Backpacking Cancun and around? Rumor has it you are looking for the coolest hostels in Cancun? We have collected for you the absolute 3 best hostels in Cancun.
We have been to Cancún and had a blast. Here we share our best insider tips. We even share our best secrets and gems. For instance, your should consider travelling to Holbox Island. More on that below.
So you focus on your backpacking experience, we do the leg work for your hostel choice. Pretty good deal, right?!
Your Shortcut:
- Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun – Best overall hostel
- Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool– Best for Party Travellers
- Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel – Best for Solo Travellers
Especially for Cancún, the location is key! You can choose either the beach strip or downtown. We added all hostels and cool places in our handmade map below.
Money-saving Tip: Before making your reservation, compare all prices on major booking platforms for hostels in Cancun with Hostelz.com, and save lots of money!
Any questions about hostels in Cancun?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Make sure you take a look at all 40 best hostels in Mexico. We also have a guide on the coolest party hostels in Cancun if that’s more your style.
Cancun, Mexico is very well known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and amazing nightlife. It is a Mexican City on the Yucatan Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea.
Whilst you’re in the area we highly recommend checking out the best hostels in Tulum and the greatest hostels in Playa del Carmen. On the other side of the Yucatan peninsula, we also have a guide on the best hostels in Holbox that might come in handy if you’re traveling around.
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- Comparison chart of 3 best hostels
- More Cancun Hostels worth a mention
- Cheapest hostels in Cancun
- Best hostels in Cancun for solo travellers
- Fun party hostels in Cancun
- Discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cancun
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Cancun cost 10€ – 20€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 46€ up to 120€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com. Hostelz.com is the website to find cheapest prices. They compare prices from all booking portals. Very useful!
Hostel Location: You can stay either in the Hotel Zone at the beach strip (called Zona Hotelera) or downtown. The beach strip with its lagoon is very popular. Personally, I enjoyed staying more downtown, maybe a bit due to the fact Zona Hotelera is so much more expensive too. Please check our map to see all locations and our favorite restaurants and bars.
You can take local buses to get to Zona Hotelera which is around two peso (10 cents only). It is easy and fast and from downtown you are at the beach within 30 minutes.
Safety: Hostels are very safe in Cancún, but of course in the city there is pick-pocketing and several tourist scams. A friend of mine got even pick-pocketed by the police here too. So watch out for these things.
Important: Many travelers get pick pocketed on the bus journey between Cancún and Tulum. Keep your valuables on you and do not put your small backpack under your seat.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Coolest Hostels in Cancun, Mexico
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels and party hostels in Cancun, Mexico.
Quick overview:
- Mayan Monkey Hostel – Best overall hostel
- Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool – Best for Party Travellers
- Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel – Best for Solo Travellers
All three hostel are equipped with fast WiFi, swimming pool and great facilities.
When we stayed here, we liked the dorms at all 3 Cancun Hostels. They are spacious and super clean. All our suggested hostels have the popular privacy curtains.
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | The Mermaid Hostel Beach |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Selina Cancun Downtown |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Selina Cancun Downtown |
1. Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun (Party and Upscale!)
It is likely you have already found the best place: Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun!
Update: Former name of this hostel was Señor Frog’s Hostel. The official name now is Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun.
Read: Our list of favorite beach hostels worldwide – this hostel has also found its place on it.
Let’s drop the biggest pros instantly:
- FUN Bar
- swimming pool
- lagoon view
- huge dorms and private rooms
- rooms come with a lake view
Oh, and in case that is not enough: They have a Slide!
You can actually slide from the hostel into the lagoon.
Mayan Monkey Hostel is a great mix of upscale hostel and party hostel. It is not a laid-back hostel. At night, you can either join the people in the bar and have a seat on the fun bar stools – or you can rest in your room.
Rooms and bar (common area) are separated, so here this is possible.
You can choose from luxury double rooms with a lagoon view to 6, 8, 10 and 12 Bed Dorms. They do also have female-only dorms available; they come with 12 beds.
Every bed in the dorm comes with a power-socket, light and privacy curtain (we love this!)
Good to know: Travelling in a group of 4? Consider the Suite with ensuite balcony. Now, THAT’S a treat!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the location?
It is the only one of the Cancun Hostels here on the beach strip. Meaning, you are away from downtown but directly at the beach and lagoon.
For us, the location is perfect! Mayan Monkey Hostel even offers free parking. If you come with a car, let the hostel know before so they can save you a spot.
What else? Well, NOTHING! All you need to do now is pack your stuff, book this hostel and hit the road.
Mr Monkey, we mean, Mayan Monkey is the best Cancun Hostel for:
- Solo-Traveller
- Party Travellers
- Solo-Backpackers
- Beach Lover
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool
Want to experience Cancun party? In the heart of downtown Cancun, Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool
places you near the main streets of Cancun.
You are only 15 minutes from the beach. Hurray!
Good to know: Nomads Hostel and Bar was previously the Mayan Monkey Hostel Cancun. Do not let this confuse you. Remember, there is no Mayan Monkey Cancun now.
Also! There’s a second Nomad Hostel with a similar name at #3 – make sure you book the correct one! The two hostels are an easy 5 minute walk from each other.
Travellers staying at either Nomad hostel has access to both hostels to socialise.
Private rooms have a double bed with a private washroom and have been rated highly for couples backpacking together.
Shared rooms have six and eight beds, including six person female-only dormitory rooms. Beds in shared rooms come with reading lights.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Amenities you can enjoy in Nomads Hostel:
- Free WiFi
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Party and Events organized by hostel
- BBQ
- Kitchen to use
- Great Quality Dorms with privacy curtains
Feeling the vibes to chill and swim?
Nomads Hostel has a rooftop pool with a bar and cool hangout areas where you can watch the sunset over Cancun with other hostel guests.
There is also a games room where you can hangout and take a break from the party life of the city.
Who’s up for BBQ?
Every Saturday, the hostel hosts a BBQ on the roof where you can meet staff and guests. While the Nomads Hostel does not offer a free breakfast, their chef cooks dinner daily.
But there’s more.
If you’re hoping to see more of Cancun, or Mexico in general, you can take advantage of the hostel’s partnership with Party Rockers travel Agency which books tours to the eco parks, ruins, reefs and other attractions.
We know that there are a lot of best party hotels in Cancun but why go elsewhere if you can stay the best place to party in Cancun at a lower cost.
Location: The hostel is only a three-minute walk to the main bus station making it an easy home base if you plan on venturing out of the city. For us, this was perfect for arrival. We could just hop over the street and check in.
This is one of the best backpacker hostels in Cancun for
- Party Travellers
- Solo-Backpackers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel
If you want to embrace the fun of Cancun without staying right in the spotlight, you should take a look at the Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel, formerly known as Mezcal Hotel & Hostel.
Important to know: This second Nomads Hostel has a similar name to our #2 – make sure you book the correct one! The two hostels are an easy 5 minute walk from each other. They belong to the same group, so you can hang out at both hostels!
The hostel is set in a two-story house in a residential area of the city, close to downtown too. Make sure you check our map with all hostel locations.
We absolutely love Nomads Boutique for two reasons:
- both dorms and private rooms are HUGE and well equipped
- swimming pool and their events
- access to sister hostel, Nomads Hostel & Bar
Nomads Hostel vs Nomads Boutique – which one to choose?
If you want a more quiet stay, I would stay at Nomads Boutique (#3 in this list). Then for the events like pool parties and such, i would go over to Nomads Hostel. This way you combine best of both worlds!
What rooms can you choose from?
Private rooms sleep 1-4 people with a private en-suite washroom. Shared rooms sleep 4, 6, 8, and 14 people with female-only 6-bed rooms.
All shared rooms come with en-suite washrooms. Bedrooms at Nomads Boutique Hotel Cancun Mexico are brightly painted and feature balconies and gardens for guests to enjoy.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Amenities:
- Free and fast WiFi
- Swimming Pool
- In-house Bar with great food
- Adapters
- BBQ
- Kitchen
- You can even learn how to scuba dive here
Location: Not being in the heart of the city doesn’t get in the way of guests enjoying the clubs and bars of downtown Cancun or the beautiful beaches.
Nomads partners with different organizations so guests can enjoy excursions to the different tourist attractions around the city including going snorkeling. In the evening, guests can take part in excursions to the hottest nightlife destinations.
There is a café next door to the hostel, and a grocery store only a five-minute walk where you can pick up food.
On Saturdays, hostel staff fire up the BBQ and guests are free to bring their own food. There is a bar on-site where you can get a drink.
Want to lay back and chill?
There is an outdoor pool and hammocks for guests to enjoy as well as a games room with board games, darts, and table tennis.
If you are feeling worn out from all the partying, there is a lot to do back at the hostel from relaxing and watching television to yoga, zumba, and salsa lessons.
🧘 Yoga in Mexico: We wrote a detailed guide on best yoga retreats in Mexico
Yet, it’s a bit more chill, and it’s our better choice for female solo-travellers. Keep in mind, the dorms do not have the popular privacy curtains though.
Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel is our top Cancun Hostel for:
- Solo-Female Travellers
- Couples
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Comparing all 3 Top Hostels in Cancun
Here is an overview of our handpicked top hostels in Cancun. In this chart we compare the main facilities and things to expect.
It will help you to take a decision.
| Mayan Monkey Hostel | Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool | Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel | |
| Recommended for… |
|
|
|
| Kitchen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Free (Good) | Free (Good) | Free (Good) |
| Breakfast | Buffet Breakfast (extra) | Continental and American Options (extra) | Big Buffet Breakfast (extra) |
| Location | Top | Top | Top |
| Special | Slide, cool vibe, lagoon view | Fun Party Hostel! Roof top Swimming pool and bar | Swimming Pool and Fun vibes in an old Mansion |
| Activities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lockers – and safe? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Facilities for disabled guests | No | No | No |
| How to book? | Hostelworld | Hostelworld | Hostelworld |
This information can vary by season and availability. Please take this into account.
More Hostels worth a mention
We always choose only 3 handpicked hostels for you. This makes our guides so handy and useful for you. We do the leg work, and you focus on your travels.
For Cancun we feel we have to mention a few more hostels. It is really a hub for cool hostels.
- Coco Hostel (central Hostel)
- Selina Hostel Cancun Downtown
- The Mermaid Hostel Beach
- Fiesta Party Hostel Cancun
- Hostel Natura Cancun
Coco Hostel (central Hostel)
Update: What a shame, Coco Hostel has permanently closed.
Worth a mention as well is the great Coco Hostel, backpacker hostel Cancun has to offer.
Located not far away from the previous hostels, it’s the most central hostel in Cancun.
The hostel is conveniently located between the city and the beach so that guests can take advantage of both aspects of travel and leisure during their trip.
Also: it is close to the bus station to go to the airport.
Shared rooms sleep 6, 8, 10, and 12 people in bunk beds with en-suite and shared bathrooms. The dorms are really big and comfy. Although again, no privacy curtains.
That’s not a big deal. It is the best hostel in Cancun for groups!
Perks in Coco Hostel:
- Free WiFi
- Super yummy free breakfast
- Kitchen
- Car rental (useful!!)
- Swimming pool
There is no restaurant on-site (only a bar!), but guests can take advantage of the kitchen to prepare their own meals or enjoy one of the restaurants or bars that are a short walk from the hostel.
If you don’t feel like walking to the beach, you can take advantage of Coco Hostel’s outdoor swimming pool and terrace.
There are multiple common areas at the hostel where guests can relax, make friends, and decide what to do next.
Location: The hostel is conveniently located only a few minutes from the central bus station, as well as many of the attractions in downtown Cancun and the nightlife of the hotel district.
La Palapas Park is near to the hostel and is one of the best places in the city to get a taste of Mexican street food or shop for souvenirs at the market.
A great choice for:
- Couples
- Small groups
Selina Hostel Cancun Downtown
Artsy nomadic vibe is what you will get in Selina Cancun Downtown. One of the good hostels Cancun has to offer. It has a bright and beautiful interior that you will surely enjoy.
Common areas are so spacious and perfect for meeting new fellow travellers. The wonderful staff at Selina Cancun Downtown and the beautiful facilities will make your stay really good.
Hostel Highlights:
- Swimming pool
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Bar
Location: 21-minute drive from Cancún International Airport. The ADO bus station is a 4-minute walk from the hostel. Avenida Carlos Nader, a street packed with cool bars and bustling markets, is less than 10 minutes away on foot.
A pity 😔, the discount code to Selina Hostels expired. Check all valid discounts here.
How to book Selina Hostels the best way?
Rumor has it, new discounts are coming soon. We will share them first in our newsletter. Join us, it is free!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
The Mermaid Hostel Beach
The Mermaid Hostel Beach is a good place to stay if you want to have a one of a kind vacation! They have a rooftop where you can drink your coffee while watching the sunset which is pretty amazing.
The beds are comfortable which makes it a good place to get some rest. The facilities are clean and well-maintained.
Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
Location: The Mermaid Hostel Beach is set in Cancún, 3.8 km from Cancun Bus Station. Cancun Government Palace is 3.9 km from The Mermaid Hostel Beach, while Beto Avila Stadium is 5 km away. Cancún International Airport is 18 km from the property.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Fiesta Party Hostel Cancun
You can definitely see wall paintings all over Fiesta Party Hostel! You will enjoy the vibe and the atmosphere in this hostel!
Staff are very attentive, helpful and very cool people to hang out with. The breakfast, dinner and free beer are amazing and of great standard.
If you want to go to the beach, you can just ask the staff and they will really help you. This Cancun backpacker hostel worth a try.
Hostel Highlights:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Pets allowed
- Bar
- Very good breakfast
Location: 2.8 km from Playa Las Perlas and less than 1 km from Cancun Bus Station. The nearest airport is Cancún International Airport, 19 km from Fiesta Party Hostel – Cancun. It is 12 minutes away to Cancún, Quintana Roo.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Hostel Natura Cancun
Natural lover? This hostel, Hostel Natura Cancun is the one for you.
The beds are clean and the bathrooms are cleaned regularly. The hostel tended to be a little loud due to the music upstairs and downstairs.
Hostel Highlights:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Beachfront
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Bar
Location: It is 5 minutes’ walk from popular CoCo Bongo Club, Hard Rock Café Restaurant and Mandala Nightclub. Cancun International Airport is 25 minutes’ drive away, while Playa del Carmen is 1 hours’ drive away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in Cancun?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels.
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Cancun.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Cancun
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that. Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst.
These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
Best Hostels in Cancun for Solo Travellers?
What is the serious, best hostel in Cancun for solo-travellers?
We have two options for you – and it depends on what YOU want:
- Best Hostel in Cancun for Female Solo-Traveller: Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel
- Best Hostel in Cancun for Solo-Backpacker: Mayan Monkey Hostel
Nomads Boutique: A room with your own privacy, a relaxing veranda to take time for yourself and a pool to plunge in is just the perfect bundle for a solo traveler. The hostel also organizes activities and trips. That makes it great to mingle with your hostel mates.
Yet, again, you can also just relax.
Mayan Monkey Hostel: … is great to meet people from all over the world! The bar is a social hub! Walk in the pub and you have new friends in no time.
The biggest difference between Nomads Boutique Hostel and Mayan Monkey is the location, really.
We also wrote a big guide on simple and effective safety tips for female solo-traveler.
Party Hostels in Cancun?
Party in Cancun? Well, every time is the best time to party in Cancun. It is really no secret that Cancun is a party place. And yes, there is a bunch of fun backpacker party hostels in Cancun.
Here’s our take on cool hostels in Cancun for Partying:
Pool or party?
Why choose if you can have both.
Nomads Hostel and Bar: … was designed for fun and leisure. Drinking, partying while you dip in their rooftop pool.
Mayan Monkey Hostel: … opened in 2019, and is rocking the city ever since. We really like the healthy mix of upscale dorms and rooms and the super cool bar. The best resort in Cancun for partying.
The difference again is the location, and Nomads Hostel is MORE party.
If I were you, I would would pick Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel.
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
A fantastic to website to actually get the cheapest price from both of these websites is Hostelz.com. Go to all hostels in Cancun Mexico, and type in your dates. This website compares all prices for you. This way you always get the lowest one.
Booking.com is the biggest and safest platform for hotel and hostels reservations. Their cancellation policy is one of the best, normally 100% refundable until 24h before the stay.
Hostelworld is also super safe and the biggest booking platform for hostels.
Here’s my guide on how to use Hostelworld.
On both platforms your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Mayan Monkey Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Nomads Boutique Hotel & Hostel: Booking.com| Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of Cancun best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
Any Discounts?
You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
Here you can find all our hostel discounts worldwide.
Need an eSIM Card for Cancun?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Cancun put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Cancun hostels on a map.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Chichen Itza
- Tulum Ruins (better stay near at the best hostels in Tulum)
- Rio Secreto Nature Reserve
- Cancun Underwater Museum
- Isla Mujeres
If you love the beach, Cancun will definitely leave you in an awe with its 14 mile long white sand beach made of crushed corals and breathtaking reef to swim and snorkel.
Any questions about hostels in Cancun? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
Flights to Cancun?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides in Mexico
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Cancun.
We created more handwritten hostel guides for you.
- best hostels in Mexico
- best hostels in Mexico City
- best hostels in Tulum
- best hostels in Sayulita
- best hostels in Puerto Vallarta
- best hostels in Playa del Carmen
- best hostels in Puerto Escondido
- best hostels in Guadalajara
- best hostels in Cozumel
- best hostels in San Cristóbal de las Casas
- best hostels in Oaxaca
- best hostels in Holbox
- best hostels in Bacalar
Party Hostels:
- coolest party hostels in Mexico
- coolest party hostels in Cancun
- coolest party hostels in Mexico City
Surf Hostels:
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect Cancun packing list and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Cancun guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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