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RK Hostel

ee - (888) 406-7656
RK Hostel, 642 West Hawthorn, San Diego, CA -(888) 406-7656
Area: Downtown - Little Italy
(Map)
2.85
HOTEL RATING: 
OKAY
2.85 out of 5 (294 Ratings)
1.8 miles House of Blues San Diego
v7 mins driving
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 406-7656
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The Spotlight on RK Hostel

Budget-Friendly Basecamp for San Diego's Music Scene

Modern and laid-back, RK Hostel is a casual, social stay in the heart of San Diego. Just a short walk from downtown and top attractions like the Maritime Museum and USS Midway Museum, this 2-star hostel offers clean, simple accommodations with a communal vibe. With a central location less than a mile from the city center and only 1.2 miles from San Diego International Airport, it's a great launchpad for exploring the city's live music venues and late-night offerings.

Why Concert-goers love it

RK Hostel is just a 15-minute walk from the San Diego Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station, making it easy to arrive after a show or head out to your next stop. Being near downtown means you're never far from live music, and the hostel’s shared lounge and terrace offer a relaxed space to chill post-show. While check-in starts a bit later at 7:00 PM, the location and affordability make up for it, especially if you're rolling in from a day of travel or sight-seeing before the big event.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a social, wallet-friendly stay
  • Solo travelers chasing their favorite artists
  • Couples on a spontaneous concert weekend
  • Fans needing a quiet night with allergy-free rooms and communal spaces to decompress
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who want more money for merch and tickets

Food and Drink Options

While RK Hostel doesn’t have on-site dining, its central location puts you within walking distance of countless casual eateries, taco spots, and late-night snacks downtown. Stock up at nearby markets or bring your own – there’s a shared kitchen for guests who like to DIY meals or prep something quick pre-show.

Nightlife Options

You’re minutes from San Diego’s buzzing Gaslamp Quarter, packed with bars, lounges, and clubs. Whether you're in the mood for live acoustic sets, rooftop cocktails, or craft beer, it's all within easy reach. After a show, unwind at the hostel’s common areas or head out for an after-party downtown.

What People Say

Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere, clean facilities, and the walkable location to major downtown attractions. Many travelers love the social vibe and say it's easy to meet other music fans or fellow travelers. The free WiFi and terrace are also commonly praised.

Areas for Improvement

The later 7:00 PM check-in can be inconvenient for early arrivals, and since it’s a hostel, expect shared spaces and simple furnishings. Some guests mention that noise can carry depending on roommates, so pack those earplugs just in case.

The Bottom Line

RK Hostel is a budget-friendly, social spot in downtown San Diego that's ideal for concert-goers looking for location, community, and value all in one place.
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4
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7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
w
Non Smoking
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
Other Amenities
` Room Service
` Table tennis
` Heating
` Shared kitchen
` Shared lounge/TV area
` Adult only
` Designated Smoking Area
` Free Wi-Fi
` Picnic Area
` Sun Deck
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Board games/puzzles
` Key access
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` Process in place to check health of guests
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Free face masks
` balcony/terrace
` Daily disinfection
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
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RK Hostel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Okay (2.85 out of 5)

Write a review

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Alejandro Thu, 21 August 2025

It is what it is

Liked: For the location it was the cheapest place when I booked a month before. The woman at the front was really helpful and pleasant. Nice patio deck.
Disliked: The room was particularly small(not like I needed a ton of extra space but just keep in mind). The hot water took about 5 mins to get warm. There were ants on the bathroom floor coming from somewhere. No bathroom showers or hand towels and only one trashcan that was located in the bathroom. Really late check-in time compared to what other motels/hostels usually are, also parking is pretty tricky but I managed to find a spot right in front so just be on the lookout. So all in all if you just need somewhere to sleep and shower it will be sufficient but don't really expect much more than that.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Arnold Wed, 20 August 2025

Exceptional

Liked: Great staff.

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Jacqueline Wed, 13 August 2025

Disappointing

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Hannah Wed, 13 August 2025

Pleasant

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Robert Tue, 12 August 2025

Exceptional

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Michael Sat, 9 August 2025

Bad

Disliked: I’m an asthmatic and I booked a non-smoking room. However, when I arrived, the room was a mess with trash, and the one other guest had evidently been smoking. Given the health risk, I ended my booking early and left the next morning, though all of my clothes and bag stunk of cigarette smoke, so had to find a laundromat. Also, when I left, the other guest was sitting up on her bunk, slumped over, apparently on drugs. I had to book a much more expensive hotel at last minute. I have not received a refund from RK Hostel and they have not been responsive.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Robert Wed, 6 August 2025

Exceptional

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Singh Mon, 4 August 2025

Horrible Horrible Money Grab. Do...

Liked: Plus- Location.
Disliked: Minus- Place is a homeless shelter. Check in at 7 pm? Room smelled like dead rat. Security is non-existent. No wifi. They did not pick up the phone or replied to email. Spend $10 extra and get bed at another hostel nearby. Customer Service: when I complained about phone not being answered, I believe the manager became aggressive telling me to go find another place. The location is great but everything except that is bad. Who checks in at 7 pm? When I was at property at 6 pm. no staff at front desk. The room smelled like dead rat, bed was metal frame and squeaked all night with every turn.

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Anonymous Sun, 3 August 2025

Be careful if you really...

Liked: Located in between train station and airport, easy to access. Kitchen is big with all facilities.
Disliked: Check-in is very difficult, staff are not available at 4:30pm, you will not have a key to enter. The atmosphere inside is a bit strange.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Anonymous Thu, 31 July 2025

Exceptional

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RK Hostel 642 West Hawthorn, San Diego, CA
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