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San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

Are you searching for the best San Jose, Costa Rica hotels for your vacation?

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica. It is a bustling city with several different neighborhoods. This list of the 21 best places to stay consists of places at a variety of price points and is conveniently organized by neighborhood. 

We live in San Jose and often have family and friends visiting us from the US and Europe. We created this list based on places that our friends have stayed and really enjoyed as well as places that have come highly recommended to us. 

So, let’s get to finding you the best hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica for your travels.

Great Hotels in San Jose at a Glance

Overview of San Jose’s Neighborhoods

The city of San Jose is somewhat spread out, so it is important to consider your reason for visiting when choosing the best hotel.

  • If you are only looking for a place to stay after arriving at the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, you should stay as close to the airport as possible because the traffic can be very bad here.
  • If you are planning to spend a few days exploring the downtown part of San Jose, we suggest staying near La Sabana Park, in Barrio Escalante, or directly downtown. We have many good options for that on this list.
  • If you are planning to visit San Jose for medical tourism, you likely want to stay in the Escazu neighborhood where Hospital CIMA is. We have plenty of options for that on this list.
  • If you are planning to visit San Jose to go to the United States embassy, you will want to stay in the Rohrmoser neighborhood. We have options on this list for that.

Map of San Jose Area Hotels

To help you with your planning we created this map of San Jose area hotels. You can easily click each one to get more details.

Alternatively, you can open the map in Google Maps here.

Downtown San José Hotels

Here are all the best hotels located in the city center.

These are great places to stay if you would like to explore the various museums, visit the national theater, go to the central market, and more.

1. Park Inn San Jose by Radisson

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

The Park Inn is just a short walk from La Sabana Park. 

We like this hotel for its contemporary design. It is also just a comfortable and dependable place to stay.  

You can expect a blend of comfort and modern aesthetics during their stay.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Refreshing outdoor pool, hot tub, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
  • A dedicated business center, 24-hour security and front desk assistance.
  • Breakfast is included. The breakfast is a buffet with options such as scrambled eggs, sausages, fresh fruits, and gallo pinto.

2. Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.5/5 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas is a contemporary space that offers both leisure and luxury. 

We love the location of this place. It overlooks the España Park and the Modern Art Museum. It kind of feels like a tranquil retreat among the vibrant city life .

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • There is an on-site casino and hotel gym. 
  • All rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with microwaves, fridges, and coffee makers. 
  • A free airport shuttle is included

3. BEE Suites Escalante

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9.3 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

Tucked away in the trendy Barrio Escalante, BEE Suites offers an intimate blend of comfort and modern living. 

Here you can stay in thoughtfully designed apartments which are complete with contemporary kitchens.

They offer apartments that can sleep up to 4 guests. 

We really like this place and think you as well. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Each suite has a fully-equipped kitchen, featuring essentials like an oven, microwave, fridge, stovetop, kitchenware, and a must-have coffee machine.
  • Each suites also has a flat-screen cable TV, and a cozy seating area, 
  • The property offers a fitness center, luxurious hot tub and a sunlit rooftop terrace with an excellent view of the city.

4. 935 Lodge San José

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $ | ✅ Book it!

This place consists of a group of apartments located centrally in downtown San Jose. Some apartments are designed for 2 guests, but there are all places that can fit up to 4 guests. 

We suggest this for those of you who want to be centrally located, want the convenience of having your own space with a kitchen, and don’t need the regular amenities of a hotel.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Each unit offers a well-appointed kitchen with an oven, microwave, toaster, coffee machine, and kettle. 
  • The living spaces have plush sofas, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and dedicated dining areas for intimate meals.
  • Added conveniences include free WiFi for those looking to stay connected and the security of private parking for guests with vehicles.

5. Grano de Oro Hotel

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$$ | ✅ Book it!

Hotel Grano de Oro is known for its luxury and timeless elegance. This is often considered the nicest hotel in the area. It has a boutique hotel feel to it. 

Beyond its majestic facade, guests are invited to indulge in gourmet dining, rejuvenating massages, and the serenity of a rooftop garden.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • The air-conditioned rooms feature beautiful wood décor, vaulted ceilings, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. 
  • The Grano de Oro restaurant is excellent. They serve a fusion of Costa Rican and European meals. 
  • If you are looking to unwind after a day of exploring,, the bar offers a curated selection of fine wines and spirits.
  • There is a concierge, a fitness center, and 24-hour security.

6. Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $ | ✅ Book it!

Located in the trendy Barrio Escalante, Chillout Hostel offers a blend of community vibes and personal comforts.

Barrio Escalante is the coolest neighborhood in San Jose (in our opinion).

If you’re a solo traveler seeking connections or a backpacker looking for an affordable, but nice place to stay, this is the place for you!

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • They offer deluxe double rooms and triple rooms for those wanting privacy as well as mixed and female dormitory Rooms..
  • The hostel boasts a shared kitchen, free WiFi, a serene garden,  and a shared lounge for communal entertainment and relaxation.
  • You can rent bicycles, there is a tour desk, there are lockers for your valuables,  and it is possible to book their airport shuttle service.

7. CHIC Apartment with AC

⭐️ RATING: 9.8/10 Stars on VRBO | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $ | ✅ Book it!

This is a vacation rental, not a hotel. 

This chic apartment is designed with modern aesthetics and the comforts of home. We like it for the reasonable price, the privacy, and the on-site facilities. 

This is a one-bedroom apartment that is tailored to sleep two guests comfortably.

Apartment Amenities and Services

  • The living space is equipped with Flat Screen TVs and Apple TV. 
  • Home conveniences extend to a well-equipped kitchen. Additionally, the apartment has a washer and dryer.
  • The apartment building has a pool and fitness center.

8. Cosmopolitan APT 1407

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9.2 /10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

This is a spacious 2 bedroom apartment located in the heart of SanJosé offers sweeping views of the capital city. We recommend this if you prefer a vacation rental property with private kitchen and secluded space. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • You can indulge in relaxation and recreation with access to a rooftop pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a charming garden. 
  • The apartment includes complimentary WiFi and free private parking.

Pavas & Rohrmoser Area Hotels

These are great places to stay if you would like easy access to the stadium for an event or need to go to the United States Embassy.

9. Hilton San Jose La Sabana

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.8/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$$ | ✅ Book it!

The Hilton San Jose La Sabana is an urban gem with views overlooking the city’s skyline.

We like this place for its great location, excellent views, consistently great service, and modern design. 

This is also one of the tallest buildings in San Jose, so the views of the city and Central Valley amazing. Plus it is located directly next to the National Stadium and you can look directly down into the stadium. It’s pretty cool.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Each room has a dedicated workspace with a desk, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, coffee machine, fridge, and safety deposit box.
  • There is an on-site indoor pool (which is awesome), fitness center, and sauna
  • Business travelers will find the on-site business center complete with an ATM machine, fax, and photocopier. 
  • There is 24-hour security and room service

10. Hilton Garden Inn

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.8/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$$ | ✅ Book it!

This hotel is located just next to La Sabana Metropolitan Park and the national stadium. It is modern and has a high standard that you can expect from Hilton. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • There is 24-hour front desk staff and security
  • There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sauna, and nice outdoor pool.
  • There is an in-house restaurant that serves a medley of local and international dishes. Plus, there are a bunch of good restaurants within close walking distance.
  • If you are arriving by rental car, the hotel offers private parking facilities.

11. Casa Jardin del Mango

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $ | ✅ Book it!

Casa Jardin del Mango offers a unique stay that blends tranquility with a dash of fun. We love that this place feels like home. Plus, the courtyard garden is a super nice spot to hang out. 

There are a variety of room options here from basic rooms to small apartments. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • The lush garden enveloping the property is a great space to recline with a book, practice morning yoga, or simply soak in the peaceful vibes.
  • The shared lounge area is perfect for meeting other guests or even just watching TV together.
  • If you are traveling with a rental car, there is free parking.

12. XIN Bed&Breakfast

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $ | ✅ Book it!

XIN Bed&Breakfast offers a blend of comfort and authenticity. We love the homey feel of this place and that it is so budget friendly (but still comfortable).

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Every room at XIN Bed&Breakfast boasts a flat-screen TV and free WiFi
  • A nice continental breakfast is included in the room rate. 
  • The shared lounge area serves as a communal space where you can unwind and meet other travelers.

Escazu / Santa Ana

This is the area to stay in if you are visiting San Jose for medical tourism purposes. Escazu is a somewhat high end neighborhood in San Jose.

We suggest getting a rental car if you are staying here and plan to explore a lot. Things are somewhat spread out and it is not very walkable. 

This is not a good spot to stay in if your main intention is to explore the downtown area. It is just a bit too far away.

For hotels, we suggest:

13. Casa De Las Tias

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9.6 /10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

Nestled in San José, Casa De Las Tias offers a serene escape surrounded by enchanting gardens.

This charming property provides guests with a daily American breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, and convenient on-site parking.

The building itself is an old cedarwood house that was built by the former Minister of Labor. It is very charming.

The owners are also delightful people and will take great care of you. 

It’s overall a place that just feels like home and we highly recommend staying here. It’s the perfect hotel for a real taste of the culture.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Brightly decorated rooms with unique and artistic elements from Latin America.
  • A great terrace for a peaceful outdoor retreat.
  • Free luggage storage for guests making short trips to other parts of the country.
  • Set away from traffic and bustling street noise, surrounded by lush gardens.
  • A garden patio offering a full, varied, and tasty breakfast amidst fruit trees, flowers, and birds.

14. AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Escazu

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$$ | ✅ Book it!

Nestled in San José, this hotel has outstanding facilities and an elegant ambiance. We like it because you really can’t beat the location for shopping or medical tourism.

It is located two blocks down from Hospital CIMA and is in an upscale plaza with some of the best restaurants in the city, nice stores, and a cinema.  

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • You can maintain your fitness routine at the on-site fitness center.
  • Start your day right with a choice between a continental or American breakfast.
  • Experience seamless assistance from the bilingual reception staff fluent in English and Spanish.

15. Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.7 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$$ | ✅ Book it!

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu provides a family-friendly retreat surrounded by an array of gastronomic, shopping, and nightlife options.

This hotel is strategically located near the Multiplaza shopping center, CIMA Hospital, and Escazu Avenue.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Enjoy the convenience of free private parking
  • Each room is well-equipped with amenities, including a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a secure safe for valuables.
  • Relax and unwind at the hotel bar, a perfect spot for a refreshing drink after a day of exploration.
  • Explore the vibrant culinary scene in the vicinity, with a range of popular bars and restaurants within a 5-minute walk.

16. BEE Suites Santa Ana

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9.0/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

Nestled in Santa Ana, BEE Suites Santa Ana offers a tranquil retreat with a pool boasting scenic views and picturesque garden landscapes.

The hotel is set up as an apartment complex, so you will have your own secluded private space.  

We really like this place because it feels so peaceful. Plus, all the apartments are modern and clean. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Free private parking and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Each unit is thoughtfully designed and includes a seating area for relaxation.
  • Each unit has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
  • Some units feature additional amenities such as a terrace or balcony for a personalized touch.
  • Guests have the opportunity to unwind and relax in the beautifully maintained garden and pool on the property.

17. CR MARIPOSA RENTALS

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 9.2/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

CR MARIPOSA RENTALS is an apartment located in a complex. This is a vacation rental, not a hotel.

We like this place because of the array of amenities that the property has including a fitness room, free private parking, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, infinity pool with a pool bar, hot tub, and 24 hour surveillance.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • A spacious apartment with a balcony and breathtaking mountain views.
  • The apartment features two well-appointed bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and microwave, plus two bathrooms (and one has a hot tub).
  • There is on-site restaurant and bar for convenient dining options.
  • You are welcome to use the on-site pool and other complex facilities

18. Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.9/ 10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

Discover a blend of comfort and convenience at Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana.

This hotel offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a charming terrace. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Air-conditioned rooms equipped with a desk, coffee machine, fridge, minibar, and a flat-screen TV.
  • Selected rooms feature a kitchen with a microwave.
  • Enjoy a delightful buffet or continental breakfast at your convenience.
  • There is a very nice outdoor pool for guests
  • A children’s playground is available, ensuring entertainment for younger guests.

19. Hotel Villa Los Candiles

San Jose, Costa Rica Hotels: 21 Best Places to Stay

⭐️ RATING: 8.9/10 Stars on Booking.com | 💵 PRICE POINT:  $$ | ✅ Book it!

This hotel feels like a mix between a hotel and apartments. From the outside, it looks like a house.

The rooms range from regular hotel rooms to a large suite that features two bedrooms and a kitchen.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Bilingual 24-hour front desk service available from 06:00 to 22:00, ensuring attentive and round-the-clock assistance.
  • Outdoor swimming pool for refreshing dips amidst the natural surroundings.
  • Lush gardens creating a peaceful environment for guests to unwind.

Airport Area

The Juan Santamaria International Airport is actually located to the west of the city and is closer to the city of Alajuela.

If you stay in downtown San Jose you will have to deal with a lot of traffic to get to and from the airport.

You are better off staying as close to the airport as possible.

We also created a complete airport area hotel guide for more options.

However, our two favorite airport area hotels are:

20. AC Hotel by Marriott Heredia Belen

The Costa Rica AC Hotel by Marriott Heredia Belen offers comfortable, modern accommodations in a convenient location close to the airport. We like this place because everything is modern and clean.

It is a great place to catch your breath and relax for a night after landing in San Jose or before departing Costa Rica. 

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • The hotel features a restaurant, rooftop outdoor pool, fitness center, and free WiFi.
  • Guests can enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

21. Casa Garitas GuestHouse Pura Vida

We love this place because the staff are AMAZING! Plus, you can usually be to the airport in less than 10 minutes.

Hotel Amenities and Service

  • Casa Garitas features clean, air-conditioned rooms
  • A delicious breakfast buffet is served each morning.
  • There is an onsite restaurant with local dishes and a lounge area with pool tables.
  • There is a free airport shuttle service for those needing to get to the airport quickly and easily.

Other Things to Know Before Staying in San Jose

  • We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance for your trip. This is helpful for medical expenses, lost luggage, delayed flights, last minute trip cancellation etc. Heymondo is our go-to travel insurance company.
  • To stay connected while traveling in San Jose (and the rest of Costa Rica) we recommend getting an eSIM. We like Airalo for that.
  • Your main concern in San Jose needs to be safety. Do not walk around at night, don’t carry expensive belongings, and just use general caution.
  • In downtown San Jose we do not suggest driving. It is best to take official taxis or walk. However, if you are staying on the outskirts of the city the best way to get around is with a rental car. Save 10% on your rental car here.
  • All of the places we listed above are from Booking.com or VRBO. We like Booking.com because they have a great selection of hotels and good cancellation policies. We like VRBO for vacation rentals.
  • We do not suggest spending much time in San Jose (and that is coming from 2 people who live in the city). There are so many beautiful place to explore in the country that we suggest staying here only for a night or two after arriving or before departing from the San Jose airport.
  • There are a lot of things to do in this area. Check out our guide to downtown San Jose activities and our guide to day trips from San Jose for more info.

Conclusion: San Jose Hotels

In conclusion, there are plenty of lodging options all over San Jose for various price points and interests. In the city you can find luxury hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, and more. Hopefully, you found the perfect place for your next vacation.

If you have any questions about these hotels don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out with your trip planning!

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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know

🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.

🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?

We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.

🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?

Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.

✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?

Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).

🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?

We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.

🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?

The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas

📞 What is the best way to stay connected?

An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.

🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.