The 5 Best Hostels in San Juan: 2024 Edition

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

• Best Overall Hostel in San Juan – Mango Mansion
• Best Hostel in San Juan for Solo Travelers – Casa Santurce
• Best Cheap Hostel in San Juan – Villa Eshta
• Best Party Hostel in San Juan – Santurcia Hostels
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Juan – Nomada Urban Beach Hostel

Since it’s so close to the United States, lots of backpackers who travel through America consider this beautiful island as a little getaway paradise. We know you’re already packing your swimsuit and flip-flops, but before you hop on the plane, you need to choose where to stay in San Juan.

No two hostels on this list are exactly the same, so keep your eyes open for the one that’s best for you! As a rough guideline, always look for facilities, location, and safety. Puerto Rico is pretty safe, but having a place to store your luggage securely is a must!

1. Mango Mansion – Best Overall Hostel in San Juan

• Dorm (mixed): From $39
• Address: 159 Primavera St, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Mango Mansion in San Juan is a backpacker favorite, offering a cozy and lively stay just steps away from one of the best party spots in town, La Placita. Honestly, if you’re traveling through Puerto Rico, this place is NOT to be missed. The vibe here is relaxed but social – exactly what you need when rolling into Puerto Rico. The place itself is a total beaut, with a WhatsApp group to keep you in the loop on all the hostel happenings.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Friendly Reps
2. Great Location
3. Free Wi-Fi

The staff are cool, laid-back, and know the city inside out. You’re within walking distance of the clubs, restaurants, and Condado Beach, so no stress about getting around. The common areas are perfect for chilling with new mates, and the free brekky every morning sorts you right out.

It’s clean, safe, and the beds are comfy with your own outlet – yes, charging your phone is guaranteed. There’s even a fully equipped kitchen if you feel like whipping up some budget-friendly eats. Whether you’re solo or with a crew, you’ll meet some legends here. It’s the kind of spot where you show up for a few days and end up extending.

2. Casa Santurce – Best Hostel in San Juan for Solo Travelers

• Dorm (mixed): From $21
• Private Room: From $50
• Address: 1050 Calle Mariana, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Casa Santurce is the ultimate spot for solo travelers looking to meet new mates in San Juan. This hostel was practically designed for kicking back and swapping stories with fellow backpackers. With a massive lounge and a sunny terrace, you’ll have plenty of space to chill out, vibe with others, and take in the tropical warmth.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Super Social
2. Great Location
3. Social Events

The hostel runs free pub crawls to help you dive into Puerto Rican nightlife, and its location in a buzzing barrio is perfect for soaking up local culture. It’s surrounded by authentic bars and street food spots that show off the best flavors on this Caribbean island. Plus, the neighborhood is decked out with fab street art, making every stroll an adventure.

The staff are great, always planning activities to get everyone involved and mingling. If you’re traveling solo and want to meet some top-tier humans, Casa Santurce’s got you covered.

3. Villa Eshta – Best Cheap Hostel in San Juan

• Dorm (mixed): From $25
• Private Room: From $69
• Address: 61 calle Santa Cecilia, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Villa Eshta is the perfect hub for solo travelers looking to meet people and dive into San Juan’s party scene. If you’re looking to find cheap hostels in the city, Villa Eshta is easy on the wallet but big on fun. This hostel knows how to party, and you don’t even need to leave the premises to find a good time – its onsite bar is where the magic happens.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. On-site Bar
2. Fully Equipped Location
3. Close to Condado Beach

Located in the vibrant Isla Verde neighborhood, it’s lively but not in-your-face noisy. Plus, it’s only a three-minute stroll to the Beach, which is always a win. You can stumble back after a long night or catch a morning swim before the weekend parties at the hostel kick-off. Yeah, it can get loud with music, but if you’re here to socialize, it’s a vibe.

With an onsite café serving up a mouth-watering blend of Middle Eastern and Caribbean food, you’ll be sorted for meals. If you’re feeling thrifty, there’s also a kitchen for cooking up your own budget-friendly feasts. For budget travelers wanting a solid social spot in San Juan, Villa Eshta ticks all the boxes.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

4. Santurcia Hostels – Best Party Hostel in San Juan

• Dorm (mixed): From $42
• Private Room: From $143
• Address: Ave. De Diego 353 (Altos), Santurce, San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Alright, here’s the lowdown on Santurcia Hostel, where the party isn’t inside, but it’s just outside your door. While San Juan might not have a massive party hostel scene, this spot puts you smack bang in the best bar district around, so you’re never far from the action. Just roll out of bed, take a few steps, and boom – you’re in the heart of the local nightlife.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Cool, artsy style
2. Great Location
3. Clean and Modern Amenities

Inside, it’s more of a chilled, bohemian boutique vibe, with a colorful Caribbean flair that reflects the cool essence of Santurce’s artsy soul. The living room is a cozy hangout to meet people, but if you’re itching for some pre-party vibes, hit up the rooftop bar for a couple of drinks before diving into the night.

It’s also in a prime spot for sightseeing. You’re near Old San Juan and right by the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico plus a Tren Urbano station to get to other parts of the city. You’re also close to some of the best festivals in Puerto Rico so make sure you check out when they are in the year to get involved in the action! With a fully equipped kitchen ready for any midnight munching, Santurcia Hostel gives you style, culture, and a perfect gateway to San Juan’s nightlife.

5. Nomada Urban Beach Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Juan

• Dorm (mixed): From $53
• Private Room: From $107
• Address: 2062 Calle Loiza, San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you’re a digital nomad, you know the drill – you can’t just park yourself in any random hostel and call it a day. You need solid Wi-Fi, a bit of quiet, and maybe a stylish rooftop deck where you can work in peace while pretending you’re on holiday. Nomada Urban Beach Hostel ticks all of those boxes with its spacious lounge and chill rooftop, so you can spread out and get your work done while still soaking up San Juan’s vibes. There’s always a buzz around here too, with a young, energetic crowd that keeps things lively but not too chaotic.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Free Wi-Fi
2. Rooftop Terrace
3. Cool Crowd

Once you’re done staring at your screen, the hostel’s location is pretty sweet. Located in Isla Verde, Ocean Park Beach and Parque Barbosa are within walking distance, making it easy to switch from work mode to beach bum mode. Plus, the hostel’s got you covered with all the necessities – clean bathrooms, a solid kitchen, and comfortable beach dorms. The staff are super friendly and can sort out tours, hikes in El Yunque Rainforest, water sports, and more, so your downtime is guaranteed to be packed with fun.

Whether you’re grinding away on your laptop or heading out to explore, Nomada Urban Beach Hostel is the spot for getting stuff done and then kicking back in San Juan.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in San Juan below.

6. Fortaleza Guest House

• Dorm (mixed): From $33
• Private Room: From $72
• Address: Fortaleza 303, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Fortaleza Guest House is a solid spot for those wanting to be right in the thick of Old San Juan. The location couldn’t be better, with the city’s most famous sights and a load of great restaurants just steps away. The vibe is relaxed, and it’s housed in an old-school Puerto Rican home, so you’re getting a slice of local history along with your stay. They offer some pretty solid private rooms too for those bored of the hostel life!

The bathrooms are clean, and there’s a rooftop community kitchen with all the pots and pans you’ll need for whipping up a meal. Plus, the artwork on the walls and chill-out balcony with comfy chairs add a little extra character to the space. Perfect for those looking for a budget stay with a little charm!

7. Hotel San Jorge

• Private Room: From $85
• Address: Ave. Ponce de Leon 1700, PDA. 25, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Hotel San Jorge is your go-to budget spot for soaking up Puerto Rico and San Juan without breaking the bank. It’s not a hostel, but San Juan isn’t exactly known for a buzzing hostel scene, so this place is perfect for couples traveling or anyone craving a bit of privacy. The rooms are kitted out with TVs, air-con, and ensuite bathrooms—everything you need for a comfy stay.

It’s tucked away in Santurce, the artsy part of town, and just a short stroll from some cracking restaurants. You’re within walking distance of museums, the Centro de Bellas Artes, and the Music Conservatory – meaning you’re in a prime location for soaking up Puerto Rican culture. The area’s safe, chill, and perfect for hanging out.

8. Hostel H1 Miramar

Puerto Rico is often just as expensive as the United States. As a budget traveler, you’re probably trying to save money to stay on the road as long as possible. Lucky for you, while staying in San Juan, Hostel H1 Miramar will hook you up with the cheapest beds in town! Not only will you get a deal on a dorm bed, but Hostel H1 Miramar is right near some of the most popular beaches, such as Condado Beach and Escambrón Beach! It’s also just a short journey away from Isla Verde – perfect for a day of exploring.

Once you’ve had your fill of hanging out by the water, make use of the bus stop a short walk away from the hostel. You’ll be able to get from the sea to downtown San Juan in a matter of minutes! After a long day of exploring, end each day with a bite and a drink at Hostel H1 Miramar’s cafe and bar.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting San Juan

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.

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in San Juan.

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.

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Check Best Price

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Check Best Price

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Check Best Price Check Best Price

Make Some New Buddies…

Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Check Best Price

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 Best Price

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

Where do celebrities stay in San Juan?

Celebrities notoriously stay in Fairmont El San Juan – so you never know, you may bump into J Lo?! If you’re fancy enough to stay there (I’m verrry jealous, I’ll be up the road in Mango Mansion), who knows who you might run into…

What is a good cheap hostel in San Juan?

If you’re looking to find cheap hostels in the city, Villa Eshta is a solid choice that’s easy on the backpacker budget. The average price starts from $25, but if you book far enough in advance, you snag a DEAL here.

How much does a hostel cost in San Juan?

The average price of a hostel in San Juan actually varies a fair bit from each hostel. A dorm can range from $20 to $60 per bed and the cheapest private rooms range from $80 to $110.

I hope you’re ready to live your best beach bum life and work on your tan because the beaches of San Juan await you! With so much to do, you’ll need more than just a few days to enjoy everything this diverse city has to offer. Other than hitting the beaches, the history captured in the museums, old San Juan, and the forts will have you out exploring for weeks.

Will you be spending most of your trip soaking up some rays or out at the club in San Juan? Depending on how you like to travel, you’ll want to stay at a different kind of backpacker’s hostel. With this ultimate guide to the best hostels in San Juan, finding the perfect stay has never been easier.

And once you discover Puerto Rican cuisine, you’ll always be thinking about where to grab your next meal. With its stunning beaches and diverse culture, one can’t help but fall in love with San Juan!

Still don’t know where to stay? Mango Mansion gets my vote every day of the week! Good amenities and a cool crowd – this place is allllways good vibes.

Have you ever traveled to San Juan? Tell me about your trip! Let me know in the comments below if there are any great hostels I might have missed!

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂