Where to Stay in San José With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated September 2025 • We haven’t stayed here yet, this is the shortlist we’d book today based on location, family amenities, and consistent parent reviews. We’ll update after our Costa Rica leg in 2026.
We’re a slightly overwhelmed family of four who care about two things: short walks and early bedtimes. San José, Costa Rica’s capital, isn’t usually the star of the trip, most families come for volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. But if you’re flying in or out, or breaking up long drives, chances are you’ll spend at least a night or two here.
San José can feel busy and chaotic, but there are safe neighborhoods, family-friendly hotels, and easy access to day trips (volcanoes, coffee farms, waterfalls). Our rhythm here would be simple: a comfortable base after a flight, maybe a museum or park in the morning, and then onward to La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, or Tamarindo.
These are the three stays we’d actually choose: a budget-friendly B&B with space, a mid-range modern hotel near the airport, and a splurge city hotel with a pool to recover between flights.
For a quick guide, here is a rundown of the best hotels in San Jose
➡️ Best Overall Hotel in San Jose: Book Hotel Santa Tomas
➡️ Best Mid range Hotel in San Jose: Book Hotel Garden Inn La Sabana
➡️ Best High range Hotel in San Jose: Book Hotel Marriot Hacienda Belen
San José neighborhoods at a glance (for families)
Escazú
An upscale suburb west of the city with modern malls, international restaurants, and larger hotels. Families like it for safety, convenience, and easy access to the highway for onward travel. Not as “authentic” as downtown, but much more practical with kids.
Downtown (El Centro)
Close to museums, markets, and the National Theater. Good if you want to squeeze in a little sightseeing (Children’s Museum, Jade Museum). Downsides: more traffic, noise, and less green space.
Near the Airport (Alajuela / Cariari area)
Technically outside San José proper, but this is where many families choose to stay before or after flights. Larger chain hotels, reliable shuttles, and pools make it easy. Great for late arrivals or early departures.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Budget-Friendly Base: Hotel Santo Tomas (Downtown)
Why we picked it: A family-run hotel in a restored Victorian house with a pool and hot tub. Breakfast is included, and rooms are spacious enough for families. Parents highlight the friendly staff and safe environment despite being downtown.
Picture this: kids splashing in the pool while you sip coffee in the courtyard. For a city stopover, that bit of contained space is gold.
Good to know: You’re downtown, so expect some noise and busier streets outside. Rooms are basic but clean, and it’s walking distance to museums and markets. Great if you want a taste of central San José without blowing the budget.
2) Mid-Range Balance: Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana (Escazú/Sabana area)
Why we picked it: Modern, reliable, and overlooking La Sabana Park, San José’s giant green space. Rooms are sleek, there’s an outdoor pool, and families rave about the breakfast buffet. The location is quieter than downtown but still close enough for short taxis into the city.
Families love the pool and the park next door for walks or playground breaks. It’s also well-placed if you’re renting a car, with easy highway access to the Pacific coast or Arenal.
Good to know: Not much character, it’s a modern chain hotel. But sometimes predictability is exactly what families need after travel days. Request higher floors for city/park views and quieter nights.
3) Splurge Sanity Saver: Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén (Near Airport)
Why we picked it: A colonial-style hacienda resort just 10–15 minutes from the airport. Huge grounds, two pools, and family-friendly restaurants make this more of a mini-vacation than a layover. Families highlight the kids’ pool, open lawns, and safe space to unwind before or after flights.
The mix of history and comfort works: kids can burn energy in the pool or gardens, while parents collapse into spacious rooms or enjoy coffee overlooking the mountains.
Good to know: It’s a splurge, especially compared to downtown hotels. You’ll also need a taxi/Uber to get into central San José. But if you want a stress-free arrival or departure, this is the family pick.
How we choose (quickly, like parents do)
Walkability: food/play within 10–15 minutes
Room setup: family rooms or suites with doors that close
Cool-down: pools or green space (a must in the city heat)
Food: breakfast included or restaurants nearby
Reviews: consistent family mentions, not just business traveler raves
Safety & practical stuff for families
Traffic: San José traffic is chaotic. Plan transfers with buffer time, especially if catching flights.
Taxis & rides: Uber and Didi work well here; safer and cheaper than hailing cabs.
Stroller-friendliness: Downtown sidewalks are uneven; better in Escazú or near the airport. Baby carriers are often easier.
Food: Costa Rican food is generally kid-friendly (rice, beans, grilled chicken). Chains and supermarkets are easy to find in Escazú.
Airport transfer: Juan Santamaría Airport is 20–30 minutes from downtown, 15–20 minutes from Escazú, and 10–15 minutes from Alajuela hotels.
Climate: Warm year-round, with rain more common May–Nov. Always pack a light rain jacket.
Getting around & when to book
Getting around: Use ride apps or pre-book shuttles. Renting a car makes sense for onward travel, but not for city driving.
When to book: San José is busy year-round, but especially December–April (dry season) when tourism peaks. Hotels near the airport sell out fast around holidays.
How long to stay: With kids, one or two nights is usually enough, either at the start of your trip to rest after flights, or at the end before flying home.
Family logistics near each area (quick hits)
Downtown (El Centro)
Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños) interactive exhibits.
Central Market for snacks and quick eats.
Jade Museum for older kids interested in history.
Expect more noise and busier streets.
Escazú / La Sabana
La Sabana Park, playgrounds, walking paths, wide open space.
Malls and supermarkets for easy food runs.
Safer, quieter, with lots of dining options.
Easy access to highways for onward travel.
Near the Airport (Alajuela)
Quick transfers for flights.
Larger hotels with pools and open grounds.
Fewer cultural sights, but much easier logistics with kids.
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is San José safe with kids?
Yes, if you stick to family-friendly neighborhoods (Escazú, near airport). Downtown is fine by day but avoid wandering late at night.
Which area is best with younger kids?
Near the airport, larger hotels with pools and open lawns. Less stress, especially for flight days.
How many days in San José with kids?
One or two nights is enough. It’s more of a stopover hub than a main destination.
Is San José worth sightseeing with kids?
A morning in the Children’s Museum or La Sabana Park is great. Otherwise, save your energy for Arenal, Manuel Antonio, or Monteverde.
Can you rent a car in San José?
Yes, but driving in the city is stressful. Better to rent once you’re leaving the city for coastal or mountain areas.
Wrap-Up
Every family’s needs are different, but these three picks cover the bases: a budget-friendly downtown stay, a mid-range modern hotel near La Sabana Park, and a splurge resort-style hacienda by the airport. San José may not be the highlight of your Costa Rica trip, but with the right stay it can be a smooth start or finish to your adventure.
