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

Search San José Hostels

  • 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
6 Nov - 8 Nov
In two weeks
13 Nov - 15 Nov
In one month
27 Nov - 29 Nov
In two months
25 Dec - 27 Dec

Our top choices for San José hostels

Room

1. Toucan Hostel

Toucan Hostel
2.5 star property
Rio Segundo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (49 reviews)
"The staff was really nice and helpful."
United States
Paul
The price is AU$46
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Toucan Hostel
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, (373 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly and very helpful!"
Canada
Kiera
The price is AU$31
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

3. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (246 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff, airport shuttle"
United States
Daniel
The price is AU$58
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A room with a bookshelf, a potted plant, a puzzle box, and a blue brick wall.

4. Lolas Hostal

Lolas Hostal
2.0 star property
Catedral
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (51 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 AU$60
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Lolas Hostal
A restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, a bar area, and a menu board.

5. Viajero San José Hostel

Viajero San José Hostel
2.0 star property
Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (65 reviews)
"One of the cleanest places I have stayed."
Mexico
JOSE MAURICIO
The price is AU$65
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Viajero San José Hostel
A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a kitchen area with cabinets and appliances, and a large window with a view.

6. Selune

Selune
2.0 star property
Alajuela
The price is AU$58
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Selune
A neatly made bed with a blue bedspread and white towels, a bedside table with a lamp and framed pictures, and macramé wall hangings.

7. Capital Hostel de Ciudad

Capital Hostel de Ciudad
2.0 star property
La Sabana
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (74 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay here, the environment was very clean & I felt really comfortable."
United States
Henry
The price is AU$58
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 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 AU$98
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 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 AU$42
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 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 AU$36
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 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 AU$57
includes taxes & fees
31 Oct - 1 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 AU$55
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 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

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

10/10 Excellent
"Great Staff and food!"
Rasool 3-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

Find out more about San José

San José Hostels information

Number of reviews
591
Accommodation
27 Hostels
Lowest Price
AU$31
Highest Price
AU$98

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.