Hostel on 3rd
542 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6805
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About
#30 of 138 Specialty lodging in San Diego
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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Property amenities
Free parking
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Internet
Free breakfast
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
ATM on site
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Dutch, German
Location
Full view
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
248Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
90Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
542 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6805
Getting there
Santa Fe Depot12 min
Car HireSee all San Diego car hire
73Reviews1Q+A10Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviewsTripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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My buddy and I are J1 Work and Travel students travelling the US this August. We spent 2 months in Boston working before heading to the East coast. We picked this place because it was cheap and fell within our budget. Big mistake. Our room, which had one bunk bed and one fan, was disgustingly hot. I got virtually no sleep on the first night. The next day I asked for a second fan. This was dropped up to the room some hours later. Ironically, both fans were so ineffective what they actually did was spread the heat around the room more. On top of all this the shower temperatures ranged from warm to hot, so a cold shower in the morning could not save us. Halfway through our stay we decided enough was enough, checked out, and made our way to a motel with air conditioning. I would advise anyone who is about to book this place to really question what an extra few bucks in a place with air conditioning would mean to you. …
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Date of stay: August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This is probably the least expensive hostel in San Diego. I stayed there a few weeks when I visited from LA. The rooms are typical for a hostel, there's a nice, large lobby downstairs and free breakfast. They were only charging $25 a night when I stayed there. I would have rated them 4 stars but subtract 2 stars due to their inhumane rigid guest policies. I ran a food bank at a nearby religious temple for seniors, disabled homeless needing food, clothes and sometimes would try to arrange shelter. I and some other volunteers raised $$ for a homeless, senior lady to stay at the hostel. She was not on drugs and mentally competent. They refused to let her stay without ID. This type of rigid ID policy is ludicrous and it's always possible to evaluate people on an individual, case by case basis. This was literally, a nice, little old homeless lady that I just handed her the cash we raised for her since the hostel refused to admit her. Note: San Diego is full of criminals using fake IDs. This policy does not deter bad guests.…
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Location is good, that’s about it. The place is not maintained and not clean. Not safe, as my room had a window that was broken and intact solely with tape. It happened to be the window next to my bed! You will find cockroaches in the room, bathroom and kitchen. One of the guys in my room said he was a felon and his jail was cleaner than the hostel on 3rd, don’t stay here.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Where else could you stay in downtown San Diego for $28 a night? Having said that, you do give up some comforts and conveniences. You get very little privacy. There is only one bathroom that everyone uses so if you have to go really bad and someone is in the shower, you either gotta wait or find somewhere else. Sleeping can be a challenge. Besides snoring roommates, it's noisy outside. You will hear sirens, tires screeching and people shouting and blasting their music all throughout the night. They make you rent towels so bring your own if possible. If you have a rental car, like I did, parking will be an issue. Fortunately, in my case, the city was not enforcing parking restrictions when I stayed so I was able to park in front. The only option I think there is for parking is a parking garage nearly a mile away that was charging $30 a day. Finally, remember that pot is legal in California and you will smell it here. That may not bother you but if it does, I would stay elsewhere. Overall, for the price I paid, it was a good value. The people were friendly. It is an excellent location. You are only a few miles from Coronado Beach and the San Diego zoo. Lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance. I recommend it if you want to come to San Diego but you are on a tight budget.…
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I knew that for the price the hostal will be not the best but I never spected that the hostal would have bad smell urine all the time the bathroom had horrible smell, the shower was small and the infrastructure for all the hostal didn’t have a good manteinance. the room for 4 ladies was the minimum to be considerated clean it can be better, the kitchen I didn’t like the aspect wasn’t clean and the implements either. If you care about the clean and you want to sleep with a feeling that the bed is clean, and you want to feel that the bathroom is clean and the kitchen is clean this hostal is not for that. I had a very bad experience in the hostal. The only good thing is that the hostal has a good ubication.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I am like other reviewers on here, wondering where the 3/4/5 star review are coming from and what a person's expectations are. This is, by far, the worst hostel I have ever stayed in and I am a frequent traveler. First off, the management at this place is rude. They don't value you as a customer and it seems they go out of their way to let you know they only care about money. The phrase "the customer is always right" is non-existent in this place so I hope you never have a problem with your stay. They charge you a $20 deposit (unlike any other hostel I've stayed at) and they have a collection of rules and regulations that they bank on you violating so they can keep your deposit. Word to the wise, please take off the sheets and look at the mattress and the pillow that you intend to sleep on for the night. If that doesn't change your mind...you may like homeless shelters better. There is no heat in the winter and no a/c in the summer...just a vintage window with no screen, so I hope you like creepy crawlers and have repellent handy. The bathrooms are disgusting...please remember to bring shower shoes and do not-I repeat, do not sit directly on the seat. The old guy Chris at the front desk only smiles at the young foreign female staff (really creepy uncle type guy)--he will not show you any type of cordiality. Do not eat off those dishes in the kitchen and do not use that pancake batter that sits out from 8-11 AM. This place is populated with extended stay drifters and sometimes homeless people with vouchers. They have a really cliquesh vibe, so if you are not part of the in-crowd of staff or extended stay individuals; don't expect to be made to feel welcome here. The towels are washed in something other than detergent; same with the sheets. I would advise you bring your own. Sheets, blanket, towel, and pillow. I honestly don't know how this place has been able to remain in business. Someone should really send in the health inspector. If I could give negative stars here, I would. Word to the wise...stay away from this creepy place. spend the extra 15-20 bucks and go to a more welcoming and accommodating hostels. you have been warned.…
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled on business
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We booked a last minute cruise and needed a place to stay. "Normal" hotels were $300 and up, an insulting waste of money. This hostel was a great alternative, and can work for you, too, provided you have the right expectations. Think college --- with twin or bunk beds in separate rooms with the bathroom and showers down the hall, and a common kitchen and public spaces. Stairs, no elevator, carry your own luggage (they volunteered to help my roommate with a bad knee), clean sheets and towels provided by the desk, strip your own bed when done. The staff were friendly and helpful and the place was clean. Yes, there are some rules, but they deal mostly with a younger and (sometimes) less-traveled group of guests who don't necessarily know how things work or always how to conduct themselves. If you just behave like a normal traveler, none really apply, no hassles whatsoever. We were able to leave our luggage by the desk while we ran some errands the next morning. We paid $51 or $25.50 per person for a clean place to sleep...instead of $400. We were happy and would do it again.…
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
The hostel has a full kitchen with all the cookery needed to prepare a full meal. The rooms are adequate. The beds newish & comfortable. The common area is very large & open. The dining areas & back porch are also very nice. The Netflix is nice & it keeps eveyone occupied. Hostel on 3rd functions a lot like a Library Computer Lab actually. There are quite a lot of writers & programmers that stay here. You shouldn’t need onsite laundry, they don’t offer laundry & the laundromats are better than any hostel facility in town. The laundromats & grocery stores are 5 to 10 minutes away on foot. The Green Line is 5 minutes on foot & so is the convention center. The company you’ll keep at Hostel on 3rd is also great.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I rarely write reviews but feel compelled to write it this time. I don't want to get too specific but you know the idea. Problem 1: Smell of strong urine as soon as you open the main door. Looks like they rarely clean the bathrooms. Problem 2: James, the owner, literally scolded me (and probably his staff) in front of other customers at the front desk. I'm 45 years old and nobody deserves this disrespectful treatment. He must be depressed and anxious but should never lash out on other people. Solution: Run! Go to Hostelling International next door.
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Date of stay: June 2018Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This hostel is in the perfect downtown San Deigo location; their rates are comparable to other local hostels, but with added amenities. The lobby is huge, with hardwood floors, a laid-back vibe, and other young travelers. There is a cool, old-fashioned type kitchen, with breakfast supplies stocked. I met James, who works the front, and who is a kind, accommodating person. The only thing I would agree with another reviewer, was that the lobby could be lit up a bit more, and maybe a comfier couch, but other than that, no complaints. I stayed in spring, and it was fabulous. I would have stayed longer, but had to return home. Bummer. I want to return in the very near future. Thanks guys!
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: If you want fewer people in the room, verify upfront.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
US$80 - US$111 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan DiegoDowntown / Marina
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Hostel on 3rd
Which popular attractions are close to Hostel on 3rd?
Nearby attractions include The Shout! House (0.2 km), Murder N’ Mayhem (0.2 km), and Gaslamp Quarter (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hostel on 3rd?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Hostel on 3rd?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Hostel on 3rd?
Conveniently located restaurants include Richard Walker's Pancake House, Meze Greek Fusion, and Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.
Is Hostel on 3rd located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of San Diego.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hostel on 3rd?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, German, and Dutch.
Are there any historical sites close to Hostel on 3rd?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Mormon Battalion Historic Site (5.6 km), Whaley House Museum (5.5 km), and Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House (0.1 km).