Famed for its tequila and mariachi music, Guadalajara is an exciting place to be. It’s Mexico’s second-largest city, and full to the brim with art, culture, colonial architecture, and modern-day buildings. It’s enough to keep you entertained for weeks.
This modern, global city also contains a number of hostels, giving comfortable accommodation to travelers on even the smallest budgets. They’re not all equal though, which is why we’ve created this list of the very best hostels in Guadalajara.
These places will let you meet other travelers, hook you up with events and point you to the coolest spots in the city. Most importantly, they’ll give you a chilled place to hang out after a day of exploring.
Sound good to you? Then read on and check out our list of the best hostels in Guadalajara!
- Overall Best Hostel in Guadalajara – Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec
- Best Cheap Hostel in Guadalajara – The Roof Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Guadalajara – Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro
- Coolest Party Hostel in Guadalajara – Blue Pepper Hostel & Bar
- Top Hostel for Couples in Guadalajara – Hostal Bohostel Chapultepec
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Guadalajara – Casa Vilasanta
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The Best Hostels in Guadalajara
Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec – Overall Best Hostel in Guadalajara
Our favorite overall hostel in Guadalajara tops the list, thanks to its epic location and fantastic freebies. First off, Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec is run by an awesome bunch of people, making it a great place to hang out when you’re not exploring the city.
It’s located in the city’s cultural quarter, with bars, cafes, and attractions right on the doorstep. Back at the hostel, it’s all about barbecues in the garden or chilling out on the rooftop with views of the city. Or you could have a few drinks at the bar. You get the best of everything here!
The Roof Backpackers – Best Cheap Hostel in Guadalajara
Run by travelers for travelers, this backpackers hangout is ideal for those visiting Mexico on a budget. The staff are helpful and friendly, and regularly organize social events where you can get to know other guests staying at the hostel. Overall, the atmosphere is pretty chilled and relaxing though.
It offers great value for money, which is why it’s our top pick for the best cheap hostel in Guadalajara. Dorm rooms are clean and cozy, while social spaces range from the amazing rooftop (hence the name of the hostel) to the lounge, complete with hammocks. With a free breakfast and awesome location, it’s hard to beat!
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View on Osprey View on REIHostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Guadalajara
This hostel makes traveling solo a breeze. Situated in the heart of the city and just a five-minute walk from major attractions, it’s easy to get around from here. The staff can also arrange tours and onward travel for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
The common area here is big enough to gather all the guests together, while the helpful, fun-loving staff members make sure everyone’s having a good time. Female-only dorms are available here, as well as mixed and private rooms.
Blue Pepper Hostel & Bar – Top Party Hostel in Guadalajara
If you’re in Guadalajara for good times, look no further than this party hostel. It’s primed for partying, with bright colours throughout and funky decor as well as that all-important hostel bar. It’s the best place for starting a night out, or just getting to know other travelers.
Amentieis include fitness equipment, a cinema lounge, and a games room. Location-wise, you’ll be just two minutes from the main boulevard, which is full of bars and restaurants.
Hostal Bohostel Chapultepec – Best Hostel for Couples in Guadalajara
This is a great option for couples in Guadalajara, thanks to its stunning hangout spaces comfortable room options. From the immaculate dorms, complete with pod-style beds, to the high-quality private rooms, there’s sure to be something to suit you and your partner.
The hostel is clean and modern, and includes a plant-filled lounge and a relaxing rooftop terrace. When you’re not out exploring Guadalajara, the hostel offers activities and yoga classes. Alternatively, you could simply enjoy a few drinks as the sun sets over the city.
Casa Vilasanta – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Guadalajara
Located in the heart of the city, this is easily the best hostel for digital nomads in Guadalajara. There are plenty of cafes on the doorstep, as well as ample space to get some work done throughout the hostel itself.
Quiet and peaceful, not only is this a great place to concentrate on your work, but also a great place to get a good night’s sleep. The dorms here are very spacious and comfortable. It may not be the most social place going, but there’s still a warm atmosphere, and the welcoming owners will help you get acquainted with the city.
La Casa de Garces – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Guadalajara
This elegant hostel in Guadalajara offers up a boutique-style stay, combining historic architecture and period features with stylish furnishings and funky colours. The private rooms here are cozy and clean, giving you a good night’s sleep in comfort.
Elsewhere, there’s a wealth of shared spaces and excellent facilities, including a chilled cafe and a secret garden-like outdoor terrace. As well as offering the best private rooms in Guadalajara, the location is also pretty great – just a two-minute stroll from the historic centre.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Guadalajara
Hostal Hidalgo
This is a newly opened hostel in Guadalajara. Fresh and fashionable, it’s situated in the city center with plenty of restaurants, bars, and sights close at hand. Inside, the interiors are decorated with eye-catching colours and bold geometric tiles.
The dorms are clean and modern, and private rooms are also available. Communal areas include a sun-filled outdoor terrace and a cool pizza bar that also serves up craft beer (and sometimes live music too).
Hostal Casa Colores
An all-round great hostel in Guadalajara, Hostal Casa Colores boasts interiors filled with colourful illustrations and creative artwork. Private rooms here are bright and quirky, while the dorms are equally as cool. Altogether, it’s pretty cute and kitsch throughout. In fact, we’d say it’s actually one of the coolest hostels in Guadalajara.
The communal areas are decked out in vintage furnishings and artsy decorations, with plenty of indoor plants and even some retro arcade machines. It’s the perfect hipster hangout, and in a great location too – it’s in a quiet neighborhood, but not too far from the best things to explore in Guadalajara.
Hostal Nacional – Bar, Terrace & Hostel
Offering up a whole range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, this top hostel in Mexico ensures there’s something for everyone. There’s a hostel bar, the outdoor terrace, the co-working space, a shared kitchen, and events to get involved with.
The location is pretty great too. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to Chapultepec Avenue from the hostel, where you’ll find restaurants, nightclubs, museums and galleries. Rooms back at the hostel range from spacious dorms to cozy, stylish private rooms.
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Guadalajara Hostels FAQs
How much do hostels in Guadalajara cost?
Typical dorms in Guadalajara just ranges around $10-$17 per bed, while private rooms can range from $24-$40 per room.
What are the best hostels in Guadalajara for couples?
Located right at the city center, Hostal Bohostel Chapultepec is my top hostel for couples. It’s a great and comfortable hostel with great staffs they even have a yoga class if you’re conscious in your wellness.
What is the best hostel in Guadalajara near the airport?
The nearest airport is Guadalajara Airport, just 1.2 miles away from it is Check Inn Hostal Aeropuerto GDL. They also have an early check in, perfect for those arriving with early flights.
Travel Safety Tips for Guadalajara
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Guadalajara is often overlooked in favor of Mexico’s popular travel hotspots, but we’re not entirely sure why. For the moment though, it’s great for a budget-friendly trip.
This cosmopolitan state capital has a ton of stuff on offer that even veteran budget backpackers will find something to explore. Think weekend street markets, spacious plazas, modern malls, museums, and free concerts.
If you’re still unsure, Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec is a safe option. Let us know in the comments below if you stay in this one, or any if of the other awesome hostels made the cut!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Mexico for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Mexico if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Guadalajara before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Mexico to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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