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.
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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!
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
- $
- Bright and modern style
- Free parking
- Full kitchenette
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!
Overall Best Hostel in Punta Cana – Punta Cana Hostel
- $
- Close to the beach
- Airport transfers
- Ensuite apartments available
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.
Punta Cana Hostel is one of our favourites in Punta Cana 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.
Most Affordable Hostel in Punta Cana – Gava Hostel
- $
- Homey atmosphere
- Very friendly staff
- Moments from the beach
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.
MendGava Hostel is one of our favourites in Punta Cana 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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View on Osprey View on REIComplete Private Apartment
- $
- Lush green gardens
- Classic, local style
- Central location
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.
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Complete Private Apartment is one of our favourites in Punta Cana 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.
Private Room in a Shared Apartment
- $
- Private room and bathroom
- Super central location
- Free parking
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!
Private Room in a Shared Apartment is one of our favourites in Punta Cana 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.
Punta Cana Hostels FAQ
Travel Safety Tips for Punta Cana
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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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.
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!
