If you’re heading to the land of “pura vida”, odds are you are going to spend at least a day or two at a hotel in the country’s capital city of San José. While it’s not at the top of my travel list for a vacation to Costa Rica, it definitely has enough to merit a 1 or 2 day visit! 

While getting my Master’s degree, I did a  “study abroad” program in a suburb of San José called Heredia. We went into the city a few times a week, so I feel I have a good impression of it overall. While there are shady areas you should avoid, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces and museums. Overall, the city feels a bit “industrial” and lacks the charm the rest of the country has, but that’s just my personal opinion!

Here are a few San José hotel options for you to check out! :

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⇒ See my suggested 10 day Costa Rica itinerary for first time visitors

⇒ Check out my list of things to do in La Fortuna

⇒ Peruse my personal list of best beach towns in Costa Rica

⇒ Learn more about what it’s like to study abroad here!

4 Star San José Hotels

♦ Gran Hotel Costa Rica = Appx. nightly cost $180 | 5 minute walk from National Theater | Breakfast Included| Excellent location | Private Parking

♦ Crowne Plaza San José La Sabana = Appx. nightly cost $135 | Located in the city center | Swimming Pool | Airport Shuttle | Ten minute walk to historic center

♦ Barceló San José = Appx. nightly cost $160  | Distance from city center: 2 miles | Three On site restaurants | Swimming Pool & Mountain Views | San Jose Hotels

♦ Studio Hotel Boutique = Appx. nightly cost $140  | Distance from city center: 7.3 miles | Breakfast Included | Unique Art Collections | Close to Airport

♦ Grano de Oro Hotel = Appx. nightly cost $190  | Distance from city center: 0.9 miles | Onsite restaurant | Rooftop garden

3 Star San José Hotels

♦ Balmoral Hotel = Appx. nightly cost $90  | Distance from city center: 0.6 miles | Two minutes walk from National Theater | Restaurant & Gym

♦ Casa Conde Hotel = Appx. nightly cost $75  | Distance from city center: 1.5 miles | Swimming Pool & Garden Views | Sauna and Hot Tub | Mountain Views

♦ Hotel Santo Tomás =Appx. nightly cost $100  | Distance from city center: 0.7 miles | Historic Property | Six minutes walk from National Theater | Outdoor Pool

Budget San José Hotel Finds!

♦ Hotel Colonial = Appx. nightly cost $75  | Distance from city center: 0.6 miles | Central Location / Walking Distance to Main Sights | Breakfast Included | Neo-colonial Architecture | Terrace Garden | Swimming Pool

♦ Hotel Casa 69 = Appx. nightly cost $50  | Distance from city center: 1 mile | Ten Minute Walk to Center | Garden Patio | Breakfast Included

♦ Chillout Hostel Barrio Escalante =Appx. nightly cost $22-$50  | Distance from city center: 3 miles | Lounge & Shared Kitchen | Garden | Tour Desk | Private & Shared Options | San Jose Hotels

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As always, all reviews and opinions are my own. However, should you choose to book any of the above San Jose hotels or activities, please know I am an affiliate and will receive a small commission.