The best available Hostels hotel to stay near California

April 18, 2023 Natalie Tallman

California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Things to do in California

1. Green Tortoise Hostel - San Francisco

494 Broadway Cross street - Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133-4515
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 869 reviews

Green Tortoise Hostel - San Francisco

The Green Tortoise Hostel in San Francisco is a full service, fun, comfortable, and welcoming hostel. Located in the North Beach area (Little Italy), famous for entertainment, bars, bookstores, and Beat Generation history. The hostel is close to Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, famous bars and restaurants & public transportation that can take you all over the Bay Area. We are a SOCIAL hostel, so come & be included in our events held in and outside the hostel. Lots of Freebies, breakfast daily, Wifi, sauna, massage chair and lots more! Please NOTE **No elevators, **All shared bathrooms along the hallways (but private use)**Average age 22-30 & next to an *Adult entertainment & club area that can be noisy on weekends & in peak season.** WE ARE BEST SUITED TO ADVENTURE & BUSINESS TRAVELERS IN SEARCH OF COMMUNITY, OUR HOSTEL DOES NOT PROVIDE "HOTEL STYLE" ROOM SERVICE TO MAINTAIN VALUE FOR MONEY) Room types available from us are mixed (CO-ED), female, standard queen private (one Queen bed), Standard Full private (full bed, basic), twin bunk private, triple (double bed below, single above) & quad bunk style (2 double (full) sized bunk beds). Group inquires welcome. We are also famous for our "hostel on wheels" customized sleeper coach adventures that offer private charters & tours to many exciting destinations seasonally - Alaska, Yosemite resumes 2022. Please contact us directly for more information, we also have a hostel in Seattle. We look forward to making your San Francisco experience a memorable one!

Great Stay

Reviewed By N5078YUmarkp

I stayed here for 5 nights in a private room. The vibe was really friendly, the breakfast in the morning was handy and overall I would recommend this hostel to anyone. I woukd happily stay there again.

2. HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

1436 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401-2302
Excellent
35%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 748 reviews

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

Just blocks from the beach on LA’s trendy West Side, HI Los Angeles Santa Monica hostel is the perfect spot for living the California dream. Sunbathe in our courtyard or surf in the nearby Pacific ocean; spend an afternoon at the famous Santa Monica Pier; bike to nearby Venice Beach or down the coastal trail to the South Bay; or just spend your time discovering the cafes, and restaurants surrounding the hostel and on the 3rd Street Promenade. Want to save a few bucks? Our guest kitchen is fully equipped so you can store groceries and make your own meals. When you’re ready to explore the rest of LA, skip the traffic on the freeway and hop on the new light rail train just blocks from the hostel — it’ll get you to downtown LA for just $1.75. Our super-friendly staff will help you make the most of your time in Santa Monica and experience the rest of LA: ask them for tips on their favorite local spots, or grab information on one of our self-guided walking tours.

Lovely hostel

Reviewed By fran315

A really nice hostel. Clean and tidy and very friendly helpful staff. The hotel has a lovely vibe to it as well. We had a private room which was amazing and very spacious. Nice to have tea and coffee in the main lounge and the court yard is great. Hostel is in a great location and handy to have the car park opposite.

3. HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

312 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102-1704
Excellent
31%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1011 reviews

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

Close to Union Square, HI San Francisco Downtown hostel is at the center of everything you want to see and do in the city. Our awesome staff will help you meet fellow travelers and get to know SF like a local, with the best self-guided walking tours and tips for exploring the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Nearby bus and subway lines make it easy and cheap to get everywhere you want to go, whether you’re after tacos and street art in the Mission District, or sunshine and culture in Oakland, or are just looking to catch your flight home from the airport. Check into one of our newly updated dorm rooms or your very own private room and find out what makes us a budget traveler’s dream in the land of pricey hotels!

Good stay! Worth the savings.

Reviewed By eblana1

We stayed 3 nights in a private room with a private bath. It was great! Comfy bed, big bathroom and room, clean! We were covid paranoid so interacted little with others (who did not follow the mask rules but were so friendly.... Staff did try to enforce and did so in the lobby). The carpet was gross because it's old and stained and, well, a hostel carpet but I brought flip flops and was fine. Location was great! The nearby tenderloin was fine because we headed the opposite direction and frankly didn't see the bad parts at all..though we did not go out late so idk if the area nearby was sketch late night.

4. Samesun Hollywood

6820 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028-6102
Excellent
40%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 219 reviews

Samesun Hollywood

Welcome to Samesun Hollywood, located right in the heart of the action at Hollywood and Highland. Our hostel is located on the second floor and directly on the Walk of Fame and close to the metro. The hostel has a large common room overlooking Hollywood Blvd. with plenty of seating and a pool table, a large guest kitchen and guest laundry services. We have a mix of dorms and private rooms available at this property. Friendly staff, clean and centrally located, come stay with us at the best hostel in Hollywood.

Best hostel in USA in my opinion

Reviewed By oceantime124

My safe haven in LA been staying here for years now like a home to me great areas for guests great rooms clean tidy great people only thing would love to see the showers redone maybe more added though I noticed a new small restroom on floor one ! Just the BEST hostel in LA if not the whole world cheers ! ...see you again soon from the Aussie ?

5. HI San Diego Downtown

521 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101-7024
Excellent
41%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 394 reviews

HI San Diego Downtown

Experience the best of Southern California’s beaches, warm weather, and culture when you stay at our downtown hostel in San Diego, California. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, HI San Diego Downtown hostel is a perfect base for exploring the city. Decked out with endless art and San Diego flavor galore, this hostel is for anyone who wants to feel immersed in the local scene. Heading out to the beach, a local park, or a walk to see activist murals? We’ll set you up with all the info you need to get there hassle-free. Our awesome staff will help you get to know the city like a local with self-guided walking tour guides and tips for finding the best tacos and carne asada fries in town. Come relax in one of our private rooms or shared dorms while getting to know San Diego a little better.

Arrival from a long cycling trip

Reviewed By Jamesin415

This hostel had clean bedrooms and very good service. The location is in the Gaslamp District, a fun downtown area of restaurants. I stayed in a two bunkbed, 4-person room with 3 friends. The mattresses were comfortable. There was a sink and shower in the room, all clean and pleasant,. We all had bicycles and were able to park them in the large common hallway area. The only negative is that on weekend nights there is street noise. I am a light sleeper and with wax earplugs I was fine. I would be happy to stay here again on my next trip to San Diego.

6. Lucky D's Hostel

615 8th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6405
Excellent
60%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 908 reviews

Lucky D's Hostel

Lucky D’s is fun, comfortable, clean and safe. It has an amazing atmosphere and a perfect location. Lucky D’s Downtown San Diego Hostel is steps away from the Gaslamp District, home of San Diego’s hottest nightlife, restaurants, bars and shops. It’s close to all of the city’s attractions and the best beaches are a quick bus ride away. Lucky D’s staff are wonderful. They are knowledgeable, helpful and will make sure you have a good time. San Diego is a fantastic city and Lucky D’s is in the middle of the action. There are fun things to do every day, a party every night and plenty of free food. You’ll have so many new friends you won’t know what to do with them all.

Average

Reviewed By lukemV8112HE

Firstly, be mindful there is no elevator at all. We had to carry 23kg bags up 4 flights of stairs, with no help coming in or leaving the hostel. The set up in general is okay, the internet is okay too. We chose a private room and it was very small for two people with travel cases. Although the room had a fridge. We were not happy with our bed, it was very uncomfortable snd also very loud, any movement on it would wake the other person up. I assume it’s a very old mattress but I think it needs to be changed, it got really frustrating after a few nights. We did find the staff to be not that friendly. We had to carry our bags up without any help at all. This was starting off the experience on the wrong foot, particularly after having travelled a long way. They didn’t really ask us how our experience was at the hostel either, I thought they would be more accommodating and welcoming. Maybe we caught them on a bad week! Lastly, the lighting was quite poor in the rooms. We found ourselves using phone torches at night to look around the room. All things considered, it’s an okay place to stay with a good location.

7. Orange Drive Hostel

1764 N Orange Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90028-4307
Excellent
40%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 411 reviews

Orange Drive Hostel

Orange Drive Hostel has the absolute best location in Hollywood! Orange Drive Hostel is centrally located in the heart of Hollywood. We are walking distance from some of the most famous sites in Los Angeles, such as the world famous Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theater- Home of the Oscars, the Hollywood Bowl, Sunset Blvd, Jimmy Kimmel Live Studio, Disney's El Capitan Theatre, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, views of the Hollywood sign, Runyon Canyon-a favorite hiking trail of celebrities, with fantastic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. We are also just steps from public transportation, the best night life, shopping and restaurants in Hollywood. We are also located a short drive or bus/metro stop away from Universal Studios,Paramount Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills! We are the perfect location for movie Premieres, star Dedications and major Hollywood events! We offer a variety of room types, including dorm rooms, private rooms, and group rooms. Amenities Include: Free daily breakfast of all-you-can-make waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, coffee, assorted teas and hot chocolate. Free WiFi, Free Lockers, Free day storage of luggage before check-in and after check-out, Parking available $10.00 per night (limited parking, parking is first come, first served.) we cannot accommodate over-sized vehicles. ATM, Laundry facilities, Fully equipped guest kitchen Common room w/HD flat screen TV (no TV's in rooms), Discount Shuttle service to/from airport, Smoke Free Property, Universal Studios tickets for sale, Discounted pub crawl with LA Epic Club Crawl. Some History about Orange Drive Hostel: Orange Drive Hostel was originally a manor home built in 1910. It later became a boarding house for the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, including Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Johnny Weismuller 'Tarzan, and' and many more. Orange Drive Hostel is a historic home filled with Hollywood history, and staying with us offers a unique opportunity to experience the Golden Age of Hollywood. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rooms are not guaranteed ready until 3:00 PM Additional key deposit is required and is refundable upon checkout. Please contact hostel if travelling with children or more than two guests/extra charges may apply. Methods of payment accepted: Visa, AMEX, MasterCard, travelers checks, and cash.

Location and More!

Reviewed By 2Do4Reviews

I needed a good location in West Hollywood and this was the place. Just a short walk off Hollywood Blvd but in a quiet calm area. The check in was great service and my room was awesome too. Love the history of this place, it's what makes travel the experience it should be. The common areas of the kitchen, etc was what a hostel should be. Reasonable rate for being in such a good place and feeling so safe. Could not recommend it more. The Roosevelt Hotel is just down the street for 4 times the amount I paid here. Bus service and walking to everywhere I needed to be, All I can say is Thank you for being there for me.

8. Samesun Venice Beach

25 Windward Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291-4102
Excellent
36%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
7%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 842 reviews

Samesun Venice Beach

Step out the front door and onto the Venice boardwalk. Being at the beach and close to LAX, we are the best and most convenient spot for exploring LA's beaches and beyond! Iconic Venice beach is world renown and we're right in the heart of it. Many of our dorms and privates have a full or partial ocean view, but you can also just walk out the door and be on the beach in 30 seconds. And after you've had a day of sunning, swimming or just people watching, come hang out in our newly renovated lounge to swap stories or just kick back. Our friendly and local staff will clue you in on the best happy hours, favorite places in Venice or sort you out for a surfing lesson or tour. And, you can join our own weekly activities including Taco Tuesday, our Venice favorites bar crawl and our limo tour. And if you need a break from sun and sand, we're surrounded by places to shop, eat and relax and are just a short bike ride or walk from most of the sites you'll know from the movies including Muscle Beach, our famous Venice Skate Park and the Santa Monica Pier.

Staff member sucks

Reviewed By mangiamiculo

I had issues with the Wi-Fi so I asked the receptionist some halp and he just literally said: “well if it doesn’t work for u it doesn’t work for me”. Lol So I went asking to another guest and the Wi-Fi was working for him… This place could be soo much better but staff members wanna be total divas lol

9. Music City Hotel - Home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame

1353 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94109-5611 1 (415) 849-7197
Excellent
30%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
9%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 621 reviews

Music City Hotel - Home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame

Sleep with the stars in the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame! Jam in your room or in a music studio. It might get loud! Choose a free loaner instrument to be delivered to your room. Budget friendly world cuisine is steps away. Music City, a bold entertainment company, brings artists and music lovers together to ignite the soul of local music culture. Bookings help support local musicians. Featured on MTV Travel! Be energized by the past, present and future of music while at Music City Hotel. A tribute to the robust musical history of the Bay Area, and dedicated towards nurturing its present. This is a one of a kind artistic and cultural experience you don't want to miss. We are proud to show off our Hall of Fame Gallery, an immersive journey through the past and present, a comprehensive gallery of Bay Area music legends. The San Francisco Music Hall of Fame Gallery proudly showcases two floors of iconic artistry, history, and innovation, accompanied by informational placards written by voices with Rolling Stone magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more! Located in the vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood, dozens of varied and excellent food, beverage, and entertainment options are within steps of Music City Hotel. Tourist attractions and neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Union Square, North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight Ashbury, and the Mission District are all located either within walking distance or a short ride away thanks to our convenient and central location.

Love this place!

Reviewed By samwisefair

This place is rad as hell! Love all the photos of classic Bay Area musicians, love the vibe, and it’s clean with decently sized beds for a hostel! They hooked it up with towels and soaps included too which makes packing easier, not to mention the free coffee and tea! The real star of the show is Trene (I hope I spelled that right) at the front desk! She’s super kind and helpful, with great taste in nearby burrito spots. I came to her with some mildly odd questions and requests and she always had an idea for how to help me out. Shout out Trene and much love for the Music City!

10. Ocean Park Hotel

2680 32nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90405-3105
Excellent
18%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
10%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 217 reviews

Ocean Park Hotel

BOARDING HOUSE not a hotel at all, NOISY no privacy discarded old furnishings

Reviewed By A_Oakley9027

Horrifying false advertising... and a staff to match it! Dubious they've ever stayed in a hotel, much less been trained for hospitality. Like a garage conversion with more mis-matched furnishings off a curbside discard the last day at college.

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