10 EPIC Hostels in Guadalajara

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In a hurry? Then allow us to summarise the top places to say in this underrated Mexican gem! Guadalajara is great because it’s yet to really hit the tourist trail in the same way as Mexico City or much of the Yucatan Peninsula. And this means you have a decent bunch of affordable options to choose from.

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into the best budget-friendly dorms that Guadalajara has to offer.

Hostel Hospedarte Chapultepec – Overall Best Hostel in Guadalajara

Our favourite 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 travellers for travellers, 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 cosy, 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!

Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Guadalajara

This hostel makes travelling 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 travellers.

Amenities 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 and 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.

Still found nothing that’s taken your fancy? No problemo amigo, it’s time to check out the best of the rest. These solid spots were also places I enjoyed during my Mexican adventures, and I’m sure you’ll find some top spots here regardless of whether you want a quiet workspace or a lively gaming hub.

Hostal Hidalgo

This is a newly opened hostel in Guadalajara. Fresh and fashionable, it’s situated in the city centre 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 neighbourhood, but not too far from the best things to explore in Guadalajara.

Casa Vilasanta

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.

Leveli Coliving & Hostel Guadalajara

This fun hostel is one of my favourites in Guadalajara. It gets the perfect balance between being good for working, and having solid social vibes. It’s not a party hostel, but they arrange a ton of events including salsa nights, trivia and bar crawls making it a top hostel in Mexico for me.

It’s located in the popular Colonia Americana neighbourhood, which is where the bulk of the city’s entertainment is located. They also have curtains on the beds for privacy, which combined with the 10pm-8am quiet hours, makes this a decent spot to get your head down.

Casa Irake

This quiet hostel feels more like a home at times, with its pleasant Mexican contemporary environment, spacious kitchen, and family feel to it.

It’s located right in the middle of the Americana neighbourhood, which is full of things to do, and offers some decent outdoor spaces where you can chill on your own, make some new buddies, or whack out the laptop and get some work done if you’d prefer.

Travel Safety Tips for Guadalajara

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 Guadalajara.

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.

Guadalajara is often overlooked in favour of Mexico’s more 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 if any of the other awesome hostels made the cut!