Punta Cana is a resort town is in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic. It sees more visitors than any other city in the Caribbean region!
Known for its picturesque beaches and tropical weather, Punta Cana is a hotspot for amazing diving, and outdoor activities like water sports, golfing, hiking, and zip lines. Need more? There is also national parks, stunning landscapes and outstanding views.
Punta Cana is filled with resorts and expensive private accommodations, although magnificent, not everyone has the bank for these stunners. For those on a tight budget, consider a hostel in Punta Cana! You’ll save your wallet while still being in the heart of the action.
What to Expect from Hostels in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is simply stunning. The relatively small resort town is lined with outstanding white sand beaches and majestic azure waters. Its pretty common for visitors to Punta Cana to stay in a resort, alas not everyone has the bank for such luxuries. Luckily, there are numerous hostels in this tropical haven that offer comfort on a budget.
By staying in a hostel in Punta Cana, you can dramatically cut down on your travel spending while enjoying the magnificent beauty. You won’t be compromising on quality, the hostels in town are clean and comfortable. Some even have extra amenities like pools!
The majority of hostels are found in Bávaro, a popular resort district with lots of restaurants, bars, and attractions. It is close to the shore for long, relaxing beach days, and is just a 15-minute drive from the international airport.
Prices start at USD$20 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$50+ for a private room. You can also add on extras like breakfast to make your stay even more comfortable and convenient. Although super homey and cozy, don’t expect total luxury like the surrounding resorts. It is hostel life after all!
You can book some of the best hostels in Punta Cana on Hostelworld. It will help you avoid scams and false listings, and will ensure you are in a safe and quality spot.
Best Hostels in Punta Cana
Ready to pack your swimsuit and sandals? Here are some of the best hostels in Punta Cana for your tropical adventure!
Punta Cana Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Punta Cana
Moments from the beach on the outskirts of Bávaro, Punta Cana Hostel is a perfect base for those wanting to get about on foot. Close by to bustling resorts, you will still have a piece of the luxury action without paying the price.
You can spend lazy days on the beach, lounge around the hostel pool, or head out to taste the best dishes of the town. With a selection of comfortable and clean rooms at every budget, this central spot is a great starting point for a Dominican Republic adventure.
Punta Cana Hostel has a choice of private or shared dorm rooms – even a family room if you are traveling with kids! Fitted with cozy beds, an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning, you are in for a restful night’s sleep after a day in the heat.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free breakfast
- Swimming pool
- Laundry facilities
Punta Cana Hostel has a free breakfast included in their nightly rate. Travelers trying to do it on the cheap can save some extra cash and fill up on a hearty meal before heading out for the day.
Don’t fancy heading out? The hostel has spacious outdoor living areas, a BBQ, terrace, swimming pool AND kid’s play area! When you’ve had enough of the stunning beaches (is that possible?) you can relax around the hostel and meet the other guests.
For backpackers who have been at it for a while, there are laundry facilities where you can clean up and get yourself feeling human again.
Gava Hostel – Most Affordable Hostel in Punta Cana
Gava Hostel is a dream spot for budget backpackers! Its cheap and cheerful, with super friendly staff, ideal location and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There are local transport options nearby for getting around town, but the best bits are walking distance.
Just 5 minutes walk from the ocean, beach-bums and water sports enthusiasts can be on the beach every day without forking out for transport. With plenty of restaurants and bars around, when you aren’t cooking up a storm in the hostel kitchen, you can sample local dishes or find your Italian faves.
Gava Hostel is a more local option, exuding a homey vibe that will have you returning again and again.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Full kitchen access
- In-house tours
- Airport transfers
You’ll find everything you need including hot showers, mosquito nets and a kitchen. The dorm rooms are limited to 4 guests, keeping them more intimate and quiet than huge-ass hostels.
If you have the time (and cash) try out one of the tours offered by the hostel. You’ll be able to see some amazing attractions like the Catalina Islands, Samana and Santo Domingo.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Other Budget Accommodations in Punta Cana
Punta Cana has minimal hostels, but is thriving with other budget accommodation options! Take a look at these guesthouses, apartments and hotels that are just as affordable as a hostel.
A301 Apartmento
For the same price as a central shared dorm, you can have a WHOLE apartment! Bright, modern and cozy, A301 Apartmento is just a short drive from the airport, on the outskirts of the hectic tourist town.
Furnished with a huge bed, desk space and kitchenette, it has everything you need for an extended stay in Punta Cana – either solo or with a loved one. Perfect for a digital nomad, you can get down to business in peace and quiet before heading out for an afternoon on the beach, and evening exploring the town.
I recommend hiring a car for your stay at A301 Apartmento. Its easier to get around, plus there is free parking!
Complete Private Apartment
Staying in an apartment doesn’t mean you miss out on lush, tropical greenery. This private apartment faces out over vibrant gardens and a glistening shared pool, and is perfectly located.
The 1 bedroom space is designed with a local, homey style featuring plush furnishings, rattan chairs and a simple kitchen to prepare your favorite meals. When you aren’t out exploring Bávaro and the beaches, you can lounge back on the breezy terrace with an ice-cold drink.
For 2 guests at an affordable price, this private apartment has everything you need to feel at home.
Private Room in a Shared Apartment
For those who are worried about safety in the Dominican Republic, this shared apartment is within a safe residential building. Budget travel doesn’t need to be dodgy, you can find spots like this private room that offer comfort and safety.
The private queen room has its own ensuite bathroom, and the living space and kitchen is shared with the host. Just steps from the heart of Bávaro, don’t worry about awkward moments around the apartment. Your days will be filled with beaches, water sports, restaurants and activities. Travelers who are simply looking for a place to rest their head, this spot is for you!
What to Pack for your Punta Cana 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!
Punta Cana Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Punta Cana cost?
This all depends on whether you would prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom, or a bed in a shared dorm. Prices start at USD$20 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$50+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Punta Cana for couples?
Punta Cana Hostel is a fantastic hostel for couples in Punta Cana. It’s clean, and nearby bustling resorts are just a short walk away.
What is the best hostel in Punta Cana near the airport?
A301 Apartmento is the closest affordable accommodation near the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Punta Cana
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.
Final Thoughts on Hostels in Punta Cana
Who said the Caribbean needs to be expensive? Budget travelers can still enjoy the tropics without forking out their whole savings. Punta Cana is a perfect destination for getting the best of both worlds – beaches at affordable prices!
Punta Cana Hostel is clean, comfortable and just a short walk from the beach, at a steal!
Enjoy this magnificent paradise destination without losing your financial security along the way.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Villas in Dominican Republic if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Punta Cana before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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!
