About

Free Costa Rican Breakfast is served from 5 Am to 9 Am.

Free night stay for artistic travelers who want to make an art or performance at the hostel*.

At Stray Cat Hostel we endeavor you have authentic, creative, and engaging travel experiences. Here we, the staff, are travelers' connection to the city. We are here to present you with different ways to enjoy. Stray Cat Hostel is a social hostel, but not a party one. Some writing on the entrance wall explains our preference for tolerance: We are not able to tolerate any kind of behavior consisting of religious, sexual, or ethnic discrimination. This is for the comfort of any individual staying with us. Enjoy being here.

We are conveniently located in San Jose, Costa Rica between the bus stations, the largest park in the city, and the downtown cultural attractions. Stray Cat is just outside the noisy hustle and bustle but still close enough to be only a 10-minute walk to the central avenue. Travelers love that within 5 minutes you can walk to most of the long-haul bus stops which can take you across all of Costa Rica. From our facilities, you can visit and explore some of the finest attractions of San Jose such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, Museo Calderón Guardia, the National Theater of Costa Rica, and Antigua Aduana, amongst other interesting attractions of our city.

We have several types of accommodation options, both private options and dorms, to suit the needs and wishes of all our guests and travelers. In addition, we have several common areas where the guests can exchange experiences and plans. We have several amenities such as free city maps, free safety boxes, etc.

Stray Cat Hostel Policies and Conditions:

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation.

Check-in is from 14:00.
Check out before 11:00.

Payment upon arrival by cash, credit card, or PayPal. Please note that there is a 10% additional fee for payments by card or PayPal.

Breakfast is included.

Taxes not included - 13.00%


General:

The reception service is open 24 hours per day.
No curfew.
The maximum period of stay is 14 days.
So that you know, we have small rescued kittens in the common area.
The maximum age for dormitories is 42 years old, if you are more than 42 years old you can still book a private room.
* For artistic performance free night stay please contact us before arrival by email.

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 10:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Breakfast
  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free City Tour
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Meeting Rooms
View all facilities

Reviews

8.6Fabulous(3209)
  • Value for Money
    8.8
  • Security
    9.1
  • Atmosphere
    8.4
  • Cleanliness
    8.5
  • Staff
    9.2
  • Location
    8.1
  • Facilities
    8.4
Summary of traveller reviews

Stray Cat Hostel in San Jose offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and a unique cat-themed decor. Its prime location near bus terminals is ideal for travellers on the go. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast and the cozy, artistic vibe, perfect for a short stay.

Stayed in Oct 2026
8.6
F
Freya
Female, 18-24, Canada
Location is close to the bus stops, but otherwise a pretty bad area. Staff was nice, the dorm doesn’t have curtains and it was so loud both nights we stayed. The showers don’t have lights which was hard. Free breakfast was delicious and simple!
Stayed in Oct 2026
10
N
Nina
Female, 18-24, New Zealand
Nice free breakfast, comfortable beds and warm showers. It’s in a great location between bus stops and the receptionist was super friendly and helpful with my bus times :)
Stayed in Sept 2026
9.7
L
Lawrence
Female, 41+, USA
I love Stray Cats Hostel! It's been my home away from home ever since I started connecting in San Jose about 2.5 years ago. Recently, I was advised old-timers like me can no longer stay there. idk why. But, I didn't call foul because they still offer accommodations for the older crowd at another location around the corner. It's a better deal (for me anyway!) If you love cats, you'll love the stray cats! It's really convenient for the MEPE bus.
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Location

905 Calle 20 San Jose, De la Antigua Farmacia 250 metros al sur, San Jose, Costa Rica
1.6km from city centre