Time to explore Boston. And, of course, you need a roof above your head. Let us help you: here are the best hostels Boston offers.
Stay at the coolest Boston hostels – forget hotels. Join tours and be amazed to discover amazing things about Boston that make it one of the best cities in the USA.
Your Shortcut:
- Boston Homestel - best for Families
- Backpackers Hostel & Pub - best for Backpackers and Friend groups
- HI Boston Hostel - best for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Aside from being Massachusetts’ largest city and home of the oldest public park in the United States, also known to be a city of firsts, welcome to Boston.
The hostel world is pretty impressive here!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- want to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
We got a variety of the best hostels in Boston, USA, for you to stay in. From solo travelers and small groups to party travelers, we got it all for you!
Hot off the press: 45 best hostels in the USA
We even found a great place to stay in Boston for families.
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Boston
The average price for a bed: Hostels in Boston cost 18€ – 29€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 60€ up to 120€ per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Hostels in Boston MA vs. Hostel Somerville MA: Whether you’re looking for a youth hostel in Boston or a Boston hostel cheap enough for your budget, we recommend staying in a Boston hostel downtown.
FYI, Somerville is around 8km from Boston hostels downtown, which is where all of the hostels in this guide are found.
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in Boston are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Boston.
- Boston Homestel – best for Families
- Backpackers Hostel & Pub – best for Backpackers and Friend groups
- HI Boston Hostel – best for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads
We put all accommodations on the map, incl. our own tips for restaurants, things to see, and more.
We put all three accommodations on the map; you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | HI Boston Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | HI Boston Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | The Envoy Hotel , Autograph Collection |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | HI Boston Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Boston Homestel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | HI Boston Hostel |
| 👯For Groups: | Backpackers Hostel &Pub |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Backpackers Hostel &Pub |
1. Boston Homestel
The Boston Homestel is nestled in Dorchester and is only three kilometers from some of the city’s main attractions, such as the University of Massachusetts Boston and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
The hostel has a total of 20 rooms.
Private rooms have a double bed and sleep up to three people (including up to two children). Shared rooms take the form of co-ed dormitories with bunk beds.
And if it happens to be that you are traveling with your fur baby, this hostel is just the perfect place to stay since the hostel accepts pets – sweet.
Amenities you can use during your stay at Boston Homestel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Garden – perfect for summer
- Nearby free parking
Location: Dorchester is one of Boston’s largest and most diverse neighborhoods and a center for LGBTQ life.
The hostel is 11 km from Logan Airport and 6 km from Freedom Trail, Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
However, there is public transport. Take this as an extra cost into account.
Within the neighborhood, you can visit locations like the Strand Theater and Franklin Park Zoo. Dorchester has a thriving business district, Fields Corner, with numerous local shops and restaurants.
This is one of the best hostels in Boston for
- Families
- Small Groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Backpackers Hostel & Pub
Backpackers Hostel & Pub is our top Boston hostel for backpackers and friend groups.
This Boston hostel has the following facilities:
- FREE Breakfast
- Common Lounge
- Game Room (with Pool tables)
- Bar
- The owner drives guests to the train station when needed/available.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
This accommodation has both dorms and private rooms that are pretty spacious and come with ensuite kitchenettes.
The overall atmosphere is very social and fun, with travelers often spending time at the on-site bar with affordable drinks.
But don’t worry about noise or too much energy, as the bar closes early to ensure that guests won’t get annoyed by the noise.
Note that Marijuana is legal in Massachusetts and that there is a local dispensary nearby.
Location: A 15-minute walk to Wellington Station, where you’ll find the Orange line, which links to most of Boston’s famous attractions. Boston’s craft beer district is a 10-minute walk away, with various distillery options, bars, pubs, food trucks, and live music on the weekends. Restaurants, cafes, and bars surround the area.
If you’re interested in visiting Salem Ma – the witch capital – the Chelsea commuter train station, which has direct access to this town, is a minute away from the hostel.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
- Friend groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. HI Boston Hostel
Located only a few steps from Boston Common and the Freedom Trail and only a short metro ride from Harvard and M.I.T., HI Boston Hostel puts you right at the heart of the city.
Private rooms have a double bed and en-suite bathroom. Shared rooms six 6, 7, and 8 people with mixed as well as male/female separate options.
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Breakfast
- Washer/ Dryer (laundry)
- great for bikers – they have bike storage and bike rental
There is a common area with a pool table where guests can relax and get to know each other.
There is a café on site to grab a bite to eat or something to drink, or you can venture out to one of the many eateries in the Boston Common.
Location: HI Boston Hostel is only a short walk from the Boston Public Library, Fenway Park, and Faneuil Hall.
The hostel helps guests to take advantage of its central location by providing free walking tours that will teach about the old and new of what Boston has to offer.
HI is the best Boston Hostel for:
- Solo Traveller
- Backpacker
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Comparing all 3 Top Hostels in Boston
Here is an overview of our handpicked top hostels in Boston. In this chart, we compare the main facilities and things to expect.
It will help you to make a decision.
| Boston Homestel | Backpackers Hostel & Pub | HI Boston Hostel | |
| Recommended for… |
|
|
|
| Kitchen | Yes | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Free (Super Fast) | Free (Good) | Free (Good) |
| Breakfast | Simple Breakfast (extra) | Simple Breakfast (included) | Simple Breakfast (included) |
| Location | Ok (3km to downtown in South Boston) | Accessible (near various transportation options) | few walks to downtown |
| Special | Pets AllowedPrivate Parking
Kitchen Facilities |
Very friendly atmosphere and cool bar! |
Fun, Backpacker Hostel (social hostel!) |
| Activities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lockers – and safe? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Facilities for disabled guests | No | No | Yes |
| How to book? | Hostelworld | Hostelworld | Hostelworld |
This information can vary by season and availability. Please take this into account.
What about the cheapest hostels in Boston?
Looking for a cool cheap hostel Boston has to offer? Of course, there are always cheap hostels and hotels in Boston.
We think it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoestring budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Boston.
- Open Hostelworld with a full list of budget places to stay in Boston
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Make sure you use the other filters and rank per price. Also, keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight into what to expect.
Read here our guide on how to book hostels with Hostelworld.
We did have a look on your behalf and found two cheap hostels in Boston worth a mention:
- The Farrington Inn – old fashioned building with a choice of private rooms
Best Hostels in Boston for Solo Travellers?
What is the serious, best hostel in Boston for solo travelers?
Aside from having easy access to public transit, HI Boston Hostel is just a 10-15 minute walk to just about anything you would like to visit in Downtown Boston.
The hostel offers private rooms that have ensuite baths and television.
During your extra time, you can also look for a new favorite book and read it at their library, rent a computer or play with other guests and play pool at the hostel’s playroom.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Boston
Hello, party lovers out there!
Let’s cut to the chase and introduce you to…
The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection
First things first: This is a hotel and much more expensive than the backpacker’s bar above.
If you’re up to a classy style hotel and a great party experience of your life, The Envoy Hotel Autograph Collection fits that description perfectly.
Only one place in Boston offers a roof deck bar open all year round – even in winter, where you can have an igloo experience.
Imagine that? An igloo in the city of Boston? Only in The Envoy Hotel.
The night is young. Grab your drink and have the greatest party experience of your life.
The hotel is located in the Waterfront District, where party travelers enjoy the party, the harbors, and the seafood. The hostel also has its own restaurant and fitness center.
What’s more interesting is that Logan Airport is only 3 km away from the hotel and 600 meters away from Washington Monument.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
UNIQUE Hostel in Boston
How about staying in a Boston boat hostel? It’s totally possible, and people say it’s a unique experience not to be missed!
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships offers a Tall Ship Overnights opportunity in downtown Boston.
You’ll get to stay on a working tall ship in one of their cabins.
Note: this is available from June through mid-September.
They book quickly, so what are you waiting for?
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Found Hotel Boston Common
If you’re going to Boston hoping to see some theater, then Found Hotel Boston Common may be the place for you since it is in the Theater District of Boston.
Do not let the name fool you; you can sleep in a mixed dorm here!
Private room configurations can sleep up to four people and have private washrooms, complimentary toiletries, and a television.
Shared rooms have bunk beds with curtains for privacy, personal outlets, small shelves, and private washrooms but they are not available for Boston residents.
Found Hotel gives you free access to the following:
- FREE wifi
- Washer/Dryer
- Microwave
The Found Hotel’s biggest attraction is its centrally located, which puts guests within walking distance of Boston Common.
The staff will help you arrange tickets to shows and tours at the city’s heart.
Location: Located in the city’s Theater District, this hostel is easy to reach from the airport and train station and puts you close to many of the city’s landmarks.
The hostel is within walking distance from Beacon Hill, Copley Square, Fenway Park, the Boston Tea Party Ships, and Harvard Square.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Booking.com is the biggest and safest platform for hotel and hostel reservations. Their cancellation policy is one of the best, normally 100% refundable until 24h before the stay.
Hostelworld is also super safe and the biggest booking platform for hostels.
On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected, and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostels. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
-
-
- Boston Homestel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Found Hotel Boston Common: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- HI Boston Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection: Booking.com
-
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Boston. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always in your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
All 3 Hostels put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below we list all three best Boston hostels on a map.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
-
-
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- STRAND THEATRE
- Freedom Trail
- Faneuil Hall (NRHP)
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
-
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
Where is the best place to stay in Boston?
D'uh, that's easy; Boston Homestel. Skip back up to the beginning to get a better idea of why we deem this the BEST hostel in Boston.
What is the cheapest way to stay in Boston?
Most definitely hostels offer a cheap (and fun) way to stay in Boston.
Though it's important to remember that the cheapest doesn't necessarily mean the best. Have a look at our cheap hostels section for more.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
We want to throw our hat into the ring: Hostelgeeks.com
Our website is focused on bringing you a handpicked selection of cool hostels all around the world. Here you can find all our handmade best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
Other than our website, Hostelworld is always a great resource and booking platform too.
What are the best hostels in Boston?
The best hostels in Boston are:
- Boston Homestel – best for Families
- Backpackers Hostel & Pub – best for Backpackers and Friend groups
- HI Boston Hostel – best for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads
Flights to Boston?
We enjoy Skyscanner, Omio.com, and Kiwi.com to find cheap flights to Boston.
This new website has super cool features, like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over North America and find the cheapest rates for the area.
Here is our review of Kiwi.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Boston. Hopefully, you already know which hostel in Boston, USA, to book!
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations in the USA:
-
-
- Best Hostels in New York City – with Freehand New York
- Best Hostels in Manhattan
- best hostels in Brooklyn
- Best hostels in Chicago
- Best hostels in Seattle
- Best hostels in Washington DC
- Best hostels in San Francisco
- Best hostels in Los Angeles
- Best hostels in New Orleans
- best hostels in San Diego
- best hostels in Portland
- best hostels in Denver
- 6 BEST hostels in Hawaii
- best hostels in Miami
-
In nearby Canada, you can discover:
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Was this useful? Do you have any questions or doubts? Which hostel in Boston, MA, in this collection will you choose?
Then please, please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Boston hostels should be as informative and useful as possible. We want to make your hostel travel easier!
Your question will help us to understand what I have missed mentioning.
Therefore, drop us a comment. We are keen to help you!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share places we recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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