Socialtel San Jose

Location: Ave. 9, Calles 13 y 15, San José, CR

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• Free WiFi
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Television in common areas
• Library
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Smoke-free property
• Billiards or pool table
• Grocery/convenience store
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• Rooftop terrace
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Reception hall
• Accessible airport shuttle
• No accessible airport shuttle

Rooms Available

• Small Room Shared Bathroom

  1 Queen Bed

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom and towels

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

• Standard Room

  1 Queen Bed

  140 sq feet

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

• Suite

  1 Queen Bed

  269 sq feet

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Food & Drink - Minibar (fees may apply)

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Towels and shower

  Practical - Desk

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

• Standard Twin Room

  2 Twin Beds

  172 sq feet

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

• Deluxe Room

  1 Queen Bed

  205 sq feet

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Towels and shower

  Practical - Desk

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

• Studio Suite

  1 King Bed

  280 sq feet

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Towels and shower

  Practical - Desk

  Comfort - Daily housekeeping and ceiling fan

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

• Family Room

  2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

  215 sq feet

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, towels, and a shower

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

Guest Reviews

• Lisbeth (6/5): Pretty atmosphere - As always Selina Hostel has great og beautiful decor, that gives a really nice vibe in the common areas. We stayed in a dobble room which was nice and very basic with a good bed and a good shower. We had a nice breakfast included. We thought we ordered food on our late arrival. Due to misunderstanding they did not get the order, the kitchen closed and my husband went to bed hungry - but survived :-)
• Asif (10/5): - liked the energy and vibe of the common areas, the staff was very helpful, hanging out in the cafeteria, ordering food, and planning activities on the good wifi, was so relaxing and enjoyable. the room i stayed in was very quiet and clean and had a character unlike the hotel chain rooms.
• Kevin (10/5): Pulseándola estilo perezoso - I stayed at Selina/Socialtel San Jose for about a week until the 28th of January 2025 and my Spirit Animal for the stay was a Sloth because I did mostly nothing in the morning, then took a rest in the afternoon. One might not think this a feasible feat in a city such as San Jose. But, I accepted the challenge and made good on it. Mae, aquí pulseándola! I've stayed here at this property many times since my first time in 2019 or 2020. And, the staff has always been welcoming. It was fun to hang out at the restaurant/bar and partake in the activities in the evenings after an arduous day of doing nothing: "Dolce far niente" style. Pura Vida!
• stephen (10/5): - IT WAS VERY CENTRAL TO MY NEEDS
• Amin (10/5): - Selina es un ambiente juvenil y Extrangero. Un lugar amable, tranquilo y feliz, apto para toda la familia.
• Jordan (10/5): - Felt like the Selina was in a safer part of town, with a couple cafes near by but a good walk to any kind of supermarket. Facilities were great, food and drinks were good.
• Felipe (2/5): - No refrigerator No tv No large windows
• Verified traveler (6/5): - I was roomed with a male which I found to be very disturbing. I was comfortable at all to sleep, didn’t want to cause any confusion but that was unacceptable. Little bugs was all in my clothes and on the bed.
• Ricky (4/5): - So if your in your twenties and like noise and don’t care you spent over a $100 for a private room that you cannot walk around the bed, no tv, no AC, dirty shared bathroom, one towel for 2 people, this is the place for you. The staff was nice and food was good enough, but we will not stay here again for the high price alone.
• Camilo (6/5): - Initial room had no windows and ventilation was inadequate and so the room was extremely hot. Asked to be relocated and the new room was a complete mess and reaked of body odor when I walked in. Feel the property should manage that better. No large lockers for personal items which made it very inconvenient. Breakfast and was excellent
• Amy (10/5): - Selina is always my go to choice when travelling for its safety, it’s people and it’s events. There is always something going on and the people are friendly. The room I got was private didn’t really need too should of booked a dorm as they are really big and comfortable beds.
• Jackson (10/5): - great experience overall
• Alexander (10/5): - The entire staff at SELINA SAN JOSE including Carrey Sofia Steven Celeste Mairon Sergio and Andre go out of their way to make your stay memorable. I checked out Ap29/2023 and found it so hard to say goodbye to everybody since we have developed deep friendships. I go to Selina SJ every few months for Proceedures and I have friends here who I have such fond memories with. One time I left without saying goodbye since it was too heartbreaking saying goodbye. I see many guests and staff returning here month after month
• Mary (8/5): - First experience of a Selina hostel. Wonderful place to be alone or in group, working and/or traveling. Restaurant items were healthy & delicious. Our private room was adjacent to the community kitchen, so it was a bit noisy in the mornings…no sleeping in for us old folks, ha!
• Alexis (10/5): - Wonderful place to stay in San Jose -- safe, centrally located, lots of amenities, and an easy walk from things like San Jose Central Market, as well as incredible restaurants like Restaurant Silvestre.
• Alexander (10/5): - Selina San Jose is the best and made my 4week trip fantastic. Guests and staff so kind and caring. Robert & Mike from LA met me there and since Mike’s left leg was broken they pulled strings to get him a room pronto. I had eye surgery and couldn’t see for a few days, so some guided me and cooked me dinner!’ Two Sofis were so much fun and were full of energy promoting their free Salsa great yoga and Guocamole classes. Selina staff recomended UBER to get cheaply to TRACOPA BIBLICA and TUASA. They recomended Manuel Antonio beach as a two day trip while they stored my small old bag safely. I developed some warm associations at Selina San Jose and look forward to. going back. Ava -den mother Steven- yoga Julio from Columbia two Sofis and front reception staff and tireless cleaning staff will be remembered with fondness. I couldn’t even say good bye when I left on the 19 Aug because I was heartbroken to leave my ‘travel home’
• Yasmine (10/5): - Loved everything about Selina, great food, great beds, super friendly and helpful staff. Been there 3 times and will be back!
• Yasmine (10/5): - Loved this place, staff is so nice, food is delicious, comfortable beds. Great decor.
• Benjamin (10/5): Awesome - Awesome hostel/hotel. Super clean and very comfortable bed. We only stayed for a night, but if ever we’re back in San Jose we will absolutely go to the Selina again.
• Lisbeth (8/5): - Very cozy and full of spaces for sharing. Good food and friendly service. Would have preferred a quiter room though. Our door was right in front of the shared kitchen and someone decided to start playing piano al 7.50 am!
• Amanda (10/5): - It is a perfect stopping point if you fly into San Jose Airport! The people are so nice! The food was great! Walkable to 4 museums; jade museum, gold museum, national museum and theatre!
• Tammy (10/5): - Great place, highly recommend!!
• Patricia (8/5): - Great environment, fun vibe A bit overpriced
• Michele L (10/5): - This hotel was wonderful! It has a hostel-like feel to it, making it feel more welcoming and open. The staff was incredible - they were attentive, patient, and very helpful. The restaurant and bar was also delicious and has long hours, making it very convenient! Would stay here again.
• Stuart (10/5): Amazing team of hospitality professionals - I love Selina San Jose and the reason I keep coming back is the team. From Guillermo and Mairon on the front desk through to Mellis behind the bar and Marta and her cleaning team, everyone is super welcoming, super helpful, and a pleasure to deal with.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - good
• Jennifer (6/5): Standard private room-clean but LOUD - I was hoping to mix with other travelers more, but never met English-speaking guests. Felt safe - they had a guard and very secure room locks. The standard private room had a great bathroom - extremely clean! Bed was so-so but pillows were very nice. Biggest issue was THIN walls and lots of noise from other guests at all hours...
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Love the location and the overall look and lay out of the interior . I stayed in both the private rooms and the private dorm . The dorms are slightly overpriced per person The amenities are plenty and the restaurant makes it very convenient when need. Priced
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing! Highly recommended.
• Edgar (10/5): - Excelente hostel, el personal es muy atento, siempre intentando dar lo máximo para la comodidad del cliente, el único detalle es que no hacen limpieza en la habitación a menos de que se los pidas y pienso que esto es un factor muy importante, ya que esperas llegar a tu habitación y ver tu cama tendida. Si tú pides a la recepción que hagan la limpieza, ellos se encargarán de todo. Muy recomendable en tanto a sus instalaciones y a su personal tan alegre y servicial.
• Nick (4/5): Not so nice. - This place would probably be nice if you were staying in the dorms but we picked the suite because it looked nice. It was on the ground level about 8 feet from an intersection and none of the windows were sealed. Allowing ALOT of noise in and lots of mosquitos. The bathtub doesn't function because the stopper doesn't work and to use it as a shower water floods the bathroom because it is not flush against the wall and the shower curtains only cover the front half. After the water covered the bathroom floor it began to smell of sewage... so whenever we used the bathroom our feet would be wet and it would stink. The bed was extremely cheap and uncomfortable and there weren't even fitted sheets so as I rolled around the bedding came undone. The coffee machine also didn't work. Im not mad at the people running this place but the fact that it cost us 200 dollars was insane for a room without aircon in such bad condition with such a horrible bed and relatively disgusting bathroom. This property is cool and is in a fun part of town but this room was really misleading and in poor condition for the price we paid. So in short... I think it'd be fun if you wanted a super cheap dorm... stupid to book the suite and think its going to be nice.
• Jacques-Andre (10/5): - ALL the staff was most helpful at all time. The food purchased at the bar was very good, but a little bit on the expensive side.
• Stuart (10/5): Awesome service - I had a great stay here. The hostel had everything I needed. Ariel, David, Carolina and team were super helpful and really made my stay. I will return.
• John (4/5): - Too many noise after midnight. There were drunk people with their speakers in the bar until 2 -3 am. Not a place to rest. You can hear the cars from the streets too.
• Ria (8/5): A pleasant stay - The common areas are great with lots of fun details. All the meals I had in the restaurant we’re delicious and the staff are friendly. The dorms themselves are pretty basic. I like that each bed has its own light, socket and curtain, but my 6-bed dorm was really dark which made sorting out my backpack difficult. All in all a good place to stay for a night or two.
• Pernille (8/5): Very pretty hostel - The hostel is very nice and the amenities very good. I have stayed both in the dorms, this deluxe private room and one of the micro rooms. I definitely like the private rooms, however the bed was much better in the door and the dorm was much darker during night which I prefer. In the private rooms it was very bright because of the light outside which made it a bit hard for me to sleep. But with a sleeping mask it would be fine.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Stayed in a suite and totally met our needs as a couple. In a great area, in the middle of cool neighborhoods like Escalante and Amon. Parks, museums, and central market all walkable.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Location (outside tourist center but convenient) is great, the design of the hotel is lovely and feels more like a home than a hotel. Room was a little small but clean and had hot water. Only bad thing was the staff. They were nice but not very friendly and will not help you unless you get pushy with them.
• Liam (10/5): Great base for San Jose - Stayed for 2nights including NYE. The place has a cool vibe, the bar/restaurant area was busy with good service. The private room was a good size, nicely furnished and clean.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - Liked open aspect of the dining place and spacious room, eclectic atmosphere. Liked the area in quiet residential neighborhood. Did not like the backpackers atmosphere and the sewage smell, noise in the room, You could not open the windowsbecause of traffic noise or lack of screens on the windows. Inadequate lighting.
• Grace (8/5): Great location to explore San Jose - Selina is in a great location - lots of bars and restaurants near by, the craft beer scene appears to be big in the area. The hostel itself is large and modern, we had a private room and it was spacious and comfortable. It was quiet in the evenings so we slept well. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
• Julie (10/5): - The apartment was great and very spacious. A garbage can and dishcloths in the kitchen would be useful as well as a hairdryer in the bathroom. Other than that it was great and I loved the ambiance in the bar/restaurant! Everyone at the desk was super friendly and helpful
• Verified traveler (8/5): - This property, like all Selina properties, is beautiful and the staff are amazing! In general I adore Selina because of their culture as a company and what they do! We met a lot of people and had a pleasant time at the hostel. I was not a big fan of the city of San Jose in general, but Selina itself is a whole different vibe, you kind of disconnect from the outside which is really nice. The room had no a/c so I was kind of unsure of how I felt about that, but once we got to bed the room was nice and cold and we only had the ceiling fan on. Check in was fast, we checked out at around 5am and the front desk agent waited for our Uber to arrive and he was extremely nice I wish I remembered his name. Selina is must if you go to San Jose or any part of South America. Beautiful location! Beautiful staff!
• Verified traveler (2/5): - I would stay in here only if this hostel were my last option. They placed me in a room just in front of the bar and people were laughing and talking that i couldnt get to sleep but until 1.30 am and when it finally came to happened there was a Chinese guy snoring so I decided to take my blanket and go to a relaxing area they have to check my FB and all of a sudden one of the staff members approched me and said that I needed to go back to my room. Long story short i couldnt sleep that night but fortunatelly I was flying next day. There are better places at CR to stay for a few dollars more
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Well decorated and awesome place to stay. Good location and close by to major tourist spots in San Jose.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Very nice place, good location. Good value for money. Very helpful staff
• Francis Rey (8/5): - Awesome hostel. Good to meet folks especially when traveling solo.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - I like the unique design spaces such as the swings. This is my second stay and it was another long wait to check in. I wish that they would offer a towel included as the deposit.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - I liked the uniqueness of the crowd that Selina brings. It isn't just for the young party crowd. I appreciate that there are surveillance cameras in all main areas.
• Rie (6/5): - They have music night and I needed to wake up 3am next day. I wasn't happy when I checked in but I complained it at reception. She gave me a quite and bigger room. It's good. If u need to sleep and relax this is a not a place but if you are solo travellers and meet people this is the place for you✨ Overall Selina is reasonable and clean place other locations!
• Nick (6/5): - This place is really stylish and cool, helpful staff. But this is a hotel for a younger more party oriented crowd. They don’t enforce any quiet hours, lots of street noise etc. 10 years ago, absolutely. In my mid-30s probably not.
• Verified traveler (4/5): Relatively clean hostel but I wouldn't stay again - For some reason there is no respect of any quiet hours at all. It is 5am and I have been awake for over an hour because of the elephants stomping on the floor above me. There's no way the staff can't hear them.
• Hanmee (10/5): Interesting crowd - The room was as described, very lovely. The vibe was very fun and it was easy to meet new people. Reception staff was dynamic and helpful. Overall clean enough except for the bathroom floor.
• Itzel (10/5): - The staff was great, great atmosphere, room a bit noisy
• Itzel (10/5): - Everything was really good, except the room was very noisy
• Verified traveler (8/5): Four room bunk - It was a great place to sleep and prepare for travel within Costa Rica. Wifi is available, but take your own device for communications. Appreciated transportation to and from the airport.
• JONATHAN (10/5): - Friendly and helpful staff. A quick stay but enjoyed the kitchen and good food. Dorm beds clean. Thank you
• Pw (8/5): - This is a great place to stay. For the ount of money paid. Excellent place to stay.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - Over crowded uncomfortable beds in small rooms. My bed was moved with no apparent reason when I was out and I was missing an item.
• Monica (10/5): Nice - Good place for a one night stay
• Allison (8/5): Great staff - Good location to bus station. Far from airport
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Brilliant place to stay, food was lovely too. Would definitely like to stay at another of their places again.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Central location. Staff is good. Great place to meet fellow travelers
• Verified traveler (8/5): - nice hotel, central location. great way to meet foreigners travelling. mostly for 30 and under.
• Ghani (10/5): Nice hotel, area and facilities - Great hotel and environment, would definitely stay
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This hostel was charming and uniquely put together. The vibe was great! Would absolutely stay again, if in the area.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The room in which we stayed was right next to the kitchen, you can here all the noises all night long as there was no restricted kitchen times. Until 3 in the morning there was cooking in the kitchen, and the cooking fumes/ oil smoke from the stove enter your room from the stove top. Very unpleasant.
• Verified traveler (6/5): Awful private room - Location is good, place is nice and staff pleasant. However I ended up in a basement room under stairs with no air extractor, just a little attic window with bars and facing the noisy kitchen's fridge. Renting such a s***hole is utterly unacceptable.
• Jackie (10/5): Great hostel in San Jose - Beautifully decorated, lots of space, friendly staff, and great cafe inside! Would definitely stay again the next time I'm in San Jose.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - The location is nice. The restaurant offers great food (different types of vegan food as well) and the staff is very nice. You can also practice yoga on a quiet terrasse bathed in the sun. It is a good place to stay if you intend to visit the city. Not always very quiet but has a very chill, even if a bit hip-mainstream, vibe that will ensure you to enjoy your stay without having to do much. Little plus: if you like live music, there are artists playing on the main area during some nights.
• Jacob (10/5): Perfect place to stay for reasonable price - One of the best affordable places in San Jose. Very cool atmosphere and very well kept. Would stay here again!
• Tove (6/5): - Got a private room in the communal kitchen. Under Stairs. I bet I could have gotten more peace and quiet in a dorm. Long way to go to the toilet also. Not worth the money. But I loved the design of the hostel!! Staff was very nice but gave no information about the hostel when checking in.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Wonderful place to stay! Very well done for a great price! Towels and linens were clean and the staff helped us to our room very promptly. Also the food was great and all the added ammenities like shuttle bookings and the like really add value to the room. Now I'm writing all of this just to fit the minimum words needed by this stupid review form. Thanks for wasting my time expedia. People like to be concise sometimes, and you just won't allow that will you?
• Michael (6/5): - 1st night shared bath with queen bed.... walked into queen bed no room for anything else... upgraded next day .. moved to room,, not bad needed shower... No Hot Water ,, Message passed on to mgt... came back to hotel later ,, desk says you have hot water.. checked it out.. NO HOT WATER... Went back to from desk.. finally got the General MGR... & was upgraded to nice room...With HOT WATER
• Piotr (10/5): The best hostel in Costa Rica - Selina is the best hostel that I found in Costa Rica: large rooms with locker boxes, spacious private bathrooms, and exceptionally supportive staff. Sure, I recommend it to my friends.

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