Cancun has a reputation for being a raucous Spring Break destination: the place to go to drink a load of beer and go wild, there’s actually more to Cancun than wet t-shirt competitions. Cancun’s also is filled with great Mexican restaurants and gorgeous Caribbean beaches.
But what do you want out of your trip to charming Cancun? Do you want to hit the clubs and bars, or sip on a cocktail poolside?
If you’re not sure where the best place for you to stay during your trip of a lifetime to Cancun, don’t stress! Read our list of the best hostels in Cancun and you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to make your stay perfect.
From budget hostels that serve up free food to chic boutique stays close to the sea, we’ve got it all…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Cancun
- Overall Best Hostel in Cancun – Selina Hotel Zone
- Second Best Hostel in Cancun – Mayan Monkey Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cancun – Selina Downtown
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers – Moloch Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cancun – Senor Frogs Hostel
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Best Hostels in Cancun
Before we start looking at the best hostels in Cancun, let’s just take a step back and focus on planning your trip. Exploring Cancun is a real blast, but you need to know what to do and where to go before you head to the airport.
Where you want to stay in Cancun should depend on the attractions you want to explore. Trust us, you don’t want to end up miles away from your preferred hotspots, simply because you haven’t done your research. Make your trip even more enjoyable and plan ahead!
Selina Hotel Zone – Overall Best Hostel in Cancun
Yes! The Lagoon Hotel Zone has budget dorm rooms, and they’re at Selina! Seeing the huge pool, you’re not going to believe you can afford it, but we’d recommend you take a look for yourself.
If you want to hit the beach while you’re here or join the nearby parties, this Selina location is perfectly positioned. Though you may have trouble breaking away from their property, which boasts amenities like the aforementioned pool, a yoga deck, a movie room, and an excellent restaurant and bar. This Selina really has it all!
Mayan Monkey Hostel – Second Best Hostel in Cancun
Guys, this one is super close for the best overall hostel in Cancun. Aside from the fact that it’s brand spanking new with top-notch facilities – such as a rooftop pool, cool communal areas to hang out in and a hostel bar – they even offer free breakfast and dinner.
And if the free food isn’t enough to convince you that this is one of Cancun’s top hostels, just imagine rooftop pool parties as the sun sets with your mates. The dorms and private rooms are super modern and clean which is always a bonus and the location close to public transport makes it easy to get around.
Selina Hostel Downtown – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cancun
Working on the go has its ups and downs. You get to work in some amazing places, but you really need good wifi and a place concentrate. That is why this hostel, based in the heart of the downtown area, is the best hostel for digital nomads in Canun.
Trendy and high-end, the hostel has lots of spaces where you can get some work done, and then once the work is over, you can jump in the pool or head for some food and a well-deserved drink at the nearby bars and restaurants.
Moloch Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
Travelling solo isn’t always easy, so it’s nice to stay somewhere with a bit of atmosphere, with people that are going to make you feel comfortable. The staff at Moloch Hostel are really welcoming and are always around to help out with recommendations and travel tips.
Situated in a more local area, staying here will give you the chance to soak up some of the real life of Cancun and eat in cheaper places too. The hostel is modern and really new, with big lockers and great security meaning you can sleep safe and sound.
Senor Frogs Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Cancun
Like seriously, this place might have it all. Not only is it the best hostel with a private room in Cancun (think rooms that look over the water), but it’s totally funky design will more than win you over. If you’re looking for a fun hostel atmosphere but a little more privacy look no further.
Enjoy the delicious free breakfast in the ambient atmosphere and hang out in the many comfy common rooms. This place is really close to bars and clubs too, but the main thing is that this Cancun backpackers hostel is so nice you might not wanna leave!
Mezcal Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Cancun
Most people visit Cancun for one thing, and one thing only, to party. So why not stay in the best party hostel in Cancun and have the best time ever? This hostel makes all of its guests feel really welcome with their chilled atmosphere. In the daytime, people hang out by the pool, with a drink in their hand from the hostel bar, and then when night comes, things start to ramp up a gear.
The hostel arranges a whole load of activities for guests to get to know each other and, on the weekends hosts a fun BBQ. With a free breakfast and dinner on offer as well as two outdoor pools, you will never be stuck for things to do in this place.
Haina Hostel – Best Hostel Cheap Hostel in Cancun
Travelling with a tight budget can be stressful at times, so to take the stress away we have found you the best cheap hostel in a Cancun. Haina Hostel offers a well priced, clean dorm rooms and private rooms located right in the middle of town.
Really close to places to eat and public transport, there is a free breakfast on offer to set you up for the day before you head out to the beach.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIThe Mermaid Hostel Beach – Best Hostel for Couples in Cancun
Like a dream of a hostel, this place is right on the beach. Imagine waking up with your partner to views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea – because that’s what you’ll get if you stay here. This is the best hostel for couples in Cancun for its chill atmosphere and selection of private and dorm rooms.
There is a communal kitchen for whipping up snacks and then you can eat them on the terrace that looks across the actual beach. The location is close to the ferry as well, which is great for getting around to other places.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Cancun
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you.
And as a side note: If you want to find even more epic hostels, have a look at HOSTELWORLD. You can also filter all of your personal travel needs and find the perfect place for you.
Hostel Ka’beh Cancun
You’ll have to see this place to believe it. One of the best cheap hostels in Cancun, the owners of the hostel are firm believers in living a good life and don’t seem to be chasing the good money instead. Staying here means spending time surrounded by good people, drinking cheap beer and eating delicious free meals in the sunshine. If that’s not the good life then what is?
Its hard to believe a hostel without a checkout time is real, but it is. Frequently touted as one of the best hostels in Cancun, it might not be all high end design but this place has a lot of heart and it’s safe and clean.
Granada 6
Close to the bus station as well as the beaches, this is one of the best hostels in Cancun. Their surrounding area is a bustling and busy place with plenty of things to do and see, and plenty of people to hang out with. Decorated like a boutique hostel, there isn’t much not to like about this place.
If you stay here, the helpful staff and security will make you feel safe and the really clean dorms and private will mean you will get a great night sleep after dancing the night away in the clubs.
La Casa del Gato Hostel
Yes… it’s a hostel named after a cat, which seems to be a theme around the world, but we’re not complaining. There seems to be no actual cats here, however, which is a shame, but what they do have is staff that are knowledgeable about the local area and a location that is prime.
Low priced with a free breakfast on offer, the dorm rooms are clean and comfortable and the24-hour reception will make you feel safe in the busy city.
Hostel Orquideas
Run by a really lovely Italian family, staying in this top Cancun hostel is more than just a place to sleep. The welcoming family feel seems like you are staying in a home away from home. It might not be the most glamourous hostel in, but its is clean and well looked after and has a whole lot of heart.
A diverse bunch of guests makes and the people you’ll meet here will make your stay unforgettable. Its a good option for people travelling on a tight budget as they serve up free food and have cheap rates for beds, and one of the best cheap hostels in Cancun.
Hostel Coco
A slice of Cancun cool, this is a chic little place to rest your head after a heavy night. The big (and free) breakfast should help cure any hangover, and the outdoor pool will help you unwind with other travellers before heading out to the surrounding eateries and bars.
One of the best hostels in Cancun, staying here is all about fun vibes and an easy going atmosphere. The staff are always chatty and smiling and will point you in the right direction when it comes to places to eat around town, things to do as well as onwards travel.
Macarena Hostel
We’re not sure if this is named after the 90’s dance craze, but we like it either way. Whilst this isn’t the most high-end place to stay, the dorm beds here are cheap and the staff work hard to make sure your stay is a good one.
The hostel is new and a little rough around the edges but, it’s clean and safe. The location is five minutes away from the bus stop which is great if you turn up in town by bus carrying a load of heavy bags which makes it a top recommended hostel in Cancun.
Hostel Quetzal
A great option for a top party hostel in Cancun, Hostel Quetzal is all about drinking and socialising. The staff get drinking games and events going and invite everyone to join in. There’s a vibey rooftop terrace which is perfect for a cocktail or two. Staying here feels like staying at a friend’s house… a friend who doesn’t know how to stop partying.
If you’re up for beer pong and late night drinking, then this is one of the best hostels in Cancun for you. There’s an outdoor pool too which is always a bonus and a load of places to eat, drink and be merry nearby.
Agavero-Hostel
This is one of those hostels that exceeds all expectations. The amazing staff manage to get the vibe just right, chilled out and blissful in the day, and fun and social in the evening. The whole hostel is really beautifully decorated and well looked after, from the dorm rooms to the communal kitchen, every detail has been thought of.
There’s a free brekkie served up to guests every morning, they will even amend the food depending on your diet requirements! Spend days lazing around the pool, or grab a bus nearby to the beach – the staff will make sure you know how to get around and what’s going on in town.
What to Pack for your Cancun Hostel
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
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
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
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Cancun
That’s it. All of the best hostels in Cancun that you could ever need. There really is something for everyone, so you can book the hostel that offers services and amenities that’ll make you (and your wallet) most happy.
Some of the hostels even look out on the water, while others are right in the middle of all of the late night action – and then there are the more local offerings with a lot of heart and good vibes.
But, if you’re finding it tough to make up your mind after reading through our round-up, just choose our Best Overall Hostel in Cancun – Mayan Monkey Hostel, and get on with having an unforgettable trip to Mexico!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
FAQ about Hostels in Cancun
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Cancun.
How much does a hostel cost in Cancun?
Depending on your budget and the room, hostels on average start from $15 to $21. You kinda get what you pay for with hostels, so it’s important to know your budget before you book.
What are the best hostels in Cancun for couples?
With a super modern private room, rooftop pool, plus a great location, Mayan Monkey Cancun is indeed an awesome hostel for couples in Cancun.
What are the best hostels in Cancun near the airport?
The Yellow Capsule is a top-rated hostel near the Cancun Airport. It’s modern, clean, and offers airport transfer.
Travel Safety Tips for Cancun
Cancun, like any other cities, has areas that are safer than others. Make sure you have a smooth trip regardless, get coverage!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Mexico and North America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Cancun.
Planning an epic trip all across Mexico or even North America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Cancun has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Make sure you plan your trip ahead so you can enjoy it to the fullest!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Mexico for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Cancun covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Cancun if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Cancun 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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