Hostel Habibi, San Diego ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

416 University Avenue, San Diego, California, United States, 92103

Hostel Habibi offers a combination of affordability and convenience for travelers in San Diego. Located near the University of San Diego and the San Diego Convention Center, it provides easy access to key city attractions. The hostel features a range of amenities aimed at creating a comfortable stay for guests. Unique aspects include a communal kitchen for meal preparation and a terrace showcasing scenic views.

Location

Situated within a few miles of various attractions, Hostel Habibi is less than a 10-minute drive from Mission Bay and Balboa Park. The hostel is conveniently located 3.5 miles from Seaport Village and is also close to the USS Midway Museum. Transportation options include a roundtrip airport shuttle and a train station pick-up service, with San Diego International Airport just 6 miles away.

Rooms

The hostel comprises 11 guestrooms equipped with essential amenities, including convenient microwaves. Each room is designed to offer a comfortable and efficient space for guests. Air conditioning is provided to ensure a pleasant environment. Shared facilities include bathrooms that enhance the hostel's communal atmosphere.

Eat & Drink

Guests can prepare their meals in the shared and fully equipped communal kitchen. This amenity allows for flexibility in dining, catering to various dietary preferences. Additionally, the hostel is located within walking distance of grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Market, facilitating easy access to supplies. Dining options outside the hostel are also readily available in the surrounding area.

Leisure & Business

Hostel Habibi provides convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access and a television in the lobby for guests' entertainment. Featured facilities include a computer station, luggage storage, and laundry services to support longer stays. There is also a hair salon on-site, adding to the array of available services. The terrace offers a space for guests to unwind and enjoy the views.

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

San Diego 2.4 km

Airports

San Diego International (SAN) 5.7 km

El Cajon (CJN) 23.2 km

Train

Coaster Santa Fe Station 3.6 km

Santa Fe Depot 3.7 km

Bus

Bus stop100 m

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Relaxing Spa Day

“The spa treatments were rejuvenating, and the tranquil atmosphere made for a perfect escape.” view full review

Comfortable Stay

“The room was impeccably clean, and the bed provided unmatched comfort for a great night's sleep.” view full review

Accessible Amenities

“The accessible bathroom was thoughtfully designed, making our stay comfortable and worry-free.” view full review

Impressive Shower

“The shower had really good pressure and the temperature was just right, making for a refreshing experience.” view full review

General

Free Wi-Fi

Room features

Air conditioning

Location

416 University Avenue, San Diego, California, United States, 92103

Map view

416 University Avenue, San Diego, California, United States, 92103

City landmarks

Zoo

San Diego Zoo

2.7 km

Museum

San Diego Museum of Man

2.0 km

Park

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

3.5 km

Museum

San Diego Natural History Museum

2.2 km

Museum

USS Midway Museum

4.1 km

Bridge

Spruce Street Footbridge

1.2 km

Museum

Marston House Museum

840 m

1350 El Prado At the San Diego Museum of Man

California Tower

2.1 km

Hillcrest

1.2 km

Store

Whole Foods Market

680 m

422 W Washington St

Lazy Acres

670 m

Museum

San Diego Air & Space Museum

2.5 km

Museum

Fleet Science Center

2.4 km

Museum

Mingei International Museum

2.2 km

Museum

The San Diego Museum of Art

2.1 km

Museum

Museum of Photographic Arts

2.2 km

1003 University Ave

Ace Hardware

650 m

Museum

J.A. Cooley's Automotive Musuem

1.6 km

Museum

San Diego Automotive Museum

2.4 km

Botanical Garden

Botanical Building

2.1 km

Museum

Timken Museum of Art

2.1 km

Museum

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

2.3 km

1770 Village Pl Balboa Park

Spanish Village Art Center

2.1 km

120 Upas St

Glassblowing San Diego

880 m

Museum

Maritime Museum of San Diego

3.3 km

Park

Old Trolley Barn Park

2.4 km

Museum

San Diego History Center

2.3 km

1350 El Prado Balboa Park

Plaza de Panama Fountain

2.1 km

Public Building

Port of San Diego

2.1 km

Nearby

Gallery

Creative Crossroads

210 m

Restaurants

Bronx Pizza

390 m

111 Washington Street

Peet's Coffee & Tea

150 m

350 University Ave

Alexi's Greek Cafe

120 m

3863 5th Ave

Dumplings N More

90 m

3865 5th Ave

La Vecindad

160 m

3827 5th Ave

Einstein Bros. Bagels

170 m

420 Robinson Ave Ste B

Pho Fifth Avenue

190 m

3807 5th Ave

Goi Cuon

170 m

420 Robinson Ave

Kona Coffee Co

140 m

3995 5th Ave

Fiesta Cantina

240 m

142 University Ave

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

64%

liked the hotel and would stay again

6.4/10

Nice

Rooms

6.0

Location

8.8

Service

7.0

Dining

6.2

Henry

United States, March 2025

7.4/10

I had a really nice stay at Hostel Habibi overall, but there were some bumps along the way. The location is perfect, with so much to explore nearby, and the staff was super friendly and helpful. However, the A/C in my room became an issue at night, making it uncomfortable for me at times.

Rooms

7.0

The dorm beds are comfortable, and I loved having my own room in the suite. The only downside was that the A/C would shut off at night, making the top bunk pretty warm.

Service

9.0

The staff really made my experience enjoyable. They were attentive and provided great recommendations for places to visit around San Diego.

Location

10.0

The location couldn't be better! It's just a short bus ride to downtown and close to Balboa Park, plus there are tons of shops and restaurants nearby.

Dining

7.0

The hostel has a small kitchen that's sufficient for basic cooking, and there's a grocery store close by for any supplies you need.

Facilities

7.0

While the facilities are limited, they are clean and everything works well. The showers open directly into the common area, which didn't bother me, but it's something to consider.

Pat

United States, March 2025

6.2/10

I had an overall pleasant stay at Hostel Habibi, but it wasn't without its drawbacks. While the bed was comfortable and the location was fantastic, the shared bathrooms lacked privacy and the initial check-in experience was quite frustrating. Despite these issues, the friendly staff and the cozy environment made it enjoyable.

Rooms

7.0

I stayed in the Bonnie and Clyde room, which had a comfortable bunk bed and plenty of outlets. The huge windows were a nice touch, but the air conditioning could be extreme at night.

Service

9.0

The owner, Vaughn, was incredibly friendly and personable. He really made my stay feel special with his welcoming attitude.

Location

9.0

The hostel is perfectly situated in the heart of Hillcrest, making it easy to access nightlife and activities nearby.

Dining

6.0

While I didn't use the kitchen much, the small size made it manageable despite limited cooking supplies.

Facilities

5.0

The shared bathrooms were awkwardly designed for privacy, but the showers were decent. I felt comfortable using the space overall.

Ian

United States, March 2025

6.2/10

My stay at Hostel Habibi was a mixed bag. On one hand, I appreciated the central location in the lively Hillcrest area and the cleanliness, especially after a wild night. On the other hand, I faced several issues with check-in and overall service that left much to be desired.

Rooms

5.0

The room was really small and not as depicted in the photos. It's hard to feel comfortable when you're packed in like sardines.

Service

5.0

The staff was hard to reach during check-in, and I got no help when I had issues. It seems like they weren't really interested in assisting guests.

Location

8.0

The hostel is in such a fun area with plenty to do nearby, which definitely made things easier for exploring. Can't beat that vibe!

Dining

5.0

While there were some snacks and drinks available for cheap, there weren't any real dining options on-site, so I had to venture out for anything substantial.

Facilities

5.0

The facilities left a lot to be desired. The bathrooms weren't clean, and I found bugs, which was such a turn-off.

John

United States, December 2024

5.4/10

I had a disappointing stay at Hostel Habibi. The location was great, but the service was lacking and my personal belongings were mishandled. The room setup was confusing, and overall, I felt that my privacy was not respected.

Rooms

5.0

The accommodations were not in the condition as advertised. I was moved without consent, and my belongings were improperly handled.

Service

5.0

The staff did not provide adequate support. they appeared careless and dismissive when I raised my concerns.

Location

8.0

The location was perfect. close to shops, restaurants, and Balboa Park.

Dining

6.0

The kitchen was small but adequate, with a grocery store nearby for fresh products.

Facilities

5.0

Some facilities were acceptable, but cleanliness was an issue throughout the hotel.

David

United States, December 2024

6.8/10

I had a mixed experience at Hostel Habibi. The location was perfect, close to downtown and Balboa Park, perfect for exploring. However, I found some issues with the facilities and service that detracted from my stay. Overall, I would consider returning, but with cautious expectations.

Rooms

6.0

I stayed in a suite with bunk beds, which was clean and comfortable, although the A/C was inconsistent and the rooms lacked windows. I appreciated having my own space despite minor discomfort.

Service

7.0

The staff was friendly and attentive to my needs, especially when I asked for help with the A/C. However, there were inconsistencies with booking that could be improved.

Location

9.0

The location was fantastic, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and just a short walk to Balboa Park. It took me about 45 minutes to get to the beach, which was well worth it.

Dining

7.0

There’s a grocery store nearby, and the kitchen facilities, although small, were adequate for basic meal prep.

Facilities

6.0

The shower facilities opened directly to the kitchen area, which felt odd at times, but I didn't encounter major issues. Overall, the hostel is still under decoration, so I look forward to seeing it once it's fully done.