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Compare 16 Hostels in El Cajon with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Memory foam beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

"I liked the common area more than my bedroom"

AED 292 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Apr - 4 Apr

"Everyone I encountered was incredibly nice, welcoming and helpful. Distance-wise, this was a great place to stay if attending a conference at the Convention Center. I felt very safe as a single woman travelling alone. This was my first experience in a hostel, and I was not disappointed. Will definitely stay in HI locations in the future! The real downside of this location is the excessive loud noise because of its location. Unfortunately there’s not much the hostel can do about this other than...

AED 382 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

Standard Quadruple Room, Mixed Dorm | Shared kitchen facilities | Fridge, microwave, stovetop, toaster

"I super enjoyed my stay here! Everything about Gaslamp hostel is great. There could be healthier breakfast food options available (i.e. choices with no sugar added). I appreciated the beverages provided throughout the day. Loved the location, hostel activities, and international staff and visitors. Overall, this is a well run facility. I was concerned about the exit step down not being marked. I appreciated being able to wait in the lounge for check in. Since I had not slept the night...

AED 497 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Apr - 14 Apr

Bed In 8-Bed Dorm | Free WiFi, bed sheets

"This hostel is very nice and clean. They have a spacious common area and it is located next to the beach. They have a farmer’s market every Wednesday on their street and it was one of the best markets I have ever been. All the staff are very friendly and helpful! Def will come back to stay here whenever I’m in San Diego."

AED 398 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Apr - 14 Apr

"I had a great couple nights stay at this hostel, I’ll definitely be back!"

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

"Overall good stay "

AED 320 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

"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 "

AED 309 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

"First hostel turning age 60 soon!! Loved it! Great space! The only problem was that a Bay Arean who was exiled with her grandkids in San Diego Cty from 2016-24, left in 2024 and is now back for 3-4 weeks and then will head back home to the Bay was not able to continue staying due to ID with SD county address. Total shame and exclusionary. I get that it’s an industry standard but it would have been great to continue on! Great kitchen!! Great amenities! Staff was great! Recommend!!! "

AED 447 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Apr - 9 Apr

Deluxe Studio | Premium bedding, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

"This was super fun. Great location in the middle of it all. Comfortable bed. Nice room. Could use a chair and side table. "

AED 525 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

"This is a hostel, so if you want 4 stars go somewhere else. The property could use quite a bit of TLC, but the linens and rooms were clean. The staff were awesome and the overall vibe of the hostel was exactly what I hoped and more. The staff do fun nights and simple meals. Overall I really enjoyed my stay. "

AED 512 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Apr - 21 Apr

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom (2 Beds) | Shared kitchen | Fridge, microwave, cookware/dishes/utensils

"The place is packed with tons of kool art "

AED 378 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Apr - 5 Apr

"Not bad"

AED 317 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually decorated, soundproofing

"The chocolat chip pancakes peanut butter in the morning were a real treat. Old fashioned almost wild west decor. Nice hangout lounge. Good wifi. Bathroom facilities minimal. One night staff member seemed to have personal problems, made me uncomfortable. Daytime staff friendly and helpful. Excellent location."

AED 269 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

"The staff is super friendly and attentive to your needs. Great little spot in a convenient location. Would definitely stay here again."

AED 276 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

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Other property types in El Cajon

Deluxe Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Bay View (QueenBed) (Self Check-in with Virtual Front Desk) | Balcony view

"Overall excellent stay. Can't wait to go back. "

AED 1,177 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Apr - 3 Apr

"This was such a nice hotel! Staff and guests were all super kind! It was super easy to check in and out. The room itself was very clean and cute. I would definitely consider staying here again if I come back"

AED 412 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Apr - 14 Apr

"Best ever, I will always book here from now on"

AED 897 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Apr - 9 Apr

Recent reviews of El Cajon hotels

5/5 Excellent

"It’s really nice comfortable place."

A verified traveler stayed at Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Posted 6 hours ago

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

5/5 Excellent

The nicest service, but noisiest stay ever.

"We were upgraded to a waterfront suite when I mentioned that my wonderful daughter with a high level of needs and autism could be enthusiastic and maybe a little loud for neighbors. I think they send a lot of the family over to the waterfront suites? This was a nice upgrade because it had a balcony view of the marina and I didn't mind that my daughter could be loud. Speaking of loud, it was not my daughter that was so loud. It was the sound of the traffic outside the door all night long. We could hear sirens and traffic and there was a wedding going on when we stayed there so we also got to hear the noise of the celebration. Thankfully I always pack ear plugs! They were kind enough to provide extra pillows. When I asked about room service they said they do not have it. This made me sad because mobility is limited with my daughter and we had to walk quite a distance to the lobby, most people would only find it to be about a 2-minute walk, but it took a while for us. When I ordered Uber Eats I was trying to get it delivered to the door and they delivered to the lobby. I called the lobby and explained that they do not offer room service and it would take us a while to get there and if they would hold on to it. And by the time I got my daughter's shoes on, there was a knock at my door delivering the food we ordered. That was really nice service and totally made our morning before SeaWorld that much better. The service at this hotel is wonderful. They are accommodating."

A verified traveler stayed at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

Posted 23 hours ago

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in El Cajon?

Good weather’s definitely a plus when you’re discovering new places, so here are some stats that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 72°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for El Cajon is 13 inches.

What is there to see and do in El Cajon?

In general, El Cajon is known for its cafes, breweries, and golfing. Major attractions include San Diego Zoo, Mission Bay, and Petco Park. Get out into nature with places like Lake Jennings, The Water Conservation Garden, and Balboa Park. Cultural attractions include The Magnolia, Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center, and Knox House Museum.

What's the best way to get to and around El Cajon while staying at a hostel?

Keep this information about transit options in El Cajon in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field), located 2.2 mi (3.6 km) away from the city center. An alternative is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 10.5 mi (16.9 km) away. Once you’ve arrived, you might want to use public transit during your trip. You can take advantage of metro transit at El Cajon Transit Center Station, Arnele Avenue Station, and Gillespie Field Station.

Search Hostels in El Cajon

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Check prices for these dates

Compare 16 Hostels in El Cajon with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Stay Classy Hostel

HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel

Gaslamp Hostel

Samesun Ocean Beach - Hostel

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach

Hostel on 3rd

California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach

La Ventana

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel

Lucky D's Hostel

RK Hostel San Diego

International Travelers House Adventure Hostel

PodShare San Diego - Hostel

ITH CoLive Little Italy

Other property types in El Cajon

Kasa Little Italy San Diego

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hill

Recent reviews of El Cajon hotels

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

Lafayette Hotel & Club

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

Comfort Inn Sea World Area

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Sheraton San Diego Resort

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Frequently asked questions