San José Hotels

Top reasons to visit San José

• Outdoor Adventures: San José offers a stunning blend of scenic beauty and recreational activities, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local customs and traditions, with opportunities to explore vibrant neighbourhoods and urban parks.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy thrilling experiences at Parque Diversiones, ideal for families and individuals alike.
• Relaxing Resorts: The city boasts an array of resorts and spas, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from luxurious hotels to charming bed and breakfasts to suit every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels in San José

Discover a diverse range of hotel accommodations in San José, Costa Rica, catering to every traveller's needs. From luxurious hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, you'll find options perfect for business trips, family holidays, and pet-friendly stays. Explore the best hotels in the area, complete with excellent reviews and amenities to ensure a memorable experience in this vibrant city.

• Barceló San José: This 4-star hotel is a serene oasis in the heart of San José, ideal for those seeking a family-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming environment. The hotel boasts a full-service spa, where guests can indulge in a variety of treatments like massages, body wraps, and manicures. The relaxation extends outdoors with a dedicated children's pool, ensuring a fun-filled experience for younger guests. With amenities such as free cribs and child safety features like window guards, it caters expertly to families. A perfect blend of tranquility and vibrant hospitality makes Barceló San José an excellent choice for your getaway.
• Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica: This 4-star establishment is tailored for families, business travellers, and LGBTQIA guests, offering a unique blend of comfort and functionality. The hotel features a welcoming atmosphere with amenities such as a children's pool and free cribs, ensuring the littlest guests are catered for. Ideal for business visitors, it provides convenient access to business facilities while still making family time a priority. With its central location, Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica serves as an excellent base for exploring the city’s rich culture and attractions.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica: This 3.5-star hotel offers a charming and convenient stay, perfect for families, business travellers, and LGBTQIA guests. It features thoughtful amenities such as a children's pool, free cribs, and a first aid kit for added peace of mind. Situated conveniently near the airport and city attractions, it combines comfort with accessibility. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality and cosy atmosphere, making it a delightful option for those visiting San José.

Where to stay in San José

San José, a vibrant metropolis, offers a delightful blend of urban vibes and scenic outdoor adventures. Explore the charming neighbourhoods of San Rafael, where friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for family-friendly outings or secluded retreats. Venture beyond the city to discover beautiful beaches that enhance your Costa Rican experience, ensuring a memorable trip filled with relaxation and exploration.

• Alajuela: Nestled in the San José Province, Alajuela is a vibrant city that serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s natural wonders. The area is renowned for its outdoor adventures, offering stunning scenery that includes lush landscapes, majestic volcanoes, and nearby national parks. Travellers can enjoy various activities such as shopping at local centres or relaxing at resorts. Alajuela's visitor numbers peak during the dry season, particularly in January and March to April, making it an ideal time to explore its attractions, including pristine beaches and scenic parks.
• Rio Segundo: Located close to San José, Rio Segundo is a charming city that attracts visitors seeking outdoor and adventure experiences. This area is particularly appealing from April to May and July, when traveller arrivals peak. With its proximity to national parks and state parks, Rio Segundo offers an array of activities that showcase Costa Rica's breathtaking scenery. Adventurers can shop at local malls or unwind at nearby resorts after a day of exploration, making it a well-rounded destination for both relaxation and excitement.
• San Rafael: Situated within the San José region, San Rafael is a dynamic city that offers a blend of family-friendly and business-themed experiences. Visitors flock to this area between February to March and December, enjoying its vibrant shopping areas and centres. San Rafael's charm lies in its accessibility to stunning beaches, volcanoes, and national parks, making it an excellent base for exploration. Whether you're visiting with family or for business, the city provides a unique atmosphere that caters to various interests.

Things to do in San José

San José is an ideal destination for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, offering a blend of scenic beauty and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy day trips to nearby attractions, indulge in town shopping, and experience the thrills of Parque Diversiones. With its array of resorts and spas, San José provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration during your holiday.

Shopping

In San José, explore Plaza Real Cariari, San Pedro Mall, and City Mall, all vibrant shopping centres offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly activities. These centres are perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs to remember your Costa Rican adventure.

Recreation

Explore Cariari Golf Course for a relaxing day of golf amidst lush greenery, perfect for unwinding. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the National Stadium of Costa Rica, where you can engage in various sports activities. Experience luxury at Melia Cariari Golf Course, a private club offering top-notch amenities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bowling at Cariari Bowling Center, perfect for a fun evening with friends. For adventure seekers, Colinas del Poas offers an exhilarating zipline course amidst stunning nature, while Tropical Bungee provides a heart-pounding bungee jump for those craving an adrenaline rush.

Nightlife

San José's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of romance and culture. Catch a film at Studio Cinemas, enjoy a performance at the National Theatre, or experience the Melico Salazar Theatre's captivating shows. Each venue provides a unique atmosphere perfect for an enchanting evening out.

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 offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking both thrill and enrichment. Explore urban parks, farms, and modern colleges, all set against the backdrop of stunning scenery. Whether you're travelling with family or on your own, the attractions around San José promise memorable experiences that cater to your adventurous spirit and cultural curiosity.

• Jade Museum: Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica at the Jade Museum, where you can explore an impressive collection of pre-Columbian jade artefacts. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the indigenous cultures, showcasing their artistry and spirituality through intricate jade pieces.
• Pedregal Event Center: While primarily an event venue, Pedregal offers a modern space that blends business with elegance. Its versatile facilities cater to conferences and corporate gatherings, making it an ideal spot for networking in a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Cafe Rosa Blanca Organic Coffee Farm: Experience the lush landscapes and sustainable practices at this organic coffee plantation. Tour the farm, learn about the coffee-making process, and enjoy tasting sessions amidst the serene outdoor setting, all while supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to San José

Flying into San José, Costa Rica, you have two major airports to consider. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is situated approximately 16.1km from the city centre, with notable hotels nearby including the 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica and the 4.5-star Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, both offering convenient airport shuttle services. Alternatively, Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) is about 6.4km from San José, with excellent accommodation options like the Barceló San José and Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica, providing various transportation services to the airport. Regardless of your choice, both airports offer easy access to the vibrant city of San José and its surroundings.