San José Hotels

Top reasons to visit San José

• Rich Cultural Experiences: San José boasts vibrant markets, stunning cathedrals, and engaging museums that reflect its diverse heritage.
• Scenic Outdoor Adventures: The surrounding areas offer breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hiking and wildlife tours.
• Delicious Coffee Tours: Dive into Costa Rica's renowned coffee culture with immersive tours showcasing local farms.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The friendly locals create a warm and inviting environment for all visitors.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: From charming bed and breakfasts to modern hotels, there's something for every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels in San José

Discover a range of comfortable accommodation options in San José, from charming bed and breakfasts to modern hotels. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, you'll find pet-friendly and family-oriented facilities to suit your needs. Renowned establishments like Gran Hotel Costa Rica and Radisson San José offer exceptional services, ensuring a memorable stay in this vibrant city.

• Barceló San José: Nestled in the heart of San José, Barceló San José is a 4-star retreat that embodies a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere, rated 9.0 out of 10 by guests. This hotel offers a variety of amenities tailored for relaxation and connection, including a full-service spa and a picturesque pool area. Couples can indulge in romance packages, while families can take advantage of child-friendly features such as complimentary cribs and a designated children’s pool. The on-site dining options, including 24-hour room service, allow for intimate meals or family gatherings in a tranquil setting.
• Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica: The Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica stands out with its 4-star rating and a guest score of 8.8 out of 10. This hotel caters to both families and business travellers, offering a variety of amenities designed to meet diverse needs. Children are well accommodated with free cribs and a children’s pool, ensuring a family-friendly stay. The hotel's location makes it convenient for those visiting for business, while its welcoming atmosphere allows for relaxation after a busy day. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast and other dining options in a comfortable setting.
• Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center: The Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center is a prominent 4-star property offering a blend of comfort and convenience for families and business travellers alike. Located in San José, this hotel provides essential amenities such as free cribs and a children’s pool, making it suitable for families. Its extensive convention facilities cater to business events, while the welcoming environment ensures a relaxing experience. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast and unwind in an inviting atmosphere, making it a solid choice for both leisure and work-related stays.

Where to stay in San José

San José, a vibrant metropolis in Costa Rica, offers a delightful blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Explore the lively downtown, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Venture into nearby regions for adventure and stunning scenery, perfect for families and those seeking relaxation. From bustling markets to secluded retreats, San José and its surroundings promise an enriching holiday experience filled with diverse cultural vibes and outdoor escapades.

• San Rafael: Nestled within the vibrant San José Province, San Rafael is a bustling city that offers a delightful blend of urban culture and outdoor experiences. Its appeal is particularly strong during the peak months of February to March and December, making it a popular destination for families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from shopping at local malls to exploring urban parks and beaches nearby. The city’s charm lies in its accessibility to both shopping centres and scenic parks, providing an ideal setting for leisurely family outings.
• Rio Segundo: Located just a stone's throw from San José, Rio Segundo is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It attracts visitors primarily between April to May and July, offering a variety of scenic experiences. The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes and access to national parks, making it perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can indulge in relaxing spa retreats or explore the local shopping mall, all while being close to beautiful beaches and the breathtaking national state parks that surround the city.
• La Asunción: Situated in the heart of San José Province, La Asunción is another vibrant city ideal for outdoor adventures and scenic explorations. Like its neighbours, La Asunción sees a surge in visitors during February to March and December, with plenty of activities to engage in. Here, you can find a variety of resorts and shopping centres, alongside stunning natural landmarks such as beaches and volcanoes. The proximity to national state parks enhances the allure of La Asunción, making it a fantastic base for those looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s unique landscapes.

Things to do in San José

Shopping

In the heart of San José, you’ll discover the bustling Mercado Central, a vibrant market filled with local crafts and traditional delicacies. For a more contemporary experience, visit Multiplaza Escazú, where a variety of shops offer fashion, electronics, and souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Explore the serene surroundings at the Vita Nova Wellness Retreat, where you can indulge in yoga sessions and holistic therapies. Enjoy fresh, organic meals sourced from local produce while unwinding in nature, offering a tranquil space to rejuvenate your mind and body.

At the Spa at Grano de Oro, experience soothing massages and rejuvenating facials. The tranquil atmosphere complements the range of treatments, allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city.

Visit the Costa Rica Yoga Spa for invigorating yoga classes set against lush landscapes. Engage in meditation sessions and enjoy healthy meals that nourish the body, ensuring a balanced experience that promotes wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

At Colinas del Poás, experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on an exhilarating zipline ropes course. Set in the lush surroundings of San José, this adventure venue offers an adrenaline-pumping escape, immersing you in the natural beauty of Costa Rica while challenging your sense of adventure.

Nightlife

In San José, El Steinvorth boasts a lively atmosphere with its eclectic mix of live music and vibrant crowd. Meanwhile, Club Vertigo offers an exhilarating dance scene, featuring local and international DJs that keep the energy high throughout the night.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San José

To save money during your visit to San José, consider travelling in the off-peak months of May and September to October for lower accommodation rates. Enjoy free attractions like Sabana Park and Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu. Use public transport options such as the Light Rail Transit and buses to keep travel costs down. Sundays are the least expensive days to stay, while Thursdays are pricier. Utilise Expedia’s tools to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider booking packages that include flights and activities for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in San José are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in San José is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in San José is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most economical options and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservations in San José with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in San José

San José, Costa Rica, offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore urban parks, picturesque farms, and stunning cathedrals, making it an ideal destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike. The surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for scenic excursions, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with natural beauty and engaging activities.

• Jade Museum: Discover the rich heritage of Costa Rica at the Jade Museum, where ancient artefacts and exquisite jade pieces tell the story of pre-Columbian cultures. The museum’s immersive exhibits and cultural vibes provide a fascinating insight into the region's history and artistry.
• Cafe Rosa Blanca Organic Coffee Farm: Experience the tranquil beauty of organic coffee cultivation at Cafe Rosa Blanca. This eco-friendly plantation offers guided tours through lush coffee fields, allowing you to savour the rich flavours of Costa Rican coffee while enjoying the serene outdoor surroundings.
• Cerro Pico Alto: For adventure seekers, Cerro Pico Alto offers exhilarating hiking trails and breathtaking views. This mountain provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration and is ideal for those wishing to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's stunning natural scenery.

Best time to go to San José

The best time to visit San José can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in San José falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in San José falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

The nearest major airports for your trip to San José

Arriving in San José, Costa Rica, is convenient with its major airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), positioned approximately 16km from the city centre. Notable hotels nearby include the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica, located 8km away, and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, just 3km from the airport. Transportation services such as airport shuttles and paid transfers are available from these hotels. Additionally, Cóbano Airport (ACO), 114km away, and Quepos (XQP), 55km away, offer further accommodation options and transport services, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.