Playa del Carmen is one of the most charming towns in the Mexican Caribbean. Right between the bustling Cancun and the green town of Tulum, Playa has long been an exciting destination for lovers of warm weather, good food and Mexican hospitality.
This is our quick guide to the best hostels in Playa del Carmen! We cover everything from the top-rated hostels to prices, and backpacker information.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Playa del Carmen
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Sayab
- best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
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The Green Village Boutique Hotel
- best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Digital Nomads, Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
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Tribe on the Beach
- best for Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
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Hostel Che Playa
- best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
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Maui Hostel
- best for Party Hostel, Youth Hostel
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Red Panda Hostal
- best for Groups (10+ people), Quiet Rest
1
Sayab
#1 Top Rated Hostel in Playa del Carmen!
Rating: 8.7
Sayab is a world-class hostel in a great location surrounded by local restaurants and minutes away from the party on 5th avenue and the beach. The modern decor, first-class amenities and mindfulness make Sayab stand out from the rest; its parties are legendary.
A verdant tropical garden and a pool are ideal for spending a day in, but you’re always a quick walk away from the city center.
Location: Located on 6th street between 15th and 20th Avenues, within walking distance of the Quinta and the beach.
Prices start from $18.35 for a dorm
and $64.01 for a private room.
2
The Green Village Boutique Hotel
Rating: 8.7
The Green Village Boutique Hotel has nestled just minutes away from the beach and vibrant Quinta Avenida where guests can immerse themselves in an array of activities and attractions.
Boasting spacious rooms with modern amenities, the hotel offers ten stylish accommodations, including two dorm-style options. Relish in the refreshing pool, delectable restaurant fare, and social events like weekly movie and pizza nights. Adventure seekers can take advantage of exciting tours and experiences at wallet-friendly prices.
Experience the best of Playa del Carmen at this charming retreat, complete with complimentary drinking water, on-site kitchen facilities, and an array of food and beverage options.
Prices start from $25.15 for a dorm
and $71.25 for a private room.
3
Tribe on the Beach
Rating: 8.8
Tribe on the Beach is a cozy and modern hostel located in the heart of the town! The hostel is the perfect place for travelers of all ages and budgets, offering dorms, private rooms, and amenities to meet all your needs. They take pride in keeping the hostel a safe, clean, and friendly environment and strive to ensure that all their travel guests have an enjoyable stay. Whether you're looking for a place to rest your head for the night or a fun and relaxed atmosphere to hang out in, Boho Beach Hostel is a top choice.
Tribe on the Beach offers a variety of services to make your stay as comfortable as possible, such as a fully-stocked kitchen, laundry facilities, and a living room with games, a TV, and other entertainment. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to help with anything you require, from booking tours and transportation to giving you tips on the best local attractions.
Location: Directly located at the beach and right next to the ferry port for Cozumel.
Prices start from $13.95 for a dorm
and $40.30 for a private room.
4
Hostel Che Playa
Rating: 8.5
Hostel Che Playa is known for its lively rooftop bar with its own pool and non-stop music. Not precisely the quietest hostel in the city, Hostel Che Playa is for those who want to meet new people and party 24/7.
The adult-only hostel only has ten rooms and a few shared areas with well-equipped bathrooms. There’s a grill, too, and live music, karaoke nights and cocktail workshops are scheduled often. A wholesome buffet breakfast is available daily.
Location: Just two blocks from 5th avenue and three blocks from the sea. Within walking distance from the ADO bus terminal.
Prices start from $24.80 for a dorm
and $74.49 for a private room.
5
Maui Hostel
Rating: 8.1
Maui Hostel is in a new, modern building. The apartments were adapted as a hostel, and although the communal areas are pristine, the dorms are a bit crowded. This is an excellent alternative in Playa for location and safety, and the rooftop terrace with a pool has a superb sea view. Breakfast is included.
Location: Maui Hostel is on 1st avenue, and Constituyentes, a block away from 5th avenue and the pier. This is a safe zone close to everything while being quiet at night.
Prices start from $14.35 for a dorm
and $53.10 for a private room.
6
Red Panda Hostal
Rating: 8.0
Red Panda’s colorful mural and pool are the key features of this small but comfortable hostel. There are a couple of private rooms and two dorm rooms available, along with a small kitchen and a quiet garden.
For a local feel of Playa and quiet nights, Red Panda is a good alternative. The staff at Red Panda organizes pub crawls, bike rentals, yoga and other activities weekly.
Location: Located on 25th avenue and Juarez Avenue. Red Panda is several blocks away from the city’s tourist area, and it’s not the safest place to walk around after dark.
Prices start from $11.82 for a dorm
and $46.20 for a private room.
On the map: Hostel Locations in Playa del Carmen
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Playa del Carmen. We've gone
ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will
make your life so much easier!
Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character
General Information About Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is home to just over 300,000 people and has a thriving ex-pat community. The small coastal city receives three million visitors during summer, and many others spend the winter holidays in the tropical destination. Fall is the low season, as it can rain every day.
Playa del Carmen has grown exponentially, but still has a small-town feel.
The main features of Playa are its white-sand beaches and the famous Fifth Avenue or Quinta Avenida — a 5 km (3.1 mile) pedestrian street for people-watching, shopping and dining.
Playa is an ideal destination for its weather alone, with an average summer temperature of 28 °C (ca. 82 °F). Still, it is also a wonderful place to stay if you want to explore neighboring Mayan ruins, underground caves and cenotes (cavernous sinkholes).
Where to Eat and Stay in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a thriving food scene. The grand Fifth Avenue, or Quinta Avenida, is paved with restaurants offering all types of food. You’ll also find restaurants along the beach, guaranteeing a beautiful view of the blue Caribbean Sea. Still, restaurants in the Quinta and the beach are pricier than those a few blocks away, so walking the backstreets is a great idea if you want to eat well without burning a hole in your pocket.
Constituyentes Avenue and 10th avenue are good alternatives for the restaurants in the Quinta Avenida. Before choosing where to stay in Playa del Carmen, keep in mind, most of the large resorts in the Mayan Riviera are at least half an hour from Playa.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy the small town, you’re better off staying at a hostel in Downtown Playa del Carmen.
How much are hostels in Playa del Carmen?
Let us talk about prices. Here is a graph showing you average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Playa del Carmen
Average Private Room Price per Month in Playa del Carmen
How to Get to Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one hour south of Cancun, the only city with an International Airport in the area. There are three ways to travel from the airport to Playa del Carmen:
- Taking a coach bus from the ADO company within Cancun’s Airport is the easiest and most affordable way of arriving in Playa del Carmen.
- Hiring private transportation in the airport is more expensive, but ideal if you are staying in one of the resorts between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
- Renting a car is always a viable alternative, especially if you are visiting other cities, but don’t expect to find parking spots in Playa del Carmen easily.
Things To Know Before You Go
Playa del Carmen is a safe town despite the late-night partying. Still, the following tips can make your stay much more enjoyable.
- Stay in the Touristic area between the beach and 10th avenue after dark.
- Don’t over-drink, and don’t drink on the streets; despite being common, it is illegal.
- Never carry all your money with you, and leave your fancy watch and jewelry in a safe where you’re staying.
- Ignore anyone trying to sell you illegal substances.
- Ask for taxi rates before hopping into the vehicle and ensure they are fair.
- Lobster is over-rated and expensive, and so are premium beef steaks — enjoy local food instead. Welcome to Playa!
Still not sure? Pick this!
#1 Top Hostel in Playa del Carmen: Sayab
This is the overall best rated hostel in Sayab.
The overall rating is 8.7. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at Sayab starts from $9.18.
Book Sayab here
#1 Best Hostel in Playa del Carmen
FAQ about Playa del Carmen Hostels
FAQ about Playa del Carmen Hostels
We've collected the most common questions for hostels in Playa del Carmen. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?
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Last update: Feb 22, 2024
