TOP Cheap Hotels in San José for 2026

A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.

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Our top choices for San José cheap hotels

A nighttime outdoor pool area with multiple dining tables and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a pool.

A restaurant with multiple dining areas, a bar, and large windows offering a view of greenery.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a mirror, and a TV.

A gym with cardio equipment, weight machines, and a pool view.

1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Ciudad Cariari

Alexis

Rp1.458.291

Rp1.647.869 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A spacious living area with a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table.

A bar area with wooden chairs, a bar counter, and a large TV screen displaying a movie.

A hotel room with two beds, a coffee machine, a desk, and a window with curtains.

A modern bathroom with a bench, a round mirror, a potted plant, and a wall with a textured pattern.

2. Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Rio Segundo

Jessica

Rp1.809.516

Rp2.044.753 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Oct - 17 Oct

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees.

A man and woman sitting on a red carpeted area with a glass table, in a room with large windows and a piano in the background.

A spacious dining area with wooden ceiling beams, large windows, and a buffet setup.

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, polished tile flooring, and a reception desk.

3. Barceló San José

Uruca

Enrique

Rp1.567.063

Rp1.770.782 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

A modern restaurant with high ceilings, wooden tables and chairs, a central bar area, and artwork on the walls.

A retail store with shelves of snacks, plush toys, and a display of shoes.

A modern lobby with a seating area, a reception desk, a wall-mounted elevator, and decorative wall art.

A modern bar area with a large TV, bar stools, and shelves with bottles and glasses.

4. Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Cacique

Juan

Rp1.924.537

Rp2.174.727 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Oct - 11 Oct

An outdoor garden area with a pergola, various plants, and a stone pathway.

A hotel with a sign reading "LAJUELA CITY Hotel & Guest House".

A spacious living area with a leather sofa, ottoman, and a wooden floor. A hallway leads to a door with a view of the outdoors.

A narrow outdoor corridor with a wooden door, a small table and chairs, and hanging flower baskets.

5. Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House

Corazón de Jesús

Jason

Rp435.358

Rp613.424 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Sept - 27 Sept

A spacious dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a chandelier, and a large mural of a forest.

A hotel with a modern facade, multiple balconies, and a well-lit entrance area with palm trees.

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a wooden nightstand with a floral arrangement, and a lamp in the background.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a wine rack.

6. Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas

Carmen

"My preferred place to stay in San Jose (have probably stayed here at least 20 times, and I have stayed at many places in town so I have a fair idea of what's "normal" here even for the high-end hotels). Large and clean rooms, great location and staff. Only downside is there is no restaurant/bar in the hotel, rather in the separate casino which is a bit sleazy for my tastes. But there are decent restaurants within a short walk."

Scott

Rp1.447.356

Rp1.635.514 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

A breakfast buffet with various fruits and cereals.

A stationary bike in a gym with a digital display and a mirror.

A hotel reception area with a reception desk, seating area with sofas, a framed artwork on the wall, and a store named "SUNDRY SHOP" in the background.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a computer, a TV, a chair, and a window with a view of the outdoors.

7. Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Cacique

Nidia

Rp1.899.096

Rp2.145.979 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A modern interior with a large window, a balcony with outdoor seating, and a view of the cityscape.

A rooftop garden with seating areas and a view of surrounding buildings.

A modern restaurant with high ceilings, large windows, and a mural on the wall.

A bar area with a wooden counter, shelves of bottles, and two lamps.

8. Hotel Presidente

Catedral

David

Rp1.808.396

Rp2.043.487 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Oct - 25 Oct

View all properties

Top San José Hotel Reviews

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

8/10 Good

"When I made my reservation I noted that I would be arriving late so that the shuttle driver would look for me. I had traveled for about 14 hours and was exhausted. I waited about 50 minutes before calling the hotel, all while watching other shuttles come and go 3-4 times. So for the unreliability of the shuttle service Id give this hotel a 1. But the staff was great, the room and hotel were very clean and I was impressed by the breakfast, that’s why I give them 4 stars."

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent breakfast"

Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica

10/10 Excellent

"Excelente"

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

10/10 Excellent

"Bueno!!"

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

10/10 Excellent

"It was very easy to get to the airport from there"

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

10/10 Excellent

"This is my favorite place to go and I’m waiting for a flight next day to San Jose"

Frequently asked questions

What is San José like for travellers on a budget?

San José has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Central Park, National Theater of Costa Rica and Plaza de la Cultura.

What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in San José?

Based on reviews, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free full breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Other good choices to stay on the cheap include Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center and Viajero San José Hostel.

How many budget hotels will I be able to find in San José?

Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from Expedia's 32 budget hotels in San José.

When is the best time for a budget trip to San José?

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to San José, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually March and April, with an average temperature of 20°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 19°C. The rainiest months in San José are October, June, September and August, with each month seeing an average of 650 mm of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in San José?

San José attracts visitors with its top museums and majestic volcano, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for activities that are easy on the wallet. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Mercado Central and San Pedro Mall.

How can I get to San José and get around on a budget?

Scoping out the transportation options in San José is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 4.4 mi (7.1 km) away from the centre in San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can book a flight to San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), located 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. San José might not have very many public transport options so a car rental could be a reasonable alternative to see more of the area.

Room 1

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Check availability on San José Cheap Hotels

Our top choices for San José cheap hotels

1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica