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Where to Stay in San José: Downtown, La Sabana or Escazú?

San José is spread out, and traffic is slow, so it’s worth picking the area first and the hotel second. These are the five areas most people choose between:

• Downtown: the historic center around Avenida Central, with the Gold Museum, the National Theater and the Central Market within walking distance. Busy by day, quiet after dark.
• Barrio Escalante and the east side: leafy streets with lots of restaurants and bars, a short taxi ride east of downtown.
• Paseo Colón and La Sabana: just west of downtown, next to La Sabana Park and the National Stadium. Calmer, with good bus and taxi links.
• Escazú and Santa Ana: the polished western suburbs, with malls, chain hotels and easy access to the highway west.
• The Heredia hills: coffee farms and cooler air north of the city, about 8 km from the airport.

Here’s a quick look at all 15, with rough nightly rates for two people:

Hotel	Area	Rough Nightly Rate
Finca Rosa Blanca	Heredia hills	About $280 to $580
Hotel Grano de Oro	West of downtown	About $160 to $260
Hilton San José La Sabana	La Sabana	About $160 to $270
Alta Las Palomas Hotel	Santa Ana	About $145 to $280
Hyatt Centric San José Escazú	Escazú	About $140 to $220
Gran Hotel Costa Rica	Downtown	About $130 to $200
Wyndham Garden San José Escazú	Escazú	About $70 to $150
Balmoral Hotel	Downtown	From about $82
Awā San José	Barrio Escalante	About $65 to $125
Hotel Colonial	Downtown	About $55 to $110
Hotel Casa 69	East side of downtown	About $55 to $80
Gaudy’s Hostel	Paseo Colón	Dorm beds from about $21
Nativus Art Hostel	Paseo Colón	Dorm beds from about $17
Eco Stay Hostel	East side of downtown	Dorm beds from about $22
Costa Rica Backpackers	East side of downtown	Dorm beds from about $11

Treat these as a rough guide, since rates move with the season and the room. December is the priciest month and September the cheapest, and the 13% tax isn’t always in the first price you see.

Luxury Hotels in San José

San José doesn’t do big beach-style resorts. Its best hotels are boutique stays, a coffee farm in the hills and a couple of polished international brands. These five are worth the extra money.

1. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn

Finca Rosa Blanca is the splurge, on a working coffee farm in the hills of Santa Bárbara de Heredia. It’s about 8.5 km from the airport, so it’s a lovely first or last night without driving into the city.

Rooms have handcrafted furniture and patios or decks, and some come with their own hot tub. There’s an outdoor pool, a Latin fusion restaurant that uses produce from its greenhouse, and coffee tours on the farm.

Rates run about $280 to $580 a night, with October the cheapest month and March the priciest. Book the coffee tour at check-in, since times can change.

2. Hotel Grano de Oro

Grano de Oro is the classic boutique pick, in a converted old mansion on Calle 30. The mansion is just west of downtown, about 1.3 km from La Sabana Park. It feels more like a private home than a city hotel.

The restaurant serves fusion food, with seating out on a terrace, and guests rate it highly. There’s a roof terrace with hot tubs, but no pool.

Rates run about $160 to $260 a night, cheapest in June and priciest in March. Breakfast costs extra, so check what your rate includes.

3. Hilton San José La Sabana

The Hilton is a tall, modern hotel right across from La Sabana Park, the city’s biggest green space. The National Stadium is a short walk away. It’s an easy pick for families and anyone who likes a big-brand hotel.

There’s an indoor pool and a restaurant. The park across the road is great for an early walk or run before a day in the city.

Rates run about $160 to $270 a night, with October the cheapest month and March the priciest. Booking about six weeks ahead usually gets a much better price.

4. Alta Las Palomas Hotel

Alta Las Palomas is a hillside hotel in Alto de las Palomas, above Santa Ana and west of the city. It’s quiet, with big views over the Central Valley and some of the best sunsets in town.

There’s an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, a restaurant on site and breakfast made fresh to order. Ask for a room on a higher floor for the best city and mountain views.

Rates run about $145 to $280 a night. You’ll want a car or taxis here, since it’s well outside downtown.

5. Hyatt Centric San José Escazú

Hyatt Centric is a newer hotel in the Plaza Tempo complex in Escazú. Avenida Escazú is about a three-minute walk, and Multiplaza mall is ten minutes on foot. It suits business trips and anyone who wants shops and restaurants close by.

Fair warning: there’s no pool or spa. The buffet breakfast costs about $30 per adult. Dogs up to 22 kg can stay in some rooms for a fee of about $100.

Rates run about $140 to $220 a night. It’s modern and well run, but you’re paying for the location more than the facilities.

Mid-Range Hotels in San José

Mid-range hotels in San José cost about $55 to $200 a night, and most include breakfast. Downtown gets you history and walkability, and Escazú gets you a pool and free parking.

6. Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

Gran Hotel Costa Rica is the historic downtown pick, right on the Plaza de la Cultura next to the National Theater. The Gold Museum is about 100 meters away, so you can walk to most of the city’s big museums.

It’s part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, and the location is the big draw. For a one-day city visit, it’s hard to beat.

Rates run about $130 to $200 a night. Downtown is busy by day and quiet after dark, so take a taxi or Uber back at night.

7. Wyndham Garden San José Escazú

Wyndham Garden is a good-value pick in San Rafael de Escazú, about 10.5 km from the airport. It’s handy with a rental car, since parking is free and the highway west is close.

There’s an indoor pool and a hot tub, and the buffet breakfast is included. Rooms are modern and simple, and it works well for families.

Rates run about $70 to $150 a night. Rooms on the highway side can be noisy, so ask for a quieter one.

8. Balmoral Hotel San José

The Balmoral is right on Avenida Central, between Calles 7 and 9, on the Paseo de los Museos in the historic center. The Gold Museum and the National Theater are a few minutes’ walk away.

Breakfast is included, and the restaurant is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM. Room types range from simple doubles to suites with a balcony, and some Deluxe rooms have a soaking tub.

Rooms start around $82 a night. Parking is subject to availability, so ask ahead when you have a car.

9. Awā San José

Awā San José is a garden guesthouse in Barrio Escalante, on Avenida 9 about 50 meters east of the Freshmarket. The house was once home to former president Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, so it has more history than most city stays.

There are 12 suites, each named after a place in Costa Rica, and the Irazú suite sleeps up to four. A Costa Rican breakfast is included, there’s a quiet garden, and parking is free, which helps with a rental car.

Rates run about $65 to $125 a night, cheapest in October. Only some suites have their own bathroom, so check before you book, then walk to dinner on Calle 33.

10. Hotel Colonial

Hotel Colonial is a friendly downtown hotel on Calle 11, about 250 meters from the Jade Museum. It’s a solid pick for keeping costs down while staying central.

The buffet breakfast is included, with Costa Rican dishes, fruit and good coffee, and there’s an outdoor pool. Rooms are comfortable rather than fancy.

Rates run about $55 to $110 a night, with August the cheapest month. Don’t book it for the pool, since guests often find it chilly.

Budget Hotels in San José

San José is easy on a budget, with plenty of hostels on the east side of downtown and around Paseo Colón. These five all include breakfast or a kitchen, which helps the money go further.

11. Hotel Casa 69

Casa 69 is a small boutique B&B on the east side of downtown, about 1 km from the Gold Museum. There are 17 rooms, each one decorated differently, with a private bathroom and a small fridge.

Breakfast is included, luggage storage is free, and secure overnight parking costs about $10 a night. Some rooms sleep up to four.

Rates run about $55 to $80 a night, which is great value for a private room with breakfast this close to downtown.

12. Gaudy’s Hostel

Gaudy’s is a long-running hostel near Paseo Colón, about three blocks from La Sabana Park. It’s been open for more than 15 years, and guests love the friendly staff.

Breakfast is free, and the hostel can arrange airport transfers and store your bags after checkout. Laundry and local SIM cards are on offer too.

Dorm beds start around $21 a night, with private rooms as well. It’s a handy pick for a late flight, since you can leave your bags for the day.

13. Nativus Art Hostel

Nativus is an art-filled hostel on Avenida 5, near Paseo Colón and a short walk from La Sabana Park. The design and artwork make it feel more like a small boutique hotel.

Dorms have privacy curtains on each bed, and there are private rooms too. There’s a shared kitchen, a terrace and a small coffee shop on the ground floor.

Dorm beds start around $17 a night. A few private rooms have no window, so ask about that when you book.

14. Eco Stay Hostel

Eco Stay is a small, relaxed hostel on Calle 27A, about 1.8 km from the center. You can walk to downtown, the bus station and the train station.

Breakfast is free, and there’s a full kitchen, a pool, a foosball table and a barbecue area. It’s quieter than the bigger party hostels, which suits solo trips.

Dorm beds start around $22 a night. Note the doors lock from 1 AM to 6:30 AM, so plan late nights around that.

15. Costa Rica Backpackers

Costa Rica Backpackers is the big social hostel, on Avenida 6 on the east side of downtown. Its outdoor pool, gardens and hammocks feel like a little oasis in the middle of the city.

There’s a shared kitchen, a bar and restaurant, a tour desk and free coffee in the morning. Reception is open 24 hours, which is handy for late flights.

Dorm beds start around $11 a night. Rooms have fans, not air conditioning, and music plays until 10 PM, so it’s not the place for an early night.

Which San José Hotel Should You Book?

For a day or two in the city, stay downtown. Gran Hotel Costa Rica is the classic pick, and Hotel Colonial or Casa 69 keep costs down. For food, Awā San José puts you in Barrio Escalante.

For a quieter stay with a pool, go west. The Hilton at La Sabana and Wyndham Garden in Escazú both work well for families, and Alta Las Palomas has the views.

For a special first or last night, Finca Rosa Blanca is worth the splurge. It’s only about 8.5 km from the airport. On a tight budget, Costa Rica Backpackers or Gaudy’s will do the job.

Our one day in San José guide helps you plan your time, and our day trips from San José cover what’s nearby.

San José Hotels FAQ

What Is the Best Area to Stay in San José?

The best area to stay in San José for a short city visit is downtown, near Avenida Central. The Gold Museum, the National Theater and the Central Market are all within walking distance.

For a quieter stay, La Sabana and Escazú are calmer and better for families. Hotels like the Hilton and Wyndham Garden have pools and free parking. Barrio Escalante, east of downtown, is best for restaurants, and Awā San José has suites there from about $65.

Is Downtown San José Safe at Night?

Downtown San José is busy and fine during the day, but the streets empty out after dark. Keep your phone in your pocket on the street. At night, take a taxi or Uber back to your hotel, even for short trips.

Hotels on the main streets keep you close to the busiest, best-lit areas. Try Gran Hotel Costa Rica on the Plaza de la Cultura or the Balmoral on Avenida Central.

Should You Stay in San José or Near the Airport?

Stay near the airport for a late arrival or an early flight, since traffic into the city can be slow. Stay in San José when you want a day in the city, since the airport area has little to do.

Finca Rosa Blanca is a nice middle ground, about 8.5 km from the airport. Our guide to hotels near San José airport covers more options.

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Hotel in San José?

Book a hotel in San José about six weeks ahead for the best rates, and earlier for Christmas, New Year and Easter. December is the priciest month, and September is the cheapest.

Last-minute rooms are easy to find most of the year, but you’ll pay more. At the Hilton La Sabana, booking ahead can cut the price by about half.

Which San José Hotels Have a Pool?

Several San José hotels have a pool. The Hilton San José La Sabana and Wyndham Garden Escazú both have indoor pools. Alta Las Palomas has an indoor and an outdoor pool.

Finca Rosa Blanca and Hotel Colonial have outdoor pools, and on a budget, Costa Rica Backpackers and Eco Stay do too. Hyatt Centric Escazú and Grano de Oro don’t have one.

What Are the Cheapest Places to Stay in San José?

The cheapest places to stay in San José are hostels on the east side of downtown and around Paseo Colón. Costa Rica Backpackers has dorm beds from around $11, and Nativus starts around $17.

For a private room, Hotel Casa 69 runs about $55 to $80 with breakfast, and Hotel Colonial about $55 to $110. Both are within walking distance of downtown.