San José has hundreds of accommodations for every budget—from basic hostels to Holiday Inns. That said, it’s best to steer clear of the cheapest lodgings; paying the relatively “pricey” ¢5000-6800 (US$10-13) for a dormitory bed is worth it for clean, comfortable lodgings, relatively hot water, and a friendly atmosphere. Staying outside the city center is also worth the inconvenience, offering an escape from noisy crowds. The accommodations listed below are divided into four categories: East of the parque central is highly recommended for generally safe and comfortable accommodations; hotels south of the parque central are generally reasonably priced but are often louder because of their proximity to bars; though they are often the cheapest options, try to avoid places north and west of the parque, as these tend to be the areas with higher numbers of prostitutes, drunken bar patrons, and criminal activity. Pleasant alternatives to staying downtown are San Pedro, a 10min. bus ride away, or the suburb of Escazú, a 20min. bus ride, which offers splurge-worthy B&Bs.
Hostel Pangea, Av. 7, C. 3/5 (☎ 2221 1992; www.hostelpangea.com). Walls with dark jungle colors, metal accents, and a location near the city center create an urban feel. Social spaces, including ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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