About

HostelWorld users voted HI USA the best hostel network in North America in 2024!

In the heart of the Gaslamp quarter, San Diego's classiest hostel offers everything a backpacker or business traveler could want. Our recently renovated urban hostel offers shared and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, comfortable spaces to meet new friends, and a laid-back staff that aims to make your San Diego experience awesome.

Amenities:
FREE Wi-Fi
FREE Coffee & Tea
FREE linens and towels
24-hour front desk
Privacy Curtains on dorm bunks
Secure lockers in dorm rooms (bring your own lock or purchase one at the front desk)
Local craft beer, seltzer, and wine for sale on site
Game room featuring FREE pool table and arcade games
Bicycle parking
Luggage storage
Fully stocked guest kitchen and dining room
Self-Guided tours and activities
and more!

Getting here is easy! We are accessible via public transportation from the airport, Amtrak station, and beyond.


IMPORTANT Check-In/Reservation Policies:

NOTICE OF NEARBY CONSTRUCTION: The business located below our property is currently undergoing construction, which is expected to continue through the end of September. Work is scheduled to take place Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and there may be intermittent noise during these hours. We apologize for the inconvenience.
***Please note*** - A 13.75% city tax and 0.195% tourism assessment fee will be charged in addition to the amount quoted to be paid upon arrival.

- A valid credit card in the guest's name or cash deposit is required at check-in for incidental charges.

- Foreign travelers must show a valid foreign passport at check-in.

- United States citizens must show a valid state-issued Identification Card or Driver's License with photo upon check-in.

- We do not rent to residents of San Diego County.

- U.S. passports, Foreign Identification and Driver's Licenses, and Student Identification cards (other than minors) are not accepted.

- Reservations must be cancelled by 3 p.m. two days before check-in. Any cancellations or no-shows after this point will be charged for the first night of the intended stay. Deposits paid are nonrefundable.

- We have a maximum stay policy of 14 nights in a 365-day period. Any bookings made for longer than this cannot be accepted.

While our licensing does not allow consumption of outside alcohol on site, we offer beer, seltzer, and wine for sale at the hostel.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Adaptors
  • Coworking Space
  • Luggage Storage
View all facilities

Reviews

9.6Superb(2432)
  • Value for Money
    9.4
  • Security
    9.9
  • Atmosphere
    9.2
  • Cleanliness
    9.6
  • Staff
    9.7
  • Location
    9.6
  • Facilities
    9.6
Summary of traveller reviews

HI San Diego - Downtown offers a fantastic central location in the Gaslamp Quarter, perfect for exploring the city. Guests frequently praise the cleanliness, friendly staff, and comfortable beds, often highlighting the privacy curtains. While some mention occasional street noise due to the vibrant area, the hostel is generally considered a great base for travellers.

Was this helpful?
Stayed in Jul 2026
9.1
P
Paul
Male, 31-40, USA
Friendly staff, clean facilities, great location & plenty of amenities
Stayed in Jul 2026
9.4
K
Kristine
Female, 18-24, USA
Very good all around
Stayed in Jul 2026
8.6
A
Amelie
Female, 25-30, France
It’s really safe inside the hostel, but you don’t always feel safe on the street at night; plus, it’s really noisy—our room faced the street, and until 2 a.m., it felt like we were right inside the bar.
View all reviews

Location

521 Market St, CA 92101, CA 92101, San Diego, USA
0.5km from city centre