Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020
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 since the 17th century and holds an important place in American history. After the Boston Tea Party in 1773, it became a pivotal 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 anyone looking to understand the roots of modern America.
Since it isn’t the most affordable destination, budget-conscious travelers and backpackers are probably going to want to save money however they can. That means finding budget-friendly accommodation.
Like most US cities, Boston doesn’t have many hostels. But the ones it does have are modern, clean, safe, and social for the most part.
To help you save money during your visit, here are the best hostels in Boston:
1. HI Boston
HI Boston is the best hostel in town. It offers 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 more of a hotel feel to them; they also come with TVs and a bathtub (which is largely unheard of in a hostel).
The hostel also has a free continental breakfast, a kitchen to cook your own meals in, and a common room complete with TV, pool table, and a piano. They also organize free city tours 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. More attractions, like the campuses of Harvard and MIT, are a only few T (subway) stops away.
Beds from $25 USD, private rooms from $101 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at HI Boston!
2. Boston Fenway Inn
The Boston Fenway Inn is the cheapest hostel in town. But you get what you pay for, so expect basic accommodations. The rooms here can get cold in the winter, and the windows let in a lot of sound from nearby restaurants and bars. Bathrooms aren’t plentiful, and sometimes there are lines. And if you’re not one of the first to shower, you may miss out on hot water.
Breakfast is included but is quite basic (toast and coffee) unless you wake up early and grab pastries before they’re gone. It also doesn’t have a full kitchen, and the common room is set up with tables and chairs, so it’s not super comfy.
However, the hostel is located in a prime spot near the affluent Back Bay neighborhood, a picturesque and historic neighborhood with designer boutiques, indie shops, and some of the best spots in town to eat and drink. The hostel is close to Fenway Park, the stunning Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine arts, and the Mapparium.
Beds from $19 USD, private rooms from $54 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at Boston Fenway Inn!
3. FOUND Hotel Boston Common
FOUND Hotel Boston Common is one of the oldest hotels in the city. Renovated in 2018, it has much 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.
Beds from $36 USD, private rooms from $82 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at FOUND Hotel Boston Common!
4. Boston Homestel
Located in an old house a few miles outside of the city center (but close to the JFK Library),
Boston Homestel offers simple 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 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.
Beds from $37 USD, private rooms from $87 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at Boston Homestel!
5. Backpackers Hostel & Pub
Backpackers Hostel & Pub is a social hostel located in Everett, just outside the city. It’s not fancy by any means, but it has a lively atmosphere and free breakfast (which is a big plus for budget-savvy travelers). The dorms are large and not particularly fancy or comfortable (most are 8-10 beds), but the drinks are cheap, and it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown by car (25 minutes by public transportation).
The staff are super friendly and helpful, and they also offer a free shuttle pickup service from the nearest T (subway) station (which is a 30-min walk away). They have a kitchen too, so you can easily cook your own meals here to save even more money. It’s a busy, social hostel.
Beds from $40 USD a night (private rooms not available).
—> Book your stay at Backpackers Hostel and Pub!
6. 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 cozy 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 looking for a unique experience, this is hard to beat. It’s also a great choice for couples.
Cabins from $60 USD a night.
Book your stay at Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships!
***
Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of town or in more quiet accommodations further 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 cheapest 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 Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using
Skyscanner or
Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with
Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use
Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using
World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
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 travel — and I think they will help you too!
Looking for more information on visiting Boston?
Check out my in-depth
destination guide to Boston with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
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Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020
M Montreal is huge, with nearly 500 beds. The facilities are pretty great: there’s a rooftop terrace, two jacuzzis, nightly activities in a basement bar open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., a café, and free breakfast (though it’s not anything special). The hostel is a quick 10-minute walk from Old Montreal and also close to both the popular Latin Quarter and Festival District.
M Montreal’s super clean rooms run the gamut from female dorms to private apartments, and all have en suite bathrooms. I liked the pod feeling to the beds: they include a curtain so you can get some privacy, as well as outlets and a light. The mattresses are pretty uncomfortable (basically a gym mat), but the social vibe, plethora of activities, and friendly staff more than make up for that.
Beds from $22 USD, rooms from $83 USD a night.
HI Montreal is a pretty standard hostel but perhaps one of the best situated in town: it’s a two-minute walk from the metro, which delivers you straight to breathtaking Old Montreal. The hostel offers both spotless dorms and private rooms that are clean and comfortable.
The common room comes with a pool table, plus the hostel has a large kitchen stocked with basics so you don’t have to lug them around with you, a café, a bar, and free breakfast daily. It also offers daily activities, including bike tours, walks, a pub crawl, and even poutine tastings.
Beds from $19 USD, rooms from $61 USD a night
Samesun Montreal Central is what some would consider a party hostel, thanks to its happy hour and bar getting a lot of action. Rooms here are clean and comfortable, and each features a microfridge, plus reading lights and outlets for each bed. The recently renovated private rooms are some of the best for the price and include cable, a fridge, and a desk.
There’s complimentary breakfast that includes freshly made muffins, waffles, and eggs. Located in the same area as M Montreal, this hostel is smaller and has a more community, homey feel to it. If you’re looking for something more old school and traditional, stay here.
Beds from $22 USD, rooms from $38 USD a night
Le Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal is a five-minute walk to Rue Saint-Denis, only 10 minutes to Old Montreal, and 20 to the famous Parc du Mont-Royal.
The hostel itself is bright and colorful, and offers clean and cozy rooms and shared bathrooms. Rooms range from dorms to studios and have sinks; if you opt for a dorm, take note that there are only two bathrooms per floor, so sometimes there’s a wait. There’s a common area to chill out in, plus a rooftop terrace to enjoy when the weather warms up. Breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup is free.
Beds from $18 USD, privates from $51 USD a night
Exposed brick and stone in the rooms give Auberge Saint-Paul a historic feel, which adds to its charm. Located near Montreal’s Old Port, this hostel is clean and bright and includes a state-of-the-art (and magnificent) kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a basic complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, and a common area for mingling with others.
There’s a bar below the hostel playing loud music until late, so bring earplugs. If you don’t want to drop $5 on a lock to secure your belongings, be sure to bring your own. While the bathrooms could use a little refresh, Auberge Saint-Paul has everything you need in a hostel: cleanliness, space, a large kitchen, and a great location.
Beds from $16 USD, rooms from $58 USD a night
If you’re looking for a place with a boho feel, this is it. Located in the historic area of the city and a short jaunt to the city center, this vibrant hostel is in a restored warehouse that was built more than a century ago (1857) and has retained the quirks that make it special, like high ceilings, arched windows, exposed stone, and hardwood floors.
Besides its eclectic and artsy vibe, the hostel includes a common room, a kitchen, complimentary continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi that reaches up to its top floor. What it doesn’t have is an elevator — and rooms start on the third floor, so it’s a walk up with your gear.
Beds from $16 USD, rooms from $43 USD a night
Alexandrie-Montreal offers basic dorms on the cheap (you’ll have to go to the basement to use the bathroom, which can mean four flights of stairs), renovated dorms with en suite bathrooms, and private double rooms with shared bathrooms. It features a huge kitchen with plenty of storage (a whopping five refrigerators), a lounge in its basement that’s open all the time, and a rooftop terrace. It’s also close to many Montreal attractions, including Chinatown and the Latin Quarter, and there are tons of markets and restaurants nearby.
This is a budget hostel and it doesn’t camouflage it. Not all of the rooms have air conditioning, and the Wi-Fi is spotty at best throughout the hostel. But Alexandrie-Montreal does have some perks, like a basic free breakfast and free use of its washer and dryer.
Beds from $18 USD, rooms from $49 USD a night
Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, 
This is my favorite hostel in Seattle. The dorm beds have privacy curtains, and there are enough outlets to charge everything you might bring. The rooms aren’t very large though, and the luggage storage is under the bottom bunk, so if you’re sleeping there and your bunkmate needs something, you’ll definitely hear it. You’ll also hear music and people late at night, given its central location, so bring earplugs.
That said, the bathrooms here really set this hostel apart from others: they have rainfall showerheads and heated tile floors. The hostel also provides free breakfast, complete with eggs, cereal, fruit, and bread. There is a communal kitchen and common room with foosball and other games. They also run free walking tours and pub crawls and even host weekly ice cream socials!
If you like art, you’ll love 
