Hostels
Hostels in San Jose, Costa Rica
There are 35 hostels listed within about five miles of central San Jose, which is 7.5% of everything on offer in the city: unusually high, which makes this a genuine backpacker city. This page covers what that actually means for a trip: which hostels are here, how they rate against San Jose's hotels, and which are worth it if you are coming for a show.
Hostels in San Jose: 35 hostels are listed within about five miles of the centre, 7.5% of everything on offer in the city. They average 8.4/10 in guest scores against 8.3/10 for the city's hotels. Those scores come from our accommodation partner, not from StubOrder.
How strong is the hostel scene in San Jose?
Two numbers answer that, and neither means much on its own. The first is how much of San Jose's accommodation is hostels rather than hotels, since a city can have plenty of hostels and still be a hotel city. The second is how those hostels score against the hotels sitting next to them, which is the only fair benchmark, because guest scores drift by city and a 7.8 in one place is not a 7.8 in another.
| Measure | San Jose | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels listed | 35 | Dedicated hostels and backpacker accommodation within roughly five miles of the centre. |
| Share of all accommodation | 7.5% | Unusually high, which makes this a genuine backpacker city. Measured against all 464 properties listed in the same radius. |
| Average hostel guest score | 8.4/10 | Averaged across the hostels above. Supplied by our accommodation partner, not a StubOrder rating. |
| Average hotel guest score | 8.3/10 | The same measure for San Jose’s hotels, with hostels excluded so the comparison is not partly against itself. |
The short version: hostels in San Jose score about the same as the city's hotels. The gap is 0.1 points. Scoring level with the hotels is a good result for hostels, which normally sit below them because a dorm bed is a harder thing to rate well.
Hostels in San Jose, closest to the centre first
Distances are measured from the middle of San Jose. Pick your dates to see what a bed actually costs. Hostel pricing moves more than hotel pricing does, because a dorm can sell out one bed at a time.
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Capital Hostel de Ciudad
Avenida 16 A y Calle 60 A, Sabana Sur, San José
Terrace and Garden Views Enjoy stunning views from the terrace and garden, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the city. Concierge Services and More Benefit from concie…
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Hostel La Cali Inn
P Ruben 25A, San José
Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary wireless internet access, communal living room, and tour/ticket assistance. Satisfying Meal: Delight in a meal at the on-site restaurant …
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Nativus Art Hostel
Ave 5 Edificio 3650, Paseo Colon, San José
Unique Artistic Atmosphere NATIVUS Art-Hostel in San José is a vibrant and creative space offering concierge services, allergy-free rooms, and a shared lounge. The property also b…
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Hotel La Fonda de Charlie
Al frente del Hospital del Trauma INS, San José
Garden Views and Complimentary Amenities Take in the picturesque garden views while enjoying complimentary wireless internet access and convenient tour/ticket assistance. Local Cu…
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Gaudy´s Eco Hotel - Hostel
avenida 5 entre calle 36 y 38, San José
Breathtaking Views and Charming Green Spaces Take in the panoramic views from the terrace and relax in the serene garden, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Conv…
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Gaudy's Hostel
Av 5 calles 36, Mántica, San José, 10101, San José
Convenient Location Hotel Gaudys is ideally situated just a short walk from La Sabana Metropolitan Park and a quick drive to San José City Centre, offering easy access to popular …
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Gaudys Hotel
Calles 36 y 38, San José
Onsite Massages and Breathtaking Views - Immerse yourself in relaxation with onsite massages and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the terrace and garden. Complimentary Breakfast a…
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Hotel del Paseo - Hostel
Enfrente de Torres de Paseo Colon, San José
Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary wireless internet, an arcade/game room, and a communal living room. Dining Experience: Savor delicious meals at Restaurante Hostel and st…
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Hotel Casa Colon
Paseo Colon, Calle 24 Norte, San José
Neocolonial Architecture and Luxurious Details At Hostel Casa Colón, step into a world of neocolonial architecture where exquisite details adorn every corner, offering a luxurious…
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Ester`s Place
Avenida 2B Trejos Montealegre, Escazu
Luxurious Accommodation: Ester's Place in Escazù offers a blend of comfort and style with a garden, terrace, and elegantly designed rooms featuring flat-screen TVs and private bat…
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TripOn 2 - Hostel - Adults Only
Calle 120, Escazu
Recreational Opportunities Outdoor pool, terrace, and garden for relaxation and enjoyment Dining and Entertainment Restaurant, bar/lounge, and poolside bar for delicious meals and…
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D&C HOSTEL
Calle 68, AV 11, San José
Terrace and Garden Views Take in the stunning views from the terrace and garden of D&C HOSTEL, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. Complimentary Amenities Enjoy…
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Hostal del Este Santa Fe
Teatro Nacional 300 metros al sur y 25 metros este,avenida 8 calle 3y5, San José
Charming Eco-Hostel in the Heart of Santa Fe Rustic-Rustic Style Rooms: Experience comfort and convenience in our rooms equipped with a TV, satellite channels, and a private bathr…
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Lolas
9th Street, 12th and 14th Avenue, San José
Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary wireless internet and concierge services, along with a communal living room to relax in during your stay at Lolas. Featured Amenities: Be…
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Hostel Shakti
Avenida 8, calle 13, San José
Central Location in San José, Costa Rica Comfortable Rooms with Colorful Decor The rooms at Hostel Shakti offer a cozy stay with functional and colorful decor. Guests can enjoy am…
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Socialtel San Jose
Ave. 9, Calles 13 y 15, San José
Discover a charming retreat at Socialtel San Jose, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of the vibrant city. Relax and Rejuvenate Pamper yourself with soothing onsite mass…
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Hostel Casa Ridgway
Calle 15 entre avenida 6 y 8., San José
Charming Accommodation in San José Convenient Amenities: Hostel Casa Ridgway offers free parking and free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring a hassle-free stay for guests. Pri…
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Costa Rica Backpackers - Hostel
Avenida 6, between Calle 21 & 25, San José
Outdoor Pool and Terrace with a View Complimentary Services and Amenities Dining Options and Socializing Spaces Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an outdoor pool …
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Eco Stay CR
Calle 27A, San José
Luxurious Amenities Indulge in onsite massages or rent bicycles for exploration. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Entertainment and Convenience Re…
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Casa Pandora
Bo. Escalante, Ave 0y1, calle 33, 35N, San José
Convenient Amenities: Enjoy complimentary wireless internet access and a communal living room during your stay at Casa Pandora. Stay connected and relax in comfort. Featured Ameni…
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Lost In San Jose
Plaza Vivo 100 metros Oeste, San Pedro
Terrace Views and Amenities Take in the stunning views from the terrace and enjoy complimentary wireless internet access. Utilize the concierge services to enhance your stay at Lo…
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Hotel Cortez
Avenida 5, 200 metros del Calle 2, San José
Garden Views and Amenities Relax in our garden and enjoy complimentary wireless internet access. Get assistance with tour bookings at any time. Complimentary Breakfast and Feature…
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In The Wind Hostel And Guesthouse
100m west of Roosevelt School, San Pedro
Enjoy Garden Views and Premier Amenities Relish a complimentary on-the-go breakfast and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of the communal living room and shared kitch…
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In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
100 Meters West of Escuela De La Roosevelt, San José
Convenient Location in San Pedro In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse offers a prime location in the vibrant area of San Pedro, just a short distance from the University of Costa Ric…
Staying in a hostel for a San Jose event
A hostel makes most sense on exactly the kind of trip StubOrder sends people on: one or two nights, built around a fixed start time, where you are out of the building all evening. The bed is somewhere to sleep afterwards, not somewhere to spend the weekend, and the saving against a hotel on a sold-out event night is usually the largest saving available on the whole trip, because event nights are when city hotel rates spike and hostel beds barely move.
The two things to check before you book are the ones that catch people out. First, front-desk hours: a support act running long can put you back at 23:45, which is no use if reception closes at 23:00 and there is no night code. Second, whether the rate is per bed or per room: a private twin at £70 and a dorm bed at £35 each are the same money for two people, and the private room is the better buy.
What is on in San Jose
Dorm bed or private room?
This is the decision that actually determines what your stay is like, and it is not the same decision as hostel-or-hotel. Almost every hostel in San Jose sells both, at prices that overlap with the cheaper end of the city's hotels.
| Dorm bed | Hostel private room | |
|---|---|---|
| Priced by | The bed. Two people pay twice. | The room, like a hotel. |
| Best for | Solo travel, and meeting people. | Two people, or anyone who wants a door that locks. |
| Bathroom | Usually shared down the hall. | Often private, but check: many are not. |
| Getting in late | Fine, but you will wake people. | No issue. |
| Luggage | A locker, usually needing your own padlock. | In the room. |
| Versus a cheap hotel | Much cheaper, especially on event nights. | Often similar money, so compare properly. |
The rule of thumb that holds nearly everywhere: travelling alone, take the dorm; travelling as two, price the private room against a budget hotel before assuming the hostel wins. On an ordinary weeknight the hotel sometimes does. On the night of a sold-out event, the hostel almost always does.
What to check before booking a hostel
Hostels vary in ways hotels mostly do not, and the variation is in the policies rather than the rooms. None of the following is unusual, and all of it is easier to find out now than at 1am.
- Age limits. Some hostels are 18–35 only, some refuse under-18s without an adult, and a few are over-18 with no upper bound. This is a property-by-property rule, not a city rule.
- Reception hours and curfews. A genuine curfew is rare now, but limited front-desk hours are common. If your event finishes late, confirm there is a night entry code.
- Whether the rate includes linen. Mostly yes; occasionally a few pounds or dollars extra at check-in, which quietly changes the comparison against a hotel.
- Lockers and padlocks. Nearly every dorm has lockers. A good number expect you to bring your own padlock, and the ones sold at the desk cost more than one from home.
- Deposits. Some hostels take a key or damage deposit in cash at arrival and return it on checkout, which is worth knowing if you are travelling cardless.
- Cancellation terms. The cheapest hostel rates are frequently non-refundable, which matters more than usual when the trip depends on an event that could be postponed.
Two of these (cancellation terms and what the rate actually includes) are shown on the booking screen once you pick dates, so check them there rather than assuming.
Plan the rest of the trip
Frequently asked questions
How many hostels are there in San Jose?
Our accommodation partner lists 35 hostels within about five miles of central San Jose, out of 464 places to stay in total, or 7.5% of everything listed here. That count includes both dedicated hostels and backpacker accommodation.
Does StubOrder sell hostel beds and tickets together?
No. Tickets come from our resale marketplace and accommodation from our booking partner. They are two separate bookings with separate confirmations, and neither depends on the other.
Is a hostel a sensible place to stay for a concert or a game?
For a one- or two-night trip built around an event, often yes, because you are out of the building most of the evening anyway. The things to check are the front-desk hours and whether there is a curfew, because a show that ends at 23:30 is no use if reception shut at 23:00.
Can I book a private room in a hostel?
Most hostels sell private rooms alongside dorm beds, and they are usually cheaper than a hotel room of the same size. Whether a given property has one is shown when you pick your dates. If only dorm beds come back, that hostel has no privates free for that stay.
Are hostels in San Jose any good?
San Jose's hostels average 8.4/10 in guest scores against 8.3/10 for the city's hotels, so they score about the same as the city's hotels. Those scores come from our accommodation partner, not from StubOrder.
