6 best hostels in Boston

If there’s one thing that locals and tourists can agree on about Boston, it’s that the capital of Massachusetts is one of the world’s most beautiful cities boasting stunning ocean views and magnificent architecture. A hub for American historical sites, Boston is a lovely destination to discover the past, with numerous Freedom Trail sites and a mix of Irish pubs and historic taverns.

If you’re visiting Beantown and looking for a way to save on accommodation, why not consider a hostel in Boston? If you’re unfamiliar with hostels, they typically provide dorms, offering a more community feel than a hotel room, which can be lonely sometimes, especially for solo travelers. You can also join group activities and meet new people. For introverts or anyone who prefers their own space, pay a small amount and get a private room.

Since everyone has different needs, this guide introduces some of the best hostels in Boston for all types of travelers, their benefits, and their typical price points. And if you’re looking for a safe space to restore your belongings during your trip, you can take advantage of the Bounce luggage storage service in Boston. Bounce also often partners with hostels and other businesses, including shops and restaurants, allowing visitors to explore the city without burden.

HI Boston Hostel

Nested in the city center at 19th Stuart Street, the Hostelling International (HI) Boston Hostel offers accommodation with the best deals. It’s housed in a renovated historic building near the Freedom Trail, the scenic Boston Common, and other famous destinations. around Downtown Boston. It’s also just a short metro ride from M.I.T. and Harvard.

For guests who like their privacy, HI Boston Hostel has a private room with an ensuite bathroom for up to two occupants. Alternatively, this Boston hostel has more cost-effective options with standard, economy, and premium dormitories, accommodating four, six, and eight people, respectively. However, if you’re traveling in large groups of more than eight, HI Boston Hostel requires booking through the Group Sales department. Rest assured, all the amenities your group needs will be provided, such as free Wi-Fi, water-saving showers, laundry, towels and bed sheets.

What makes HI Boston Hostel unique

The HI Boston Hostel is ideal for traveling in groups, whether for a school trip or a private tour. Besides the accommodation, the hostel is near many renowned Boston sites and public transportation stations. If you don’t know which part of the city to explore, HI Boston Hostel’s friendly staff is happy to recommend attractions for your self-guided tours.

HI Boston Hostel pricing

At this Boston Hostel, you can stay in a male- or female-only dorm. Spending a night in a dorm means incredible savings, with rates starting from $84.25 per person, depending on the season and demand. For private rooms, the rates start from $297.00 per room a night. Also, watch out for deals, as the hostel often offers low rates, free cancellation within 24 hours, and no pre-payment required.

Boston Homestel

If you’re searching for a budget hostel in Boston, look no further than Boston Homestel in the Theater District. It's a warm and cozy European home-style short-term accommodation, so you'll feel home away from home. After a five-minute walk from the hostel, you’ll find the train station and a few more steps ahead, you’ll reach bustling Downtown Boston. You can also quickly get to the South Boston beach on foot and other famed attractions in Massachusetts’ capital.

Although Boston Homestel is relatively smaller than other hostels in Boston, you can book various rooms here. This includes private and shared accommodation with up to four guests, which can be mixed or female-only.                                                                                                      

What makes Boston Homestel unique

When looking for cheap hostels in Boston, Boston Homestel is undoubtedly one of the best options for budget-conscious travelers. First, the rooms come at the lowest rates, so just from that, you already get to save money. Also, although you can book economically, you still get a high-quality service. It’s also near many grocery stores, bars, and famous sites, so you may reduce your transportation expenses by staying here. Plus, staying here comes with tons of freebies, including access to free Wi-Fi in all rooms and free tea and coffee all day.

Boston Homestel pricing

Book early because rooms at the Homestel fill up fast. You can stay in a mixed-gender room for five to six people for approximately $45.00 per night or a female-only dorm for female travelers for the same price. For couples who want a private room, the standard rate is around $99.00.

Backpackers Hostel & Pub

Drive a few miles from Downtown Boston to discover Boston’s favorite hostel. Backpackers Hostel & Pub may not be the biggest and most luxurious hostel in the city, but no other Boston hostel can compete with the comfort and amenities of this authentic backpacker’s hostel. You can find it at the heart of the city’s historic district at Everett, amidst many iconic landmarks. Specifically, it’s a walking distance from the Wellington MBTA Subway, Encore Casino, and Gateway Shopping Center.

Backpackers Hostel & Pub offers a variety of shared dormitory rooms, which can be female-only, male-only, or mixed. Each comes with free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, air conditioning, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, and an ensuite bathroom shared by the dorm occupants. While this is more cost-effective, it doesn’t offer the same privacy as the private rooms.

What makes Backpackers Hostel & Pub unique

Many want to travel but are restricted because of their budget. Besides the expenses for the tour, there are other costs for accommodation, transportation, and food, among many others. With Backpackers Hostel & Pub, you get the lodging you need without taking too much from your overall budget, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. There are also attractions nearby, so you can have fun without traveling too far.

Backpackers Hostel & Pub

A spacious, modern private room for you and your partner costs about $199.00 a night. If you want the social aspect of traveling and don’t mind sharing a room with strangers, you can opt for a shared dorm for about $61.00 per night.

The Farrington Inn

Perfect for young travelers, The Farrington Hill is another affordable lodging option in a vibrant and diverse area in Boston. You only need to walk from this small guest house to various restaurants, bars, and local shops, giving you plenty of places to explore and things to do during your stay. It’s also near many world-renowned universities like Harvard, Boston University, and M.I.T., and a few miles from the downtown area, Harvard Square, and Fenway Park.

The rooms at Farrington Hill may not be as extravagant as the ones in luxurious hostels, but they are clean and affordable. You can book a space that can fit one occupant or stay with your small group of four for a reasonable price. If you stay for more than five days, you’ll be given a room with a small kitchen or at least kitchen access to prepare your meal.

What makes The Farrington Inn unique

Since Farrington Hill is a guest house, it’s more welcoming and offers a more private atmosphere than most large hostels downtown. It can also provide the same convenience, comfort, and cleanliness, but you get all these benefits cheaply. You’re even near trendy shops and other attractions in Boston, so you can get the fun you want without traveling far and spending a lot on transportation. All these traits make The Farrington Hill one of the best hostel choices for young travelers on a budget.

The Farrington Inn pricing

The rate of rooms at the Farrington Inn changes throughout the year, starting at $49.50 in the winter and about $99.00 in the summer. For instance, you need to pay around $89.00 if you want to stay in a single room in July for one occupant with a shared bathroom and $159.00 for a triple room.

FOUND Boston Common

Set in a beautifully restored late-19th-century building, FOUND Boston Common is located in the heart of Downtown’s Theater District, making it an ideal base for sightseeing. It offers a lovely combination of modern features in a historical setting and is committed to hospitality and cleanliness.

FOUND Boston Common is perfect for families, digital nomads, and explorers planning extended vacations. Besides the private rooms, it boasts spacious shared rooms and community spaces for a fun social experience. They have comfy bunk beds for backpackers and road-trippers who want to meet new people and connect with like-minded guests.

What makes FOUND Boston Common unique

With its location in the middle of everything, FOUND Boston Common will get you close to the city’s nightlife bars, dining places, and famous hotspots. You can tour the Freedom Trail, discover history and art, and delve deep into its vibrant food scene.

FOUND Boston Common takes cleanliness seriously. After a long day of exploration and discovery, guests can have peace of mind knowing they will come home in a warm environment. All common areas, including the communal kitchens, laundry, and public bathrooms, are also cleaned thoroughly and sanitized.

FOUND Boston Common pricing

The rates of rooms at Found Hotel Boston vary, depending on the time of the year, so expect to spend more during the peak summer season. The standard rate of a bed in a shared quad costs about $84.00 per night and $229.00 for a single room with a twin bed.

Prospect Place Bed and Breakfast

Prospect Place Bed and Breakfast is greater Boston’s best-kept secret. It’s nestled in the heart of Cambridge, so you’ll have to 12 minutes from downtown Boston to get to your accommodation. Once there, you wouldn’t need to leave, with restaurants, cultural activities, shopping, and world-class museums just minutes from the front door. It’s also near the MBTA subway and bus lines.

Once you enter the suites and guest rooms at Prospect Place, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. They reflect the colorful past of the New England Civil-War ear home, featuring classic archways, marble fireplaces, antiques, retro items, oriental rugs, lace curtains, and more. Guests will fall in love with the inn’s refined and sophisticated atmosphere.

What makes Prospect Place Bed and Breakfast unique

There are many things to love about Prospect Place Bed and Breakfast. Besides its charming interior and long history that will give you a taste of the past, you can enjoy modern amenities, a complimentary breakfast, and a spacious living/music room for relaxing, reading, and socializing. Plus, it is close to many of Boston and Cambridge’s fascinating sites and hidden gems worth uncovering.

Prospect Place Bed and Breakfast pricing

For a serene and cozy retreat in an intimate room, guests may pay between $189.00 and $230.00 a night. You can have a double bed, an antique vanity dresser/sink, a writing desk, and a dual marble shower at this price.

This differs from the Boston hostels, where you can choose from a private space or a dorm. Expect to pay a higher price for privacy, ultimate comfort, and a warm, homey vibe in a super convenient location.

Experience maximum comfort in budget-friendly Boston hostels

No matter your budget or accommodation requirements, the best hostels in Boston have everything for your needs. Stay in a shared dorm and make new friends or book a night in a quiet, private space; no matter your choice, you’re guaranteed a good night’s rest. Many of the city hostels are also a short distance from restaurants, eateries, bars, shopping centers, museums, and other famous spots you don’t want to miss during your trip.

When planning a trip to Boston, you’ll want to learn more about the capital and what it has to offer. In that case, you’ll enjoy reading our guides Best Time to Visit Boston: The Ultimate Guide and 3 Days in Boston: Everything You Should Know.