Costa Rica may have travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

Find out moreOpens in new tab or window

Search Hostels in San Jose from CA $9

Search over 1 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide

Members save 10% more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Sign up.

Free cancellation on most hotels. Because flexibility matters.

Featured Hostels in San Jose

Fauna Luxury Hostel

Fauna Luxury Hostel

2.5 out of 5
del Edificio Municipal de Escazú 150mts, Antiguo Hotel Beacon, Escazu
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $47 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Situated in the historical district, this hostel is within 6 mi (10 km) of Museum of Costa Rican Art, National Theater and Gold Museum (Museo de Oro). National ...…

4.5/5Wonderful! (262 reviews)

"Lovely staff as always. They always make you feel at home"…"

Reviewed on Jun. 19, 2020

Fauna Luxury Hostel
Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

2 out of 5
Avenida 6, between Calle 21 & 25, San Jose, San Jose
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $9 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Located in the heart of San Jose, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of National Park and Morazan Park. San Pedro Mall and University of Costa Rica are also ...…

3.8/5Good! (140 reviews)
Great stay

"Super cute out door area. Backpackers always brings about a certian vibe of friendly and warm hearted people"…"

Reviewed on Feb. 21, 2020

Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
Selina San Jose

Selina San Jose

3 out of 5
Ave. 9, Calles 13 y 15, Barrio Otoya, El Carmen, San Jose
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $41 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Located in Amón, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of Morazan Park and National Park. San Pedro Mall and University of Costa Rica are also within 3 miles ...…

4.2/5Excellent! (100 reviews)
A pleasant stay

"The common areas are great with lots of fun details. All the meals I had in the restaurant we’re delicious and the staff are friendly. The dorms themselves are pretty basic. I like that each bed has its own light, socket and curtain, but my 6-bed dorm was really dark which made sorting out my backpack ..."…"

Reviewed on Mar. 3, 2020

Selina San Jose

You could be seeing lower prices

With member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of properties.
Sign up, it's freeSign in
Hostel del Paseo

Hostel del Paseo

2 out of 5
Enfrente de Torres de Paseo Colon, San Jose
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $25 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2

Located in San Bosco, this hostel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Mercado Central, Sabana Park and Morazan Park. National Park and Costa Rica National Stadium (Estadio ...…

4.5/5Wonderful! (42 reviews)

"Good location, complementary breakfast, WiFi works more or less."…"

Reviewed on Mar. 6, 2020

Hostel del Paseo
Hostel Casa Colon

Hostel Casa Colon

2 out of 5
Paseo Colon, Calle 24 Norte, Opposite Torre Mercedes, San Jose, San Jose
Get Rates

Located in Merced, this hostel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Mercado Central, Morazan Park and Sabana Park. National Park and Costa Rica National Stadium (Estadio ...…

3.9/5Good! (132 reviews)

"We (3 Canadians) took the bus from Panama City to San Jose, Costa Rica (Tica Bus)...arrived closer to mid-night; this location is 5 mts walk from Tica Bus Terminal; Check-in was a breeze; very friendly staff; breakfast was included in our package and we enjoyed it both days; there is a bar (to enjoy ..."…"

Reviewed on Mar. 3, 2020

Hostel Casa Colon
Nativus Art-Hostel

Nativus Art-Hostel

2 out of 5
Ave 5 Edificio 3650, Paseo Colon, Entre Calle 36 y 38, San Jose, San Jose
The price is CA $26 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Located in Merced, this hostel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Museum of Costa Rican Art and Costa Rica National Stadium (Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica). Gold Museum ...…

5/5Exceptional! (3 reviews)

"Lovely place and excellent location. Staff is really friendly and helpful, Esteban went above and beyond and his recommendations were amazing. Breakfast was awesome too. Thank you!"…"

Reviewed on Jan. 24, 2020

Nativus Art-Hostel
Mi Casa Hostel

Mi Casa Hostel

2 out of 5
Ave Las Américas Calle 56, Sabana Norte, San Jose, San Jose
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $38 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

This family-friendly San Jose hostel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Estadio Nacional, Sabana Park and Costa Rica National Stadium (Estadio ...…

3.7/5Good! (18 reviews)

"great staff,good location,good price. near nice park and great restaurants."…"

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2020

Mi Casa Hostel
Hostel Urbano Yoses

Hostel Urbano Yoses

1.5 out of 5
Los Yoses, San Jose, San José
Get Rates

Situated in San Jose, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of San Pedro Mall and University of Costa Rica. National Park and Morazan Park are also within 2 ...…

Hostel Urbano Yoses
Hostel Casa del Parque

Hostel Casa del Parque

2 out of 5
Calle19, entre Avenidas 1 y 3, San Jose, San José
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $46 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Situated in San Jose, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of National Park and Morazan Park. San Pedro Mall and University of Costa Rica are also within 2 ...…

2.3/5 (4 reviews)

"It’s a nice place located very central, the staff is amazing but could improve amenities and cleanliness."…"

Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2019

Hostel Casa del Parque
Hotel Columbus

Hotel Columbus

2 out of 5
Sabana Norte, 100m east of ICE, 2nd floor of Restaurante Hibachi, San Jose
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $57 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Situated in San Jose, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Estadio Nacional, Sabana Park and Costa Rica National Stadium (Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica). ...…

4.4/5Excellent! (57 reviews)

"Loved the restaurant, and the staff were all very kind and helpful."…"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2020

Hotel Columbus
Turtle Saving Hostel

Turtle Saving Hostel

2 out of 5
Calle 37 Barrio Escalante, 75m south of Restaurant Sapporro, San Jose
Get Rates

Located in Barrio Dent, this hostel is within a 15-minute walk of San Pedro Mall, University of Costa Rica and National Park. Morazan Park and Sabana Park are ...…

4.5/5Wonderful! (2 reviews)

"Mi experiencia fue muy buena . La pase muy cómodo y tranquilo . Lo recomiendo"…"

Reviewed on Jul. 17, 2019

Turtle Saving Hostel
Gaudy´s Eco Hotel

Gaudy´s Eco Hotel

2 out of 5
avenida 5 entre calle 36 y 38, de la toyota 200 norte y 50 este, San Jose, San Jose
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $18 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30

Located in Merced, this hostel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Museum of Costa Rican Art, Sabana Park and Costa Rica National Stadium (Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica). ...…

4.4/5Wonderful! (7 reviews)

"I can not say more good things about Gaudys...from the moment I arrived to the minute I left. I was here for unexpected eye surgery and needed a place quick to stay for a few nights. What I love..it's not a 'party' kind of hostel. I needed and wanted a chill environment to prepare for surgery and ..."…"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2019

Gaudy´s Eco Hotel
Don't see what you're looking for?
See all available properties in San Jose
View all properties
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.

Other property types in San Jose

Hotel Luisiana

Hotel Luisiana

3.5 out of 5
100 west and 400 south from Cruz Roja, Santa Ana, San Jose
The price is CA $50 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
4.2/5Very Good! (998 reviews)

"I love this place . I ve been staying here for over 7 years"…"

Reviewed on Oct. 9, 2020

Hotel Luisiana
Hyatt Place San José/Pinares

Hyatt Place San José/Pinares

3.5 out of 5
Plaza Momentum Pinares, Curridabat, San Jose
The price is CA $152 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
4.6/5Exceptional! (281 reviews)

"Nice property in a cool location. Roberth at the front desk greeted me with a smile and remembered my name every time I passed by. I was impressed."…"

Reviewed on Feb. 25, 2020

Hyatt Place San José/Pinares
Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

4 out of 5
Route 27, 350 Metros West of Multiplaza Mall, Guachipelin, San Jose
The price is CA $123 per night from Oct 30 to Oct 31
4.5/5Wonderful! (720 reviews)
Only ones in the hotel

"Wonderful stay. Honestly a little surprised at the price since occupancy was at 5%. Perhaps more people would stay if they reduced the price. We did not see any other guests. Our stay was wonderful and the staff very friendly."…"

Reviewed on Jun. 4, 2020

Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica
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.

What Is a Hostel?

If you're in the market for an affordable place to stay in San Jose, one of the 38 hostels here might be a great choice for you. No two hostels look identical, but these dormitory-style accommodations all offer the following:

  • Shared rooms (though many hostels also have private rooms)
  • Low prices
  • A social setting

Hostels are a great way to stay in San Jose for a lower cost, so you can save your budget for going out. You can check out cultural highlights like the museums in this destination, or enjoy the local tours and other activities.

Hostels in San Jose

Ready to book a hostel in town? These options have the highest reviews from our guests and might be a good place to look first:

Fauna Luxury Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

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 breakfast and free WiFi, as well as an outdoor pool. Rooms come with showers.

Selina San Jose - Located within a 10-minute walk of National Theater and Gold Museum (Museo de Oro). You can take advantage of free WiFi and a restaurant, as well as tour/ticket assistance. You'll find showers in all rooms.

Hostel del Paseo - Located within a 20-minute walk of Museum of Costa Rican Art and Gold Museum (Museo de Oro). Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and TV in a common area. Rooms come with showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers.

Hostel Casa Colon - Located within a 20-minute walk of Museum of Costa Rican Art and Gold Museum (Museo de Oro). You can take advantage of free WiFi and free parking, as well as a restaurant. Rooms come with free toiletries.

When Is the Best Time to Visit San Jose?

The weather can be a big factor when you want to venture out and explore, so here are some stats about the local climate:

  • The hottest months are typically April and May, while January and February are the coldest months
  • January-March: Daytime temperatures average 83° F and nighttime temperatures average 61° F
  • April-June: 84° F is the daytime average and 64° F is the nighttime average
  • July-September: Daytime averages are around 81° F and nighttime averages are around 63° F
  • October-December: The average temperatures are 80° F during the day and 62° F at night
  • Average rainfall is 72.76 inches in a year

What Can I Do in San Jose?

Depending on how you want to spend your time, you might appreciate these places:

Top Sights
  • National Theater
  • Gold Museum (Museo de Oro)
  • Jade Museum
Natural Features
  • Parque Nacional
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens
  • Morazan Park
Cultural Attractions
  • National Center of Art and Culture
  • National Museum of Costa Rica
  • Museum of Costa Rican Art

Generally, San Jose is known for its:

  • Museums
  • Bird watching
  • Volcano
  • Cafés
  • Shopping
  • Tours
  • Entertainment
  • Parks

How to Get to San Jose and Around the Area

You can search for flights to the nearest airport in San Jose (SYQ-Tobias Bolanos Intl.), 4.4 mi (7.1 km) away from the city center. An alternative is San Jose (SJO-Juan Santamaria Intl.), located 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. When you're out and about, you may want to use public transit during your trip. To explore more of the surrounding area, take a train from San Jose Pacific Station, San Jose Procuradiria Museum Station, or San Jose Viquez Square Station.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in San Jose?
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 Jose?
Based on reviews from our guests, these San Jose hostels are some of the most popular ones: Fauna Luxury Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. 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 showers. Selina San Jose - Located within a 5-minute walk of Morazan Park. You can take advantage of free WiFi and a restaurant, as well as a bar. Rooms come with showers and linens. Hostel del Paseo - Property features include free WiFi, a restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk. You’ll find showers, free toiletries, and TVs in all rooms. Hostel Casa Colon - Located within a 20-minute walk of Morazan Park. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant. Rooms come with free toiletries and TVs.
How many hostels will I find in San Jose?
If you’re searching for an affordable place to stay in San Jose, one of Expedia’s 36 hostels might be a great choice for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in San Jose?
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 April and May with an average temp of 73°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 70°F. The rainiest months in San Jose are October, September, June, and August, with each month seeing an average of 12 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in San Jose?
Overall, San Jose is known for its museums, many birds, and cafés. Major attractions include Morazan Park, National Park, and San Pedro Mall. Get out into nature with places like Poas Volcano National Park, Sabana Park, and Ojo de Agua Spa Park. Cultural attractions include National Theater, National Museum of Costa Rica, and Museum of Costa Rican Art.
What's the best way to get to and around San Jose while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in San Jose on hand to make the most of your stay: You can fly into the closest airport, which is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. Another option is San Jose (SYQ-Tobias Bolanos Intl.), situated 4.4 mi (7.1 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.

More trip options