The Best Budget Hostels in Punta del Este, Uruguay

A two-block walk from Playa Brava Beach, RocaMar Hostel is run by a welcoming staff. While rooms are on the cozy side, you can spread out and make new friends over a cocktail at the decked patio bar. Where you save on rooms, you can splash out on dinner walking into town to Lo de Tere, one of the best seafood restaurants in Punta.

While Del Barcito is tucked into the high-rise city, Mansa Beach and OVO beach club are just a short walk away. Depending on your budget, book into a dorm with a shared bathroom or a private room; both are vibrant and comfortable. Communal spaces are ample and include a large kitchen and games room with a ping-pong table.

A stone’s throw from Montoya Beach, Hostal de la Barra is an elegant place to stay. Choose from rooms offering garden views or lofts with a private deck overlooking the ocean; breakfast is included. Top La Barra restaurants including Fish Market are within walking distance.

F&F Hostel is run by young people, for young people – so expect socializing and parties, especially during high season. It’s a three-storey house with private and shared rooms, a garden with a barbecue and swimming pool, a bar and a shared kitchen. It’s located right on Brava Beach – good for surfing – and just a few minutes from the city center.

The Trip is conveniently located right in the middle of the peninsula, in the city center, two blocks from the main bus station and from Brava and Mansa Beaches. The young locals that run the hostel go out of their way to make sure you’re enjoying your stay, providing a fun atmosphere conducive to meeting people. It’s a good place for a drink, too: either at the bar, the barbecue areas or on the rooftop terrace, which has occasional live music.

Spend a relaxed vacation here, sleeping in comfortable rooms and dining on hearty breakfasts with seasonal fruits. Amble in the beautiful garden terrace before going for a stroll or renting a bike to explore the city. Don’t miss La Mano (The Hand), a sculpture by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal on Playa Brava, a 10-minute walk from the hostel.

La Barra is a trendy spot on the far east end of Punta del Este, home to surf breaks and a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s here Negrita Hostel sits, with unfussy and minimalist private rooms and dorms (including female only). There’s a big garden with chairs, a barbecue and sail-like hammocks. Breakfast is included, and other meals are available on request.

This hostel is a complex of four houses surrounded by gardens, located right across from Playa Mansa. The bar area is large, flowing through to the outside terrace and garden, where you’ll also find a barbecue space. It offers shared dorms of two to 16 beds, and private suites. The staff can recommend a variety of activities and places to explore on both sides of the peninsula.

Tas D Viaje sits in the heart of Punta del Este, three blocks from the main bus station and one from the main thoroughfare, Gorlero. The atmosphere is young and social; head to the bar or barbecue, both great places to chill and make friends. The shared and private rooms are spacious and comfortable, with fans, air conditioning and thick mattresses.

Just 100m (300ft) from the beach, this hostel has splendid views of the ocean and the marina – head to the common area to enjoy them while meeting your fellow guests. There are private and shared rooms with ensuites, plus a handy kitchen should you wish to rustle up a quick meal before heading out. Just two blocks away is the main strip of Gorlero, with restaurants, pubs and clubs.