RK Hostel San Diego

1.5 star property
Hostel with a rooftop terrace, a short walk to Waterfront Park

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for RK Hostel San Diego

Exterior
Balcony
Bar (on property)
Down comforters, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Bar (on property)

Reviews

5.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
642 W. Hawthorn St., San Diego, CA, 92101
  • Place, Port of San Diego
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Convention Center
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, San Diego Zoo
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

Basic Room (4 Beds)

  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

Basic Room, Private Bathroom (Female Dorm 6 Beds)

  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds

Basic Room, Private Bathroom (Male Dorm 6 Beds)

  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds

Single Room (1 twin Bed)

  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

Deluxe Room

  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in Downtown San Diego, RK Hostel San Diego is within a 10-minute walk of popular sights such as Waterfront Park and San Diego Bay. This 12-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and coffee/tea in a common area.

What's nearby

  • Port of San Diego - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • B Street Cruise Ship Terminal - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • USS Midway Museum - 1 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • San Diego Convention Center - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • San Diego Zoo - 4 min drive - 2.4 miles

Getting around

  • County Center - Little Italy Station - 10 min walk
  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 16 min walk
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Kettner Exchange - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Waterfront Bar & Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Postino - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Barbusa - ‬3 min walk

About this property

RK Hostel San Diego

Hostel with a rooftop terrace, a short walk to Waterfront Park
Guests of RK Hostel San Diego enjoy a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. Helpful staff is there to provide luggage storage, as well as offer insight about the area. Additional amenities include a computer station, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 46-inch TVs with cable channels. Beds sport pillow menus and down comforters. Free local calls and ceiling fans are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is not available.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • No housekeeping service

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Picnic area
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Down comforter
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 46-inch TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 7:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 10

Special check-in instructions

The property charges USD 3.00 for credit card payments
The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (9:00 AM - noon) and Friday - Saturday (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 18 and younger (only guests older than 18 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 10.00 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Late check-out fee: USD 10 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of USD 3.00

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 7:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your booking confirmation.
  • No alcohol is served at RK Hostel San Diego.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

RK Hostel San Diego
RK Hostel
RK San Diego
RK Hostel San Diego San Diego
RK Hostel San Diego Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
RK Hostel San Diego Hostel/Backpacker accommodation San Diego

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at RK Hostel San Diego?

RK Hostel San Diego provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at RK Hostel San Diego?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at RK Hostel San Diego on Oct 5, 2025 start from $33.41, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to see near RK Hostel San Diego?

This hostel is situated in Downtown San Diego within a 10-minute walk of Waterfront Park and San Diego Bay. You'll also find Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at RK Hostel San Diego?

No, there isn't parking at this hostel.

Does RK Hostel San Diego include a casino on the premises?

No, RK Hostel San Diego doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at RK Hostel San Diego?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at RK Hostel San Diego?

Couples staying at this hostel will value amenities like a down comforter, sea views in some rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace.

Are there hot tubs at RK Hostel San Diego?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does RK Hostel San Diego feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, RK Hostel San Diego doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will RK Hostel San Diego allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at RK Hostel San Diego though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at RK Hostel San Diego?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from RK Hostel San Diego?

The closest major airport to RK Hostel San Diego is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 1.9 mi away (8 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 11.6 mi away (17-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at RK Hostel San Diego?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at RK Hostel San Diego.

RK Hostel San Diego Reviews

Reviews

5.4
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 284 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 34 out of 284 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 45 out of 284 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 53 out of 284 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 97 out of 284 reviews

5.2/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Staff & service

5.8/10

Amenities

5.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

One of the worst places I've ever stayed at!

Front desk staff took literally half an hour to check us in! We were just standing around waiting for them to determined the rate for the room we booked online, while they made phone calls to someone else trying to figure it out. Then they ended up charging us WAY more than the online rate we were expecting! No parking available but we got lucky and found a spot on the street. Old, dilapidated building. Shower sprayed all over the bathroom, outside the shower stall. Horrible street noise from constant street traffic and large airplane traffic going right overhead all night long and through the early morning. No building sound proofing. No A/C. Had to keep the windows wide open, no screens on the windows. Noticed a transient sleeping in the hallway when we checked out in the morning.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Shreya

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Slow, wil
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

mark

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Only if your desperate

As a hostel, it lacks that certain kindred spirit I find at most every other hostel I’ve stayed in. Mainly, I suspect because it’s in a part of town that has the homeless element ever present. Just my opinion, I probably wouldn’t stay there again if I could make other arrangements. If it was my only option the only way I’d consider it was if it was cheaper than the $50 I paid. More like a $20 a night spot imho
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

brian

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liam

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lalaine

Liked: Cleanliness
Very accommodating receptionist and very comfortable beds. Our stay was safe and near to everywhere.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Not bad
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Logan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

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

A fixer upper

I stay in a lot of hostels, so I’m used to so “quirkiness” with the buildings and rooms, unfortunately this wasn’t the case at rk. Rather than a long story, here were the rougher aspects of my stay: - different check in times posted at different sites, I wasn’t allowed to check in until 7pm despite being in town since noon. Early check in request must be made a full 24 hours in advance, which seems tough for travelers driving or experiencing variable - a bowling ball sized hole was in my shower wall - dark stains on the sheets -watch resident scale a wall to enter the patio - room had a constant “rumble” where I could feel a constant shaking. I believe because it is above or below an ac unit or large machine All in all, when looking at staying here or another cheap motel in the area this was not worth the savings (about $15). It’s a great location, but the building clearly needs some work and the policies for guests are in need of improvement.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Janell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay at RK Hostel. Pleasant friendly staff. Affordable prices. It was nice quite and very peaceful. The room that I was in had beautiful paintings with good colour scheme. I enjoyed the fresh night breeze and opened windows. I look forward to staying again! Good job staff!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Ghassan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
You get what you pay for. The cleanliness is good but its the condition of the building that isnt which, especially in California, is an expensive thing for someone to pay for when the money they make is 30$ a night per bed. Bring shower shoes, the windows dont close, the bathroom door, at least the one in my room, is hard to close. Again, for what you pay for, this all isnt that bad.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Danzell

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
I seen cockroaches in my room on more than one instant I got bit by them around my elbows as well as the side of my butt. Outside of that the location seemed a little sketchy
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really liked that it had a community living room area, even though the tv (or rather the cable) wasn’t working. That area was nice and spacious. It had good size windows for natural lighting. One downside was that only one ceiling fan had a spot for a light bulb but there was no bulb and no other spots for lights in that area. I really like the community coffee pot. My friend and I donated some extra stuff that we had to the coffee area. The room that we were in was really big. It was clean and the beds were made and presentable. Clean sheets and blankets are always a great thing. I really enjoyed the two little couches. Super comfortable and cute. I really loved the HUGE shower. That thing was awesome. I liked the big round nozzle, it made it so the water would get all over you and not just concentrated in one spot. I didn’t like how, for some reason, only one bathroom downstairs worked. If one person was in the only working downstairs bathroom, and someone in a wheelchair or crutches or even elderly, they had to possibly wait a while until the other person got done. And sometimes with elderly they have a hard time holding onto their bowles. And I think that the hostel should provide maybe some hand sanitizer. Yeah I understand that they don’t want to put a bar of soap in there cuz of the spreading of bacteria or what have you. But a hand sanitizer would be very useful. All in all it was a great place to stay and I would definitely come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

AS

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

William, ELK GROVE

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There was nobody there!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Nathaniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I'm pretty sure it was a crack house.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Javier

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First and last time at a hostel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Got the single bed room. It was comfortable and was perfect for an overnight stay in San Diego. Extremely close to the airport.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Faustino

The bed was not comfortable, I found it hard to sleep
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

ALejandro

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy mal servicio no tiene luz en el baño tampoco tienen luz los contactos electrónicos
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024