Situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the resort town of Puerto Vallarta is a hotspot for beach bums and party-lovers alike. Edged by a gleaming stretch of sand and backed by lush mountains teeming with jungles, this LGBTQ+-friendly destination is a great place to kick back and get away from it all.
The city itself is laden with historic architecture and plentiful opportunities to explore the surrounding nature. If you’re visiting on a budget, the ideal bargain base for your trip to Puerto Vallarta has got to be one of its many great hostels.
To help you find the best one for you, we’ve figured out the ten best hostels in Puerto Vallarta to suit any travel style. So, let’s get started!
- Overall Best Hostel in Puerto Vallarta – Hostel Vallarta
- Best Cheap Hostel in Puerto Vallarta – El Sunset Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Puerto Vallarta – Chanclas Hostel
- Top Party Hostel in Puerto Vallarta – Casa Kraken
- Top Hostel with a Private Room in Puerto Vallarta – Ten to Ten Puerto Vallarta
- Best Hostel for Couples in Puerto Vallarta – Los Muertos Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Puerto Vallarta – Oasis Hostel
The Best Hostels in Puerto Vallarta
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Overall Best Hostel in Puerto Vallarta – Hostel Vallarta
- $$
- Social events
- Outdoor terrace
- Free breakfast
Ticking pretty much all the boxes, this place is totally the best overall hostel in Puerto Vallarta. With its cool interiors, colourful murals and chilled common spaces, it’s the kind of place where it’s easy to meet other travellers.
It all starts with a warm welcome from the staff. They’ll be on hand throughout your stay to help you out with info about the city or your onward travels. In terms of location, this hostel is situated super close to the beach, and an easy walk to funky bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Best Cheap Hostel in Puerto Vallarta – El Sunset Hostel
- $
- Communal kitchen
- Outdoor terrace
- 24-hour security
If you’re backpacking Mexico on a budget, that doesn’t mean you have to skimp out on style. Opening up its doors in 2015, El Sunset Hostel boasts a safe location in the middle of the city, within walking distance to bars and the beach.
Rooms at this budget hostel in Puerto Vallarta are spacious, decked out in a mix of modern beds and period features. There are some cool hang-out areas, too, so you can kick back with a beer in the lounge or cook up a meal in the communal kitchen.
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View on Osprey View on REITop Hostel for Solo Travellers in Puerto Vallarta – Chanclas Hostel
- $$
- Rooftop terrace
- Free breakfast
- Bar
Claiming to be one of the friendliest hostels in the city, this place truly is a favourite for backpackers who like to meet people on their travels. Guests can enjoy soaking up some sun on the patio, or joining in one of the numerous activities that are always happening.
One of the coolest things about the hostel is its rooftop bar. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail or beer with views out over the bay. Female-only dorms are also on offer here.
Best Party Hostel in Puerto Vallarta – Casa Kraken
- $$
- No curfew
- Free breakfast
- Bar crawls
For good times and party vibes, head to Casa Kraken. You’ll even be greeted with an ice-cold beer on arrival to get things started, and be introduced to the fun-loving team who run this place.
As the best party hostel in Puerto Vallarta, there’s a whole bunch of organized activities to keep everyone entertained. The rooftop terrace is also not to be missed; it comes complete with bar and sea views. Then there’s that location – just a block away from a wide selection of bars and clubs to make sure the party never stops.
Top Hostel with a Private Room in Puerto Vallarta – Ten to Ten Puerto Vallarta
- $$
- Outdoor terrace
- Air conditioning
- Veggie ramen on offer!
If you’d prefer a little bit of privacy to fully embracing hostel life, then this is a great option. Offering seven private rooms in total, alongside two dormitories, here you can opt for something that suits your travel style.
You can expect clean and contemporary rooms here, complete with bright colour pops and plenty of space to stretch out. Elsewhere the hostel boasts modern, fashionable spaces such as the kitchen and bar area where you can get to know other travelers.
Best Hostel for Couples in Puerto Vallarta – Los Muertos Hostel
- $
- Fitness room
- Restaurant & bar
- Billiards
Describing themselves as “a quiet European style hostel”, Los Muertos Hostel is a great all-rounder. From its spacious dorms to its modern shared spaces, it’s a peaceful and easygoing kind of place – perfect if you’re in town with your partner.
The hostel staff are friendly and always on hand with helpful tips, but it’s the location that really makes this place amazing. It’s just a 30-second walk to the beach from here, with restaurants, stalls, and bars nearby.
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Puerto Vallarta – Oasis Hostel
- $$$
- Free breakfast
- Rooftop terrace
- Strong wi-fi connection!
Opening up its doors in 2005, this place claims to be Puerto Vallarta’s first hostel. Whether it is or not, it’s still a veritable oasis in the middle of the city. Mornings here start with a spot of yoga or a coffee on the rooftop terrace, before heading out to explore or hitting the beach.
There’s also the chance to get some work done. The wi-fi is particularly speedy and reliable, easily making it a top stop for digital nomads in Puerto Vallarta. It’s not a party place at all, but there are bars within easy walking distance.
More Best Hostels in Puerto Vallarta
Canova Hostel & Pizza
- $$
- Free breakfast
- Cafe-restaurant
- Tours/travel desk
Located in the heart of the city, staying at Canova Hostel & Pizza means you’ll be in easy reach of the beach, but also just a stone’s throw from the Malecon and all its nightlife. This hostel may be small, but it’s relaxed with chilled staff to boot.
It’s set in a colourful historic building, complete with modern, purpose-built dorms and rustic chic private rooms. In terms of amenities, guests can tuck into a pizza and beer in the evening, watch Netflix, or rent a bike and pedal around the city.
Canova Hostel & Pizza is one of our favourites in Puerto Vallarta but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Casa Rio Cuale
- $$
- Mountain views
- Cafe
- Laundry facilities
This family-run accommodation isn’t technically a hostel, but something more like a bed and breakfast. Offering quaint surroundings and friendly staff, it’s a great place to base yourself as you explore Puerto Vallarta.
The location may not be central, but that means you’ll get to enjoy the surrounding nature for a truly tranquil stay. From here, you can spend your days trekking to nearby waterfalls, or hop in an Uber and be in the city center in minutes.
Casa Rio Cuale is one of our favourites in Puerto Vallarta but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Emperador Vallarta Beachfront
- $$$
- Beach bar
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
This beachfront accommodation offers rooms that look out across the sea. You’ll be based right on the sand, with some rooms providing balconies and kitchenettes.
One of the best things about this place is the large communal outdoor terrace, or perhaps you’d prefer to have a few drinks at the beachside bar. Either way, this place is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta – especially if you’re looking for a private room.
Emperador Vallarta Beachfront is one of our favourites in Puerto Vallarta but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Travel Safety Tips for Puerto Vallarta
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As you can see, staying in Puerto Vallarta doesn’t have to break the bank! There’s a good variation of budget-friendly accommodation on offer, so you’ll be able to find somewhere that suits you no whatever your travel style.
If you’re still unsure where to stay, you can’t go wrong at Hostel Vallarta. With its epic location, stylish dorms and free breakfast, you’ll have everything you need.
Which hostel in Puerto Vallarta caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
