What others are saying about us.
*all of these are actual reviews from booking sites as well as our guestbook.*
GO THERE! Best, most fun cuple who run this hostel and the most funny little dog. We had a blast here! And its close to the bus terminal, the city and good and cheap places to eat and go out.. you can only love it.
Ingunn & Jacob, Denmark (Hostels.com)
Not for the boring! Had an awesome time at Galileo -- the staff are really friendly and welcoming and you can't help but enjoy yourself. Definitely a good way to start a trip.
Maria, England (Hostelz.com)
very fun clean place to stay. has new owners and they'll show u a great time! i would def stay there again over anyother place in san jose!
Juan, Colombia (Hostelworld.com)
If you are looking for a low-key, comfortable place that feels like staying at Mom's house, this hostel is for you. When my daughter 23 year-old and I arrived at our destination in the next city, where we were supposedly in a "5-Star Hostel," our only comment was "I miss Galileo."
Wendy, USA (Hostelworld.com)
A second home when you are away from home. Staff make an extra effort to include you as part of the family, they go beyond their call of duty and include single travelers when they go out for dinners. Nice, hot, clean showers to refresh you in the morning. In the family room it is like a big extended family. Because of their level of performance when you are in this area you have a need to return to your second home and this is my second time here at Galileo Hostel, My second home.
Dulcie, South Africa (Hostelz.com)
Best choice, price of rooms, and location in San Jose. Definitely a very cool place to stay. The new owners are exciting and turning this into happening spot. Lots of friendly travelers, good rooms, and hot showers. Brian and Mer took care of everything needed. Love the paint colors everywhere. Can't wait to come back and see the final restorations. Rocky the puppy rocks.
Elizabeth, USA (Hostelz.com)
most fun hostel we´ve been in, so far. and we´re travelin the world. if ya stay here, when u arrive say ¨Eireann Go Brea¨. Then brian will give ya a discount..
James, Ireland (Hostelworld.com)
Ive stayed at a few hostels in San Jose & this is without doubt the best. The key to its success is the great atmosphere that the incredibly friendly and helpful owners & staff have created. Theres a great relaxed lounge & bar area where you can watch movies (on the BIG screen) or listen to music and meet other travelers. Its somewhat of an artists hang-out so youre likely to be around chilled-out laid-back people & if you bring a guitar youll be encouraged to join in on a jam session! Perfect!
Joe, Nottingham, England
(here's the story on Joe, probably my best friend in CR, Joe came for teaching work and stayed with us on a recommendation, now, between stints out surfing at the beach and teaching in Santa Ana, Joe's here for a good game of footie or several pints on the weekends) (Hostelworld.com)
The staff make this place ROCK!! They are very knowledgable and friendly. They are cool to kick it with as well as they are very service oreiented. Wake up calls at 5 am no prob for them!! A must if you visiting San Jose, CR as well as a great place to come back to after a trip around the country
Ryan, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great hostel, friendly hosts, cool bohemian vibe, plus very economical accommodations.
David, USA (Hostels.com)
This was by far our favorite hostel in all of San Jose, and we stayed at most of them. Met some great people but it wasn't too rowdy, everyone who works there is super friendly, its in a safe area and very clean. I don't know what everyone means about the bathrooms, they were some of the best and cleanest we saw in all of Costa Rica. Really the whole hostel was. Stay here, you'll love it!
Anca, USA (Hostels.com)
I have seen my fair share of hostels, and Galileo is definitely upper echelon. Brian and his friendly, accommodating and helpful staff run a top-notch place that has something for everyone. The ONLY choice in San Jose! David, Asutralia (Hostels.com)
Hostel Galileo was awesome! I stayed there my last day before I had to leave I wish I could have stayed alot longer. The staff as well as the other people staying there are very laid back and friendly. The staff definately makes the place. As soon as I have the means to travel to Costa Rica again this will definately be on my list of places to go back to. :-)
Dannielle, Florida (Hostelworld.com)
I had an absolutely awesome time at this hostel, the staff aren't just friendly, they're also amazing fun.
Maria, England (Hostelworld.com)
My stay at Galileo was probably the most fun time spent on my whole trip. EVERYONE, the staff, the guests, and \"Rocky\" the dog were incredible. It is such a happy atmosphere. Wait til you see the interior! Galileo hosts parties and other activities for their guests. There is something to do everyday with new friends. Not only was it hilariously fun, but they were so helpful in arranging tours,travel,and other hostel reservations. I can highly reccomend Galileo. Don't miss this one!
Candee, North Carolina (Hostelworld.com)
This is a must stay. My two daughters and I headed for Costa Rica for a 10-day vacation. We stayed here the day we got in and again the night before we flew out. We liked it so much that we brought two fellow travelers with us to stay the night on our way home. We felt safe and welcomed. They were very helpful with directions and helping us plan our trip. Again, a must stay. The price is right. The place is great. What are you waiting for? Get booking.
Mary, USA
(whose daughters did some beautiful art you can still see on our wall) (Hostelworld.com)
This is the ONLY place to stay anywhere! too bad it is only in San jose! To me, there is no other hostel to compare! Beautiful place, paint, and people. Nice art to boot. Any other choice is moot!
-ian & kristen, USA (Hostels.com)
Galileo is AWESOME!! The owners are a super nice, funny, chill, young couple from the states, Brian and Mer. I came down with no plans and they were very helpful with giving me suggestions at what to check out around San Jose. Galileo was a great place to stay. Very colorful, clean and fun! Eventually they are putting in a bar with flat screens! What a hostel! You would be a fool not to stay here! I will be comming back again, and again! Thanks Brian & Mer we had a blast!
Zachary, USA (Hostels.com)
Excellent staff and management that create a really welcoming vibe. Easy competition for any hostel around the world, i think. It's a hub of chill in a fast-paced city...much needed! There were travellers from around the world each time i visited on this trip (twice). Was my 6th time through San Jose over several visits to costa rice, but the first time i considered staying in san jose longer than the requisite day. Thanks all(little rocky the dog included) for the unexpected +ve san jose exp.
Gal, Canada (Hostels.com)
An excellent stay. There could not be a friendlier staff. You guys rock!
Canadian Matt (ended up sticking around San Jose, so you might actually see him at the bar for a little puck and tackle) (Hostelworld.com)
Super rad hostel! It was really easy to meet people, close to food and booze places, they had a cool dog, and the owners are really involved with the customers. I got pretty sloshed and they tolerated my friend getting a little out of hand in the end. Definitely would come here again.
Adam, USA (and friend to remain anonymous) (Hostelworld.com)
The Galileo is very unique and has vibes full of life. The walls are colorful, there is a bar for drinks and snacks, a smoking lounge, and clean bathrooms. The staff is very friendly and the people there are all very nice. Be sure to have some jokes ready because the staff appreciates raunchy plays on words. They may even give you a discount if it is new and funny; that's how i got my private room!!
Bryan, San Fran (on his first trip to the hostel) (Hostelworld.com)
Awesome staff, people, great vibe, always lots of fun. If you think that there isin't much to like about San Jose this place will definitly make you change your mind and you might actually end up staying longer then planned. Youll find that there's always something to do or someone to talk to. Definitly worth more than a quick stop. Clean, safe, fun, free coffee, no curfew, and you might even learn some good cooking recipes,
Jean-Alexander, Canada (Hostelworld.com)
Very helpful staff that helped us with phoncalls in Spanish and told us what to do as newcomers to San José. Big and comfortable beds. Would definately revisit if going back to SJ.
Thomas, Sweden (Hostelworld.com)
great great great, so much more to it than the cheapest dorm beds in san jose! great, welcoming staff, invite you for a beer, great smokin area and tv room, everythin you need!
Michael, England (Hostelworld.com)
Staff goes out of their way to make your stay enjoyable! They were very helpful with directions, dos and don't, suggestions, just everything! The even helped by speaking spanish to a local hotel who screwed up my reservation. It wasn't resolved, but it was not due to their lack of effort! Fun place, cheap beer, safe location!
Jennifer, USA (Hostelworld.com)
really cool hostel, not too close to anything but there's not that much to do in san jose as it is, it don't matter because something fun is always going on in the common rooms in the evening. other wise a great place to call your home base and meet fellow travelers as you explore beautiful Costa Rica.
Michael, Austrailia (Hostelworld.com)
This really was an excellent place to stay. Definitely recommend it. More like a house that you get to live at for a day than a hostel, but still has the hostel quirks that everyone loves. I hope to model my own hostel one day after this one. Thanks, Brian and June!
Dan, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great hostel, friendly hosts, cool bohemian vibe, plus very economical accommodations.
David, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Galileo has great atmosphere and you can meet some really interesting people there. The staff is very friendly and they're often travelers themselves. San Jose as a whole is not a very safe city, especially at night, but within Galileo I always felt safe (you must be buzzed in and out through a gate)... Linens and towels were always clean. They have a computer with internet as well--helpful to all travelers!
Patricia, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great People Here. Helpfu advice. Would like to stay here again. This is the better backpackers to stay at in san jose
Tyson, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Brian and his staff are very amiable, and will even serve up a drink of Guaca to those who just arrived in Costa Rica that day. A great bargain, with a big food market and lots of eateries within a few minutes walk. Rocky the little dog will make you very welcome. And, it\'s right on the Pan American highway as it goes through town. I\'d stay again!
Peter, Canada (Hostelworld.com)
Brian and Mer have done a great job renovating this bad boy, injecting some personality and generally making it a fun hostel to visit.
Matt (Krusty), Boston (Hostelworld.com)
The staff were a hoot!! :) I was so entertained that it made up for the city noise and borderline neighborhood. Security was not a concern inside the hostel, but I got the heeby-geebies walking outside at night. They are renovating the decor beautifully, but I would recommend focusing on new mattresses and cleaner towels first. Overall it was a pleasant stay and I knew what to expect from the reviews. Enjoy the entertaining staff + company in the lobby (bar coming soon) and mexican food nearby.
Kenneth, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Loved it! They place is bright, welcoming, and warm! You can curl up on the couch with the adorable puppy or drink out on the patio. Everyone is so friendly and wonderful. I loved this hostel wish it was on the beach instead of San Jose, but it was perfect to hang out between coasts. Owners and staff can help you out with pretty much anything. i will tell everyone to stay there.
Tanya, Canada (Hostelz.com)
This was my second stay at Galileo this year and the owners Brian and Mer have made wonderful improvements, and its even brighter, more colorful, and better than before. Still the same fun time and party atmosphere, and now there's a great new Tiki bar, and NFL TV on Sundays! And a new hammock garden, and interesting new artwork by artists who stay there. Be sure and check out "the doors"! I enjoyed a fun stay again at the Galileo.
Rick, Southern California (Hostelworld.com)
Brian is the man! He was very warm and chill to hang out with. Did a great job of making us start our trip to Costa Rica on a high note!
Imran, Canada (Hostelworld.com)
Awesome place to stay in la sabana, especially if you are looking for teaching work. These guys can help.
Scott, USA (okay, here's the story on Scott, he stayed with us on a recommendation, and then sort of stuck around, he wrote this review back when he had just gotten here, but now a day's he'll be the one pouring you a cold beer at our bar.) (Hostelworld.com)
Galileo is must stop for travelers going through San Jose. Great staff and NFL games playing on Sunday. Great time.
Ted, USA (Hostelworld.com)
This hostel is very laid back and easy going and all of the staff are very eager to led a hand
Stuart, England (Hostelworld.com)
The staff especially the owner is very enthustiastic about having you there and helping you out on your trip. Great base camp for the many trips back through the city. Cervezas are sold there cheap and can be put on your tab for convenience. Great for a guy like me who was winging a trip and new little spanish.
Gavin, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great location by park and central market. Staff was very helpful. Would stay there again.
Luke, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Ingunn & Jacob, Denmark (Hostels.com)
Not for the boring! Had an awesome time at Galileo -- the staff are really friendly and welcoming and you can't help but enjoy yourself. Definitely a good way to start a trip.
Maria, England (Hostelz.com)
very fun clean place to stay. has new owners and they'll show u a great time! i would def stay there again over anyother place in san jose!
Juan, Colombia (Hostelworld.com)
If you are looking for a low-key, comfortable place that feels like staying at Mom's house, this hostel is for you. When my daughter 23 year-old and I arrived at our destination in the next city, where we were supposedly in a "5-Star Hostel," our only comment was "I miss Galileo."
Wendy, USA (Hostelworld.com)
A second home when you are away from home. Staff make an extra effort to include you as part of the family, they go beyond their call of duty and include single travelers when they go out for dinners. Nice, hot, clean showers to refresh you in the morning. In the family room it is like a big extended family. Because of their level of performance when you are in this area you have a need to return to your second home and this is my second time here at Galileo Hostel, My second home.
Dulcie, South Africa (Hostelz.com)
Best choice, price of rooms, and location in San Jose. Definitely a very cool place to stay. The new owners are exciting and turning this into happening spot. Lots of friendly travelers, good rooms, and hot showers. Brian and Mer took care of everything needed. Love the paint colors everywhere. Can't wait to come back and see the final restorations. Rocky the puppy rocks.
Elizabeth, USA (Hostelz.com)
most fun hostel we´ve been in, so far. and we´re travelin the world. if ya stay here, when u arrive say ¨Eireann Go Brea¨. Then brian will give ya a discount..
James, Ireland (Hostelworld.com)
Ive stayed at a few hostels in San Jose & this is without doubt the best. The key to its success is the great atmosphere that the incredibly friendly and helpful owners & staff have created. Theres a great relaxed lounge & bar area where you can watch movies (on the BIG screen) or listen to music and meet other travelers. Its somewhat of an artists hang-out so youre likely to be around chilled-out laid-back people & if you bring a guitar youll be encouraged to join in on a jam session! Perfect!
Joe, Nottingham, England
(here's the story on Joe, probably my best friend in CR, Joe came for teaching work and stayed with us on a recommendation, now, between stints out surfing at the beach and teaching in Santa Ana, Joe's here for a good game of footie or several pints on the weekends) (Hostelworld.com)
The staff make this place ROCK!! They are very knowledgable and friendly. They are cool to kick it with as well as they are very service oreiented. Wake up calls at 5 am no prob for them!! A must if you visiting San Jose, CR as well as a great place to come back to after a trip around the country
Ryan, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great hostel, friendly hosts, cool bohemian vibe, plus very economical accommodations.
David, USA (Hostels.com)
This was by far our favorite hostel in all of San Jose, and we stayed at most of them. Met some great people but it wasn't too rowdy, everyone who works there is super friendly, its in a safe area and very clean. I don't know what everyone means about the bathrooms, they were some of the best and cleanest we saw in all of Costa Rica. Really the whole hostel was. Stay here, you'll love it!
Anca, USA (Hostels.com)
I have seen my fair share of hostels, and Galileo is definitely upper echelon. Brian and his friendly, accommodating and helpful staff run a top-notch place that has something for everyone. The ONLY choice in San Jose! David, Asutralia (Hostels.com)
Hostel Galileo was awesome! I stayed there my last day before I had to leave I wish I could have stayed alot longer. The staff as well as the other people staying there are very laid back and friendly. The staff definately makes the place. As soon as I have the means to travel to Costa Rica again this will definately be on my list of places to go back to. :-)
Dannielle, Florida (Hostelworld.com)
I had an absolutely awesome time at this hostel, the staff aren't just friendly, they're also amazing fun.
Maria, England (Hostelworld.com)
My stay at Galileo was probably the most fun time spent on my whole trip. EVERYONE, the staff, the guests, and \"Rocky\" the dog were incredible. It is such a happy atmosphere. Wait til you see the interior! Galileo hosts parties and other activities for their guests. There is something to do everyday with new friends. Not only was it hilariously fun, but they were so helpful in arranging tours,travel,and other hostel reservations. I can highly reccomend Galileo. Don't miss this one!
Candee, North Carolina (Hostelworld.com)
This is a must stay. My two daughters and I headed for Costa Rica for a 10-day vacation. We stayed here the day we got in and again the night before we flew out. We liked it so much that we brought two fellow travelers with us to stay the night on our way home. We felt safe and welcomed. They were very helpful with directions and helping us plan our trip. Again, a must stay. The price is right. The place is great. What are you waiting for? Get booking.
Mary, USA
(whose daughters did some beautiful art you can still see on our wall) (Hostelworld.com)
This is the ONLY place to stay anywhere! too bad it is only in San jose! To me, there is no other hostel to compare! Beautiful place, paint, and people. Nice art to boot. Any other choice is moot!
-ian & kristen, USA (Hostels.com)
Galileo is AWESOME!! The owners are a super nice, funny, chill, young couple from the states, Brian and Mer. I came down with no plans and they were very helpful with giving me suggestions at what to check out around San Jose. Galileo was a great place to stay. Very colorful, clean and fun! Eventually they are putting in a bar with flat screens! What a hostel! You would be a fool not to stay here! I will be comming back again, and again! Thanks Brian & Mer we had a blast!
Zachary, USA (Hostels.com)
Excellent staff and management that create a really welcoming vibe. Easy competition for any hostel around the world, i think. It's a hub of chill in a fast-paced city...much needed! There were travellers from around the world each time i visited on this trip (twice). Was my 6th time through San Jose over several visits to costa rice, but the first time i considered staying in san jose longer than the requisite day. Thanks all(little rocky the dog included) for the unexpected +ve san jose exp.
Gal, Canada (Hostels.com)
An excellent stay. There could not be a friendlier staff. You guys rock!
Canadian Matt (ended up sticking around San Jose, so you might actually see him at the bar for a little puck and tackle) (Hostelworld.com)
Super rad hostel! It was really easy to meet people, close to food and booze places, they had a cool dog, and the owners are really involved with the customers. I got pretty sloshed and they tolerated my friend getting a little out of hand in the end. Definitely would come here again.
Adam, USA (and friend to remain anonymous) (Hostelworld.com)
The Galileo is very unique and has vibes full of life. The walls are colorful, there is a bar for drinks and snacks, a smoking lounge, and clean bathrooms. The staff is very friendly and the people there are all very nice. Be sure to have some jokes ready because the staff appreciates raunchy plays on words. They may even give you a discount if it is new and funny; that's how i got my private room!!
Bryan, San Fran (on his first trip to the hostel) (Hostelworld.com)
Awesome staff, people, great vibe, always lots of fun. If you think that there isin't much to like about San Jose this place will definitly make you change your mind and you might actually end up staying longer then planned. Youll find that there's always something to do or someone to talk to. Definitly worth more than a quick stop. Clean, safe, fun, free coffee, no curfew, and you might even learn some good cooking recipes,
Jean-Alexander, Canada (Hostelworld.com)
Very helpful staff that helped us with phoncalls in Spanish and told us what to do as newcomers to San José. Big and comfortable beds. Would definately revisit if going back to SJ.
Thomas, Sweden (Hostelworld.com)
great great great, so much more to it than the cheapest dorm beds in san jose! great, welcoming staff, invite you for a beer, great smokin area and tv room, everythin you need!
Michael, England (Hostelworld.com)
Staff goes out of their way to make your stay enjoyable! They were very helpful with directions, dos and don't, suggestions, just everything! The even helped by speaking spanish to a local hotel who screwed up my reservation. It wasn't resolved, but it was not due to their lack of effort! Fun place, cheap beer, safe location!
Jennifer, USA (Hostelworld.com)
really cool hostel, not too close to anything but there's not that much to do in san jose as it is, it don't matter because something fun is always going on in the common rooms in the evening. other wise a great place to call your home base and meet fellow travelers as you explore beautiful Costa Rica.
Michael, Austrailia (Hostelworld.com)
This really was an excellent place to stay. Definitely recommend it. More like a house that you get to live at for a day than a hostel, but still has the hostel quirks that everyone loves. I hope to model my own hostel one day after this one. Thanks, Brian and June!
Dan, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great hostel, friendly hosts, cool bohemian vibe, plus very economical accommodations.
David, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Galileo has great atmosphere and you can meet some really interesting people there. The staff is very friendly and they're often travelers themselves. San Jose as a whole is not a very safe city, especially at night, but within Galileo I always felt safe (you must be buzzed in and out through a gate)... Linens and towels were always clean. They have a computer with internet as well--helpful to all travelers!
Patricia, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great People Here. Helpfu advice. Would like to stay here again. This is the better backpackers to stay at in san jose
Tyson, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Brian and his staff are very amiable, and will even serve up a drink of Guaca to those who just arrived in Costa Rica that day. A great bargain, with a big food market and lots of eateries within a few minutes walk. Rocky the little dog will make you very welcome. And, it\'s right on the Pan American highway as it goes through town. I\'d stay again!
Peter, Canada (Hostelworld.com)
Brian and Mer have done a great job renovating this bad boy, injecting some personality and generally making it a fun hostel to visit.
Matt (Krusty), Boston (Hostelworld.com)
The staff were a hoot!! :) I was so entertained that it made up for the city noise and borderline neighborhood. Security was not a concern inside the hostel, but I got the heeby-geebies walking outside at night. They are renovating the decor beautifully, but I would recommend focusing on new mattresses and cleaner towels first. Overall it was a pleasant stay and I knew what to expect from the reviews. Enjoy the entertaining staff + company in the lobby (bar coming soon) and mexican food nearby.
Kenneth, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Loved it! They place is bright, welcoming, and warm! You can curl up on the couch with the adorable puppy or drink out on the patio. Everyone is so friendly and wonderful. I loved this hostel wish it was on the beach instead of San Jose, but it was perfect to hang out between coasts. Owners and staff can help you out with pretty much anything. i will tell everyone to stay there.
Tanya, Canada (Hostelz.com)
This was my second stay at Galileo this year and the owners Brian and Mer have made wonderful improvements, and its even brighter, more colorful, and better than before. Still the same fun time and party atmosphere, and now there's a great new Tiki bar, and NFL TV on Sundays! And a new hammock garden, and interesting new artwork by artists who stay there. Be sure and check out "the doors"! I enjoyed a fun stay again at the Galileo.
Rick, Southern California (Hostelworld.com)
Brian is the man! He was very warm and chill to hang out with. Did a great job of making us start our trip to Costa Rica on a high note!
Imran, Canada (Hostelworld.com)
Awesome place to stay in la sabana, especially if you are looking for teaching work. These guys can help.
Scott, USA (okay, here's the story on Scott, he stayed with us on a recommendation, and then sort of stuck around, he wrote this review back when he had just gotten here, but now a day's he'll be the one pouring you a cold beer at our bar.) (Hostelworld.com)
Galileo is must stop for travelers going through San Jose. Great staff and NFL games playing on Sunday. Great time.
Ted, USA (Hostelworld.com)
This hostel is very laid back and easy going and all of the staff are very eager to led a hand
Stuart, England (Hostelworld.com)
The staff especially the owner is very enthustiastic about having you there and helping you out on your trip. Great base camp for the many trips back through the city. Cervezas are sold there cheap and can be put on your tab for convenience. Great for a guy like me who was winging a trip and new little spanish.
Gavin, USA (Hostelworld.com)
Great location by park and central market. Staff was very helpful. Would stay there again.
Luke, USA (Hostelworld.com)