Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In San Jose
The Capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose, California is sprawling metropolitan city that has more to do than meets the eye. From incredible hiking trails to a life-size Monopoly board, you wont get bored in San Jose.
While hostels havent yet made an appearance in San Jose, AirBnB has many great options out there for those who like to feel at home while they travel. Our favorite is the Spacious Suite by Rose Garden that is located right next to the actual Rose Gardens in the neighborhood of Rose Garden.
We know, lots of roses and gardens right? This AirBnB is a private in-law unit with lots of privacy.
The Best Hotel in San Jose is the The Larkspur Landing Hotel located in the Campbell neighborhood. It has free laundry and free cookies 24/7. What a winning combination.
Have any San Jose words of wisdom to share? Were all ears. Please drop us a note in the comments below.
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Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
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Puerto Viejo Most Romantic Stay In Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo has some of the best beaches and hotels in Costa Rica, located in southeastern Costa Rica, close to the Panama border and right on the breathtaking Caribbean coast, this area of Costa Rica is well known for its black sand beach. However, you can still spot some rainforests and mangroves in the area. This is a perfect place for a romantic getaway and adults will love this Costa Rican gem! It will take you almost 5 hours to get here from the airport.
If youre looking for where to stay in Costa Rica, where you can get the full local experience then Puerto Viejo can be your top choice. It has locals of both Afro-Caribbean and indigenous descent.
Im always looking to get that local vibe when Im traveling and here you can explore around, maybe do some hiking, visit the indigenous communities and find out more about their traditions and language.
- Walk around the Puerto Viejo beach
- Taste some delicious cacao at Talamanca Chocolate
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Parque Nacional Cahuita
- Hike to the Bribri waterfalls nearby
- Take a day trip to see the Monteverde cloud forest
Manuel Antonio Where To Stay In Costa Rica For Couples
Often the best place to stay in Costa Rica for first-time visitors is the Pacific beach town of Manuel Antonio. Much of the area is covered by Manuel Antonio National Park, which includes rainforests, beaches and off-shore coral reefs. There are many hiking trails in the park, making it a great place to stay for active travelers who seek adventure on their vacation.
Manuel Antonio is a great choice for where to stay in Costa Rica with family, as its easy to get around, fairly close to the San Juan International Airport, and offers many activity choices, as well as hotels and restaurants. With some of Costa Ricas most romantic resorts, Manuel Antonio may also be the best places to stay in Costa Rica for couples.
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Bonus: Where To Stay Near The San Jose International Airport
I know some of you will be looking for some hotels in San Jose, California, near the International Airport, especially if youre coming for a quick business trip, so Ive made this list with the best accommodations for you, with prices ranging from luxury to budget!
1. Homewood Suites by HiltonChill in front of the fireplace of this luxurious hotel thats located almost 1 mile away from the San Jose International Airport, in the north part of the city. This accommodation has such a lovely lounge area by the pool, which is perfect for those late-night swims. Homewood Suites by Hilton offers free breakfast and free parking spots.
2. Sonesta ES Suites I love the homie feeling of this nice mid-range hotel! You can swim in the pool during the day and have a cozy movie night in your room, at night! The accommodation has a great location just 1 mile away from the San Jose Airport.
3. SpringHill Suites by MarriottWith colorful décor and a large outdoor pool, this has to be one of the nicest budget hotels to stay near the airport, located just 1 mile away from it. You dont have to worry about where you can go to grab something to eat in the morning as the accommodation offers a delicious and healthy breakfast!
San Jose Appear To Be Under Going A Change

San Jose appear to be under going a change. New Buildings ie: Hotels and Residential Units. VTA up and running. I was surprise with so much growth and new buildings there were presence of homelessness down in the river valley of a major park. Individuals appear to be forgotten. I walked along the park river and could see several makeshift residence and then saw human beings living among the dampness, etc. Two blocks from City Hall – By the way a beautiful building – homeless folks appearing lost – just wandering the streets. I liked the presence of available porta potties
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Bonus: The 6 Best Beaches In Costa Rica
There are so many things to see in Costa Rica but the beaches are well known, and I dont want you to miss any opportunity to find all the right spots for either surfing, tanning or some good old Instagramming, so heres a top of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
I highly recommend renting a car as that is the easiest way to get around. Plus you can find some good on budget hotels in these parts of Costa Rica, so if you are planning a longer trip or want to experience some more off the beaten path destinations, these areas are some great choices for where to stay in Costa Rica. Whether you choose to stay nearby or not, here are the best beaches in Costa Rica!
1. Playa Bahía BallenaThe name is not ordinary, from an aerial view this coastal park looks like a whale tail and if that wasnt enough, humpback whales come to breath every year from August through October and December through April! If youre a photographer or whale fan looking for where to stay in Costa Rica you should check out this beach! It is also situated nearby the and is a nice family friendly place.
2. Playa LangostaPlaya Langosta is located in the northwestern Costa Rica area just 160 miles from San José. There are domestic flights and buses that are available to take you to the town but renting a car definitely gives you the most freedom.
You take a bus from San Jose to Dominical or you can rent a car to get there by yourself. This beach is located on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
National Museum Bullet Holes
If you want to visit another museum, the National Museum is a must.
If you arent a museum fan, you still must stroll along the outside of the museum to see the bullet holes in the walls and watchtower that are still there from the 1948 Civil War.
The National Museum was originally a fortress and these were its army barracks.
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Where To Stay In San Jose Costa Rica
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San José is typically the starting point for most visitors coming to Costa Rica thanks to the fact that its the countrys capital and central international airport hub. The city boasts a vibrant history, a thriving nightlife, and a plethora of museums, art galleries, and parks that will surely keep you busy throughout your stay.
While San José isnt as well-visited as the other Costa Rican destinations, you wont regret taking the time to explore this bustling metropolis for its cultural and gastronomic offerings. Keep in mind that this is a large and densely populated city, though, so expect traffic to be a nightmare.
Thats why where to stay in San Jose, Costa Rica is super important. Youll want to book your hotel close to the area you want to spend the most of your time.
Lucky for you, Ive put together this guide detailing where to stay in San José, Costa Rica based on what you want to get out of your trip. It will give you the low down on everything you need to know about this humming capital city, particularly when it comes to the best hotels in San José located in the best areas for tourists to stay.
Where To Stay San Jose & The Silicon Valley A Guide To Californias Tech Valley
San Jose is the cultural, financial, and political center of Silicon Valley. Located in the south of the San Francisco Bay Area, this city is recognized as a center of technological innovation and its famous for being one of the most prosperous, affluent, and costly places in California. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in the San Jose Area.
Silicon Valley is known as the mecca of technology, famous for being headquarters to many technology companies and major websites such as Google, Apple, HP, or Facebook, which makes this Californian region one of the most important business travel destinations in the country.
This lively town is home to several attractions and places of interest. Notable sights in San Jose include the San Jose Museum of Art, Tech Museum of Innovation, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the Municipal Rose Garden, Plaza de César Chávez, the Institute of Contemporary Art San José, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose. See accommodation in Downtown San Jose.
If youre traveling with kids, San Jose is also home to several family-friendly attractions like the Childrens Discovery Museum of San Jose, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and Winchester Mystery House.
San Jose is located in Silicon Valleys heart it is home to large fashion stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. A large portion of its city center is residential, but the many bars and nightclubs provide a cheerful nightlife.
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$$ Urban Green Hotel And Suites
The 4-star Urban Green Hotel & Suites offers you a variety of amenities in the same building. It is fitted with private parking, a casino, a sauna, and a fitness center, allowing you to enjoy yourself even while on the property.
The hotels guestrooms are also fully air-conditioned and include a desk, coffee machine, minibar, flat-screen TV, and attached bathroom with a shower.
When it comes to nearby points of interest, theres the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum, and the National Theater of Costa Rica. You can also enjoy Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine at Sofia Mediterraneo, located just a 5-minute walk away.
A twin room here costs around US$59 a night.
Cariari City And San Antonio De Beln The Best Places To Stay In San Jos
One of the main things you should bear in mind when choosing accommodation in San José is that the Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in the city of Alajuela, 18km from the city centre. With that in mind, one of the best options to spend the night in the Costa Rican capital, before or after a flight, is to stay at one of the lovely residential areas situated between the international terminals and the bustling city centre, which is easily accessible by means of a short train, taxi or shared shuttle ride from your hotel.
The San Antonio de Belén and Cariari City areas, at 5km and 7km respectively from the airport, boast some of the best hotels which are surrounded by spectacular green areas, numerous restaurants where you can try both local and international food, and a calm atmosphere from where you can explore the rest of the city. Nearby, you will also find many great leisure options, such as the Ojo de Agua water resort, the Cariari golf club, various shopping centres and the Pedregal Events Centre.
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Best Neighbourhood In San Jose For Your First Time
- COOLEST thing to do in Downtown chat with locals, check out the local cuisine and pick up souvenirs at the Mercado Central
- BEST place to visit in Downtown head to the Gold Museum to learn about the countrys pre-colonial culture
Downtown San José is Costa Ricas political and business hub. This is where you will discover many of the citys historical sights, and it has great transport access to the rest of the city and beyond! Flanked by parks and some more alternative areas, it is a great stop for your first visit to get you oriented in the city.
There are also some surprising local attractions, including the Mercado Central where you can meet people from the city as well as other tourists! Just outside of the area is one of the largest parks in the city, with great views across San José and recreational facilities.
- Discover the history, culture and modern life of Costa Rica at the National Museum
- Head to the Plaza de la Cultura on the rooftop of the Gold Museum for spectacular views across the Downtown area, and unwind with the locals
- Pick up some local handicrafts and unique souvenirs at the National Craft Market which draws in artisans from across Costa Rica!
- Head west to Sabana Park for excellent sports facilities, relaxed hang-out spots and great views across the city
- Learn about the countrys historic jewellery making tradition and Jade mining at the Jade Museum
Luxury And Boutique Accommodation In San Jose

Aloft Cupertino is a first-class luxury hotel situated 2.9 miles from Campbell Park. See a unique side of San Jose and book the boutique Hampton Inn & Suites near Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. For those who prefer a chain hotel experience, the 3-star Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport, situated close to Ulistac Natural Area, would be a great option.
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$ Hotel Cultura Plaza
Hotel Cultura Plaza is a contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of the city center and close to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
It features a tour desk, a massage service, and free Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an attached bathroom.
Although the hotel offers paid breakfast, you can find multiple bars and various gastronomic offers within a ten-minute walk from the property.
You can book a Standard Double Room here for as low as US$48 per night with discounts available during the low season,
Where To Stay In San Jose
If you’re a first time visitor to San Jose, you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in San Jose.
What’s the best area of San Jose to stay?
The top mentioned neighborhoods and areas that people talk about in and around San Jose are:
Here’s what Trippy members had to say:
“Hi I recommend staying in Downtown San JoseSan Jose Marriott or Fairmont San Jose Hotel are both really nice.” See More
“Downtown San Jose is the good place to say for the first time to visit.” See More
What are some good hotels in San Jose?
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, you may want toresearch hotels in the area. If you’d rather start with themost recommended hotels in San Jose, here’s a list toget you started.
Here’s what Trippy members had to say about hotels:
“I usually stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport.” See More
“DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose is very close to the airport with plenty of parking.” See More
Want to research more popular hotels in San Jose?Click the blue button below.
Where did you get these suggestions?
Katie Simons from Los Angeles asked:
What if I plan my trip around food?
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Things To Do And See In North Valley
- San Jose Flea Market is more than
- Enjoy a seafood meal at Claw Shack at a fair price
- Play a round of golf at the 18-hole San Jose Municipal Golf Course
- Pack a picnic and head over to Townsend Park, Ben Rodgers Park, Hillcrest Park, Creighton Park, and Sinnott Park
- Have a steaming bowl of wonton soup at at the low-key Taiwanese spot: Taikee Wonton
- Pop into the Sanatana Dharma Kendra Hindu temple for a surprise photo opp
- Play a round of bowling at Bowlero Milpitas