10 Best Hostels in San Jose, Costa Rica

There are many youth hostels in San José, Costa Rica, presenting a great chance to stay in comfortable accommodations at a low cost. While numerous travelers prefer the convenience of a hotel, lodging at a hostel allows you to interact with other visitors, take part in group activities, and, naturally, save money.

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

If you’re unsure where to lodge in Costa Rica and you’re flying into the funds, I’ve got you insured. This guide displays the 10 top hostels in San José, with details regarding each one’s exclusive qualities so you can locate your ideal fit.

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

The initial San José hostel that I propose is . Its advantageous locale will permit enjoying all the points of interest in San José since it’s situated in the heart of the city.

Here, private rooms, shared dormitories, and female or male-only dorms are available so you can select the most comfortable alternative for you. There is also an outdoor pool and a lovely garden where you can find peace and quiet after a day of sightseeing. Moreover, the property has a restaurant with affordable prices, so eating here can still allow inexpensive travel.

As one of the best-located hostels in San José, the complex lies close by all forms of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, so guests can maximize their vacation time. Overall, it’s an excellent option if comfort at a fair price is desired.

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

Selina San Jose is another aesthetically pleasing hostel in San José, featuring modern facilities and stunning rooms. Plus, it’s just 300 meters from Parque España, allowing walking to all main tourist sites in the city.

In this location, comfort does not necessitate a higher price. The shared rooms accommodate groups of 4, 6, or 8 guests and feature dividers and separate lighting attached to each bed for seclusion. Private rooms are also an option for up to 4 individuals, creating a budget-friendly choice for groups or families. Of course, renting the entire apartment is possible as well, with a living room and equipped kitchen to prepare meals.

Another notable feature about this location is its collaborative workspace, letting you get work done during your travels. However, if wanting to fully unwind and have fun, there are plenty of opportunities since the recreational area on the terrace accommodates billiards, darts, and group movie screenings. And if preferring not to cook, just head to the eatery and pub for delectable, affordable meals, mixed drinks, and live performances.

Without a doubt, 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 not situated within the heart of the city, the Eco Stay Hostel continues to represent one of the best hostel choices in San José for visitors to select from. Its location proves ideal for those seeking an escape from the frenetic pace and who prefer instead to savor some tranquility.

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

The communal areas are spacious and pleasant, providing opportunities to unwind and mingle with other travelers. For example, there is a lovely garden, an outdoor terrace with a barbecue area protected by a canopy, and a shared kitchen equipped with a coffee maker, refrigerator, and oven. So, if you’re searching 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 peaceful hostel in San José situated outside the visitor center. If you don’t mind relying on public transportation, this is an affordable location to reside. To give you an idea, Central Market is about a 10-minute drive from the lodging.

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

Ultimately, natural disasters like tsunamis, typhoons, and earthquakes aren’t uncommon in a country like Japan. Including this kind of protection in your policy is a sensible idea .

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

Chillout Escalante Hostel is another strongly recommended lodging facility in San José, especially found in the Escalante neighborhood. It’s an excellent place to reside if you’re searching for a relaxed ambiance and some open space, as the property possesses a charming patio area.

Inside, there are shared dormitories 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 seclusion using the curtains on the individual beds and the free-use lockers with padlocks.

While the region is known for housing some of the top restaurants in Costa Rica, you can always cook your food in the community kitchen, where free tea and coffee are available all day.

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

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

Most spaces are shared, but if you want your own area, you can book a double or single room with a private washroom for greater mental relaxation. Moreover, all guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, so you can start your day on the right footpath.

Other facilities at this complex include a relaxing terrace located at the property, which is quite calming to spend time at during the night hours, and a shared kitchen containing an oven, a microwave, and a refrigerator for communal use. As one of the superior hostels in San José, the location offers free storage of luggage, so travelers can safely keep their bags if there is time between checking out of a room and their scheduled flight.

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

Finca Escalante provides a unique hostel environment in San José since it delivers a more serene setting. It’s located in the Escalante neighbourhood and has a spacious garden where you can unwind outdoors and take a break from the busyness and noise of the city centre.

The rooms showcase a sophisticated and contemporary design, with comfortable beds ensuring a good night`s sleep. You can opt for shared dormitories or private rooms, and all guests can enjoy the continental breakfast buffet including toast, pancakes, fruit, and fresh juice.

Additionally to the garden, you can expend time playing pool and spending time with other guests. Bear in mind that while this San José hostel doesn’t hold a kitchen, there are numerous nice restaurants in the area where you can sample 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 should be taken into account. This San José hostel is simply a few meters from the San Pedro Mall, so you can make the most of your stay to shop for souvenirs.

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

Furthermore, the property offers various forms of entertainment, including a pool table, a library, and an outdoor terrace with seating so you can take a rest and socialize 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 top hostels in San José, Costa Rica.

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

Situated directly in front of La Sabana Park, the Hostel Casa del Parque is a centrally-positioned hostel in San José. If convenience is what you seek, I highly recommend staying here since you`ll be just 10 minutes from Central Market and other top attractions in the city.

This lodging is a goliath house, with expansive and agreeable rooms for up to 3 individuals. On the off chance that you’re vacationing as a couple, this is a spending neighborly alternative to think about while remaining in the capital. All of the rooms incorporate a private restroom with toiletries and towels.

The space of this location that is most enjoyable to me is the outdoor terrace garden, where one can appreciate solitude outdoors, meet new acquaintances, or simply relax after exploring the city. There is also a shared common room and communal 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

Finally, Stray Cat Hostel is one of the best affordable hostels in San José, where you don’t have to compromise on comfort for a reasonable price. In addition to its pleasant facilities, it boasts an excellent location merely 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, like 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 breakfast need not be worried about since it`s served every morning in the common room. Visitors 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 conclude, here is a map with all the hostels I mentioned, so you can view their locations and better organize your trip.

Also, it is worth mentioning that I have another guide to the best hotels in San José, so if you’re searching for a different kind of lodging, 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!