Hotel Novo
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Book it if you want a cheap, central room in San José with a well-liked breakfast and short walks to the cathedral and National Theatre. Skip it if you are a light sleeper, because thin walls and street noise are the main complaint.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Budget pick for San José. It suits travellers on a tight budget who plan to be out most of the day, and backpackers or couples passing through who value a central address over quiet.
Families can consider it, as family rooms are listed. Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi are also listed.
Light sleepers should look elsewhere. Guests report thin walls and windows that let in traffic and music from nearby bars.
Location and getting around
The address is Avenida Central y Primera, Calle 14. Guests describe a central position within walking distance of bus terminals, museums and the main market. The location score is 8.3.
Straight-line estimates put the Metropolitan Cathedral of San José about 0.7 km away, roughly 9 minutes on foot. The National Theatre of Costa Rica is about 0.9 km, around 11 minutes, and the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica about 1.5 km, close to 19 minutes. Real walking routes may take a little longer.
What guests say
Hotel Novo scores 8.0 out of 10 from 2,713 guest reviews. That is a lot of reviews, but in our sample the score placed it joint 14th of 14 eligible properties. It is the lowest-rated of the hotels we looked at in the city, though 8.0 is still a solid score.
Guests like two things most. The location gets credit for putting buses, museums and the market within reach. The breakfast is praised for typical dishes and generous portions; the listing describes it as breakfast to go.
The clear weakness is noise. Thin walls and windows let in loud street traffic and bar music. Room size, renovation state and cancellation terms have not been assessed.
Price and how it compares with our other San José picks
The reference price was 47.73 euros per night, about 95 euros for two nights. These are reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults, not live quotes. The sample median was 132.27 euros, so this hotel came in about 64 percent below it.
Our Best Value pick, Posada el Quijote, was 78.87 euros a night with an 8.8 score and 4 stars. Our Luxury pick, Studio Hotel Boutique, was 119.60 euros with a 9.0 score and 5 stars.
The trade-off is simple. Paying about 31 euros more per night for Posada el Quijote buys a higher score. Hotel Novo is for when the lowest price and a central address matter most.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 14 hotels in San José. For the Budget slot we take the lowest eligible reference price, and Hotel Novo had it at 47.73 euros. Its 2,713 reviews and 8.0 score show that most guests are satisfied with what they pay for.
Before you book
Check today's price for your dates. Ask for a room away from the street if one is available, and pack earplugs either way.
Confirm whether breakfast is included and how the breakfast to go works, as that is not confirmed. Check the cancellation terms too.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is Hotel Novo noisy?
It can be. Guests report thin walls and windows that let in street traffic and music from nearby bars. Ask for a quieter room and bring earplugs.
How far is Hotel Novo from the National Theatre?
About 0.9 km, roughly 11 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. The Metropolitan Cathedral is closer, at about 9 minutes.
Does Hotel Novo serve breakfast?
A breakfast to go is listed, and guests praise its typical dishes and generous portions. Whether it is included in your rate is not confirmed.
How much is Hotel Novo per night?
The reference price was 47.73 euros per night for 2 adults, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026. Check today's price for your dates.