Playa del Carmen is Mexico’s notorious Caribbean playground for backpackers. Known for its chilled out beaches as much as the famously raucous times to be had at the party-central of Fifth Avenue, it’s perfect for young backpackers looking for a good time.

However, with that in mind, there are a lot of hostels that aren’t up to scratch and that are only fit for sleeping in (and even then only for a couple of hours!). What if you want something nicer?

We’ve had a look and found a bunch of nice places to stay in Playa del Carmen that won’t break the budget.

If you’re traveling as a couple and you want something a little more upmarket, or if you want to soak up the crazy party atmosphere of this place – or if you want something super cheap: don’t worry, we’ve got you. So let’s dive into the top hostels in Playa del Carmen!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Playa del Carmen

#1 Best Overall Hostel in Playa del Carmen – Hostel Che Playa
#2 Best Party Hostel in Playa del Carmen – Hostel MX
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Playa del Carmen – The Yak Playa Carmen
#4 Best Hostel near Fifth Avenue – Selina Playa Del Carmen
#5 Best Hostel on the Beach in Playa del Carmen – Hostel La Isla Playa Carmen
#6 Best Hostel near Museo Frida Khalo – Namastay Hostel
#7 Best Hostel near Playa del Carmen Ferry Terminal – Sayab Hostel 
#8 Best Hostel near Playa del Carmen Bus Station – Grand Hostel Playa
#9 Best High End Hostel in Playa del Carmen – Hostels on the Road
#10 Best Budget Hostel in Playa del Carmen – Lobo De Mar Hostel
#11 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Playa del Carmen – Casa Blanca Playa

#1 – Hostel Che Playa

 Best Overall Hostel in Playa del Carmen

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Calle 6, entre Avenida 15 & Avenida 20
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hostel Che Playa…
Just a few blocks from the beach, we love how quickly you can get to your very own slice of sun, sea and sand from this Playa del Carmen backpackers hostel.

The fact that there’s a bus stop nearby is a plus too – and so are the top facilities, including clean, comfy dorms.

Hostel Che Playa is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a hostel that’s a good all rounder of lots of things, then you might want to stay at the best overall hostel in Playa del Carmen. And that’s this place!

It’s got yoga, salsa classes, pizza night, taco night, a rooftop bar… it’s perfect if you get bored easily!

Check for Best Price

Mexico is amazing! And the best hostels in Mexico will blow you away!

#2 – Hostel MX

Best Party Hostel in Playa del Carmen

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 5ta. ave. entre calle 10 y 12. Col. Centro
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hostel MX…
We can’t help but like how no-holds-barred of a party hostel this place is. In fact, it’s probably the best party hostel in Playa del Carmen.

The atmosphere here is vibrant, of course, but most of all we love the cool outside area. Of course, the location on poppin’ Fifth Avenue helps, too.

Hostel MX is perfect for…
If you’re a bit of a party animal and you like meeting other people, then you’ll love this top hostel in Playa del Carmen.

The atmosphere is top notch when it comes to fun times. Plus if you like being near all the action, the location is prime: even the beach is close!

Check for Best Price

Our Mexico packing list is a MUST READ

#3 – The Yak Playa Carmen

Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Playa del Carmen

Why we like The Yak Playa Carmen…
We love the motto: “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met.” So you get a good idea of how much this place is pretty much the best hostel for solo travelers in Playa del Carmen.

The Yak is run by travellers too, so they have an understanding of what guests want.

The Yak Playa Carmen is perfect for…
Looking to meet people? Want to get involved with activities? Then you’ve come to the right place.

There’s something going on every day here. From mojito-making lessons and trips to swim in cenotes, to excursions to Mayan ruins, this place offers a lot. There’s even a free breakfast, which just adds even more value for money.

Check for Best Price

 

#4 – Selina Playa Del Carmen

Best Hostel on Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Calle 2 Esquina con la Quinta Avenida, Colonia Centro
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Selina Playa Del Carmen…
Fifth Avenue is where the party is at in Playa del Carmen. Despite this, it’s not the most drunken party hostel going here. In fact, this place is the best hostel in Fifth Avenue.

It’s chill, very coolly decorated, and most importantly very well located if you DO feel like partying. The free drinks every night are a plus, though!

Selina Playa Del Carmen is perfect for…
Perfect if you like to hang out, this top hostel in Playa del Carmen comes complete with a few nice little areas to hang out in – including a very cool courtyard area.

The proximity to all the madness of Fifth Avenue without being too crazy itself suits anybody who likes to be near – but not in – all the action.

Check for Best Price

 

 

#5 – Hostel La Isla Playa Carmen

 Best Hostel on the beach in Playa del Carmen

Why we like Hostel La Isla Playa Carmen…
We love how close this place is to the beach. It’s quite easily the best hostel on the beach in Playa del Carmen. The fact that it has direct access definitely helps.

Hostel La Isla Playa del Carmen backpackers hostel is also near the ferry terminal, which helps when it comes to trips away from the town.

Hostel La Isla Playa Carmen is perfect for…
Are you a beach lover? Do you like soaking up the sun? Then you’ll love this place.

Not only is it just a quick trot down to the sand itself, and all the hours you can spend chilling there, but it also boasts its own roof terrace where you can simply sunbathe all day.

Check for Best Price

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#6 – Namastay Hostel

 Best Hostel near Museo Frida Khalo

Why we like Namastay Hostel…
We love how clean and comfortable this place is, but what we really like is the ethos of this place.

This recommended hostel in Playa del Carmen promotes clean living and healthy eating, which is cool, plus the place itself is very design-led. And we love a bit of style.

Namastay Hostel is perfect for…
Anybody conscious of eating (and being) healthy will like this place. If you’re a design lover, then you’ll love the clean lines and minimalism of it, too.

When it comes to culture, never fear: it’s also the best hostel near the Museo Frida Khalo. Those who like to chill will enjoy its very comfy common rooms.

Check for Best Price

 

#7 – Sayab Hostel 

 Best Hostel near Playa del Carmen Ferry Terminal

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Calle 6, Manzana 13, Lote 4
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Sayab Hostel…
We love the convenience of this place of course (it’s the best hostel near Playa del Carmen ferry terminal), but it’s also one of the coolest hostels in Playa del Carmen too.

The cool, modern, crisp design of the place is something that we can definitely appreciate. Plus the courtyard area comes complete with a pool!

Sayab Hostel is perfect for…
Being just 600 metres from the ferry terminal, anybody looking to get in or out of Playa del Carmen via ferry will like how convenient this place is.

If you like your hostels to come complete with a lively atmosphere, you’ll like the gigs they put on around the pool area. Breakfast is included, too.

Check for Best Price

 

#8 – Grand Hostel Playa

 Best Hostel near Playa del Carmen Bus Station

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Avenida 20 Entre Calles 4 y 6 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Grand Hostel Playa…
This place may not be a vibey Playa del Carmen backpackers hostel, but it sure is convenient.

It’s located just a 5 minute walk away from it, so we can’t help but say this is the best hostel near Playa del Carmen bus station. Perfect for a quick stopover. But we also like the garden area (complete with pool).

Grand Hostel Playa is perfect for…
Fans of convenience will love this one; it’s perfect for anybody looking to make a quick stop in Playa del Carmen. If you’re arriving (or leaving) by bus means that this hostel is probably the best bet for you.

The staff here are friendly too, which always helps when you’re arriving by yourself late at night.

Check for Best Price

 

#9 – Hostels on the Road

 Best High-end Hostel in Playa del Carmen

Why we like Hostels on the Road…
Properly chic and stylish, this is definitely the coolest hostel in Playa del Carmen. Seriously – it’s a cut above the rest when it comes to the way it’s been designed.

Hostels on the Road is tasteful, it’s very, very cool, it’s new, it’s small and intimate, but it’s still in walking distance to Fifth Avenue. Love it.

Hostels on the Road is perfect for…
If you’re looking for an extra bit of safety, comfort and luxury during your stay, then you’d do well to stay here.

Not only is it the best high-end hostel in Playa del Carmen in terms of luxury and design, but it’s also one of the best hostels in Playa del Carmen when it comes to its welcoming hosts.

Check for Best Price

 

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#10 – Lobo De Mar Hostel

Best Budget Hostel in Playa del Carmen

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Calle 34 Norte, entre 20 Ave. y 30 Ave.
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Lobo De Mar Hostel…
Being the best budget hostel in Playa del Carmen, you can expect some good stuff thrown in for free. And there is (which we love).

There’s free breakfast, an hour of free drinks every night on the rooftop, plus a bracelet that gets you discounts on restaurants, activities, and local bars so you can enjoy the nightlife in Playa del Carmen to its fullest.

Lobo De Mar Hostel is perfect for…
Looking for some value for money? Then this is a good place for you. The bracelet we talked about is also a great security point: this doubles up as your way in and out of this recommended hostel in Playa del Carmen, which suits first-time travellers worried about security.

Want to meet people? The rooftop bar is fun and relaxed.

Check for Best Price

 

#11 – Casa Blanca Playa

Best Hostel with a Private Room in Playa del Carmen

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Coral negro Esquina Biajaica de la Mar, Playacar Fase 1
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Casa Blanca Playa…
We love how the private rooms here are practically their own self-contained villas. Being the best hostel with a private room in Playa del Carmen, you can expect more than that though.

It feels like its own little village, since it’s all set in a gated community, so the sense of sociability is strong here.

Casa Blanca Playa is perfect for…
This is the kind of place where you’d find it really comfortable to stay for a long time. It might feel a little bit like you live here! We’d say this was perfect for couples who are dreaming of having their own place far away from home.

It’s like staying in a chic holiday villa. If you like the sound of that, why not book?!

Check for Best Price

 

More Best Hostels in Playa Del Carmen

#12 – Hostel Playa By The Spot 

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Avenida 25 Esquina, Calle 6 Bis y Calle 8 NTE
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hostel Playa By The Spot…
We love this place because it’s not all about the party. Well, it is… a bit. But it’s also about the morning after – there are plenty of hangout spots, hammocks and other nooks to nurse your hangover at this budget hostel in Playa del Carmen.

We appreciate the fact there are female-only dorms on offer, too.

Hostel Playa By The Spot is perfect for…
Looking for somewhere you can just chill the heck out with no worries? Then you’ll love this place. There really are a ton of places to chill.

The staff are very nice, the pool area is good, and the beach isn’t too far away either. Not the coolest hostel in Playa del Carmen, but a solid choice.

Check for Best Price

 

#13 – Enjoy Playa Hostel

Why we like Enjoy Playa Hostel…
We are fans of the atmosphere at this recommended hostel in Playa del Carmen – it’s a very friendly one. That’s helped in part by how friendly its owners are too, which is always a plus when it comes to staying at a hostel.

The facilities may be a little modest, but the location is good.

Enjoy Playa Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re not too fussy about your surroundings, and would rather stay somewhere with a lot of heart, then this hostel is for you.

There’s an outdoor pool to cool off in here, a bar with a nice bit of music, and a Mexican restaurant. It’s perfect for laid-back people!

Check for Best Price

#14 – Guacamundo

Why we like Guacamundo…
We always dig a place if it’s run by travellers (since they understand what travellers need, too), so we can appreciate this Playa del Carmen backpackers hostel.

It’s close to the beach, which is also a plus. The beds are also big and pod-style, which means more comfort as well as privacy.

Guacamundo is perfect for…
If you are interested in just kicking back and relaxing, not too fussed about somewhere being “cool” and more interested in getting to know people and having a good time…

If all that sounds like you, then you’ll like the experience of staying at this budget hostel in Playa del Carmen. Oh yeah, it’s cheap too!

Check for Best Price

 

#15 – Hostel 6/15

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Avenida 15 Esquina con Calle 6 Norte, Colonia Cent, Centro 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hostel 6/15…
We’re into this place because it’s unfussy and easygoing. It’s a good place to sleep near Fifth Avenue, without being too disturbed by the noise of it all.

What’s more is there’s a free continental breakfast served up every morning at Hostel 6/15, which we can always appreciate. It’s a chilled out place to stay.

Hostel 6/15 is perfect for…
A decent location means if you like being close to the action in Playa del Carmen (above everything else) then this hostel is going to be a good option for you. It’s clean, it’s secure, and a good place to stay for a couple of nights.

Staff are pretty friendly though, which is good for first-time visitors. If you are visiting Mexico, you HAVE to check out our article about the best places to visit in Mexico.

Check for Best Price

 

#16 – Urban Beach

Why we like Urban Beach…
Cool, chic and characterised by the use of industrial materials like plywood and polished cement, we can’t help but like the style of this cool Playa del Carmen hostel.

We love how clean and comfy the beds are here. Plus we always appreciate being close (but not TOO close) to the party.

Urban Beach is perfect for…
If you like partying, but you still like sleep, then you’ll appreciate this place. It’s pretty cool too, which will suit a couple or maybe even a flashpacker (the private rooms are quite nice).

The bar area is chilled out, it’s stylish, and makes for a welcome break for anybody who’s stayed in a “typical” hostel recently!

Check for Best Price

 

#17 – Hostel 3B

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Ave. 10 Esquina Calle 1a Sur
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Hostel 3B…
Another party hostel in Playa del Carmen, we like how this place is all about party-centric events. There’s different DJs playing here a few times a month.

There’s pool parties in the daytime. Even if there’s no events the music is loud and the drinks are cheap. We can appreciate that.

Hostel 3B is perfect for…
If what you want to do is party, and party all day long, then you would do well to stay at this Playa del Carmen backpackers hostel.

It’s good value for money, perfect for budgeteers: there’s a free breakfast every day, plus free dinner from Thursday to Saturday. Weekends is when it really hots up party-wise.

Check for Best Price

FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Playa del Carmen?

You can expect to pay about $10 to $15 for a dorm room at most hostels. For a private room, you can find some budget options for around $20, but most often prices are between $40 and $80 per night.

What are Hostels in Playa del Carmen Like?

Expect cool beach vibes! Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico's most popular beach towns, so you'll definitley have easy access to the beach, and some hostels also have swimming pools. Artsy decorations are common, and you can find both party hostels and quieter spots.

How Safe are Hostels in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is considered a fairly safe place for tourists, and most hostels have good security features. You should still be cautious and you can ask if there are areas of the city you should avoid.

How to Find Hostels in Playa del Carmen?

Look at the options on HostelWorld where you can compare prices and amenities. If you're traveling around Mexico, you can ask other travelers you meet or for a recommendation at your current hotel or hostel.

 

	Best Overall Hostel in Playa del Carmen Hostel Che Playa Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Party Hostel in Playa del Carmen Hostel MX Free breakfast, free wifi	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Playa del Carmen The Yak Playa Carmen Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel on Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen Selina Playa Del Carmen Free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel on the beach in Playa del Carmen Hostel La Isla Playa Carmen Free breakfast, free wifi, free city maps	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Museo Frida Khalo Namastay Hostel Free breakfast, free wifi, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Playa del Carmen Ferry Terminal Sayab Hostel Free city maps, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Playa del Carmen Bus Station Grand Hostel Playa Free breakfast, free wifi, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best High-end Hostel in Playa del Carmen Hostels on the Road Free breakfast, towels included, free city tour	Check Best Price
	Best Budget Hostel in Playa del Carmen Lobo De Mar Hostel Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel with a Private Room in Playa del Carmen Casa Blanca Playa Free breakfast, towels included	Check Best Price

 

Closing thoughts on the best bargain hostels in Playa del Carmen

So Playa del Carmen’s hostels are all about having the best time in paradise! If you’re up for pool parties, beer pong and dancing all night then this is the place for you – but it isn’t all about late nights, we promise.

The beach here is really beautiful and it’s fun to spend days soaking up the sun, snorkelling or diving. You’ll find many chilled out, clean and friendly hostels to choose from, too.

If you are planning a trip and trying to find the best hostel in Playa del Carmen for you, make sure you pick one that fits your travel needs and you’ll have the most memorable trip ever.

Don’t panic if it’s all too confusing and don’t know which one is the best one to book – go for our best overall hostel Hostel Che Playa and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

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