Headed to the Peach State of Georgia? Then you’ve definitely got to spend some time in Atlanta, a destination spot for international travelers and Americans alike. It’s one of the largest cities in the south, and its Southern charm is felt throughout.

The city is alive with the hustle and bustle of major companies that call Atlanta home, like Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines. Students flock to the area to attend universities such as Emory and Agnes Scott. The MARTA, the public transit system (including bus, rail, and streetcars), is a great way to travel throughout the city without a car.

There aren’t too many hostels in Atlanta, but there’s no need to go breaking the bank for a good night’s stay. From crashing on someone’s couch to boutique hotels, there are so many different types of places out there. To help you decide where to stay in Atlanta, we’ve listed our top budget picks below.

So, let’s get started!

Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Atlanta

Best Hostels in Atlanta
Uncover the rich history of Atlanta

Best Hostels in Atlanta

Old Fourth Ward Atlanta

Atlanta Midtown Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Atlanta

Atlanta Midtown Hostel best hostel in Atlanta
This cheap & cheerful hostel is our top pick for cheap accommodation in Atlanta

A traditional hostel, Atlanta Midtown is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget. It’s got plenty of shared spaces where you can get to know other travelers, and the kitchen is ideal for keeping costs low.

The location of Atlanta Midtown Hostel is perfect for seeing the city, situated within walking distance from the top attractions. With a great location, stellar vibe, and affordable rates—you can’t beat this epic hostel in Atlanta.

Luxury Crash Pad on MARTA, Hosted by Vintage Bungalow – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Atlanta

Luxury Crash Pad on MARTA Hosted by Vintage Bungalow
Stay comfortably while on a budget!

Luxury Crash Pad has the heart of a hostel without actually being one. The large sleeping room is divided into small semi-private areas with the cozy feeling of your own, individual zones. There’s also a shared kitchen, where you can keep costs down by cooking your own meals.

The backyard is totally chill with a firepit, hammock, and veggie garden, so feel free to hang out and chat with other travelers. Perfectly positioned, it’s outside of the city center so you don’t have to pay insanely high rates. But, it’s within steps of a MARTA station, so you can explore Atlanta’s top attractions with ease.

Atlanta Men’s Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Atlanta

Atlanta Mens Hostel best hostels in Altanta
Atlanta Men’s Hostel is our pick for best cheap hostel in Atlanta

If you’re backpacking the USA on a budget, then check out this epic hostel. Atlanta Men’s Hostel has a totally laid-back, dude vibe which is in line with the chill rates. It’s super close to the bus and a short walk to the MARTA rail stop, so it’s easy to get to wherever you’d like to be in town.

Save money by cooking your meals in the shared kitchen. Kickback nd relax on the porch to really experience southern life. It’s all good here.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

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Artmore Hotel – Best Party Hostel in Atlanta

Artmore Hotel best hostels in Atlanta
Stay close to the best nightlife in Atlanta!

When you’ve come to Atlanta to have fun, you should stay in a place that knows how to have a good time! The Artmore Hotel has got you covered. Situated in midtown, it’s steps away from awesome places to eat and drink in town. The MARTA station is just across the street so the whole city is open to you.

Don’t want to go too far from where you’re spending the night? Artmore’s own The Studio + Bar is a popular bar in its own right, with a stunning cocktail garden to boot. Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to stay in Atlanta for nightlife.

Beautiful Historic Spot/Midtown, Hosted by Maria – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Atlanta

Beautiful Historic Spot Midtown Hosted by Maria best hostels in Atlanta

While traveling it’s nice to unplug from life back home, but digital nomads will need to stay connected. Maria’s apartment helps you do both. This gorgeous studio is newly renovated and up to speed on all the comforts of a relaxing stay, including its full kitchen and sleek bathroom.

To stay connected virtually the work-nook is perfect to set up shop, focus, and get work done. When you’re not working, the apartment is a short walk from shops, restaurants, and the top tourist attractions of the city.

Cozy Bedroom w/Full Bath, Hosted by Patricia and Michael – Best Hostel With a Private Room in Atlanta

Cozy Bedroom w Full Bath Hosted by Patricia and Michael

Essentially a suite, you get a spacious bedroom and private bathroom, so you can get some privacy even though you’re staying in someone else’s home. There are some restaurants nearby, or you can choose to cook meals in the shared kitchen.

Centrally located, it’s a short walk to the Atlanta Beltline and Ponce City Market. Breakfast is provided, so you can sit back and enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the downtown skyline. The location alone is a good reason to stay here, but the lovely house and super cool hosts (and their dog) definitely sweeten the deal. 

Guesthouse in Prime Midtown Location, Hosted by August – Best Hostel for Couples in Atlanta

Guesthouse in Prime Midtown Location Hosted by August best hostels in Atlanta
Enjoy a bit of privacy in this gorgeous guesthouse

If you’re headed off on a couples getaway, this is the ideal place to really get away from it all. August’s guesthouse is the best place for you to be on your own and in the lap of luxury. The guest house is detached from the rest of the property, so the entire apartment is yours.

Positioned in midtown, everything is an easy stroll away. There are also plenty of public transport options available to you, so you can explore Atlanta at ease.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More Best Hostels in Atlanta

Claremont Hotel

Claremont Hotel
One of the most stylish hostels in Atlanta!

This awesome hotel has a great option for groups of friends. The Claremont’s various accommodation options offer bunk rooms that can be shared between you and three friends (without sharing an actual bed). Split between you all, the cost becomes equal to any of the budget hotels. Plus, you get the perks of a high-end boutique hotel in a great location.

The vintage decor throughout the hotel feels like you’ve stepped back in time when travel was done in-style and with serious class. The amenities like the rooftop bar and Tiny Lou’s are not to be missed. At the Claremont, it feels like your livin’ it up without killing your travel budget.

ZenZone, Hosted by Maurice

ZenZone
ZenZone, Hosted by Maurice

Oooooommmmm. Maurice radiates peace and tranquility that transforms a spare room into the ZenZone. Recharge in the private bedroom, which has a spacious queen-sized bed, desk, and comfy lounge chair. Venturing out of your room, the shared spaces of this cool home are highlights.

Relax on the porches or in the yard. Nourish your body and keep within your travel budget by using the shared kitchen. The location of ZenZone is also totally chill—just a five minute walk to the MARTA and you’ll be in the centre in no time.

‘69 Airstream in the City, Hosted by Ashley

69 Airstream in the City
Make your trip more memorable at this unique accommodation in Atlanta

Unique and affordable! This updated 1969 Chevy Airstream is a fantastic way to spend your time in Atlanta. Ashley has created a cozy space inside this vintage caravan so you’ll feel comfortable. You could spend tons of time in the Airstream, but don’t worry, that’s not the only thing included in your stay. The shared bathroom and full kitchen are just steps away.

The yard is lively with goats, chickens, and even a treehouse. It’s separated from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, so you’ll want to figure out how to get around beforehand (MARTA and Uber always options).

What to Pack for your Atlanta Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

Atlanta Hostels FAQ

How much do hostels in Atlanta cost?

Dorms in Atlanta are quite few but there are a lot of cheap guesthouse everywhere. The cheapest typical shared room can range from $46 to $75.

What are the best hostels in Atlanta for couples?

My top guesthouse in Atlanta is Guesthouse in Prime Midtown Location, Hosted by August. It’s located in midtown and just a few minutes away from Piedmont Park where various festivals are held. This is the perfect spot for you music lover travel partner.

What is the best hostel in Atlanta near the airport?

Just 20 away from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is eKstasis Hostel & Urban Farm. It’s a very cozy hostel at the city center with wide garden and comfy bed. It may look tiny but there are a lot of nook and crannies for personal space. It’s perfect for meeting new people!

Travel Safety Tips for Atlanta

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Atlanta

That’s it y’all. The Best Hostels in Atlanta list is complete. There are so many things to see and do in this vibrant city, so you’re bound to have a great time no matter when you visit.

Each one of these hostels in Atlanta is awesome in its own right. But, if you’re still not sure where to stay, definitely check out Atlanta Midtown Hostel. It’s the best traditional hostel and offers great value for money, so you really can’t go wrong!

Looking for more info on travelling to Atlanta and the USA?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!