What are the best hostels in Manila? If you’re thinking of traveling backpacking in the Philippines, this type of accommodation will probably suit you better. Here we’ll give you recommendations if you’re looking for budget places, well located, and where you can meet other travelers.
A few things to consider when choosing a hostel in Manila
We’ve selected hostels in Manila with 2 things in mind: their quality and location. The first goes without saying because none of us likes sleeping in a dive, no matter how cheap it is.
The second is something to take very seriously in Manila because we’re not talking about a small town or a mid‑sized city. The capital of the Philippines is a mega‑city of almost 14 million inhabitants and traffic is hellish. Add to that that public transport (except for buses and jeepneys) is almost non‑existent, so if you don’t want to spend a lot of time stuck in a jam, it’s better to choose a hostel in Manila located in a good area.
Which area to choose to book a hostel in Manila?
In Best hotels to stay in Manila we dig deep into the location question, but here we’ll take a more backpacker‑oriented perspective and select 3 areas for you:
- Poblacion – Makati: this is a lively neighborhood with lots of restaurants and bars, shops to stock up, and it’s located next to the Pasig River. The good part is you have a ferry stop very close by from which you can reach Intramuros for very little money. This is where the best hostels in Manila are located and where we recommend staying. Poblacion is about 40’ from the airport (without much traffic).
- Malate: another classic neighborhood in the city with a more local party vibe (heads up, it may not be for everyone, as it’s also known as a red‑light district). This is a good option for those who don’t want to go too far from the airport (allow 30’ by taxi with no traffic) and to be relatively close to Intramuros (40’ on foot).
- Airport: if you have an early‑morning flight. Around T3 there are more places to stay and you’ll find some restaurants and fast‑food joints. It’s not a pretty area, but if you’re going to be in the city for a short time, it can work well.
Where to book your backpacker hostel in Manila
We always use Booking to book hostels in Manila, but we always compare prices with Hostelworld and Agoda. We prefer the first because it’s more intuitive, usually has more options, offers plenty of free‑cancellation rates, and has good support.
In addition, something we value a lot when booking accommodation is reading other travelers’ reviews. In a hostel this seems even more important to us, mainly for 2 reasons: safety and rest. If, like us, you travel with a camera and/or laptop (among many other things), you’ll surely care that they have a good locker. In our case, if we read any comment about theft or sketchy goings‑on, we discard that hostel.
On the other hand, you already know that it’s a bit hard to get 100% rest in shared rooms, so we like to read other backpackers’ opinions on the topic in case it’s a “party hostel” that’s too party. And let’s not even mention dreaded bedbugs—if we see any review about that, we rule it out.
Comparison chart of the best hostels in Manila
| ACCOMMODATION | AREA | RATING | PRICE/NIGHT |
| BEST HOSTELS MANILA | |||
| Lub d Makati | Makati – Población | 8,6 – Fabulous | From $15 |
| Z Hostel | Makati – Población | 8,5 – Very good | From $17 |
| OYO 821 Connector Hostel | Makati – Población | 8,8 – Fabulous | From $25 |
| CHEAP HOSTELS IN MANILA | |||
| 1 River Central Hostel | Near Población | 7,6 – Good | From $9 |
| Snoozeph | Near Malate | 8,6 – Fabulous | From $6 |
| HOSTELS NEAR MANILA AIRPORT | |||
| NoMadsMNL Backpackers Homestay | Airport (near T2 and T4) | 8,6 – Fabulous | From $20 |
| JCP Room Rentals | Airport (near T3) | 7,3 – Good | From $15 |
The best hostels in Manila
There are more and more quality hostels in Manila, but here we’ve selected 3 that we find most interesting for you—places where you can rest, but that also offer good value for money.
All 3 are located in the Poblacion area, in the Makati district. This is a very safe part of the city and we think it’s a good combination to enjoy Manila life and have access to the historic Intramuros area without overthinking it.
$$ Lub d Philippines Makati
The Manila branch of this Southeast Asia hostel chain is perfect for both backpackers and digital nomads, since it has common areas that even include meeting rooms (finally Wi‑Fi that works well!). Those traveling without a laptop can also enjoy pool tables, a mini‑cinema, and a pretty decent café/restaurant.
As for the rooms, you’ll be glad to know they’re very modern and cozy. You can choose between double and quadruple rooms and the well‑equipped shared dorms, which have bathrooms and lockers.
In short, a good option for solo travelers as well as families, friends, or couples who want a well‑located hostel in Manila where they can meet people but also rest, since we can’t label it a “party hostel.” It’s our favorite in Manila and, for that reason, we’ve dedicated this exclusive article to it: Sleep at Lub D Makati.
$$ Z Hostel
If what you want is to socialize, don’t think twice and book this hostel in Manila. Also located in Poblacion with access to dozens of restaurants and bars around, the highlight here is the rooftop bar with nice views, where great parties kick off thanks to free cocktails from 18:00 to 19:00. Plus, the hostel organizes activities and neighborhood tours as well as group dinners.
You can choose between a double room or a shared dorm for 4, 6, and 8 people—mixed or female. All of them have en‑suite bathrooms, lockers, and a very handy shelving area. The beds are comfortable and have the typical individual reading light and outlet. Breakfast is included in the price and it’s pretty decent.
Book your bed at Z Hostel Manila
© Z Hostel Manila
$$ OYO 821 Connector Hostel
With a score of 8,5 based on other travelers’ reviews, you have little chance of going wrong if you choose this hostel in Manila. Like the previous ones, it’s located in the Poblacion area, so there’s little more to add in that sense. What we do highlight are its cozy dorms with beds featuring individual lights, outlets, and curtains for greater privacy. They also have en‑suite bathrooms, air‑conditioning, and fans.
As for the common areas, they’re very pleasant, with a large space that works both for coffee and drinks, plus an outdoor section with good views of Manila. We highlight a photogenic wooden jeepney for Instagram addicts.
While this Manila hostel has a calmer vibe, it’s ideal for backpacker couples or families who want to feel a bit at home because the staff are lovely and will help you with everything they can.
Book your bed at Connector Hostel Manila
© Connector Hostel
Cheap hostels in Manila
The hostels we mentioned above have great value for money, but if you need something cheaper, here are a couple more options. Pay close attention to the location and assess whether it’s worth it because getting around the city on public transport is pretty cumbersome and you’ll have to invest time and money (unless you pay for a taxi or Grab). Check out these cheap hostels in Manila:
$ 1 River Central Hostel
While it’s not in as “cool” an area as the ones above, this hostel in Manila is in a good location to spend a few days and visit several spots in the city. It’s very close to Guadalupe MRT station (train) and the ferry stop of the same name. The latter will take you to Intramuros very easily. Poblacion, Rockwell, and BGC (the last two are among Manila’s poshest neighborhoods) are also nearby.
The hostel itself isn’t pretty, but it has mixed and female dorms with 4 and 6 beds with lockers (heads up: you need your own padlock) and air‑conditioning. Each bed has an individual light and is a bunk. The issue? If you’re used to sleeping with blackout shutters, you should know quite a bit of light gets in and sunrise is early here. It’s also located on a street with a lot of traffic, so it can get a bit noisy.
Why do we recommend it? For its price, its location, and how lovely Eve, the owner, is. It also has a terrace that’s not bad for meeting people, with beers at supermarket prices. A cheap hostel in Manila for those who want to save.
Book your bed at 1 River Central Hostel
© 1 River Central Hostel
$ Snoozeph
Did we mention it’s also super clean and about 30’ on foot from Intramuros? Sure, the location isn’t as ideal as those in Makati, but if you don’t need to go out partying and don’t mind being farther from the airport, it’s a great alternative.
You’ll find private single rooms and spacious shared dorms for 8 people with lockers. Heads up: as in many places in the Philippines, there’s no hot water, so you’ll have to take a refreshing shower. It’s a fairly new hostel, so there’s still a bit to finish off. Even so, for this price you can’t ask for much more.
© Snoozeph
Backpacker hostels near Manila airport
If you arrive late in Manila or you have an early flight the next day, it might be more convenient to stay near the airport. Keep in mind the terminals are somewhat spread out from each other, so it’s worth double‑checking which one you need because traffic in this area can also be a bit congested.
A heads‑up: in this part of the city there are hardly any hostels. There are more small guesthouses with very cheap single and double rooms. For that reason, we’ve selected one of each. Here are the best hostels near Manila airport:
$$ NoMadsMNL Backpackers Homestay
More than 800 travelers have weighed in and given this hostel near Manila airport a score of 8,6— not bad at all! One of the keys is the owner, Monique, a charming woman who will make your life easier in the mega‑city.
The house has single rooms, double rooms, and shared dorms. The latter are quirky, with an attic‑style layout that makes you feel almost alone. Don’t expect big luxuries, but do expect cleanliness and lots of friendliness. All rooms have air‑conditioning. In addition, there’s a small common area with a kitchen.
This hostel is located more specifically near T1 (international flights) and T2 (domestic flights). T4 is 3 kilometers away and T3 is 7 kilometers away.
Book your hostel near Manila airport
© NoMadsMNL Backpackers Homestay
$ JCP Room Rentals
We end our selection of hostels in Manila with this guesthouse near T3 (10–15’ on foot), one of the most used for domestic flights and other destinations within Asia. While it’s not a hostel, it’s a budget option to have a private room. It’s a quiet area with lots of shops and restaurants around in case you don’t want to go to other parts of Manila.
Joy and Joel, the owners, make you feel at home, but consider it’s more of a place just to pass through because the rooms are very basic and the furniture isn’t exactly modern. A heads‑up: if you run hot, it’s better to book the “deluxe” rooms with air‑conditioning because the others can get a bit oven‑like.
© JCP Room Rentals
Other hostels in Manila that might suit you
If the ones we’ve mentioned aren’t quite your thing, here are 2 hostels in Manila that may also interest you:
- InnSpired Hostel PH: halfway between the airport, Intramuros, and Manila, this hostel in Manila has an interesting location if you’re going to travel around the island of Luzon. It’s next to the Buendía bus stations, from where buses leave for destinations such as Taal, Baguio, Banaue, or Batangas (Puerto Galera). It’s brand new and has double and quadruple rooms (beds with curtains), as well as a neat little terrace for socializing. You’ve got everything nearby: restaurants, pharmacies, supermarkets… Book here.
- Malate Adriatico Street K&A House: located on a quiet street in the lively Malate neighborhood, they have quadruple rooms, but the ones most worth it are the doubles with shared bathroom. Clean, with a small common area with a microwave and kettle. From $17 per night—handy for those who want nightlife and to be relatively close to Intramuros. Book here.
© InnSpired Hostel PH
Map of hostels in Manila
To help you locate them at a glance, we’ve created this map with the best hostels in Manila:
We hope we’ve helped you choose your hostel in Manila. You already know the city has been our home, so we’ve created lots of content about it:
Best restaurants to eat in Manila
Any questions or suggestions? We’ll read you in the comments.
