If you’ve got even the faintest interest in scuba diving, you’ve definitely heard of the legendary reefs off Playa del Carmen. Imagine postcard-perfect turquoise Caribbean waters, palm-fringed beaches, and yeah, a few mega-resorts and dance clubs thrown into the mix. It sounds cliché, but that’s Playa del Carmen in a nutshell—and it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds.
Playa’s infamous Fifth Avenue is stacked with bars, street food, and local vendors, keeping you entertained (and fed) day or night. Plus, it’s the ultimate jump-off point for exploring nearby cenotes, Mayan ruins, and, of course, the legendary island of Cozumel. It’s got that backpacker trifecta—sun, fun, and adventure—without breaking the bank.
Playa Del Carmen has grown so much over the last two decades that there are a seemingly endless number of hostels and accommodation options here. But with a city known for its crazy nightlife it’s safe to say that some of the options are, let’s say, questionable….
Navigating the deep dark ocean of hostels and hotels in Playa del Carmen is a bit like scrolling through tinder; there might be some attractive options but you never know really what you’re in for.
Don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work – boots on the ground and fingers to the keyboard (you’re welcome). My ultimate guide to the best hostels in Playa del Carmen will sort you out, no matter what you’re here for.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Playa del Carmen
- Best Overall Hostel in Playa del Carmen – Che Playa Hostel & Bar
- Best Hostel in Playa del Carmen for Solo Travelers – Maui Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Playa del Carmen – 3B | Wellness Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Playa del Carmen – Sayab Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Playa del Carmen – The Green Village Boutique Hotel
The 5 Best Hostels in Playa del Carmen
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Playa del Carmen’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into beach adventures without wasting time.
1. Che Playa Hostel & Bar – Best Overall Hostel in Playa del Carmen
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $90
- Address: Calle 6, entre Avenida 15 & Avenida 20, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Be prepared for some pretty wild nights at Che Playa Hostel & Bar. Even in low season, the atmosphere is great and it’s really easy to meet people. Camila does a great job of getting everyone together as well as organizing activities during the day for all guests.
What you’ll love about this hostel:
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Airport transfers
- Book exchange
The hostel rooftop vibe is immaculate, with great drinks, great food, and great music. Chill by the pool, soak in the views and there’s certainly a couple of beers for you to sink. If you want to head out of the hostel, it’s super close to the city’s nightlife and some of the most stunning beaches in Mexico.
The rooms are basic but bright and clean, plus it’s got a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and a ton of different activities going on every night, from sushi night and pizza nights to BBQs and taco parties, as well as yoga and salsa classes – plus free tours. You certainly won’t be bored here.
2. Maui Hostel – Best Hostel in Playa del Carmen for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $68
- Address: Constituyentes Avenida 1era, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Get ready to feel right at home at Maui Hostel, where the vibe is always social and laid-back, and the reps make sure everyone’s having a blast. The rooftop is the city’s perfect chill spot for solo travelers in Mexico, complete with a pool, bar, and plenty of space to unwind. Plus, it’s spotlessly clean and well-organized, so no worries there.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Central Location
- Super Social
- Comfy Dorm Beds
The location couldn’t be better—just a block from the beach and 5th Avenue, with bars and restaurants a quick walk away. Heads up, though: the nightlife buzz from the strip can get loud, so either join in or pack some earplugs!
Mornings start off strong with a free breakfast of scrambled eggs or granola, both of which are delish. Dorms are comfy and thoughtfully designed, each one fitted with an en-suite and even a kitchenette—no more queuing at peak times. All in all, Maui Hostel has everything you need to make friends and soak up the Mexican vibes as a solo traveler.
3. 3B | Wellness Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Playa del Carmen
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $37
- Address: Ave. 10 Esquina Calle 1a Sur, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
For one of the cheapest spots in Playa Del Carmen, 3B | Wellness Hostel is a hidden gem, doubling as a wellness retreat—a refreshing change from the party hostels in the area. It’s a super chill space, with friendly vibes and welcoming people all around.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Non-party Vibes
- Wellness Programs
- Epic Rooftop Terrace
The rooftop is the real showstopper here, with epic city views that make it the perfect spot to unwind after a day out. You’ll find yourself up there often, whether it’s for the lounging areas or the rooftop wellness sessions—think morning yoga and sound healing that set you up for a relaxed day.
Location-wise, it’s spot-on: close enough to the beach and 5th Avenue to keep things convenient, yet far enough from the party buzz for a good night’s sleep. A large supermarket is just minutes away, plus the hostel has a well-equipped kitchen for cooking up a storm. If a non-party vibe is what you’re after, 3B | Wellness Hostel has your name on it.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Sayab Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Playa del Carmen
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $99
- Address: Calle 6, Manzana 13, Lote 4, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Sayab is the spot if you’re ready to dive into Playa Del Carmen’s nightlife. Immaculately maintained and cleverly organized, it’s the ideal place for mingling, right near the main strip, bars, and just a three-minute stroll from the beach. Plus, they’ve got their own on-site diving school, so if you’re keen to explore one of the best spots in Mexico for diving, you’re all set!
What you’ll love about this hostel:
- On-site Diving School
- Clean and Modern Amenities
- Prime Location Near the Beach
The staff—Cecilia, Majo, and more—are absolute stars, making you feel at home from your first Mezcalita to check-out. They’ll even cheerfully endure your less-than-stellar attempts at Spanish. With nightly activities like Zouk dancing and karaoke, this place has solo travelers making mates in no time.
Rooms and amenities are spot on: simple, clean, and with that no-frills industrial style. You’ll find a solid base here without any fuss. And although it’s got that social, party vibe, the music wraps up by midnight, so you can catch your zzz’s if you need. This was one of my favourite hostels in Mexico and is deff a solid choice for your nightlife escapades.
5. The Green Village Boutique Hotel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Playa del Carmen
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: 20th Street between 10th and 15th Avenue, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Craving a luxe touch without torching your budget? The Green Village Boutique Hotel is a solid pick for digital nomads needing a quiet base in the city. Rooms are well-done, the communal area has its own bar and pool, and the whole vibe is really peaceful—but you’re still just a few blocks from the nightlife buzz of 5th Avenue. There are tons of coffee shops in the area if you want to go find your favorite temporary office.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Chill Vibes
- Daily Yoga
- Rooftop Terrace
Kickstart your morning with yoga on the rooftop, then settle into one of the communal spaces to get some work done, or refuel at the in-house restaurant. Twice-daily rooftop yoga and a laid-back restaurant area make it a great spot to both work and chill.
Just three minutes from the beach and with only ten rooms (two dorms), it’s got a cozy feel that’s ideal for solo travelers in Mexico looking for a quieter scene. The staff are a riot—friendly, funny, and full of local tips on everything from snorkeling spots to hidden gems around town. The Green Village Boutique Hotel is a winner for digital nomads or anyone after a more low-key stay in Playa del Carmen.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Playa del Carmen Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Playa del Carmen below.
Are you rallying up the troops for a big ‘ol Mexican getaway? Why not check out my favorite Airbnbs in Playa Del Carmen too?!
Red Panda Hostal
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: Calle 1 sur 213 entre 25 AV y 30 AV, Suite number, intersection, plaza, square, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Looking for a place that’s down for a party? Answer: Red Panda Hostal. Not only does it have a party vibe at the hostel itself with games and activities provided by the accommodation, but it’s also right in the city center so if you wanna experience the nightlife of Playa del Carmen, you’ll be within walking distance of the best bars in the city. It’s got 24-hour security so no matter what time you stumble in you’re sure to feel safe in the city.
With that said, it’s not like, completely mental, and you’ll find that during the daytime, the common areas at Red Panda Hostal are more relaxed and a perfect place to unwind and nurse your hangover. Local artists have painted the decor and they work with the local community to provide workshops for their guests. The rooms are generally clean and comfortable—no complaints from me.
Tribe on the Beach
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: Avenida Bahía del Espíritu Santo 9, Plaza Marina, Planta Alta, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
If waking up to the sound of waves is on your list, this beachside gem has you covered. It’s got all the laid-back vibes you could hope for, plus unbeatable value. The location nails it, too—right by the beach, surrounded by restaurants and shops, next to the ferry terminal, and a three-minute stroll from the ADO International Bus Station.
The staff are friendly, the A/C runs round the clock, and the shower pressure is a dream (easily the best I found in Mexico!). For immaculate vibes and a beachfront spot that puts you smack bang in the action, this hostel’s a winner.
Tres Mundos Hostel
Cheap and basic – but at the end of the day packed with color and character, and with friendly staff as an added bonus. That’s pretty much how I’d describe this recommended hostel in Playa del Carmen. It’s deffo on the cheaper end of things compared to other hostels in town, which is great if you’re watching what you spend. And the more you save on your Playa del Carmen hostel, the more you have to spend on some seriously epic diving here.
There’s no bar here, which is a plus or a minus depending on how you look at it (plenty of bars in town though right), but at this budget hostel in Playa del Carmen, they serve some amazing food. Seriously, that burrito…
Popul Vuh
Just a few steps from the beach and in walking distance of the bars and shops of Playa del Carmen’s center, Popul Vuh is another peachy beachy recommended hostel in Playa del Carmen that’s ideal for anyone looking for an actual chill time and not a party time.
There’s an outdoor kitchen for your cooking needs, hammocks for your chilling needs, the beach for your beaching needs, and clean but basic private rooms for your sleeping needs. You get a free continental breakfast every morning and it’s within walking distance of the bus stop for your travel needs. It ticks all the boxes.
Lezzoto 2.5 Beach
The Lezzoto 2.5 Beach Hostel is just meters from the beach, ADO International Bus Station, and Maritime Terminal, making it ideally located for anyone wanting to explore the rest of Mexico.
Combine a relaxed, social atmosphere with super helpful staff, then add a cool layout for the hostel, some hip decor, and furnishings, plus a gorgeous outdoor terrace with a swimming pool to cool down in – what more could you want? You can choose between bright, airy dorms with a private bathroom or a self-contained private room – and in the end, you have yourself a pretty sick place to stay in Playa del Carmen.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Playa del Carmen
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Playa del Carmen.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Playa del Carmen
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Playa del Carmen.
What to Pack for your Playa del Carmen 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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Playa del Carmen?
Hostel prices can range from about $10-$40 in the city. Of course, private rooms are a little pricier at around $20-$45 per night.
Where do celebrities stay in Playa del Carmen?
Hotel Esencia is rumored to be one of the most exclusive hotels in the area—who knows, you might just bump into Bella Hadid on her vacay?! Meanwhile, I’ll be keeping it real at Che Playa Hostel & Bar, where the vibe’s just as good, the budget’s intact, and the drinks are way more reasonable.
What is the best cheap hostel in Playa del Carmen?
3B | Wellness Hostel is hands down the best hostel to stay in if you’re looking to save your cash in Playa del Carmen. With a rooftop pool, daily yoga, and wellness sessions, it’s got everything you need to reset and recharge—even after a wild night out.
Final Thoughts on Playa Del Carmen’s Hostels
Playa del Carmen’s got its backpacker cred down—think epic dives, killer nightlife, and a laid-back vibe that’s way less Cancun, way more chill. It’s the ultimate escape from Mexico’s more overtouristed spots, where you can actually find space to breathe, relax, and dive into the fun.
Still unsure on where to stay? Che Playa Hostel & Bar is always my go-to. That rooftop pool and bar is seriously a vibe. If you’re wanting to dive into the backpacker social scene, you’ll thank yourself for booking here.
Now it’s just a matter of packing up, slathering on some sunscreen, and getting ready to experience Playa’s vibrant streets and even livelier nights. Go ahead and eat one too many tacos—you’ve earned it.
And if you stumble upon any hidden gems, let me know! Always on the hunt for Playa’s best-kept secrets. Happy travels!
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Mexico for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Playa Del Carmen if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Playa Del Carmen 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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