Photo by Timothy Miles

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
13 Nov - 15 Nov
In two weeks
20 Nov - 22 Nov
In one month
4 Dec - 6 Dec
In two months
1 Jan - 3 Jan

Our top choices for San Rafael hostels

Room

1. Toucan Hostel

Toucan Hostel
2.5 star property
Rio Segundo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (50 reviews)
"The staff was really nice and helpful."
United States
Paul
The price is AU$45
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Toucan Hostel
A hallway with a tiled floor, dark walls, and artwork on the sides.

2. Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel

Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
2.0 star property
El Carmen
7.8 out of 10, Good, (247 reviews)
"Cozy"
United States
Shelly
The price is AU$60
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Alajuela Backpackers Airport Hostel
A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a kitchen area with cabinets and appliances, and a large window with a view.

3. Selune

Selune
2.0 star property
Alajuela
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (3 reviews)
"Everything about my stay was absolutely wonderful! From the moment I arrived, I felt so welcome. The staff were incredibly friendly, kind, helpful and attentive. The breakfast was delicious, the cleanliness was impeccable, and the entire accommodation was beautifully maintained and comfortable. Every little detail was perfect, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The hospitality was outstanding, and I felt completely at home. I would highly recommend this place to...
United Kingdom
Emese
The price is AU$51
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Selune
A poolside area with a pool, lounge chairs, and a building with large windows.

4. Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel

Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
2.0 star property
Catedral
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (375 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly and very helpful!"
Canada
Kiera
The price is AU$31
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Costa Rica Backpackers - 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, (52 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$62
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Lolas Hostal
A restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, a bar area, and a menu board.

6. Viajero San José Hostel

Viajero San José Hostel
2.0 star property
Carmen
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (67 reviews)
"One of the cleanest places I have stayed."
Mexico
JOSE MAURICIO
The price is AU$71
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Viajero San José Hostel
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, (74 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my stay here, the environment was very clean & I felt really comfortable."
United States
Henry
The price is AU$72
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Capital Hostel de Ciudad
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 AU$36
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
In The Wind Hostel And Guesthouse
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
4.6 out of 10, (4 reviews)
"水が出ず、困り果てた。"
Japan
Mami
The price is AU$41
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Luca
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, (35 reviews)
"It was more of a hostile than a hotel. But the people were friendly, and it was comfortable to stay."
United States
Deborah
The price is AU$64
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Gaudys Hotel
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.
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Learn more about San Rafael

Colourful colonial architecture frames San Rafael's central plaza where locals gather for weekend markets and traditional music. Nearby Poás Volcano National Park offers misty hiking trails with views of its striking turquoise crater lake.

See all hotels in San Rafael
A waterfall cascading over rocks in a forested area.
Photo by Timothy Miles
Open Photo by Timothy Miles

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in San Rafael?

Good weather's definitely a plus when you want to venture out and explore, so here's a little information about the seasons: The hottest months are usually March and April, with an average temperature of 21°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 21°C. The rainiest months in San Rafael are October, August, June and September, with each month seeing an average of 958 mm of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in San Rafael?

Get out into nature with places such as Ojo de Agua Spa Park, Parque de Perros San Rafael and Juan Santamaría Park. Cultural attractions include Museum of Costa Rican Art, National Theater of Costa Rica and National Museum of Costa Rica. Locals like to shop at Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center and Momentum Lindora Shopping Center.

What's the best way to get to and around San Rafael while staying at a hostel?

Keep this information about transit options in and around San Rafael in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), located 3.1 mi (5 km) from the city centre. An alternative is San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.), situated 6.1 mi (9.8 km) away.