See all properties

Hostel on 3rd

Property class: 1

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hostel on 3rd

An outdoor seating area with metal chairs and tables, a potted plant, and a brick wall. - Hostel on 3rd (San Diego)
A bar area with seating, a ceiling fan, and a brick wall with framed artwork. - Hostel on 3rd (San Diego)
A staircase with a red door at the top, a chandelier, and a window with a view of the outside. - Hostel on 3rd (San Diego)
A narrow hallway with white doors on both sides, leading to a room with a window at the end. - Hostel on 3rd (San Diego)
A room with a red wall, patterned sofas, a wooden coffee table, and a large cross artwork. - Hostel on 3rd (San Diego)
A short walk from San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park, Hostel on 3rd provides free self-serve breakfast, a grocery/convenience store, and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

6.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Kitchen

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Shared Room, 4 Bed Mixed Dorm (Unisex)

A room with two bunk beds against a brick wall.

Shared Room, 4 Bed Mixed Dorm (Unisex)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (4 bed female dorm)

A bunk bed room with metal railings and a red wall.

Room (4 bed female dorm)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Room, 6 Bed Mixed Dorm (Unisex)

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with blinds, and a wooden floor.

Shared Room, 6 Bed Mixed Dorm (Unisex)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Room (Downtown private room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Downtown San Diego, a neighborhood in San Diego, Hostel on 3rd is near the airport and near the beach. Seaport Village and Fashion Valley Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum. Waterfront Park and Sesame Place San Diego are not to be missed. Visit our San Diego travel guide
View more Hostels in San Diego
Map
542 3rd avenue, San Diego, CA, 92101

What's nearby

  • A modern building with a curved glass facade and a pedestrian walkway.
    San Diego Convention Center
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A large, empty baseball stadium with tiered seating and a green field.
    Petco Park
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A pier extending into the water with a yellow fire hydrant and a pier cafe in the background.
    Seaport Village
    7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A modern building with a circular design, surrounded by a red fence and a grassy area.
    The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • A naval ship docked at a port with a city skyline in the background.
    USS Midway Museum
    17 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Convention Center Station
    4 min walk
  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot
    15 min walk
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)
    17 min drive

Restaurants

  • Barleymash
    3 min walk
  • The Tipsy Crow
    5 min walk
  • Whiskey Girl
    4 min walk
  • Taste & Thirst
    4 min walk
  • Noodle & Bun
    4 min walk

Similar properties

A pathway flanked by neatly trimmed hedges and a building with a balcony.
California Suites Hotel
Clairemont
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
7.8 out of 10, Good, 2,895 reviews
California Suites Hotel
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free self-serve breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Games
  • Table tennis

Conveniences

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • No housekeeping service

Business services

  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Ceiling fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges USD 20 for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children 18 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 18 are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Cash deposit: USD 20.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of USD 20

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards
Cashless transactions are available
Only bookings from non-local guests are accepted; guests whose residence is within 50 mi (80 km) of the property will not be allowed to check in
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and window guards

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 18 years old and younger are not permitted at this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Hostel on 3rd pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at Hostel on 3rd?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Hostel on 3rd?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Hostel on 3rd located?

Located in Downtown San Diego, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of New Children's Museum, Petco Park, and Seaport Village. San Diego Convention Center and Balboa Park are also within 1 mi (2 km). Convention Center Station and Convention Center Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Hostel on 3rd Reviews

6.4

6.2

Cleanliness

7.6

Location

6.8

Staff & service

6.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 276 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 276 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 33 out of 276 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 276 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 77 out of 276 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Jama

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff is extremely nice, and it’s affordable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Amazing value for the cost. Pleasent people.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Chole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is an older building with lots of charm. The staff were nice professional and friendly. It is not as high end as others but for the comfort and convenience to everything I'll stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Every thing was clean and staff was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Colin

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location was really amazing (many restaurants and good grocery store close by) and the vibe of the hostel was great, everyone was super friendly and fun to talk to. I had a private room and the mattress was unbelievably awful, felt every spring pop underneath me with every roll. Also, there were cockroaches :(
Stayed 6 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Travis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had to work at Snapdragon Stadium for 2 days. Im from Los Angeles. I booked for one night and it worked out perfect. I brought my own sheets and pillow and blanket. They have restrooms and kitchen . You.get what u pay for. $39.00 for 1 night. Ez money. They just need to change out there mattresses. Other than that. Good spot to rest ur head. I would come back.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cosette Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything went really well. Great staff. Hot breakfast every morning yummy.
Nice patios to sit and visit with other travelers.
Christmas morning I found 2 roses outside the Front door and kept them in my room. So lovely
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Monica

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
First, the good: The staff was really helpful and kind. The location was amazing, just a couple blocks from the convention center and right by the Gaslamp Quarter/5th Street. There's plenty of options for food and entertainment around, plus pharmacy, markets and bus stops. Breakfast is free: pancakes with syrup, cereal and milk. You can cook and have storage for your food, both in a pantry and in the fridge. There's a laundry room (but we didn't use it). The lobby has games, couches, TV and you can hang out. They give free bed sheets and pillows. Now, the bad: The hostel is VERY worn out. We stayed in the Korea Room, a private room with s bunkbed and a sink, and that's it. Window was almost falling apart. We saw a medium-sized cockroach one night near the sink and killed it. Beds were not good, thin spring mattresses (I could feel every single spring on my back). Bathrooms and showers are shared with other rooms. Towels are charged $3 each. Apparently, there's no AC in any room, but they had ventilators on the ceiling and a box ventilator. There's a balcony on the side of our room and people were talking loud on the phone and smoking, way past 10PM. Although it was cheaper than a hotel at that time, for us, the cost-benefit wasn't good.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ariane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ease of check in, friendly staff. Multiple bathrooms/ showers available , fridge & cooking available.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Jeffrey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Paid Parking is on the street in front of the hostel. It is currently free after 10pm until 10am, but only for Tuesday am or Thursday am. There is no parking there for Monday, Wednesday or Friday am for street cleaning. The staff are helpful and friendly. The room was mostly clean. There are a lot of business and restaurants nearby. The mattresses are terrible. They are thin metal springs covered with cloth.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It is a great spot the location couldn’t have been better. Staff were helpful and I had no issues with the room. It was quiet enough with the other guests present. Awesome bang for your buck!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Johnny Andrés Velandia

Liked: Amenities
The location is perfect, I think is better put the private toilet for every room.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Ok place nice staff. Needs a refresh badly. Carpets, mattresses, pillows all pretty gross. Pros, basic breakfast, warm shower plenty of water clean sheets.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Met expectations, on a quiet street in great area

If you ever stayed in a hostel before, this one seemed to be about middle of the road. The location is fantastic for attending conferences at the convention center, and Street it's on is very quiet and safe, so the best of the both worlds.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

July stay

Susie was great to deal with and very accommodating to our requests. The vibe at the place was tame but also the other guests were respectful and helpful. Great location and walkable to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brahim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location..clean place ...manager help full
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Luis

Disliked: Amenities
After staying at Samesun by OB, and HI Downtown, my expectations were to to find a similar hostel. For the price I paid for a private room, it met my needs, and expectations. I don’t know how the experience is for those sharing bunk beds with others. Staff was helpful, some not really friendly. About cleanliness, you can tell staff does the best of their capacities to keep the installations clean. It always smelled like floor cleaning product, and actually even better than HI Downtown. In the hallways and common areas, the urine smell that characterizes these old buildings was not as strong as in HI, it was actually almost imperceptible. The room overall was clean, I guess. Smell was strong inside, and air circulation is very poor and it felt very hot the hole time, as they don’t have A/C. They have a fan, but it pretty much was blowing/circulating hot air. When I removed the bedding and saw The pillow… oh my god. I wish I did not remove the pillow cover… it was stained terribly with something I don’t even wanna know what it is. I’m glad I bought a disinfectant spray and disinfected every corner and surface in the room. My biggest complain is: the showers have a thing to regulate the pressure, that really sucks, and the first night, when I went to take a shower, the water was literally DRIPPING from the shower head. I could not believe it. If you want to save money for a private room downtown on a busy weekend, it is an option worth considering, honestly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location. I liked the kitchen and refrigerator.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
James- the manager and staff were all very nice and really helpful accommodating & professional. Be sure to check out by 11am otherwise you can lose your $20 deposit
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Daniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Low price and proximity to the airport are the best features... but i get the sense that the owner/manager is committed to providing only the absolute minimum in terms of service, upkeep, maintenance, improvements, cleanliness...
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

PUREN UMRAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent.!

Resepsiyonist ADAM was very decent, responsible and careful for his job. He gave me the first impressions to be comfortable there. He explained every single detail carefully. I was amazed about this hotel disiplin and principles… I had a great time there.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful stay

I had to book this last minute trip and I booked it so fast that I didn't realize I added an extra person to my stay when I didn't need it. Chris and James were so thoughtful and offered to give me an extra night too stay for my mistake. I was amazed, their kindness and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. I'll come back for sure. The staff is kind and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Sylvia

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff & guests are friendly and keep to themselves. It’s a walkable location for shopping and nightlife too. However, the unsanitary conditions were too much. While I understand that this is an old property, that’s not an excuse for the general uncleanliness. There were layers of dust everywhere, completely stained mattresses, and pillows with holes too. This is a communal living space, practicing frugality, and that’s ok. It’s not ok to have a stack of filthy oven mitts in the kitchen though. I went into the bathroom and someone had sprayed disinfectant but didn’t bother to wipe it up with a clean cloth. They launder the sheets, but you also have to mop, dust, repair water damaged walls, clean the windows, and remove blackened carpet on the stairs too. Nobody deserves to sleep in filth no matter how cheap the room is.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Taylor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026