San Jose may be a sprawling metropolis wrapped in the grit of urban lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing appealing about Costa Rica’s cultural capital. Lovingly called “Chepe” by the locals, San Jose is a vibrant city, surrounded by lush mountains and valleys. Home to various government offices, an airport, and a university, San Jose is teeming with streets that are constantly filled with traffic. Despite this congestion, there are plenty of gems tucked behind its buildings and colonial-era structures. With its wealth of parks, European-style theaters, museums, and cultural events, it’s definitely not just the nightlife that makes San Jose so enriching.
The city was first established in 1738, to condense the residents of the Aserrí Valley. Since then, San Jose has been steadily growing at a rapid rate. As one of the country’s largest and liveliest cities, it has plenty of great accommodation to offer fun-loving vacationers and weary travelers alike. If you want your next holiday to be in Costa Rica’s urban cultural haven, here are top Airbnb vacation rentals in San Jose, Costa Rica to consider.
1. Cozy private studio (from USD 50)
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for a lovely respite, better settle in this bright and spacious studio located in the safe and quiet district of Rohrmoser. The studio features a luxurious king bed, refreshingly neutral walls, and trendy furniture pieces. It has a kitchenette, a living room with a cable TV, and a ceiling fan. WiFi is accessible from anywhere in the apartment. Outside, you can enjoy the pool, the sauna, and the barbecue grill. There’s also a shared laundry facility. Note that stairs are necessary to access the bathroom.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful apt with everything you need the out door patio is nice too with a pool and a saunawe appreciated most the private parking which came with this apartment and the pool on the roofCleanliness:
very clean new apartmentswas very cleanvery clean very safeit was very clean and modernclean and well equipped and very cozyHost:
the host is very nice and helpfulthey responded immediately and were very friendly and helpfulgood communication with the host and nice amenitiesalso communication with both hosts was absolutely greatstylish clean secure and great location cheers to the hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
this is an excellent location and apartmentthe neighborhood is safe and you can walk to many shops and restaurantssuper convenient location and it had everything i neededthe place is in a great locationsigal’s place is centrally located and it’s nice and neat
Superhost
2. A warm duplex
The duplex is designed to provide a warm and relaxing atmosphere to all guests who are looking to indulge in a tranquil and peaceful stay. You will love seeing the brick walls and the large windows that let plenty of natural light come in. The living room is equipped with a comfortable space for four people to enjoy some quality time. The kitchen features necessary utensils and appliances so you can whip up your own gourmet meals. To relax your mind and body, head to the illuminated terrace that features a 150-year-old cedar tree.
San José, Costa Rica
2.04 km (1.3 mi) from San José Central MarketAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good work space and wifi connectionwifi worked great as wellpatio was lovely and the bedroom and bathroom off the patio was coolthis is such a beautiful home the space fits up to 4 people and feels modern and comfortablenice looking place with a lovely private outdoor area to enjoy dinner or breakfastCleanliness:
beautiful space and very cleannatalia’s place was clean and spaciousapartment was clean and easily accesiblethe place was lovely super clean and as advertisedclean modern quirky in the best wayHost:
great stay with great hostnatalie is a very kind and aiming to please hostnatalia was a communicative & helpful hosti recommend this place and natalia as a hostRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location with good food close bylocation is pretty convenient in a walking distance to downtowncozy place located right in the center of san jose city and super close to juan santamaria airportthe place is really cuteit is very close to a nice park and a good restaurant
3. Studio apartment at downtown San Jose (from USD 27)
Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this tastefully decorated apartment is right in the epicenter of downtown activity. The studio apartment, just right for three guests, is permeated with plenty of natural light and is situated on the fifth floor. Guests are provided with a large double bed, a pull-out couch, a fully equipped modern kitchen, one bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Located in the heart of San Jose, guests are offered plenty of choices for a day trip or a night out. Aside from being only a five-minute walk from museums, the theater and the central market, there are also plenty of coffee shops and restaurants in the area that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine. If you’re gearing up for a full-day excursion, Jaco Beach and Poás Volcano are only around an hour away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment looks like the photosthe internet was good and i was able to work online from the apartmentnice details inside the room has kitchen and bathroom amenities and even washing powderthe art and style of the apt is really well put togetherthe shower was excellent and she provided shampoo and conditionerCleanliness:
clean and well decoratedeverything was very cleangreat space clean convenient and modernit was also very clean and securethe communication with her went smooth the appartment was very cleanHost:
marie is so kind and quick with responsesmarie is a wonderful host and replies promptly to any questionsmarie is a super hostthe host was so kind and answered all of our questionsmarie was attentive and responsive throughout our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location if you plan to catch a busgreat location for walking to places in central san josegood location for exploring the citygreat place that’s close to everythingthis apartment is in a great location walking distance to everything
4. Gorgeous, brand new penthouse apartment (from USD 65)
Get unlimited beautiful views of the mountains, the city, and the sunset from this equally beautiful top-floor apartment in San Jose, Costa Rica. Having three bedrooms with a queen bed each, this unit can sleep up to six guests. Painted and decorated in neutral yet luxurious tones, the apartment makes a relaxing retreat for an energy-consuming tour of Costa Rica. It has a living room with comfortable furnishings, a full kitchen equipped with high-end appliances, and a balcony for enjoying the view. The apartment complex is considered one of the safest buildings in the city for having 24-hour security and a camera circuit all throughout the building.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the bathroom amenities comfortable beds and furnishingsstellar apartment with a great viewfast stable wifi too so good for business travelersfull kitchen two showers and three toilets are an excellent fit for a family this sizealso the place was sparking clean and has great amenities (like in-unit laundry)Cleanliness:
spotless comfortable well appointedmiguel’s place was clean beautiful and very well pricedvery quick responses super clean and stylish condo would stay againwonderful views from the top floor very clean stylish overall great condomiguel’s condo is comfortable and very clean with lovely city and mountain viewsHost:
amazing host and amazing placegreat host and even greater placemiguel promptly answers any questions and the gentlemen at the front desk are very helpfullobby staff was very friendly and helpful even giving us a call when our food delivery arrivedmiguel was an amazing host and helped out a lot with questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
good location within the citygreat place in a convient locationthis stylish space is the ideal place to stay in san joségreat location and beautiful city viewsit’s also conveniently located in central san jose with private secure parking and all of the amenities
5. Chic studio for three in the heart of Bajos de la Union (from USD 27)
Central to downtown San Jose’s most frequented hubs, this promising studio is close to the best local attractions, shops, restaurants, and cafes in Bajos de La Union. The spacious studio has one bedroom with a comfortable double bed and a functional sofa bed in the living room. The kitchen has everything guests would need for basic meal preps. Laundry facilities are communal and are open until 4pm on weekdays. The closest attractions are easily accessible by foot like museums, tour-meetups, and local parks.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment looks like the photosthe internet was good and i was able to work online from the apartmentnice details inside the room has kitchen and bathroom amenities and even washing powderthe art and style of the apt is really well put togetherthe shower was excellent and she provided shampoo and conditionerCleanliness:
clean and well decoratedeverything was very cleangreat space clean convenient and modernit was also very clean and securethe communication with her went smooth the appartment was very cleanHost:
marie is so kind and quick with responsesmarie is a wonderful host and replies promptly to any questionsmarie is a super hostthe host was so kind and answered all of our questionsmarie was attentive and responsive throughout our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location if you plan to catch a busgreat location for walking to places in central san josegood location for exploring the citygreat place that’s close to everythingthis apartment is in a great location walking distance to everything
6. Modern five-star studio with a pool and city view (from USD 35)
Great for couples or friends making their way around San Jose, this studio is tastefully designed with modern and functional interiors. Two guests will have access to the whole apartment, with full use of the kitchen that has been decked with a microwave and a fridge for heating and storage purposes. Entertainment facilities include Wi-Fi access, video projector for movies, as well as access to the coworking area where guests can mingle with other travelers in San Jose. Guests can also make use of a swimming pool, hot tub, and gym for those who want to pack in some exercise while on vacation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was super strongvery sleek modern apartment with a stunning viewthe building has amazing amenities (swimming pools cold tubs hot tub with a view of the city gym)the photos are accurate and the flat is good and comfortableliked the stylish place and the views from the apartmentCleanliness:
so clean and trendyandres studio unit was very clean and simplethe place is clean and cozygreat place modern and cleansuper stylish and super cleanHost:
andres is kind welcoming and helpfulhe was very responsiveandres is a definitely a super hostandres is a super nice and helpful hostandres was super responsive and awesomeRead more reviewsLocation:
lovely apartment in a great location - made the stay wonderfulreally awesome alternative to a hotel safe and lovely locationeasy walking to the grocery and restaurants
7. Bright and beautiful downtown apartment (from USD 47)
This bright apartment in downtown San Jose is best for a small family with three members. It is conveniently located near museums, theaters, markets, shops, and restaurants. The zoo and the botanical garden are just a few steps away. The neighborhood where this rental is nestled is quite peaceful and historic. The apartment itself has a queen bed in its bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room. While the area is filled with many gourmet restaurants and great eats, guests can opt to prepare their own meals in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Because the unit is on the second floor, you can opt to dine in the upper private terrace while enjoying the view.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the fan tower was very appreciatedthe apartment was modern had all the amenities and was in a great part of townthe area feels safe and had all the necessary amenities to make our trip a very comfortable onea couple of days later we asked for a much needed fan and mauricio brought it over promptlyinternet was most of the time ok and hot shower was very niceCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablevery clean and great communicationsuper clean and a very comfortable settingthe apartment was very clean and comfortablethe apartment was very clean and comfortableHost:
mauricio was a great hostmauricio was a fantastic hostmauricio is a great hostfabulous place host was helpful with quick responsesmauricio was a fantastic hostRead more reviewsLocation:
within a good walking distance of the central marketgreat location and very safe neighborhoodlocated in a safe area and quick walk to busy downtown san josethe location while very safe can be a little tricky findingexcellent location for exploring downtown san jose
8. Modern room in a safe neighborhood (from USD 22)
Located only a few steps away from Sabana Park, the National Stadium and the Museum of Art, this property offers the luxury of both breathing space and a safe neighborhood. This modern home, spacious and permeated by plenty of natural light, contains one bedroom just right for up to two people. Guests can access the large common area, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, shared bathroom and garden.
Breakfast is served every morning and there is a supermarket nearby if you want to do some cooking. If you want to explore the city center and the rest of the region, the bus stop is only a few meters away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the breakfast was good shower had hot water & the wifi was greatthe bed was comfortable and we appreciated having access to the kitchenawesome and comfortable stay central and amenities are perfectwe had a comfortable stay we slept well toowe liked the room a lotCleanliness:
the room is very clean and spaciousprivate and clean room shared bathroom breakfast was greatthe house was spacious and cleangood communication nice spacious placesuper clean lots of space quiet and good location in san joseHost:
the hosts were helpful and knowledgeable and willing to assist with questionsdariel was a great host and accommodated my arriving later than expectedthe host was warm and friendly & communicated wellthe hosts were very nice and helpfuldariel is a generous host and a genuine personRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved the location of this airbnbreally great location in san josénice place near the stadiumgood location a little priceyperfect setup and location in san jose
9. Cozy room in an exclusive neighborhood (from USD 17)
Spacious and bright, this home is a taste of luxury in the city of San Jose. Located in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city, the house contains one cozy room, which can accommodate a solo traveler. Aside from a large bed, guests can also make use of two shared bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a washer. Breakfast is also served every morning.
The apartment is located near a supermarket, park, stadium and a museum and you can even walk around safely, at night.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
sweet room near mcdonald and coffee shopwifi is great and location has many food options nearby as well as a marketCleanliness:
dariel's place was clean and spaciousa great place if you're looking for clean cheap basic accommodationsrooms are clean and breakfast is deliciousduring my stay the bathrooms were being renovated in order to improve their aesthetics and cleanlinessbedroom was clean and cosy and in a great locationHost:
dariel and his house staff are excellenthis house staff are just as helpfuldariel and andy are super friendly hosthost answered questions very quickly and was very helpfulcomfortable accommodations and kind hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was greatbeing located right near the park is a great plusnice location near restaurants and the parkthe location is great for being near supermarkets and the parknice house in a great location
10. A cozy studio apartment (from USD 60)
Welcome to this studio apartment and enjoy a comfortable stay in San Jose. Situated on the 19th floor, you can enjoy the views of the city at anytime you want. The apartment comes with a bedroom and a bathroom for two people. In addition, you can also enjoy an equipped kitchen, a hot tub and a living room.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment is gorgeous it has a very nice view on san joseall of the amenities (pool tubs jacuzzi sauna hammam and gym) were equally as cleanbeautiful apartment in a building filled with busy professionalshowever it was very hot and comfortablepamela's place is very modern stylish and have all the basic necessities for comfortable stayCleanliness:
everything was cleanit's brand new very clean very well decoratedthe apartment: beautifully decorated and extremely cleanthe location and cleanliness were greatHost:
the hosts are kind and responsivepam was really helpful and very quick with her responses whenever we had questionsvery stylish place and great attention from host and staffthey were super helpful in advising us on places to go and things to do in crpamela is very responsive and politeRead more reviewsLocation:
great location appartment totally recommendednevertheless this was an excellent placeyou can walk around at anytime and feel completely safethis is the perfect place to unwind from the city
11. Breathtaking boutique apartment in Sabana (from USD 54)
Wake up to a stunning mountain view of San Jose right from your bedroom in this spacious boutique flat. Decked with tasteful interiors and functional amenities, two guests will have access to the whole luxury apartment while vacationing to San Jose. Some of the previous guests enjoyed the modern decors and the convenience of having Wi-Fi access, and premium entertainment, like a flatscreen TV with Apple TV and Netflix. There’s also a 24/7 concierge, heated pool, and gym in the building for guests to use. The property is situated in Rohrmoser, one of the high-end neighborhoods in San Jose, close to the best dining and shopping establishments.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed and the furniture were comfortablegreat view from the apartmenti was attracted to this apartment because of the view and it delivered in spadesa beautiful apt in san joseawesome amenities such as the super sweet poolCleanliness:
the apartment was clean and convenientupscale apartment super clean and comfortableclean stylish and thoroughly modernexcellent place clean stylishedthis apartment is awesome super clean and cuteHost:
the guards were helpfulfriendly staff watching the doorowners are really nice peoplepatricio was very responsive with great hospitalitygreat host and nice cozy placeRead more reviewsLocation:
good location just outside the cityjust unbelievable how amazing the location wasthe location is very safe and closed to everythingnice location in rohrmoser close to many restaurants shopping centres and access to major access roads (39 circumvalacion)we loved it here so close to everything
12. Private room in a boho chic apartment (from USD 18)
San Jose is a busy city, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have relaxing accommodation. If you’re an artistic soul, into making the best out of a cozy space, then look no further from this quirky property. Located in central San Jose’s Chinatown area, this chic apartment sits on the third floor and offers one room that can accommodate up to four people. Guests can make use of one double bed, one private bathroom, a shared kitchen, laundry area, small balcony and a spacious living room.
Evoking a tropical ambiance, the common area contains two large hammocks, perfect for lounging around. Outside, there are plenty of theaters, dining establishments and stores to suit your fancy.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's no central air but the space is really breezy and comfortablethe guest room is comfortable -with a bathroom next door which although is not ensuite feels very privatethe apartment has big windows with great sight viewthere are few rooms on airbnb the ones on the top floor have better light and catsthe bed in scott’s place was also the most comfortable of our entire tripCleanliness:
house clean and easythe apartment itself was very clean and hipthe place is nothing fancy or extravagant but it was safe clean and comfortablethe place was great nicely decorated with different art pieces clean and spacioustheir 2 cats are very sweet and the place is colourful clean and comfortableHost:
the hospitality scott offers is kind and graciousgreat accommodation and great hostscott is a great hostscott was a super nice hostscott was a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is close to many great placesvery close to good restaurants and barsscott's place is very central i was able to walk to chinatown all museums and plazas easilythe place is ideally located and within walking distance to the interesting chinese neighborhood and the downtown attractionsscott's place is conveniently close to the amazing central avenue with its shops and restaurants
13. Modern apartment with great views (from USD 52)
Located on the 20th floor of a high-rise condominium, this modern apartment offers accommodation for up to three guests. It comes with stunning views of the city skyline and the mountains of the Central Valley. The unit is outfitted with all the comforts of home. It has a queen bed, a sofa bed, a kitchen, a living room with a TV, and a bathroom with a supply of essentials. Aside from these amenities, guests can also enjoy the property’s pool, fitness center, and kids’ area. The apartment’s location is also superb as it is very close to restaurants, shops, cafes, and bus stations.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
awesome view new apartment in a nice areai was looking for a comfortable stay before my flight out of costa rica and found sebastian’s placehis apartment is cozy delightful and has a beautiful view of san jose especially at nightCleanliness:
love this place very clean and the areathe space was clean modern and very comfortableit was sparkling clean modern and with high quality finishexcellent location and very clean spacethe apartment really is a great choice for everyone who is looking for a clean modern and affordable stayHost:
sebastian was a great host anything i needed he was there to helpcheck it was a breeze and sebastian was friendly and responsive with any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
sebastian's place is well located in a very secure and high end areaamazing value fantastic view walking distance to a grocery store and restaurants and private secured parkingrestaurants for both breakfast and dinner are walkable it’s a safe area after dark as wellthe place is just like in the picture
14. Spacious and homey downtown apartment (from USD 36)
Because this homey apartment is located in front of a bus stop, it’s not exactly what one would call a luxurious retreat. However, its convenience makes up for all the constant activity that surrounds it. Situated in downtown San Jose, this spacious, one-bedroom apartment is just right for two guests looking for basic accommodation, close to everything.
The apartment sits on the second floor and contains one double bed, a sofa bed, kitchen, one bathroom, and a small dining area. If you want to do your laundry, the washer and dryer can be found in the shared space on the third floor. Aside from the bus stop, there are also museums, restaurants, a supermarket, a small plaza, a pub and a casino, a few steps away.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
its clean and pretty quietclean with everything you needthe space was very clean and cozythe apartment itself was clean nice and spaciousthe space is tasteful and clean in generalHost:
suly is a wonderful hostsuly was a great hostsully was a great hostsuly answered millions of questions for us and was so kindsuly was very responsive to our needsRead more reviewsLocation:
super location to walk downtown sjplus it is located in a secure placethe location was well situated close to many downtown attractionsbut the location is vey convenient to attractions in walking distancereally nice property super location
15. Room with a view in downtown San Jose
Situated right next to a yoga studio, this property is great for those who love rejuvenating, even amidst the lively city center. With an outdoor garden and a yoga class available, guests are sure to feel fresh after a day of exploring San Jose and beyond. The house contains one spacious room, equipped with large windows, which provide plenty of natural light, as well as stunning views of the city and mountains.
Guests can make use of a queen bed, a shared kitchen and dining area, two shared bathrooms and an outdoor patio. Once you’re done with the yoga sessions, there are parks, museums, the theater, supermarkets, coffee shops and bars, only a few minutes away.
1.17 km (0.8 mi) from San José Central Market
16. Private room in safe and centrally located neighborhood
Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of San Jose, this guesthouse offers not only comfort but a cultural atmosphere, as well. The house sits in a safe area and contains one large room, suitable for up to two people. Guests have access to one bathroom, a washer, a private bar, pool table, grill and the private outdoor areas. Guests can also request airport pickup and private transportation for an extra fee.
Although there is no access to a kitchen, free breakfast is available and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to discover. Sometimes, there is live music at the private bar and guests can take part in jam sessions.
1.9 km (1.2 mi) from San José Central Market
17. Homey bed and breakfast in a peaceful area
Located only 10 minutes from the city center, this bed and breakfast provides safety and comfort while being close to San Jose’s attractions. Situated in a peaceful area with large, traditional homes, this property contains one bedroom, suitable for up to two people. With a shared bathroom, common laundry area, living room and a shared kitchen, it is inevitable that you will meet other guests.
The property also has three gardens, where those seeking solitude are free to unwind. Aside from the downtown area, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, nearby.
4.82 km (3.0 mi) from San José Central Market
18. Stylish hostel near parks and galleries
Located in Barrio Amón, one of the most beautiful areas in San Jose, Hostel Van Gogh is a refreshing retreat from the bustle of the city. Decked in a fusion of traditional and natural decor, the hostel contains one large dorm with four bunk beds, suitable for eight people. Guests can make use of a shared kitchen, four bathrooms, a spacious common room, a terrace with a pool table, a reading area, and a tour desk.
Guests are also provided with a free breakfast, every morning. If staying in isn’t your thing, there are bus terminals, parks, museums, banks, galleries, historical landmarks, pharmacies, bars, restaurants, taxi stops and a train station, located nearby.
San José, Costa Rica
691 meters (0.5 mi) from San José Central Market
19. A charming penthouse
Situated in one of the best neighborhoods in San Jose, this penthouse is going to charm you with its facilities and amenities. From the large windows in the living room, you can enjoy the view of a lush landscape on one side and on the other the buildings of the city. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms are available for four people. The balcony makes a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine at night while listening to the sound of birds chirping. You can also enjoy the communal facilities that include a swimming pool and a gym.
San José, Costa Rica
4.83 km (3.0 mi) from San José Central MarketTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this place is amazing the pool and the balcony + view are unbelievablegreat views infinity pool very nice place with tv’s in every room and great high speed internet accessthis was a gorgeous apartment and had a great view of san josebeautiful views a very comfortable apartment with lots of spacegreat place amazing view over san josé fantastic poolCleanliness:
clean and modernluis’s condo was very clean and spaciousgreat place clean and safehome was clean and as dipicted in the photographsthe apartment is beautiful clean and in an excellent locationHost:
the son of the owner was very charming and assisted ushost was also pleasant and helpfulluis was a great host and was extremely responsive to any questions we hadthe guards were very helpful when we arrived and showed us up to the correct apartmentthe host is very friendly and accommodating he answered all of my questions even before i askedRead more reviewsLocation:
the best location in san josethe location was secure and safelocation is superb to all major areasnice place located at a about 15 minutes drive from downtown san josénice neighborhood peaceful location away from downtown congestion
20. Private room in a traditional home
Situated within a pedestrian zone, this home is where San Jose’s culture and history thrives. With only the sound of local chatter in the air, it feels like being transported back to the city’s colonial years. The traditional home contains one room with a double bed, which can accommodate up to two people. Guests are given access to a private bathroom, living room, shared kitchen and a patio.
Located nearby are museums, a plaza, a theater, a cathedral and a craft and souvenir market. Aside from local and international cuisine, there are fast food chains, located a few minutes away.
San José, Costa Rica
1.27 km (0.8 mi) from San José Central Market
Experience the ways of San Jose
Costa Rica’s cultural hub is constantly busy, but its vibrant personality has its own charm and appeal. Aside from a plethora of cultural establishments, restaurants and shops, its accommodation provides a window into the city’s colorful way of life. If you want to experience the best of San Jose, there is no doubt that these great accommodations can truly do the job.
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