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
16 Oct - 18 Oct
In two weeks
23 Oct - 25 Oct
In one month
6 Nov - 8 Nov
In two months
4 Dec - 6 Dec

Our top choices for San José hostels

A poolside area with a pool, lounge chairs, and a building with large windows.

1. Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
2.0 star property
Catedral
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (371 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly and very helpful!"
Canada
Kiera
The price is HK$69
HK$172 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
A restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, a bar area, and a menu board.

2. Viajero San José Hostel

Viajero San José Hostel
2.0 star property
Carmen
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (61 reviews)
"One of the cleanest places I have stayed."
Mexico
JOSE MAURICIO
The price is HK$321
HK$363 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Viajero San José Hostel
Room

3. Toucan Hostel

Toucan Hostel
2.5 star property
Rio Segundo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (45 reviews)
"The room was clean & well kept. The bed was comfortable. Good stay overall"
United States
Henry
The price is HK$242
HK$273 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Toucan Hostel
A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

4. 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 HK$141
HK$328 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A room with a bookshelf, a potted plant, a puzzle box, and a blue brick wall.

5. 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 HK$198
HK$365 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Lolas Hostal
A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, a bed with green bedding, a wardrobe, and a nightstand.

6. Selune

Selune
2.0 star property
Alajuela
The price is HK$254
HK$287 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Selune
A modern bathroom with a large white sink, a patterned tile backsplash, and a small garden area with a pergola.

7. Capital Hostel de Ciudad

Capital Hostel de Ciudad
2.0 star property
La Sabana
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (73 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay here, the environment was very clean & I felt really comfortable."
United States
Henry
The price is HK$286
HK$323 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Capital Hostel de Ciudad
A spacious living area with a red sofa, wooden flooring, and a high ceiling with exposed beams.

8. 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 HK$539
HK$609 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Hostel Casa Colon
A hotel room with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a decorative wall, and a wooden floor.

9. Luca

Luca
1.0 star property
Barrio Escalante
5.0 out of 10, (2 reviews)
The price is HK$219
HK$247 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Luca
A room with a wooden ceiling, a large map on the wall, a red patterned sofa, and a glass door leading outside.

10. 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 HK$177
HK$200 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Oct - 18 Oct
In The Wind Hostel And Guesthouse
A staircase leading to a door with a view of a building in the background.

11. Gaudys Hotel

Gaudys Hotel
2.0 star property
Merced
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (35 reviews)
"Bathrooms always dirty you have to rent a towel"
United States
Ace
The price is HK$348
HK$394 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Gaudys Hotel
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 HK$268
HK$303 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

10/10 Excellent
"Beautiful room with friendly and wonderful staff. The restaurant in the hotel was pricey but the food was amazing. Location is in a busy area but there’s lots to do all in walking distance. Also There’s nowhere to park, you can only do valet which is just a one-time payment of $28 for your whole stay."
Joshua 1-night trip
Posted 20 hours ago
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

Find out more about San José

San José Hostels information

Number of reviews
812
Accommodation
26 Hostels
Lowest Price
HK$172
Highest Price
HK$609

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 money for going out. 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 forms, but they all have three main qualities in common, including low prices, a social atmosphere and shared rooms (though many have private options too).
What are the best hostels in San José?
According to our customers' reviews, these hostels in San José have the highest ratings: Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel - Close to public transport, this property is within a 5-minute walk of San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Rooms come with towels, showers and bed sheets. Toucan Hostel - Property features include free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms come with towels and bed sheets. Viajero San José Hostel - Close to public transport, this property is within a 10-minute walk of San Jose Atlantic Station and San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and tour/ticket assistance. You'll find showers, bed sheets and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel - Property features include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an arcade/games room. You'll find free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Gaudys Hotel - Located within a 10-minute walk of Sabana Park. You can take advantage of free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, as well as free parking. Rooms come with bed sheets, free Wi-Fi and free bottled water.
How many hostels will I find in San José?
If you're in the market 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?
The weather is important when you want to venture out and explore, so here's some information that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually March and April, with an average temperature of 20°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 19°C. The rainiest months in San José are October, June, September and August, with each month seeing an average of 650 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in San José?
Depending on what interests you, you might enjoy the area around San José. Get out into nature with places such as 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 such as Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and Rock Bridge.
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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), which is 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. Once you're on the ground, you might want to use public transport 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.