![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostela.jpg\")
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Costa Rica<\/a> was the very first place I ever visited, kick-starting a journey that would eventually take me around the world and launch my career as a travel writer. Since that first trip, I’ve returned a few times, lured in by the friendly people, cloud forests, wildlife, and excellent beaches. <\/p>\n San Jos\u00e9<\/a> is the starting point for most visitors in the country, owing to the fact that it’s the nation’s capital and a major international hub. Chances are you’ll be here for a few days as you get situated before heading off to hike, lounge on the beach, and enjoy the lush and scenic landscapes. <\/p>\n Here is my list of the hostels in San Jos\u00e9 that I like the most. If you don\u2019t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:<\/p>\n There’s plenty to keep you busy within the hostel too as Selina hostels are known for their social atmosphere. This location offers daily activities running the gamut from Latin dance classes and live DJs to bodyweight workout classes, yoga, and movie nights in their cozy cinema room. There are also many common areas, a fully equipped kitchen, lending library, and as with most Selina locations, a co-working space in case you need to be productive. <\/p>\n Selina<\/a> knows what travelers need, so you’ll find all the modern amenities here. The bunks are comfy and have privacy curtains, reading lights, and individual plugs so you can keep your electronics charged. The shower pressure is great and there are a variety of private rooms too, from more affordable options with a shared bathroom all the way up to entire deluxe suites. <\/p>\n Selina San Jose at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The mattresses are pretty thick and the dorm beds have privacy curtains, multiple outlets, and even individual fans to keep you cool throughout the night. Overall, it offers a nice balance of being a relaxed but social hostel. It’s located near the large urban Sabana Park in a residential neighborhood that’s just a 15 minute taxi\/Uber ride away from either downtown or the airport. <\/p>\n Capital Hostel de Ciudad at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n While the bathrooms are small and could use an update, it’s the cheapest hostel in San Jose. If you’re on a tight budget and want to party, it’s the place to be! <\/p>\n Costa Rica Backpackers at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n It’s walking distance to downtown and there’s a bus station nearby with buses going directly to the airport if you’re headed onwards. <\/p>\n Hostel del Paseo at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n There are also hammocks outside for relaxing, video games, and a fully-equipped kitchen if you feel like cooking your own food. While some spaces could use updating, it’s a really fun place that’s also one of the cheapest hostels in San Jose. <\/p>\n TripOn Open House at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The beds aren’t amazing (there are no privacy curtains and the mattresses are thin), but the hostel is super affordable and the vibe here more than makes up for it. If you’re looking for that “classic” backpacker hostel experience, you’ll find it here. This hostel is a bit further out from the city, so it’s mainly used by travelers as a stopover for traveling onwards. <\/p>\n In the Wind Hostel & Guesthouse at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Gaudy\u2019s has great free breakfast (including pancakes!), lots of common areas, and welcoming staff that will help arrange tours or shuttles (like to the airport) for you. Just be aware that like other of the cheaper hostels in San Jose, the water is hit or miss as to whether it\u2019s warm or not. <\/p>\n Gaudy\u2019s at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The area surrounding the hostel isn’t the best (don’t walk around at night<\/a> – though that’s the case in many areas of the city), but it’s close to the bus station, making it a convenient location if you’re just passing through or heading to\/from the airport. <\/p>\n Stray Cat Hostel at a glance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n While it’s not the most exciting destination in Costa Rica<\/a>, chances are you’ll be here for a few days before heading off to the country’s better-known sights. By staying at one of these awesome (and cheap) hostels, you’ll not only save money but you’ll get to meet other travelers, pick up insider tips and advice, and really make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?<\/strong> Want More Information on San Jose?<\/strong> Costa Rica was the very first place I ever visited, kick-starting a journey that would eventually take me around the world and launch my career as a travel writer. Since that first trip, I’ve returned a few times, lured in by the friendly people, cloud forests, wildlife, and excellent beaches. San Jos\u00e9 is the starting…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":208106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122],"tags":[3083,691,745,2854],"class_list":["post-206121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-central-america","tag-centralhostel","tag-costa-rica","tag-hostels","tag-san-jose"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\nBest Hostel for Budget Travelers<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n\nCosta Rica Backpackers<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBest Hostel for Families<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n\nIn the Wind Hostel<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBest Hostel for Solo Female Travelers<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n\nSelina San Jose<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBest Hostel for Digital Nomads<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n\nSelina San Jose<\/a> or Capital Hostel de Ciudad<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBest Hostel for Partying<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n\nCosta Rica Backpackers<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBest Overall Hostel<\/strong>:\n<\/div>\n\nCapital Hostel de Ciudad<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nWant the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in San Jos\u00e9:<\/p>\n1. Selina San Jose<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Common](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/sanjoseselina.jpg\")
\nThis vibrant and ultra cool hostel is one of the latest locations in the popular Selina hostel chain. Located in a historic Barrio Otoya, a quiet neighborhood adjacent to both downtown and hip Barrio Escalante, you won’t spend long getting around the city while staying here. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n2. Capital Hostel de Ciudad<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostel1.jpg\")
\nThis hostel is another great option if you’re looking for something more upscale. A chill hostel with cozy beds and lots of common space, there’s a patio for BBQs and yoga, a game room with a pool table and projector for watching movies, and a fully equipped kitchen. It has a co-living space as well, making it a good choice for anyone working remotely. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n3. Costa Rica Backpackers<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostel3.jpg\")
\nThis was the first backpacker hostel to open in Costa Rica (it opened in 2001!). It’s a lively, social hostel that’s popular with the younger backpacker\/party crowd. It has a pool and bar on-site, and there are organized tours and activities. Breakfast isn’t included, but there is free coffee all day. The beds aren’t the best (the mattresses are thin and the bunks squeak), but there are privacy curtains, individual lockers, USB ports, and reading lights. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n4. Hostel del Paseo<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Games](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostel5.jpg\")
\nMore of a budget hotel, this hostel doesn’t have a great social vibe, but it’s quiet and clean and the staff are super helpful. There’s a huge common area with lots of games and movies, the free breakfast is pretty good, and the dorms are capped at eight beds, so you’re never crammed in with lots of other people. While the beds don’t have curtains, the mattresses are thick and comfy, so you’ll get a decent night’s sleep. There are also private rooms with AC available if you prefer more privacy and comfort.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n5. TripOn Open House<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostel8.jpg\")
\nThis funky, social hostel is located near hip Barrio Escalante with its tons of bars and restaurants. TripOn has a free breakfast every morning and organizes cheap shuttles to the airport too (which is just 30 minutes away). The beds are comfy, with curtains for privacy, and there are lots of common areas for hanging out and socializing. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n6. In the Wind Hostel & Guesthouse<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostel9a.jpg\")
\nAnother laid-back hostel, In the Wind has a cool outdoor area for hanging out and having BBQs, offers free breakfast (with pancakes), and has awesome staff. It’s also super clean, which is always a plus. There are both dorms and a wide variety of private rooms, including single private rooms for solo travelers (a rarity). <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n7. Gaudy\u2019s Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Wooden](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2022\/gaudysanjose.jpg\")
\nThis hostel is in a great location for both enjoying the city and traveling onwards, as all major bus stations are nearby. It’s more of a quiet hostel, so it\u2019s a good place to stay if you want to get good sleep.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n8. Stray Cat Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/sanjosehostel2.jpg\")
\nThis colorful backpacker hostel is covered in art and murals. It has a cozy, homey vibe while still being well maintained and clean. The mattresses are a little thin (and the bunks don’t have curtains), but the hostel is quiet and laid back, so it’s easy to get a decent night’s sleep. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n\nBook Your Trip to San Jose: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nUse Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!<\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. <\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nCheck out my resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too. <\/p>\n
\nBe sure to visit my robust destination guide on San Jose<\/a> for even more planning tips!\n<\/div>\nPhoto credits: 3 – Capital Hostel de Ciudad<\/a>, 4 – Costa Rica Backpackers<\/a>, 5 – Hostel del Paseo<\/a>, 6 – TripOn Open House<\/a>, 7 – In the Wind Hostel & Guesthouse<\/a>, 8 – Gaudy’s<\/a>, 9 – Stray Cat Hostel<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"