Where to Stay in San José – A Guide to the Capital of Costa Rica
San José is the capital of Costa Rica. Located on an intervolcanic plateau in the center of the country, San José is famous for being an important industrial, business, and tourist hub in Central America and for the main gateway to explore the wonders of Costa Rica. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in San José, CR.
The main attractions in San José’s City Center include Museo del Jade, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the National Museum of Costa Rica, Borbón Market, the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture, The Yellow House presidential palace, and Plaza de la Cultura. See accommodation in San José City Center.
If you’re traveling with kids, San José is also home to several family-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum, Parque Diversiones Dr. Roberto Ortiz Brenes, the National Zoo and Botanical Garden, Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, and Natural Science Museum La Salle. Likewise, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will enjoy the many natural wonders around San José, including Cerro Pico Alto and Cerro Cedral.
Due to its location in the heart of Costa Rica, San José has a tropical climate. This means that the city’s temperature presents minimal variation throughout the year (18 – 28 ºC) and two distinct seasons; a short dry one and a long rainy one. The wettest season goes from April to November. Because of its constantly pleasant temperature, San José can be considered an ideal tourist destination year-round. However, since the rainiest is so long, the best time to visit San José is during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter (December to March) when it’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the rain.
To get to San José by air, the city is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport. Located 20 km (12 miles) west of the city center, this airport offers a wide range of regional connections to Central America and Mexico and frequent mid and long-haul flights to destinations in the US, South America, and Spain.
San José is also connected by the Tren Interurbano (Interurban Train), a passenger rail line connecting the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, San José, and Cartago, and by a very well-developed network of inter-city buses. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
Local transportation in San José consists of bus lines and there are also taxi services available. Costa Rica is safe to drive and you can rent a cheap car during your stay.
The best area to stay in San José is Escazú. This upscale and safe area is home to some of San José’s best shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife venues. It is also where the best international hotels in San José are located. See accommodation in Escazú.
If you’re looking for a more authentic Costa Rican experience, the City Center is also a great location in San José for tourists. This bustling area is home to some of the city’s top cultural sights and attractions. See accommodation in San José City Center.
Another great option to consider when choosing the best location in San José is La Asunción.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location in San José for tourists.
The Best Areas to Stay in San José, Costa Rica
1. Recommended area: Escazú
Escazú is a charming neighborhood on a hill.
This district is located 8 km west of downtown San José.
Escazú includes the upscale San Rafael neighborhood.
San Rafael is home to shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and the headquarters of several local and international companies.
Escazú is also famous for its old buildings and iconic churches like San Miguel de Arcángel, San Antonio de Padua and San Rafael de Arcángel.
Escazú’s Central Park is is another local landmark and meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Escazú is connected to the city center and other areas via bus and the neighborhood itself is very pedestrian-friendly.
Its safety, cosmopolitan atmosphere, restaurants, shops, and luxury hotels make Escazú the best area to stay in San José, Costa Rica.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San José, Costa Rica:
- Best area for business travelers
- Hotels of all kinds
- Restaurants and nightlife
- Safe area to stay in San José
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Costa Verde Inn
The Costa Verde Inn offers an outdoor pool, free American breakfast and free Wi-Fi in all areas. It is located 8 km from downtown San José.
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Budget
Fauna Luxury Hostel
Fauna Luxury Hostel is located in San José, 5 km from Parque Diversiones and 6 km from Hospital Metropolitano de Costa Rica. It features a shared kitchen and restaurant, and is 6 km from San Juan de Dios Hospital.
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Luxury
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
The Apartotel & amp; Suites Villas del Rio is located in a residential area, next to the Costa Rica Country Club. It has 2 outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub and a gym. A free airport shuttle service is provided.
2. La Asunción
La Asunción is a district in the Belén neighborhood, located west of downtown San José.
This area is one of San José’s premier business centers and lies just 9 minutes from the Santa María International Airport, very close to the América Free zone and the Global Park.
The area’s main attractions are Parque de la Asunción and Parque de Diversiones, so it’s a great area to stay in San José for families.
A few kilometers from Asunción you’ll also find the Ojo de Agua Water Park.
La Asunción is a good area to stay without a car since it has good connections with public transport as well as the interurban train.
This district is also home to Plaza Real Cariari, one of the largest malls in the country, with dozens of local and international shops and restaurants.
La Asunción is a great area to stay in San José. It is very safe and has a wide variety of luxury and resort-style hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San José, CR:
- Area well connected by public transport
- Luxury hotels
- Near the airport
- Safest area to stay in San José
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Wyndham San Jose Herradura
Wyndham San Jose Herradura is located on the outskirts of San José, 10 minutes’ drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport, and has 3 outdoor pools and 1 casino. The property offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV.
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Budget
Aparthotel Oro
Offering a terrace, Apartotel Oro is located in San Antonio in the Heredia region, 1.3 km from Pedregal Events Center. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service, room service and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
This hotel is housed in a former hacienda located on a 12-hectare coffee plantation. It has 2 outdoor pools, a golf driving range and a spa inspired by the cultivation of coffee. Downtown San José is about 15 minutes away by car.
3. Downtown San José
The City Center is the heart of the Costa Rican capital.
This area houses San Jose’s main historical and cultural attractions, including some Neoclassical and Baroque gems.
The main attractions in San José’s City Center include the iconic National Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the House of Culture, the Costa Rican Post Office, and the Telegraph Building.
Downtown San Jose’s main streets are very busy. Central Avenue Boulevard is a pedestrianized street with a variety of shopping centers, cafés, and restaurants.
The nightlife in central San José is also very lively and offers a more authentic and local atmosphere than the one found in the city’s more exclusive suburbs.
Needless to say, San José Centro is very well-connected by public transportation, including buses and commuter trains.
Downtown is also where most of the cheap accommodation in San José is located, so it’s a convenient area if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San José, Costa Rica:
- Most central area
- Cheap accommodation
- Cultural attractions
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Selina San José
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Selina San José offers pet-friendly accommodation in San José. It houses a restaurant and bar. The property has a rooftop activity center, a wellness center and offers pub crawls, as well as a modern shared office space.
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Budget
Hotel Casa León
Hotel Casa León is located in the center of San José and offers a computer with internet access, a shared lounge area with a TV, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have a fan and a private bathroom with a shower, and some have a safe, cable TV and a bathroom with a hairdryer.
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Luxury
Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola
Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola is located next to Morazán Park, 1 km from downtown San José, and offers views of the Central Valley. It has an indoor pool, gym and free parking. Rooms at the Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola feature simple, modern décor.
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