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HI San Diego Downtown Hostel

8.4/10Good · 2,145 reviews

521 Market Street, San Diego

HI San Diego Downtown Hostel, photo 1
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About

Convenient Location in Gaslamp Quarter Located in San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, HI San Diego Downtown Hostel offers a prime location for exploring the city. Just minutes away from top attractions like Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center. Comfortable Accommodation Options The hostel provides cozy rooms with essential amenities such as heating, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Choose from private rooms with en suite bathrooms or dorm beds with personal lockers, ensuring a comfortable stay for every guest. Amenities for a Pleasant Stay Enjoy the convenience of a fully-equipped kitchen, free coffee and tea, and 24-hour reception with no curfew. With added perks like a launderette, luggage storage, and proximity to Balboa Park, HI San Diego Downtown Hostel ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. Book now for an unforgettable San Diego experience at HI San Diego Downtown Hostel!

Amenities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
Hiking
Lift / Elevator
Laundry
Luggage storage
Fax/photocopying
Games room
Billiards
Non-smoking throughout
Designated smoking area
Street parking
Shared lounge/TV area
Board games/puzzles
Shared kitchen
ATM/cash machine on site
Lockers
Vending machine - drinks
Vending machine - snacks
Outdoor furniture
Cashless payment available
Key access
24-hour security
Key card access

Good to know

Check-in after 3:00 PM · Check-out before 11:00 AM

No pets · Children welcome · Parking: not_available

Please note: Hostel can only honor online bookings of 9 guests maximum. If you have 10 or more guests in your booking, please contact the hostel as different policies apply. Property has house rules that must be adhered to. Please contact the property for details. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You must show a valid photo ID from outside of San Diego County and credit card upon check-in. San Diego County residents will not be admitted. Please note: Property cannot accommodate reservations for more than 14 days within a 365 day period.Please note that construction work is taking place nearby from 02/28/2026 to 9/30/2026 and some rooms/units/etc. may be affected by noise.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.A deposit may be required at the property.

Location

Map showing HI San Diego Downtown Hostel

521 Market Street, San Diego

Reviews

8.4/10Good2,145 reviews

Review highlights

Friendly staffGreat locationCleanliness of shared facilitiesNoise from the area
Cleanliness7.8/10
Some reviews mentioned shared bathrooms that weren't very clean.
Service8.7/10
Guests reported friendly staff and good service overall.
Location9.0/10
Many guests highlighted the great location in downtown and proximity to attractions.
Room Quality8.2/10
Overall comfort noted, though some found the beds not very comfortable.
Amenities8.5/10
Amenities like kitchen and common areas were appreciated.
Value for Money8.5/10
Guests felt they received good value for the location and services provided.
Food and Beverage8.0/10
Breakfast service mentioned as unclear, which could be improved.

Summary written by Anywayr from 2,145 guest reviews.

IRINASeptember 2026 · Solo traveller

8.0/10

Accommodating I liked that there were a lot of restrooms on the floor. I liked that it was so clean. Well maintained. Everybody was respectful, both staff and guests. Not noisy. Very accommodating. Great location.

Didn't like: AC was hooked up directly into the window and was just regenerating the air from the street. It was working loudly day and night. Cold mode was not working well, so it was never cool in the room, and the week of my stay was super hot in San D.

AlysSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller

9.0/10

Central location, welcoming staff Incredibly friendly front of house staff who super helpful with recommendations

PoorvasriSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller

10.0/10

Awesome Cleanliness and easy acess to all places. 24/7 reception service and also they respond quick to mails too

caeSeptember 2026 · Extended group

10.0/10

Perfect place, location, staff and facilities Everything was so clean, the location is perfect and the staff is really friendly. After the check out we could leave our bags at the hostel and enjoy the rest of the day before leaving

Didn't like: I have nothing to complain

DavidSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller

9.0/10

Nice place if going to events at the convention center. Overall a good hostel. School book Locker for a carry on/backpack in the room. Beds had light/outlet. Rooms had AC. Much better than other hostels I stayed at in the area. Close to the convention center.

Didn't like: Like all hostels, there were times that the bathroom was occupied when I need to go. Luckily, there are a few scattered around the floors and I was always able to find an open one.

LiamSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller

8.0/10

Convenient and comfortable stay in San Diego's busiest nightlife districts. The front desk is manned 24/7 with staff members for any assistance. Additionally, they make everyone hold up their room key when entering to ensure that the hostel stays safe and everyone inside is supposed to be there. I was happy with how clean everything was, and the location was near lots of bars and restaurants, as well as a short walk from the trolley.

Didn't like: The bathroom inside of the property was a little bit outdated. The area itself is also a little dicey. Lots of homeless people and people using substances. It can also be pretty loud at night with music, crowds, roaring engines, police cars etc.

MadeleineSeptember 2026 · Couple

10.0/10

Can never go wrong w a HI hostel Very central to downtown. lovely people and comfy beds and good rooms. Kitchen was good too.

AnnaAugust 2026 · Solo traveller

7.0/10

Great location and comfortable. Not very social and smells like cigarettes. however it was worth the money It was clean and comfortable. Accurate to the pictures and in a great location!

Didn't like: The place isn’t very social. Everyone keeps themselves to them selves. The place smelt of cigarettes everywhere despite the no smoking rule

BastedoAugust 2026 · Couple

9.0/10

Check in and out was super easy, I also like the private room with communal kitchen and game room set up. I also enjoyed all the art throughout the building

Didn't like: My check out was at 11am, my card stopped working around 9:30am but it was a quick fix down stairs.

AmeliaAugust 2026 · Solo traveller

9.0/10

so friendly, so comfortable and great staff such a cozy place to stay! very homely and welcoming

Didn't like: was a little walk or public transport for some main attractions. but apart from that i have no complaints