What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in San José?

One of the perks of booking a motel in or close to San José is economical rates. This means extra pennies in your wallet to discover some top attractions. Often set near major roads and airports, and with on-site parking, this property style is a favorite among road trippers. When you stay at a 3-star hotel, you'll get more than just an inviting room to chill out in. You'll also usually have access to amenities like conference rooms and a fitness center.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San José?

Check in to The Palm House Inn and get your day going with a free breakfast. Situated in San José, this 3-star escape has a garden and a restaurant. Or save time looking for somewhere to eat each morning at Balmoral Hotel , another popular pick with visitors here.

Do any 3-star hotels in San José have a pool?

We've got some fabulous 3-star accommodations in San José where you can take a refreshing dip, like Santo Tomas Hotel and Holiday Inn San Jose-Aurola, an IHG Hotel . June, July and August, which are the summer months here, are great for checking in to a 3-star property with a pool. If you're craving the warmest weather for your poolside adventure, reserve in March when temperatures average from 14ºC at night to 27ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in San José have an on-site restaurant?

Stay in one of Expedia's San José escapes with an on-site restaurant and you won't have to venture far from your accommodations when you're hungry. Hotel El Maragato and The Palm House Inn are two 3-star stays with this convenience on the menu. The first also has amenities like a cafe and an espresso maker, while the second includes a garden and complimentary breakfast.

Do any 3-star hotels in San José have WiFi?

Whether you want to stay in touch with friends, stream movies or access travel information, browsing the web couldn't be easier at one of our 3-star hotels. You can hook up to the WiFi at a selection of accommodations such as Exe San Jose Center and Hotel El Maragato .

What 3-star hotels in San José have parking?

Our top recommendations are Exe San Jose Center and Balmoral Hotel . Both these 3-star options in San José come with parking, making it convenient for you to climb behind the wheel and go. Escape from the city for a day and explore new places farther afield. Arenal Volcano National Park and Jaco Beach are among the fabulous attractions easily reachable by car from San José.

Do any 3-star hotels in San José have rooms with a kitchenette?

Booking a hotel with a kitchenette is an excellent idea if you're planning a self-catered break in San José. Look forward to preparing your own lunches and dinners at Apartamentos El Castillo . An espresso maker and premium bedding are other amenities at this 3-star getaway. Or save dollars on restaurant and takeout bills at Cedar Cats Short Stay Apartments - Adults Only , which also provides cooking facilities as well as premium bedding and a pillowtop mattress.

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Our top choices for San José 3-star hotels

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Cacique

Ada

SAR 529 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 January 2026

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

Ciudad Cariari

Natasha

SAR 392 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Alajuela

Rosa

SAR 538 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 January 2026

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Rio Segundo

David

SAR 573 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Ciudad Cariari

Jeanet

SAR 509 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Alajuela

Ryan

SAR 512 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 January 2026

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Cacique

Gaston

SAR 551 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

Pozos

suman

SAR 394 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Dec - 27 Dec

Hotel Mango

Cacique

Brent

SAR 468 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Irazu Hotel & Studios

Uruca

Melissa

SAR 357 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose

Santa Ana

Alejandra

SAR 424 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Room, 2 Double Beds | Down comforters, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

City Express by Marriott San Jose Costa Rica

Ciudad Cariari

Connie

SAR 373 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Dec - 28 Dec

Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

Carmen

SAR 547 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

La Sabana

Frank

SAR 472 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Dec - 25 Dec

Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

San Rafael

TQuila

SAR 477 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

Daily buffet breakfast (USD 23 per person)

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu

San Rafael

andrew

SAR 438 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Jan - 11 January 2026

Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu

San Rafael

Leon

SAR 465 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jan - 10 January 2026

Daily buffet breakfast (CRC 9500 per person)

Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana by IHG

Uruca

Jason

SAR 492 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine

Hyatt Place San José/Pinares

Sánchez

Luis

SAR 452 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

Hotel Palma Real

La Sabana

Terry

SAR 469 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Dec - 17 Dec

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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in San José.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

700 meters West from Bridgestone/Firest La Asunción Heredia

SAR 795

SAR 899 total

2 Jan - 3 January 2026

includes taxes & fees

9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

San José and related destinations

Stroll through leafy Central Park before catching a world-class performance at the ornate National Theater. Delve into Costa Rican history at the National Museum, then browse local art and savor rich coffee at nearby cafes.

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Top San José Hotel Reviews

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

10/10 Excellent

"The kitchen staff, especially Malotaa"

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Handy for the airport "

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in San José?

Travelers in search of a pleasant and affordable San José property often book a room at Hotel El Maragato. This 3-star hotel, roughly 0.32 kilometers northeast of the center, comes with an espresso maker and a pillowtop mattress. Want another top tip? Located 0.48 kilometers northeast of downtown and including a sauna and a cafe, Exe San Jose Center is another top pick among guests.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in San José?

Experience the perfect combination of affordability, comfort and quality at a 3-star hotel in San José with our filters. Enter your dates of travel and then customize your search according to what you want to spend per night.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from SAR 289

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in San José?

The key difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in San José is the standard of service and availability of creature comforts. Three-star hotels are typically more budget-friendly and provide the services and amenities you need to be comfy, such as WiFi, a gym and breakfast. You can expect a bit more at a 4-star hotel — think upmarket décor, deluxe toiletries and perks like on-site spa centers.

Find 3 Star Hotels in San José from SAR 289

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Check availability on San José 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for San José 3-star hotels

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

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

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Homewood Suites By Hilton Cariari San Jose

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica

Hotel Mango

Irazu Hotel & Studios

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose

City Express by Marriott San Jose Costa Rica

Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Escazu

Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu

Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana by IHG

Hyatt Place San José/Pinares

Hotel Palma Real

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

San José and related destinations

Top San José Hotel Reviews

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

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