How to Choose a Hostel in Los Angeles in 2025 (What to Expect)
Written by Undercover Phoenician| Last update: Aug 20, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in Los Angeles. Instantly find the best-rated hostels and real-time prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com. Compare prices side-by-side and save money every time. Learn how we compare prices.
I get asked all the time, “How do you even start picking a hostel in Los Angeles?” It’s a massive city, beds aren’t cheap, and you can accidentally stick yourself miles from anything fun.
I’ve hopped between bunks in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown while chasing cheap tacos and sunset hikes, so here’s my no-nonsense guide on how to choose a hostel in LA that won’t wreck your budget—or your sleep.
Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Los Angeles
This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%
Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Los Angeles
| Total number of hostels | 54 |
| Typical dorm bed prices in Los Angeles | $11 |
| Private room costs in Los Angeles | $69 |
| Cheapest hostel in Los Angeles | Hollywood Stay for only $17 |
| Popular Party Hostel in Los Angeles | ITH Hermosa Beach Surf Hostel LAX (13 hostels for partying in total) |
| Where to stay in Los Angeles on a budget? | Hollywood, Venice Beach, West Hollywood |
Types of Hostels in Los Angeles
- Party Hostels
Bunks over bars near Hollywood Boulevard or Venice Boardwalk. Expect nightly pub crawls, club promoters in the lobby, and music until 2 a.m. Perfect if you’re chasing nightlife; awful if you need a 7 a.m. surf lesson. - Social but Chill
Common rooms with Netflix, group hikes to the Hollywood Sign, sunset yoga on the roof. Lights out around midnight. Good middle ground for most backpackers. - Quiet & Budget
No events, maybe a tiny kitchen, older furniture. Beds run $10-$15 cheaper but bring earplugs—these spots often face busy streets. - Female-Only Dorms
Common in LA. Add $3-$5 a night over mixed dorms for extra security and space. Many include full-length mirrors and bigger lockers.
What to Expect from Hostels in Los Angeles
Most LA hostels lean social—common rooms, outdoor patios, and organized beach days. Bunks usually have power outlets and curtains, and Wi-Fi is fast enough for video calls.
Bathrooms get cleaned daily, but lines form in the mornings, so shower at night if you’re impatient.
Kitchens vary wildly: some have full stoves, others just microwaves. Free breakfast often means filtered coffee and make-your-own pancakes. Security is tight—key-card doors, reception cams, and lockers big enough for 40-liter packs.
What NOT to Expect:
- Huge lounges like in Eastern Europe—LA real estate is expensive.
- Fully stocked kitchens—eating out is part of the culture here.
- $15 dorms—Los Angeles isn’t Central America.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Los Angeles
- USA Hostels Hollywood - best for Family-Friendly Hostel
- Orange Drive Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
- Orbit Hotel & Hostel
- Samesun Venice Beach - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Solo Traveller
- HI - Los Angeles - Santa Monica Hostel - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
Best Location for Hostels in Los Angeles
- Best areas for backpackers
- Santa Monica: Steps from the beach, bike paths, and cheap taco trucks.
- Hollywood: Walkable to Metro, nightlife, and the Walk of Fame.
- Downtown (DTLA): Arts District breweries, food halls, direct trains to everywhere.
- Venice: Skate park views, street performers, easy bus to LAX.
- Areas to avoid in Los Angeles
- Far South of LAX: Limited transit and nothing to do after dark.
- Industrial East Vernon: Cheap warehouses, long rides to attractions.
Looking for a specific district?
Check out hostels near the following landmarks
How Much Do Hostels Cost in Los Angeles
LA prices swing with summer tourism, major concerts, and awards season, so lock in beds early.
| Room Type | Low Season (USD) | High Season (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorm (8+ Beds) | $32 – $42 | $48 – $60 | Basic linen, shared bath |
| Dorm (4–6 Beds) | $38 – $50 | $55 – $68 | Often bunk curtains & lamp |
| Female-Only Dorm | $40 – $55 | $60 – $75 | Smaller rooms, added security |
| Private Room | $95 – $125 | $140 – $180 | May include ensuite |
Fridays and festival weekends can hike dorms $10-$15. Bigger dorms drop costs; locations farther from the beach save more.
Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Los Angeles
#1 Top Hostel in Los Angeles: STAY OPEN Venice Beach
This is the overall best rated hostel in STAY OPEN Venice Beach. The overall rating is 10.0. 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 STAY OPEN Venice Beach starts from $46.09.
How to Book a Hostel in Los Angeles Without Overpaying
Always start on Hostelz.com—it scrapes Hostelworld, Booking, and direct rates so you see the cheapest bed up front.
I filter by neighborhood first, then sort by rating over 8.5. Book at least two weeks ahead for summer; shoulder season beds can be grabbed a couple of days out.
Watch the fine print: LA dorms often charge city tax on arrival (about 15%), towel rental ($2-$3), and key deposit ($5 cash). Factor that into your nightly budget.
Hostel Safety and What to Watch Out For
- Always lock your valuables; use a medium padlock (5-7 mm shackle fits most lockers).
- Don’t flash phones on late-night buses—keep them pocketed until seated.
- Confirm 24-hour reception if you’re landing after 10 p.m.
- In party hostels, tag along with staff to clubs; solo wandering around Hollywood at 3 a.m. isn’t smart.
How much are hostels in Los Angeles?
Let's talk about hostel prices in Los Angeles. This graph shows you typical, 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 Los Angeles
Average Private Room Price per Month in Los Angeles
Final Thoughts
LA hostels can be pricey, but pick the right area, dorm size, and vibe, and you’ll score epic sunsets, new travel buddies, and a bed that won’t drain your trip fund. Check Hostelz.com, read recent reviews, and trust your gut.
See you on the rooftop in Santa Monica.
Backpacking Los Angeles? Here’s What You Need to Know
These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!
Our Mission: Help you save money on hostels
We show you all hostels Los Angeles has to offer. Filter by district, traveler-type, privacy curtains, and so much more.
All prices come directly from Booking.com, Hostelworld, and other major booking platforms. We do not change any prices. You save on hostels, and we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win.
Hostelz.com is the world’s most comprehensive hostel-focused travel platform. We bring together listings from all the major booking sites to help you easily compare prices, see real guest reviews, and find the best deals—no matter where you’re headed. Check out our How It Works page.
Not sure which hostel to pick? Use our Hostel Comparizon Tool to compare your favorite hostels side-by-side before you book.
Let us help you travel smarter and sleep cheaper.
About the author: Undercover Phoenician
Hostelz.com is your #1 hostel guide to find the best prices for every single hostel worldwide. We show you all prices and hostels at a glance - save money by using the right booking platform.
You are Overpaying for Hostels - that Stops now!
Platforms like Hostelworld and Booking.com often have different prices for the SAME room. Even availability can vary depending on the site. 😱
That’s where Hostelz steps in. We are the ultimate price comparison tool for hostels. Save up to 23% on your next booking.
Easily Compare Travel Insurance
Starting from $42/month
Starting from $50/month
Affordable and customizable
Volunteer at Hostels Around the World
Exchange your skills for free accommodation and dive into local cultures with Worldpackers. How to find Volunteering Jobs and Travel the World? Our step-by-step guide.
Get Exclusive Travel & Guides with Pluz
Create your Free Account
