Name: Turtle Saving Hostel
Address: CALLE 37 75m south of Restaurant Sapporo, Barrio Escalante, San Jose, 11501 San José, Costa Rica, CALLE 37 75m south of Restaurant Sapporo, Barrio Escalante, San Jose, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $11 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 9.5

Info & prices
Facilities
House rules
Guest reviews (122)

Hostel Turtle Saving Hostel

Airport shuttle. Airport shuttle available – additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

CALLE 37 75m south of Restaurant Sapporo, Barrio Escalante, San Jose, 11501 San José, Costa Rica – Excellent location – show map

A bed or beds in a room at Turtle Saving Hostel

Lock in a great price for Turtle Saving Hostel – rated 9.5 by recent guests!

to get started.

Ivan was very friendly and informative gave me great advice as how to spend my time in San Jose

Cesar

United States of America

A very nice hostel In a very nice neighborhood in San Jose for an affordable price especially if you are a solo traveller as you get to meet other people. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful on how to go about in the city and around some cool places in the country. On top of that, the part of the money goes for a very good program in helping the sea turtles along the Costa Rican Coast and educating people on how to protect these endangered creatures. I will highly recommend it.

Collin

Seychelles

A totally nice, clean & calm accomodation. Staff was 100% supportive. Breakfast and facilities exceeded our expectations. Best place we stayed in Costa Rica by a long shot.

Jesser

Spain

The breakfast was so great and much better than what most hostels provide. The host was so kind and gave us so many great recommendations for where to eat and what to see. The hostel is in a very safe neighborhood and very close to great restaurants. The hostel is also very clean

Veronika

United States of America

Robert himself made me feel welcome and right at home. Showing me around, helping me book tours, helping to find the perfect place to eat that I would have never found by myself and saving me a lot of money by helping me get money back from a tour operator. Best of it all was talking and working side by side and enjoying his company and presence. Remember to ask about all he is doing for turtles - this is real and not just to look good. This is both a place to stay and to support the good work he does.

Mette

Denmark

Youll really like the breakfast and its a great location in San Jose! Ive stayed here before and its the only hostel Ill stay in when Im in San Jose!

Charles

United States of America

Best breakfast I’ve ever had. The staff is really nice and helpful. Nice vibe overall, felt like home immediately.

Sarah

Austria

From the moment we arrived we were treated like family. The room we had was large and clean. We had a choose of relaxing in an outdoor courtyard, the dining area, or the lounge. We had snanks freshly prepared for us even though we arrived late. Robert, our host offered much advice on what to do and see during our visit and always made us feel welcome. The location is fantastic with many restaurants nearby and was walking distance to downtown. A truly enjoyable stay!

David

Canada

Feels like home , very clean and the hosts are amazing.

Paul

Canada

Everything!!!! Robert and Ivan are amazing and make you feel like family. This isn't just another hostel - its a hostel with a purpose (20% of all proceeds go to save turtles). Breakfast is really, really good - pancakes, fruit, rice and beans if you want. They do everything they can to make you feel at home.

Andrew

Malaysia

Previous image of the property Next image of the property

Image of the property

9.8

Staff

What guests loved the most:
“Ivan was very friendly and informative gave me great advice as how to spend my time in San Jose”

Cesar United States of America
“A very nice hostel In a very nice neighborhood in San Jose for an affordable price especially if you are a solo traveller as you get to meet other people.”

Collin Seychelles
“A totally nice, clean & calm accomodation. Staff was 100% supportive. Breakfast and facilities exceeded our expectations. Best place we stayed in Costa Rica by a long shot.”

Jesser Spain
“The breakfast was so great and much better than what most hostels provide. The host was so kind and gave us so many great recommendations for where to eat and what to see.”

Veronika United States of America
“Robert himself made me feel welcome and right at home. Showing me around, helping me book tours, helping to find the perfect place to eat that I would have never found by myself and saving me a lot of...”

Mette Denmark
“Youll really like the breakfast and its a great location in San Jose! Ive stayed here before and its the only hostel Ill stay in when Im in San Jose!”

Charles United States of America
“Best breakfast I’ve ever had. The staff is really nice and helpful. Nice vibe overall, felt like home immediately.”

Sarah Austria
“From the moment we arrived we were treated like family. The room we had was large and clean. We had a choose of relaxing in an outdoor courtyard, the dining area, or the lounge.”

David Canada
“Feels like home , very clean and the hosts are amazing.”

Paul Canada
“Everything!!!! Robert and Ivan are amazing and make you feel like family. This isn't just another hostel - its a hostel with a purpose (20% of all proceeds go to save turtles).”

Andrew Malaysia

Set 1.7 mi from National Theater of Costa Rica, Turtle Saving Hostel in San José offers a garden and terrace. The property is close to several noted attractions, around 0.9 mi from Simon Bolivar Zoo and around 1.1 mi from Costa Rica National Museum. The tour desk can help arrange some activities and free WiFi is at guests' disposal.

Rooms have a shared bathroom with a shower.

A continental breakfast is served daily at the property.

La Sabana Metropolitan Park is 3.1 mi from the hostel.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

Turtle Saving Hostel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Dec 3, 2018

Missing some information?

Brilliant!

Most popular facilities

Airport shuttle

Free WiFi

Non-smoking rooms

Terrace

Garden

Good for couples – they rated the facilities 8.9 for two-person stays.

Bookers love...

“san jose”
14 related reviews

“great atmosphere”
11 related reviews

“super friendly”
9 related reviews

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Breakfast Info

Continental, Vegetarian, Vegan

Free WiFi
Guests consistently rate the WiFi as excellent

No credit card needed to book. We'll send you an email confirming your reservation.

Checkin day

Checkin month

Checkout day

Checkout month

Availability

When would you like to stay at Turtle Saving Hostel?

Check-in date

Check-out date

Rooms

Adults

Children

Sleeps	Room Type
Max adults: 1	Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room 1 bunk bed	Show prices
Something went wrong – please try again later. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children
Max adults: 2	Standard Double Room 1 full bed	Show prices
Something went wrong – please try again later. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children
Max adults: 2	Standard Twin Room 2 twin beds	Show prices
Something went wrong – please try again later. Check-in date Check-out date Rooms Adults Children

8 properties in San José like Turtle Saving Hostel were booked in the last 12 hours

Area Info

–

Closest Landmarks *

La California Hospital
0.5 miles
Zoológico y Jardín Botánico Nacional Simón Bolívar Park
0.8 miles
Costa Rica National Museum
0.8 miles
Jade Museum
0.8 miles
Hospital Hotel La Catolica
0.9 miles
Pre-Colombian Gold Museum
1.1 miles
National Theatre of Costa Rica
1.1 miles
National Theatre of Costa Rica
1.1 miles
Metropolitan Cathedral
1.3 miles
Museo de los Niños
1.3 miles

Restaurants & Markets *

Barrio Escalante Cafe/Bar
0 miles
Fresh Market Supermarket
0.2 miles
Auto Mercado Market
0.8 miles
SAN Pedro Mall Supermarket
1 miles
Il Volipino Restaurant
0.1 miles
Mantras Restaurant
0.1 miles
La Bodega Cafe/Bar
0.1 miles
Beer Factory Restaurant
0.2 miles
Un Lugar Cafe/Bar
0.2 miles

Natural Beauty *

Irazu Volcano Mountain
14 miles

Closest Airports *

Tobías Bolaños International Airport
5.5 miles
Juan Santamaría International Airport
10.6 miles

What Travelers Love About This Location

“We only stayed for one night, but got welcomed by Robert as if we would stay for weeks. Really enjoyed his friendliness and help in figuring out our route. The ...”

Jasper

Netherlands

9.5

“Robert was really nice and eager to help out and give information. Breakfast was amazing! The location is very good, in a nice and safe residential area with a ...”

Natalie

Malaysia

9.1

“In a quiet part of town, but next to a commuter road so a bit of traffic noise early morning. Very well looked after. Clean and pleasant public areas, especiall...”

David

United Kingdom

9.1

Are you missing any information about this area?

Brilliant!

4 reasons to choose Turtle Saving Hostel

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

House rules Turtle Saving Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children over 12 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Cash only

This property only accepts cash payments.

The fine print

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Turtle Saving Hostel of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

“A very nice hostel In a very nice neighborhood in San Jose for an affordable price especially if you are a solo traveller as you get to meet other people. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful on how to go about in the city and around some cool places in the country. On top of that, the part of the money goes for a very good program in helping the sea turtles along the Costa Rican Coast and educating people on how to protect these endangered creatures. I will highly recommend it. ”

“The breakfast was so great and much better than what most hostels provide. The host was so kind and gave us so many great recommendations for where to eat and what to see. The hostel is in a very safe neighborhood and very close to great restaurants. The hostel is also very clean”

“Robert himself made me feel welcome and right at home. Showing me around, helping me book tours, helping to find the perfect place to eat that I would have never found by myself and saving me a lot of money by helping me get money back from a tour operator. Best of it all was talking and working side by side and enjoying his company and presence. Remember to ask about all he is doing for turtles - this is real and not just to look good. This is both a place to stay and to support the good work he does.”

“From the moment we arrived we were treated like family. The room we had was large and clean. We had a choose of relaxing in an outdoor courtyard, the dining area, or the lounge. We had snanks freshly prepared for us even though we arrived late. Robert, our host offered much advice on what to do and see during our visit and always made us feel welcome. The location is fantastic with many restaurants nearby and was walking distance to downtown. A truly enjoyable stay! ”

“Everything!!!! Robert and Ivan are amazing and make you feel like family. This isn't just another hostel - its a hostel with a purpose (20% of all proceeds go to save turtles). Breakfast is really, really good - pancakes, fruit, rice and beans if you want. They do everything they can to make you feel at home.”

See all guest reviews for Turtle Saving Hostel

Newest Reviews for Turtle Saving Hostel

Reviewed: November 19, 2019

Simone
Germany
10

“Best host of the world! Highly recommended hostel!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The host Robert is just amazing! He wants that you can make the most of your stay in Costa Rica and gives you the best recommendations for the country but also for San José. He helps with every problem, drives you to the ATM and find a solution for everything! Thank you so much for your awesome hospitality and great support! The hostel is very clean, cozy and comfortable. the location is great. The neighborhood is really nice and safe and have a lot of restaurants. The breakfast is just amazing: the pancakes are so delicious! I can highly recommend this hostel. Also because you finance with your stay the foundation of turtles for which Robert is in charge. I will definitely come back!

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 19, 2019

Jasper
Netherlands

17 helpful votes
9.6

“Perfect stay”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Maybe we had bad luck, but almost the entire room went to sleep at 9. Not a very great atmosphere.
We only stayed for one night, but got welcomed by Robert as if we would stay for weeks. Really enjoyed his friendliness and help in figuring out our route. The breakfast was very good and the hostel is located next to the main restaurant street.

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 19, 2019

Elisa
United States of America
10

“I needed a break form work and am glad I chose Turtle Saving Hostel for the RNR. I will be back!!!!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 5 nights
The only thing I wish I would've done was payed closer attention to the fact that the season was over for all of the Turtle volunteer activities. But I told myself not to worry because I will most definitely be back during Turtle season. The stay there is well worth planning another trip and this time I will bring some my family.
Breakfast was very healthy and made from fresh foods. Because I was off to enjoy the many tours offered and to discover the culture and history of Costa Rica I was usually gone very early therefore I only ate breakfast once. We were offered coffee and tea which was available for free whenever you wanted it and bottled water is also available.

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 17, 2019

Bettina
France
10

“Great stay in San José ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing !
Perfect stay in San José ! We spent 2 nights at the hostel and we loved it. The room was big, clean and confortable. The shared bathroom as well. Robert, the owner, gave us many good advices about our future trip in Costa Rica, he helped us a lot that was very nice ! Ivan, the manager, was also full of good tips and specially about San José. He recommanded us a great free tour to visit the city. Breakfast is amazing! At the evening we were able to make our own diner and that was nice and better for us. We met very nice people at the hostel it was really a good moment ! Thanks a lot!

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 16, 2019

Victor
Brazil
10

“Excelent”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I have visit many countries and never I receive such high customer service. Very close to many cool bar and restaurants. Took the advices to have my rental car take there so avoid crazy driving in city. Sad I not make time for free city walking tour they recommend. Super cool that stay there help protecting marine turtles. My favorite hostel breakfast EVER!!! Good luck guys Obrigado!!

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 15, 2019

Natalie
Malaysia

1 helpful vote
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Robert was really nice and eager to help out and give information. Breakfast was amazing! The location is very good, in a nice and safe residential area with a lot of restaurants around. Would definitely go back anytime!

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 8, 2019

Cesar
United States of America
9.0

“Excellent location and friendly service”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Ivan was very friendly and informative gave me great advice as how to spend my time in San Jose

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: November 7, 2019

Sergio
United States of America
10

“This place is great and I will definitely recommend it to friends.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Everything was great there is nothing to complain about.
Host personally cooked my breakfast that was decilicious!

Stayed in November 2019
Reviewed: October 14, 2019

Tracy
Canada

3 helpful votes
9.2

“Great hostel with loads of information ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
There are only two bathrooms for I guess more than 12 people so there was a lot of waiting around in the morning.
Ivan was a great source of information for us & helped us to plan a rough itinerary of what to do with our limited time in Costa Rica. He made an amazing breakfast with fresh watermelon & pineapple along with banana Nutella pancakes!

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: October 6, 2019

Neta
Canada
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The staff was super nice and helpful and OMG the breakfast was amazing, never had such a good breakfast in a hostel before

Stayed in October 2019
Reviewed: September 28, 2019

David
United Kingdom

17 helpful votes
9.2

“Mostly peaceful”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Things to improve it? Could have towels for the price - it’s a bit more expensive than the average hostel. The ‘suicide’ shower is just about ok, but perhaps better heating system. It gets cool at night but blankets are available and the dorm is open and comfortable with wide beds. Perhaps curtains for a bit of privacy - it’s a mixed dorm.
In a quiet part of town, but next to a commuter road so a bit of traffic noise early morning. Very well looked after. Clean and pleasant public areas, especially the covered garden. Ivan was fantastic host. Very helpful. Well travelled and happy to share his knowledge. Great breakfast and ‘forever coffee’. Enjoyed my stay.

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: September 9, 2019

Michael
United States of America
10

“I was only traveling thru, but I'm so grateful I choose the turtle saving hostel. Home away from ho”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Best hostel by far I've ever experienced! Nestled in one of the hippest parts of San Jose ! Robert made me feel at home and cared for from start to finish. The clean and calm atmosphere relived my stress from travel instantly as I entered the property. The beds a dream, the breakfast to die for, and the hospitality above and beyond! This place is a gem. I will be staying here anytime I'm in San Jose. Thank you for everything !!!

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: September 4, 2019

Collin
Seychelles

3 helpful votes
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing.
A very nice hostel In a very nice neighborhood in San Jose for an affordable price especially if you are a solo traveller as you get to meet other people. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful on how to go about in the city and around some cool places in the country. On top of that, the part of the money goes for a very good program in helping the sea turtles along the Costa Rican Coast and educating people on how to protect these endangered creatures. I will highly recommend it.

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: September 3, 2019

Bennett
United States of America
10

“Tranquil hostel with great amenities and very friendly, helpful staff.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The owner and staff were very friendly, accessible and happy to help with everything I needed, going above and beyond of what I would expect. The hostel is squeaky clean and the design is very well thought out. There is a great selection of books and a very nice back patio area, with couches to sit and relax. The pancake breakfast is fantastic and it is in a great neighborhood with a very wide variety of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. I would highly recommend this hostel to anyone who wants a nice place to stay in San José.

Stayed in September 2019
Reviewed: August 26, 2019

João
Portugal
9.6

“Very friendly ”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Very Nice people and very helpful. Good breakfast

Stayed in August 2019

Share Turtle Saving Hostel

Hostel Turtle Saving Hostel

Turtle Saving Hostel

Most popular facilities

Bookers love...

Breakfast Info

Availability

Area Info

Closest Landmarks *

Restaurants & Markets *

Natural Beauty *

Closest Airports *

Most Popular Landmarks *

What Travelers Love About This Location

4 reasons to choose Turtle Saving Hostel

Why book with us?

See availability Facilities of Turtle Saving Hostel Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

Most popular facilities

Outdoors

Pets

Activities

Food & Drink

Internet

Parking

Transportation

Services

General

Languages Spoken

See availability House rules Turtle Saving Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

See availability The fine print

Search

Questions you may have

Are these questions helpful?

What guests loved the most:

Didn't find the right property?

Newest Reviews for Turtle Saving Hostel

The Best of San José

Institutions

Landmarks

Monuments

Museums

Parks

Popular Areas

Shopping Areas

Stadiums or Arenas

Theaters

Verified reviews from real guests.

How does it work?

It starts with a booking

Followed by a trip

And finally, a review

Save up to 50% in San José

Awesome! You're now subscribed

Facilities of Turtle Saving Hostel Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

House rules Turtle Saving Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

The fine print