About

Located in a historic Victorian-style 1880's building in the center of the downtown Gaslamp Quarter, our brightly colored, eclectically decorated hostel makes a statement worthy of posting on Instagram. With its double staircase and skylit atrium, our hostel is a nod to the Wild West days of San Diego.

Formerly a brothel and reportedly haunted, the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter’s entertainment district is just a step outside our door. Not only are we surrounded by the city’s best bars, clubs and restaurants, we are minutes from the baseball stadium, waterfront and ferry to Coronado Beach.

Other nearly attractions include the famous San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, Midway Naval Museum and SeaWorld. Explore nearby neighborhoods and hiking trails or take tour of our myriad of microbreweries! We're also a short drive or bus ride from other beaches.

We don't believe in 'nickel and diming' you. - we still offer a light breakfast and use of our bath and beach towels are always free!

While the building may be Victorian, our amenities are all modern including:
- Privacy panels on all dorm beds that include a light, shelf and outlets to charge your electronics!
- Curtains on all lower bunk beds (and soon to be top beds as well)
- Bed linens/blankets/pillows
- Beach towels and beach gear (just ask for chairs/umbrellas/beach sports equipment)
- Community kitchen with lots of cookware
- Game room with foozball and tabletop shuffleboard
- Comfortable mattresses with fresh bedding, linen, pillows and towels
- Centrally controlled air conditioning/heat and ceiling fans in all rooms
- Lockers with outlets inside for secure charging of electronics in all dorms
- A variety of cereals and oatmeal, fruit salad, coffee, tea and hot chocolate daily
- Spa-feeling hallway bathrooms with hair dryers
- Fast wifi
- Filtered water dispenser
- Laundry
- Free luggage storage during stay
- Early check in and late check out (when available)
- Comfortable hang out spots
- Electronic entry to hostel and rooms
- Self check-in for after hours arrivals

PARKING:
We have parking passes for rent for $20 per night. Reserve directly with us, in advance, to guarantee one is available.

CHECK IN POLICIES:
- We welcome guests from outside of the San Diego area
- Pre-paid bookings are non-refundable
- To cancel bookings (other than Comic Con week) you must do so by 3 pm the night prior to arrival for dorms and 48 hours prior for private rooms.
- Guest staying during the annual Comic Con week in July have a 30 day cancellation policy. Details are included in the 'house rules' section.

PLEASE NOTE:
THIS SITE DOES NOT INCLUDE TAXES. City tax is 13.75% and is paid on arrival, even with pre-paid bookings.
We are on the upper floors of a historically designated building with two restaurants underneath. There is no elevator and it's 27 steps to our reception and another 24 to our top floor where most of the rooms are located.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

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

Reviews

9.4Superb(397)
  • Value for Money
    9.1
  • Security
    9.7
  • Atmosphere
    9.2
  • Cleanliness
    9.3
  • Staff
    10.0
  • Location
    9.1
  • Facilities
    9.3
Summary of traveller reviews

Gaslamp Hostel in San Diego offers a fantastic location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, perfect for exploring nightlife and dining. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, and many highlight the cleanliness of the property. Some recent reviews mention noise from the surrounding area at night and occasional issues with bathroom cleaning schedules.

Stayed in Jul 2026
10
S
Sherman
Male, 41+, USA
This Hostel exceeded my expectations. The efforts to provide a great hostel experience is a great way to meet good from all around the 🌎 and I have made so great friendships 😊 In my opinion this place is 10
Stayed in Jul 2026
10
L
Lauren
Female, 25-30, USA
Had so much fun here! Everyone was social ad ready to hang out and Dakota was so welcoming
Stayed in May 2026
8.0
C
Cameron
Female, 25-30, USA
Cute hostel, didn’t feel like there was much of a social vibe there but that’s all good. I always appreciate individual outlets and lights on the beds so that was nice. Just a warning the communal bathroom is gender neutral if that’s not your thing. Not a huge deal but I would’ve like to know that. The bathrooms smelled bad but definitely witnessed them get cleaned so idk lol.
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Location

726 5th avenue, San Diego, USA
0.5km from city centre