooms. Gaudys Hotel - Located within a 10-minute walk of Sabana Park. You can take advantage of free breakfast and free WiFi, as well as free parking. Rooms come with bed sheets, free WiFi, and free bottled water.
How many hostels will I find in San José?
If you're searching for an affordable place to stay in San José, one of Expedia's 25 hostels might be a great choice for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in San José?
Good weather's definitely a plus when you're experiencing new places, so here are some stats about the seasons: The hottest months are usually March and April with an average temp of 68°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 66°F. The rainiest months in San José are October, June, September, and August, with each month seeing an average of 26 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in San José?
Depending on what interests you, you might like to check out the area around San José. Get out into nature with places like Central Park, Morazan Park, and National Park. Cultural attractions include National Theater of Costa Rica, National Museum of Costa Rica, and Museum of Costa Rican Art. Visit landmarks like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica.
What's the best way to get to and around San José while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in San José on hand to make the most of your stay: You can fly into the closest airport, which is San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.), 4.4 mi (7.1 km) away. Another option is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), situated 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. Once you've arrived, you might want to use public transit during your trip. To see more of the area, take a train from San Jose Pacific Station, San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station, or San Jose Viquez Square Station.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia