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Costa Rica is undoubtedly the backpacking-center of Central America, and if you are flying in, it’s most likely going to be through San Jose.
While most travelers quickly flee San Jose for the jungles, volcanos and beaches of Costa Rica, those who choose to stay are often surprised by an affordable city with a ton to see and do. This is why I wrote the list of the best hostels in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Organized by your travel needs, this list of the top hostels in San Jose is meant to help you find the hostel that best suits your travel-style, so you can book easily, and get to exploring this highly underrated city.
Let’s take a look at the 20 best hostels in San Jose – Vamanos!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in San Jose
- Best Overall Hostel in San Jose – Capital Hostel de Ciudad
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in San Jose – Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante
- Best Cheap Hostel in San Jose – Stray Cat Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in San Jose – Costa Rica Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Jose – Selina San Jose
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The 20 Best Hostels in San Jose
If you’re backpacking Costa Rica, you’ll probably end up in San Jose at one point. Take a more in-depth look as to why we consider these to be the best hostels in San Jose. We’ve not only listed the hostels and given you plenty of reasons to love them, but we’ve also split them into different types. So, it’s easy to see at a glance which would more suit your travelling style and accommodation preferences.
Just like the rest of Costa Rica’s hostels, San Jose’s accommodations have a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable hostel in San Jose, the best hostel in San Jose for partying the nights away, a great San Jose youth hostel for solo travellers, or something else entirely, this list will help you book your hostel with confidence.
Capital Hostel de Ciudad – Best Overall Hostel in San Jose
This “open plan” dorm situation is super unique for a hostel, and I kind of dig it. There’s no doors to the dorm rooms which leaves an airy vibe to the place whilst the pod-like beds still give you tons of privacy. Each pod has a curtain for privacy, a locker, small shelves, lights, and power outlets. Showers are hot and have high water pressure which is an essential for me after a day of exploring.
From the kitchen and outdoor BBQ area to the lounge and reading area, the common areas are clean and attractive. There’s also a cool entertainment area with a projector, musical instruments, and a pool table. The yoga patio inspires a Zen-like vibe and there’s a desk for people who take their work travelling.
Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in San Jose
This hostel is a lovely, comfy, and safe haven in San Jose, right in the heart of the chill Barrio Escalante neighborhood, with great bars and cafes just around the corner. It’s the perfect spot for meeting fellow travellers, especially since many guests stick around for a night or two after landing in Costa Rica.
The beds are set up with everything you need, like privacy curtains and power outlets. The volunteers are total gems, bringing in all the good vibes. Pro tip: the showers can be a bit quirky—just turn the dial slightly towards hot, and you’ll get warm water flowing. Cranking it all the way doesn’t seem to work. It’s all part of the place’s charm—hostel living eh?
Stray Cat Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in San Jose
Stray Cats Hostel does what it says on the tin—it’s a hostel that houses rescue cats! If cat’s aren’t your thing then I’d maybe give this one a miss but it all adds to the unique, homey charm. The place is spacious, clean, and perfect for a quick stopover in San Jose. The rooms, shared spaces, and kitchen are simple but comfortable—just what you need for a night or two to recharge. It’s not a social hostel, but it’s a solid spot if you’re after a recharge and a good night’s sleep.
Breakfast is great, and the whole setup is ideal for a laid-back stay. It’s in a great location too, there’s a supermarket and ATM near by to stock up and it’s close to the TIG bus station. For the amenities you get for the price, I’d call this place a steal.
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View on OspreyCosta Rica Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in San Jose
Costa Rica Backpackers is a top pick if you’re after chill backyard vibes, a pool to cool off in, and some solid social energy. The property’s lush with nature, the perfect hangover cure if you need a little green therapy. Happy hour here is a blast—sip strong cocktails and dive into some tasty bites at the onsite restaurant. They play some absolute bangers during the day too, always setting people up to get social and dive into the nightlife scene.
The garden’s spacious with loads of comfy seating, making it super easy to kick back and make new mates. You’ll find a basic kitchen if you fancy cooking, though the hostel also serves good eats. Bathrooms are kept clean (just no hot water), and the dorms are comfy with soft sheets—no problem catching some zzz’s here.
Selina San Jose – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Jose
One of the newest backpacker hostels in San Jose, Selina San Jose’s co-working space makes it a top San Jose hostel for digital nomads. Of course, Wi-Fi is free, but having a dedicated place to work makes hitting those deadlines that little bit easier. Take a break in the funky common areas, complete with pool table, board games, and musical instruments, catch up with pals old and new in the bar-cum-restaurant, laze in a hammock, or dazzle everyone with your culinary skills in the kitchen. Located in Barrio Otoya, the hostel has a wide range of dorms and private rooms.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the best hostels in San Jose
If none of those quite hit the spot, don’t despair—here are 14 more of the best hostels in San Jose!
In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
The best hostel for solo travellers in San Jose, In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse has a sociable heart and attracts a mix of cool backpackers. The members of staff are awesome too and the hostel is located in a lively part of town, close to the university. In addition to the eight-bed dorms you can opt for a private single room if you love meeting people but also having your own space to sleep. Breakfast is free and there are two communal kitchens where you can channel your inner Masterchef. Mingle in the indoor and outdoor seating areas, book a range of trips, do your laundry, and make loads of great memories. This San Jose backpackers hostel is vibrant, both in its atmosphere and its appearance.
Costa Rica Guesthouse
This place nails it for digital nomads looking for a chill, productive vibe. The colonial-style building, wrapped in lush greenery, brings a unique mix of charm and modern amenities. There’s solid Wi-Fi and dedicated co-work spaces that pull in plenty of remote workers, giving it a mellow, focused vibe. Not the most lively, but it’s got a sister hostel across the road with a bar if you’re up for some social time, so you get the best of both worlds.
With a central location, spotless facilities, and seriously comfy beds, Costa Rica Guesthouse is ideal whether you’re passing through or setting up a longer base in San José.
Relax Hostel
A top San Jose hostel near the airport, do as the name says and unwind and chill at the laid-back Relax Hostel. The comfy beds are sure to help you drift off into sweet dreams and lockers help to add to your peace of mind. If you’re heading off for other adventures in Costa Rica but planning a return to the capital, perhaps to catch a flight from San Jose, leave extra luggage here for safe-keeping. Areas to chillax include the TV room and patio—grab a book from the book exchange and lose yourself in the pages. There’s a kitchen and dining area too for total convenience.
Hostel Van Gogh
An intimate budget hostel in San Jose, Hostel van Goth is cute, clean, and chill. There are mixed and female-only dorms for six people, and facilities like an onsite café, currency exchange, bike parking, tour desk, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities held to make life that bit more comfortable. The bright and airy open-plan common area has a kitchen, pool table, comfy seating, and even a small lawn, providing the perfect spot to relax and meet other travellers. Perhaps obvious given the name, but there’s plenty of cool artwork too.
Nativus Art-Hostel
Nativus Art-Hostel is all about the little things—thoughtful details, striking design, and a true artistic touch make it stand out. Just a short walk from the Tica bus station and the park, it’s got a banging kitchen that’ll have you channelling your inner chef in no time. Thoughtful extras like curtains and individual lights in the dorms show they know exactly what backpackers need to feel at home.
Wilson, the host, genuinely makes the place feel welcoming and has clearly poured love into crafting an exceptional stay for guests. While it’s not the liveliest spot in the low season, it’s a perfect retreat for solo travellers who might need a little breather from the bustle.
Hostel Finca Escalante
A cosy home-from-home, this recommended San Jose backpackers hostel has everything you need to feel happy. Join a walking tour to get your bearings and take some basic Spanish classes to help you communicate more. There’s free Wi-Fi and free-use computers, bike parking, laundry facilities, luggage storage, and hassle-free tour booking. Show off your culinary skills in the kitchen, grill a BBQ feast, chill in the garden, have a friendly game of pool with new mates, or laze in front of the large TV on the soft sofas in the lounge. The views from the balconies are superb and the hostel has a great location where you’re within easy reach of the city centre yet far enough away to be able to enjoy a sense of peace.
Gaudys Backpackers Hostel
An award-winning backpackers hostel in San Jose, Gaudys Backpackers Hostel is ideal for groups of mates and solo travellers who are trying to maintain a modest budget. Stretch those funds even further by making some of your own meals in the kitchen, and fill up on the free breakfast each morning. Free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, lockers, cable TV, a book exchange, and a tour desk are just a few things that will help to make your stay a great one. For fun in your downtime, play pool or board games, chill in the common room, swing in a hammock, or mingle in the courtyard.
Eco Stay
This is a great little place to stay to start your Costa Rican adventures! The friendly staff genuinely go out of their way to chat and get to know you—something you don’t find in every hostel. It’s beautifully decorated and spotless, with thoughtful touches like privacy curtains, personal lockers, and plenty of bathrooms.
One major bonus: the French toast and fruit breakfast served up on the sunny patio every morning! It’s a perfect way to start the day, with everything geared toward comfort, safety, and a welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home.
Puerto Urbano Eco Hotel
This hostel’s close proximity to the airport, along with its handy shuttle service, makes it a convenient landing spot when flying into Costa Rica. The dorms are clean and comfy, the kitchen’s got all the essentials, and breakfast is solid. Warren, the host, is the real gem here—warm, welcoming, and always ready to lend a hand, even dropping guests off at the bus station for onward journeys. The amenities might be straightforward, but the genuine hospitality and kindness make this place a standout.
Robles Hostel
Robles Hostel is in a charming village-like location within easy reach of both San Jose city centre and San Jose airport. Regular buses stop nearby, making getting round hassle-free. A top hostel in San Jose for fans of the outdoors, it has a huge garden with a river running through it. Find a quiet spot to read a book in the sunshine, swing in a giant hammock, or sit on the grass to swap travelling stories with your new pals. Or, cool down in the inviting swimming pool. There’s also an indoor lounge with a pool table and foosball in addition to a well-equipped kitchen, café, and tour kiosk.
Hostel Urbano Yoses
Among the best hostels in San Jose for 2021, Hostel Urbano Yoses offers high standards of comfort and good amenities for low prices—just what every budget backpacker wants! When it comes to socialising and relaxing you’re spoilt for choice. There’s a TV lounge, garden with hammocks and a BBQ, kitchen, dining area, and a sundeck. Freebies include Wi-Fi and breakfast. The homey vibes are strong at this San Jose backpackers hostel and you’re just a bus ride from the heart of town.
The Garden CR
With spacious mixed and female-only dorms that have comfy beds and secure lockers, friendly members of staff, a warm atmosphere, and located in a calm and pleasant area, The Garden CR is a recommended hostel in San Jose for both solo travellers and groups of friends. Cook up a storm in the well-equipped kitchen or toss some meaty treats onto the BBQ. There’s free tea and coffee throughout the day if you’re in need of a little wake up call, and each morning you can start the day with energy after filling up on a Costa Rican breakfast.
Hostel Casa Yoses
One of the coolest hostels in San Jose, Hostel Casa Yoses has something to appeal to almost everyone. Indoors, the sociable hostel has a movie room, a kitchen, musical instruments, a computer room, a pool table, circus-like games, heaps of funky artwork, lovely private rooms, and comfy dorms for ten. Outside, the huge garden has a BBQ area, hammocks, and table and chairs. Breakfast is included and you can buy drinks and snacks onsite. Lockers and round-the-clock security keeps everything safe and secure.
Transilvania Hostel
A quirky but cool youth hostel in San Jose, Transilvania Hostel is all about the medieval age … and Dracula! Enter another world and be awed by the shields and suits or armour, historic photographs, period clothing, and weapon collections. You can even sip on a chalice of blood! Well, not really—it’s only fruit juice, but you can always pretend! Chat vampires and ghouls, or travel and trips, with fellow backpackers in the lounge, play sports or chill in the garden, and have a top time in the medieval-themed restaurant and bar. It’s certainly unique!
Hostel Posada del Sol
A child- and pet-friendly recommended hostel in San Jose, Hostel Posada del Sol has private rooms for one, two, three, and four, all with their own bathroom, as well as mixed dorms for seven. The charming hostel has a rustic vibe and you’re sure to feel right at home here. The garden is a major drawcard, offering a peaceful haven close to the city’s hustle and bustle. Facilities include a kitchen, dining area, lounge, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage.
What to Pack for your San Jose Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to San Jose
That’s the list! Now you know the highest reviewed hostels in San Jose, and because of their easy organization, you’ll be able to book quickly and with confidence.
Which hostel are you going to book? The best hostel in San Jose for couples? The Best hostel in San Jose for Partying?
Still can’t decide – just go with Hostel Urbano, our pick for one of the best hostels in San Jose, Costa Rica.
FAQ about Hostels in San Jose
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in San Jose.
How much does a hostel cost in San Jose?
Depending on the room type and location, the average cost of hostel rooms in San Juan starts at $14 for a dorm, and private rooms start at $18+.
What are the best hostels in San Jose for couples?
A great place to stay for a couple would be Hostel Casa del Parque! A cosy little getaway within the city, perfect for a couple!
What are the best hostels in San Jose near the airport?
Puerto Urbano Eco Hotel is a top hostel in San Jose near the airport. It’s comfy, with delicious free pancakes for breakfast, and just a short walk to the airport bus stop.
Travel Safety Tips for San Jose
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Costa Rica and Central America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to San Jose.
Planning an epic trip all across Costa Rica or even Central America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Central America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in San Jose has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Costa Rica for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Costa Rica covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Costa Rica if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Costa Rica before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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