The Best Backpacker Hostels In America
America: The third-largest country in the world by land area, with over 9 million square kilometers to enjoy and explore! Whether you're spending a few days backpacking in the wilderness near a new city, or are on a cross-country road trip and doing some backpacking while on your way, America is one of the friendliest countries to backpackers—and if you're looking for a cool place to stay and relax for a day or two, here are some of the best backpacker hostels in America.
A note that all pricing included in this article is accurate as of October 2024.
HI Boston Hostel, Boston, MA
The Hostel International Boston Hostel is a great place to stay if you plan to explore the city for a few days. You'll be given a free walking tour and breakfast during your stay there. There are also female-only and male-only dormitories, or private rooms with your very own en-suite bathroom. Located in the heart of Boston, you'll find easy access to all of the tourist attractions you could wish for.
Rooms at the HI Boston aren't cheap, starting at $82/night.
The Brooklyn Riviera Hostel, Brooklyn, NY
While there are other hostels in New York, the Brooklyn Riviera is worth a look. With pricing starting at $61/night and with separate male and female dormitories on offer, the Brooklyn Riviera can provide an option to those staying in NY on a bit of a budget.
The Local Hostel, New York City, NY
The Local Hostel offers one of the best views in New York, right from its rooftop patio! Offering either a private quad room, a private double/twin bedroom, or a fully accessible room with a roll-in shower, The Local Hostel ensures you don't miss out on experiencing New York.
There's even a downstairs café that becomes a bar after 7 pm, with plenty of the surrounding area to see and stuff to do that's either cheap or free. Although pricey (it's New York) at $86.50/night, The Local Hostel has that 'small place' feel in the city that never sleeps.
Soloviova Liudmyla, Shutterstock
Sweet Peas Hostel, Asheville, NC
The Sweet Peas Hostel offers multiple different room types, so no matter what you need, they'll be able to accommodate you—from their 16 bunk beds to 24 pods to two private rooms and a large studio room. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the hostel, along with a fully equipped kitchen space and a coin-operated laundry.
Rooms at the Sweet Peas Hostel begin at just $32.00/night for a bunk bed.
Duo Nomad DC, Washington DC
Just five minutes from the US Capitol, the Washington Navy Yard, and the Library of Congress, Duo Nomad DC is the perfect place for the traveling digital worker passing through. The social room in the hostel has plenty of seating areas and a huge 42-inch flat-screen TV. There's a large shared kitchen area with utensils, including a microwave and a fridge—although, no food is to be eaten in the accommodation areas.
Duo Nomad DC rooms start at $64/night for a mixed dorm.
eKstasis Hostel & Urban Farm, Atlanta, GA
Ever thought about staying on an urban farm? No? Well, if you're traveling to or through Atlanta in the near future, why not give eKstasis Hostel & Urban Farm a try? Located about 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, the eKstasis Hostel offers allergy-free rooms, a shared kitchen, cookware and utensils, as well as a sun terrace for guests to use, a garden area and a leisure room.
Bunk beds start at $43/night in this bargain beautiful setup outside of Atlanta.
Boston Homestel, Boston, MA
The Boston Homestel is located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, equipped with a full kitchen in private rooms and a spacious garden in the summer. While larger spaces such as private rooms are intended to be used for small families, a single bed in a mixed dormitory will cost you $71/night.
There's free parking nearby and you can easily explore Dorchester and the surrounding area on foot, or make use of Boston's public transport system.
Freehand New York
Experience NYC like never before while staying at Freehand New York. Located inside the former George Washington Hotel, Freehand New York features stunning rooms with bespoke artwork by commissioned students from the local college. There are either dorm-style mixed accommodations available, or a private room. All rooms at Freehand feature a private en-suite bathroom. There's also a restaurant and bar led by Gabriel Stulman's Happy Cooking Hospitality, a premier restaurant group from West Village.
Explore Manhattan's Flatiron neighborhood whilst being only a couple miles from the center of New York City. Although rooms here are pricey—$300 per night—you do get one of the best accommodation experiences in NYC.
Tdorante10, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Apple Hostels Of Philadelphia
Located on Bank Street in Philly, Apple Hostels of Philadelphia is one of the best hostels in Pennsylvania and is the place to be if you like a bunch of free events to attend (staff put on a different event most weeknights) and meeting new people is your jam. With a mix of male-only, female-only or mixed dorms, and a few private rooms, all rooms come with clean linens and free tea or coffee—the hostel doesn't even charge you a booking fee to your credit card!
Starting at $45.12/night, you can't beat Apple Hostels of Philly for affordability!
HighRoad Hostel in Washington D.C.
You will indeed take the high road in Washington's HighRoad Hostel, as there's plenty of freebies to entice you—how does free dinner nights on the patio sound? If you're not into eating at the hostel, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore nearby. Or, you can head to the large common area where a real fireplace can make for a cozy spot to cuddle up with your favorite book.
For a shared mixed dorm room, you can expect to pay about $72/night.
Hostel Detroit In Detroit, MI
Ran by a non-profit organization, Hostel Detroit is a community hostel that's housed inside a quirky 100-year-old building with plenty of character. Just like the staff and people who frequent Hostel Detroit, it promises a bubbly and uplifting atmosphere, complete with comfortable beds and a mixture of people and cultures from all over the world. Staffed by both locals and visitors, Hostel Detroit will give you an unforgettable experience year-round.
At the cost of just $43.84 per night for a mixed-use dorm, there are no hidden fees when you book. The price you see is the price you pay!
Freehand Chicago
Located in a building that dates back to 1927, Freehand Chicago is in the city's River North neighborhood, also home to the city's theater. While you're surrounded by all of the arts, culture and history you could ever wish for, there's plenty to do inside the hostel as well. You can hang out in the common areas where yoga sessions take place, or there's sometimes live music in the evening. Hungry or thirsty? There's an in-house bar and café available too.
A bed in a four-bed mixed dormitory is $41/night. There are also private rooms available for $169/night, with a double bed.
The Nashville Downtown Hostel
Whether you're there for the country music history or simply to experience the capital city of Tennessee and couldn't care less about country music, the Nashville Downtown Hostel promises a fantastic experience. Fully renovated from an old candy warehouse, the Nashville Downtown Hostel can now accommodate up to 300 guests. There's an always-open community kitchen and tea and coffee are free. There's also a shared lounging area.
If you're looking for the music city center, that's within walking distance. The Nashville's proximity to everything and the huge accommodation space makes it a must-visit hostel if you're traveling through Nashville.
The Crash Pad In Chattanooga
Another Tennessean Hostel worth visiting is the eco-friendly Crash Pad in Chattanooga. While built out of a former hotel space, The Crash Pad has maintained its hostel nature by providing inexpensive accommodations, while still giving you all of the amenities and a community atmosphere. You're never far from adventure at the Crash Pad, as there are nearby biking and hiking trails to explore, along with an ongoing events scene.
The Crash Pad in Chattanooga costs start at $69.00/night.
Rock Hostel, Miami
If you're looking for a budget-place to stay without much fuss nor frills in Miami, Florida, then the Rock Hostel is the place to be. Located just steps from the beach and only 1.5 miles from Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, as well as only 12 miles from Miami International Airport, the Rock Hostel is located perfectly. Each room has its own fridge, microwave oven, and kitchenware for your use. This 124-room hostel also comes with en-suite bathrooms including bathtubs and showers.
Prices for a stay at the Miami Rock Hostel start at $71/night.
LightField Studios, Shutterstock
The Quisby Hostel, New Orleans
Known simply as The Quisby, this vibrant hostel is located in the Garden District of NOLA, mere feet from the restaurants, bars and cafes that make New Orleans a special, historic place. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom and there's a bar downstairs that's open 24/7! It's located in a historic hotel that was completely transformed into affordable traveler accommodations in 2016.
The Quisby Hostel's lowest price is $41/night per person for a bunk in a mixed dorm, but they only have availability beginning on January 5, 2025!
Firehouse Hostel, Austin TX
Wouldn't it be cool to sleep in an old firehouse? Well, at the Firehouse Hostel in Austin, Texas—you can! A mixture of four- and six-bed dormitories, including a female-only option, the Firehouse Hostel also features separate male and female bathroom facilities, with private showers and bathrooms. There is also a private room with a private suite available for family sleeping.
At its cheapest, you'll find a mixed-dorm bed available at the Firehouse Hostel for $36/night—the perfect low-budget option for the traveler through Austin.
Wild Wild West Backpacker's Hostel, Dallas, TX
Located between downtown Fort Worth (30 minutes away) and downtown Dallas (20 minutes away), the Wild Wild West Backpacker's Hostel, featuring a shared common area and nine-bed bunk rooms, with full use of a stove, fridge, and microwave. The best part is that the Wild Wild West Backpackers' Hostel is inexpensive—at just $31/night.
Ember Hostel, Denver, CO
The Ember Hostel in Denver might be one of the swankiest hostels you'll ever stay in. Located in an enormous 9,000 square foot mansion, the Ember Hostel is one of the premiere hostels in the United States and the winner of 2020 Best Hostel in the United States. Staffed by your fellow travelers, featuring mixed dorms and individual rooms, including a stunning 12-person jacuzzi (that's free to access), the Ember Hostel may be the place you go to kick back and relax.
There's also an outdoor fire pit, luggage storage, guest laundry, and free tea and coffee. At $124 per night, staying at the Ember Hostel at the moment isn't cheap, but you're allowed a certain amount of luxury when you're traveling—why not make it at the Ember Hostel, against the beautiful backdrop of Colorado's Rocky Mountains?
Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hostel International Seattle, Seattle, WA
Time for a trip to the other Washington to experience the beauty of Seattle from the comfort of the Hostel International (or HI for short) Seattle. As with most hostels, there's a self-catering kitchen, along with vending and free tea and coffee on offer. There's also laundry facilities on-site and a common area and games room. Located mere steps from Seattle's many transportation systems, HI Seattle is the perfect introduction to the beauty of the West Coast.
Rooms are available at the HI Seattle from $50.70 for a mixed-dorm bunk.
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
HI Portland Northwest Hostel, Portland, OR
The HI Portland has undergone significant renovations in recent years, transforming it from a small, 36-bed hostel to a sprawling 6-building complex featuring 160 dorm-beds, 32 private rooms, and two full apartments. This might be one of the best places to experience a hugely diverse hostel life, with an on-site café, an outdoor barbecue, and a fully-equipped indoor kitchen. There are communal pasta nights and a free breakfast!
For those looking to stay at the HI Portland Northwest Hostel, you can expect to pay $38/night for a mixed-dorm bed.
Aloha Surf Hostel, Maui, HI
The Aloha Surf Hostel is perfectly located on the shores of the Ho'okipa and Kanaha beaches, providing some of the best surfing in Maui—and a great place to fly a kite if you're traveling with young ones! Offering both private and dorm rooms, the hostel staff offer free tours of Maui, and there's a free breakfast each morning, as well!
The rates for a dorm room are $56.15+tax per night, jumping up to $163.50+tax per night for those looking for a private room.
Green Tortoise Hostel, San Francisco, CA
Offering both shared dorms and private rooms, the Green Tortoise Hostel is the hub for socializing with your fellow travelers in San Fran. Cheap nightly events like live music and a free breakfast each day, as well as an open-23-hours kitchen, you're sure to love the Green Tortoise. You're also not more than 15 minutes from Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Colt Tower, and many more stunning attractions. There's also a free sauna on-site!
Starting at just $35/night for a mixed dorm, the Green Tortoise is an ideal spot for those looking to save money on accommodations in San Francisco.
California Dreams Hostel, San Diego, CA
Located a minute from the beautiful beaches of San Diego, and two minutes from public transportation and local supermarkets, the California Dreams Hostel at Pacific Beach will have you California Dreamin'. Walk the iconic California Boardwalk, or hit the beach immediately and catch some of the best west coast waves. You can also rent a bike at our front desk and experience the coast differently.
Starting at $39.90/night, the California Dreams Hostel is fantastically priced for a visiting traveler.
Bokehboo Studios, Shutterstock
Samesun Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Located right in the heart of Hollywood, the Samesun hostel is centrally located to provide film fanatics and movie buffs with an easy place to stay to access some of their favorite Hollywood sites like the Hollywood Sign or The Walk of Fame, within stepping distance of the Chinese and El Capitan Theaters. Or if getting outdoors is your thing, there's a hike to Runyon Canyon not far from the Samesun Hollywood, that will give you a stunning view over Los Angeles.
Starting at $35.40/night, spending a couple of days at the Samesun Hollywood is imminently affordable and the perfect spot for a weary traveler or film fanatic to sleep at night.
Fotoluminate LLC, Shutterstock
Banana Bungalow, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Another shout for a Hollywood hostel, this time for the Banana Bungalow in West Hollywood. It might be one of the most sought after hostels in all of West Hollywood, with it's many free amenities, such as: free breakfasts, social events, tea and coffee all-day, billiards tournaments, movie nights, shuttles to other hotels and events and so much more. Offering either private rooms (with a budget option), or dorm rooms (with a budget option), the Banana Bungalow is definitely one of the best hostels in L.A.
With rates starting at $28/night for a bed in a dorm, there's nothing to not love about the funky, hip Banana Bungalow.
Bokehboo Studios, Shutterstock
Cloudcroft Hostel, New Mexico
One of the finest hostels in New Mexico was once an abandoned property until 2006. Located 6,700 feet up into the Sacramento Mountains, on 28 acres of land. If you love the outdoors, then the Cloudcroft Hostel is the best place to be when visiting New Mexico—in either summer or winter!
With dorm rooms available from $35/night and a private room for only $65/night, you're spoiled for choice as to how much privacy you want, without spending too much more for it.
Base Camp Anchorage, Alaska
Centrally located in Anchorage, Alaska, Base Camp Anchorage is a short gander to Anchorage's plenty restaurants, bars and cafes. The hostel itself offers a sauna, cozy indoor and outdoor common areas and check out the extraordinary float tank on offer at the hostel: experience weightlessness in a unique experience.
Dorm rooms are available from $45.00/night.
Wanderstay Houston Hostel, Houston, TX
The Wanderstay Houston Hostel offers both private and shared spaces, giving you both flexibility for when you want to be social and the seclusion of a private room. Starting from $53.00 per night, the Wanderstay Houston Hostel is the perfect place to start your discovery of south Texas. Forty minutes drive from NRG, a five-minute drive from Minute Maid Park and Discovery Green, it's the perfect lift-off spot for your Houston adventures.
Hostel International Chicago, Chicago, IL
Another shout for a Hostel International location in the HI Chicago. A huge building featuring six floors of accommodations, the "Instagram-worthy" guest lounge also includes a pool table, free breakfasts, an on-site café and luggage storage on-site. Offering either 10, 8, 6 or 4-bedroom dormitories, or private rooms and centrally-located mere steps from public transit or landmarks like the Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park or the Skydeck at Willis Tower.
If you're visiting Chicago this summer, then another hostel more than worth your while is the HI Chicago, with rooms starting at $41/night.
Edvard Nalbantjan, Shutterstock
ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, San Francisco, CA
Another amazing hostel in San Francisco, in the case the other one we've mentioned earlier is full, is the ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel. Located in the center of downtown Chinatown, there's a huge social atmosphere inside the ITH Pacific Tradewinds, from local biking tours to musical jam sessions, yoga and more!
A bed in a mixed dorm at the ITH Pacific Tradewinds is around $43/night.
Billie's Backpackers Hostel, Fairbanks, AK
If small and charming is more your jam, then Billie's Backpackers Hostel in Fairbanks, Alaska will certainly fit the bill. Run by a family, spearheaded by Billie), she's been running the hostel since 1991 and provides a fun environment to launch all of your Alaskan adventures from. Providing a place for a hot shower and a warm bed, Billie also provides tent space, bicycles (if available), the use of a shared kitchen space, and Aurora viewing in the winters or Midnight Sun parties in the summers.
A dorm bed begins at $39/night, but private rooms are also available from $105/night.
Key West Hostel, Key West, FL
The vibrant Key West Hostel in Key West, Florida offers either a private motel room or a dormitory hostel room and is located three blocks from Duval Street, where world-class shopping is available. Hemingway House and the Lighthouse Museum are only seven blocks away, while the southernmost point in the US lies just five blocks from the hostel door.
Dorm rooms begin at $66/night, meanwhile a motel room will set you back $118/night.
Pietro Valocchi, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Phoenix Hostel & Cultural Center, Phoenix, AZ
Located in downtown Phoenix, AZ, the Phoenix Hostel & Cultural Center is built to accommodate either a party of one, or a family of four. Each of their private rooms can host up to four people. The hostel also doubles as a cultural center and hosts many events, live music and talks throughout the year. For those looking for a central location to experience the best of downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Hostel makes a great launching pad.
Rooms are available at the hostel from $54/night.
LightField Studios, Shutterstock
Auberge NOLA, New Orleans, LA
One of the most budget-friendly hostels in the United States is the centrally-located Auberge NOLA, featuring free nightly social events, free luggage storage, WiFi, public computers and printers and an outdoor courtyard with a barbecue area, the Auberge NOLA is the place to stay if you're looking for a party—and/or are trying to save money in New Orleans.
All rooms in the hostel are private with an ensuite bathroom. Rooms for only $22.40/night make the Auberge one of the least expensive overnight stays in the country, cheaper than some campgrounds!
Nauti Otter Inn, Seward, AK
Located in stunning Seward, AK, where nature is right on your doorstep, the Nauti Otter Inn is one of the most unique hosteling experiences in the country. Alongside offering rooms at the Nauti Otter Inn—both private rooms and dorm-style bunks, the Nauti Otter also offers stunning Mongolian Yurts for those who want to do some glamping, or a rustic cabin or a retrofitted 1960s campervan.
Close to stunning seafood restaurants and staggering views of Alaska's natural beauty, the Nauti Otter Inn offers rooms starting at $57/night.
Hostel Hell In Los Angeles
While the above are some of the best hostel experiences you'll ever have in the United States, there are a few "hostels" that you may want to avoid if you're traveling to—or through Los Angeles. Unauthorized hostels have been popping up all over L.A. and are located in residential neighborhoods (not allowed under city bylaws, where they can only operate in high-density neighborhoods like Chinatown). Some "hostels" in L.A. have become places of excessive partying and drinking, keeping residents up at all hours of the night.
Los Angeles councilwoman Heather Hutt anticipates there may be as many as 30 hostels operating illegally in the city.
