After backpacking all around Mexico for 3 months and staying almost exclusively in hostels, I’ve picked out the best hostels to stay in different parts of Mexico. They are all super backpacker and budget friendly for under $25 a night (some even under $15) and good for working from home or studying. I always book on Hostelworld because I’ve found that they have the best prices and reviews so I have linked all of the hostels. And personally, the most important part of hostel reviews that I need to know are about the bathrooms! So I’ll also be including my thoughts on how the bathrooms are.
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Mexico City
Casa Pepe
Mexico City is usually everyone’s first stop while backpacking Mexico and Casa Pepe is the perfect introduction to the country. This was the first hostel I ever stayed at in Mexico and I absolutely loved it. It’s less than $20 a night and in a great location in El centro. They also have great breakfasts included and an all you can drink power hour for 50 pesos or $2.50 every day. The bathrooms are very nice and they have separate ones in the hallway with a bathroom and shower.
Sayulita
La Redonda
La Redonda is probably one of my favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed at because of the people. In this cute little surf town with the best beaches, sunsets, and taco stands, La Redonda is the place to be. It’s in a very central location and the people you meet there will instantly become your family. I stayed for a month which is the longest I’ve stayed at any hostel but it’s because I couldn’t get myself to leave. They offer surf lessons, hikes, and other excursions as well as breakfast. My favorite bathrooms here are upstairs because they have the most circulation and privacy.
Viajero
I usually don’t like staying in hostel chains but Viajero is a great one to stay in. The one in Sayulita recently opened and has a beautiful view and pool. They are a little pricier but have a coworking area so it’s great for digital nomads. The view of Sayulita during sunset is one of my favorites. The main bathrooms are inside the room which makes it a little difficult but they’re very nice.
Guadalajara
Hospedarte Chapultepec
Hospedarte is a very fun and chill hostel. It’s great for coworking with lots of public areas to hang out in and the area is really cool with lots of restaurants and bars nearby. They also have bar crawls every Thursday. The Hospedarte chain is the best option in Guadalajara. The bathrooms are very small though and kind of awkward.
Hospedarte El Centro
Hospedarte in el centro is very similar to Hospedarte in Chapultepec. The main difference is that this hostel is near all of the touristy buildings whereas the other one is near many bars and restaurants. The hostel can also organize a trip to Tequila for you. I stayed at both Hospedartes and didn’t really have a preference. This one does have better bathrooms though with more space.
Puerto Escondido
Vivo Escondido
Vivo Escondido is a great hostel for backpackers and people just down to do anything and chill. It’s near Playa Carrizalillo which is my favorite beach in Puerto Escondido and Mirador las tortugas which is the best viewpoint for sunset. They offer pancakes and fruit for breakfast every day and good deals for happy hour. The owner, Tommy, makes really good coffee mezcal that’s so good, people who don’t even like mezcal will like this. The volunteers there are also really cool and organize events every week. The bathrooms are also very nice but co-ed and always stocked with toilet paper!
Oaxaca City
Casa Angel
Casa Angel is probably the most expensive hostels on this list at around $25 a night but for good reason. They were named Lonely Planet’s top hostel in 2020 and it lives up to the name. They have delicious, gourmet breakfasts every morning and an amazing rooftop terrace. They are also located in a prime location in Oaxaca City with great wifi. The rooms are super comfortable and they have amazing rain showers. They also offer free walking tours, yoga, and salsa lessons. And to top it all off, they have plenty of bathrooms and they’re all super clean so I never had to stress about that!
San Cristobal de las Casas
Puerta Vieja
If you’re in San Cristobal, you need to stay at Puerta Vieja. It’s one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at and SO worth the money. For only $8 a night, they have amazing deals every day, free breakfast AND dinner, and they can help you book excursions, bus tickets, you name it! They also have a really cute courtyard and hang out areas and a ping pong table. At night, they’ll have bonfires and DJs. Their best and most private bathrooms are downstairs near the courtyard and they’re very clean!