Posted: 04/08/22| April 8th, 2022
With its historic colonial buildings, die-hard sports fans, and lively nightlife, Boston is one of my favorite cities in the us (and I’m not just saying that because it’s where I grew up!).
Boston has been a commercial hub considering that the 17th century and holds an crucial place in American history. After the Boston Tea party in 1773, it became a essential bastion of support for the us war of Independence. even today, the city is brimming with history and has lots to offer. It’s a must-visit destination for any individual seeking to understand the roots of modern America.
Since it isn’t the most budget-friendly destination, budget-conscious travelers and backpackers are probably going to want to save money however they can. That indicates finding budget-friendly accommodation.
Like a lot of us cities, Boston doesn’t have lots of hostels. but the ones it does have are modern, clean, safe, and social for the most part.
That said, there are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in Boston are:
Location – Boston is a big city and it can take some time to get around. pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels provided here are in central locations.
Price – In Boston, you really get what you pay for, so if you opt for a really low-cost one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer terrific service.
Amenities – Every hostel in the city uses complimentary Wi-Fi, and a lot of have a complimentary breakfast, but if you want a lot more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
Staff – All the hostels provided here have fantastic staff! They are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places provided below, be sure to look up reviews to make sure you end up somewhere where the staff is valuable and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Boston that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for budget Travelers: HI Boston
Best Hostel for digital Nomads: HI Boston
Best Hostel for Families: liberty Fleet of tall Ships
Best Hostel for Solo female Travelers: HI Boston
Best Hostel for Partying: HI Boston
Best overall Hostel: HI Boston
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my detailed list of the best hostels in Boston:
Price legend (per night)
$ = Under $50 USD
$$ = $50-60 USD
$$$ = Over $60 USD
1. HI Boston
HI Boston is the best hostel in town. It uses both same-sex and mixed dorms, and each bed comes equipped with a shelf, outlets, and a locker. The private rooms are modern and have a lot more of a hotel feel to them; they also come with TVs and a bathtub (which is mainly unheard of in a hostel).
The hostel also has an exceptional kitchen to cook your own meals in, and a common room complete with TV, pool table, and a piano. They also organize complimentary city excursions and host dinners, among other activities. It’s a very social hostel.
HI Boston is located close to the freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and Chinatown. a lot more attractions, like the campuses of Harvard and MIT, are a only few T (subway) stops away.
HI Boston at a glance:
$
Organizes lots of activities
Female-only dorms for extra privacy and security
Great place to meet other travelers
Beds from $47 USD, private rooms from $157 USD a night.
Book HI Boston here!
2. found hotel Boston Common
FOUND hotel Boston common is one of the oldest hotels in the city. Renovated in 2018, it has much a lot more of a hotel feel to it. There isn’t a common room or kitchen, so it’s not easy to meet other travelers here, and the rooms here are small (some of the private rooms have hardly enough space for the bed).
But it’s a short walk to Boston common and the public garden and has plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs nearby. It’s also just over one block from the subway, so it’s easy to get to other attractions in town.
If you want a place that’s quiet, tidy, comfortable, and not particularly social, then book your stay here.
FOUND Hostel Boston at a glance:
$$$
Clean, modern hotel vibe
Quiet atmosphere (so you’ll get a good sleep)
Great location near Boston Common
Beds from $74 USD, private rooms from $237 USD a night.
Book found hotel Boston common here!
3. Boston Homestel
Located in an old house a few miles outside of the city center (but close to the JFK Library), Boston Homestel uses basic rooms and dorms. The rooms here are clean and bright but don’t have much to them. The beds aren’t the most comfortable, but the quiet location makes it much easier to fall asleep than in other hostels in the heart of the city.
The hostel has a common room and a small kitchen, but not much more. It’s a quiet hostel, so don’t come to Boston Homestel expecting a party.
Boston Homestel at a glance:
$$
Quiet neighborhood so you’ll get a respectable sleep
Laid-back atmosphere
Not incredibly social (no partying)
Beds from $50 USD, private rooms from $105 USD a night.
Book Boston Homestel here!
4. liberty Fleet of tall Ships
Available from June through September, this is easily the coolest place to stay in town: a functional sailing vessel, the liberty Clipper. It’s a wooden three-mast ship with relaxing cabins for rent. While the rooms are small, the experience is unlike anything else Boston has to offer.
Towels and linens are included, and the hot water is plentiful. There is no Wi-Fi, however, and you need to leave the ship during the day. but if you’re trying to find a special experience, this is hard to beat. It’s also a terrific choice for couples.
Liberty Fleet at a glance:
$$
Great for couples/families
Super special accommodation
Cabins from $60 USD a night.
Book your stay at liberty Fleet of tall Ships!
***
Whether you’re seeking to stay in the heart of town or in a lot more quiet accommodations additionally afield, Boston will have something for you. While the rock-bottom budget options are limited, the facilities at the better hostels will not leave you wanting.
Even with the prevalence of Airbnb here, hostels are still the least expensive accommodation option. just be sure to book early and you’ll be able to find a bed, meet new travelers, and save some money in the process!
Book Your trip to Boston: Logistical ideas and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a low-cost flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search web sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. start with Skyscanner first though because they have the greatest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the greatest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses and low-cost hotels.
Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will secure you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s detailed protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it lots of times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the best companies to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want a lot more information on Boston?
Be sure to check out our robust destination guide to Boston for even a lot more planning tips!
Photo credits: 2 – HI Boston, 3 – found hotel Boston Common, 4 – Boston Homestel, 5 – liberty Fleet of tall Ships