Boulder is often thought of as a city within a park being surrounded by incredible sweeping fields dotted with wildflowers. It entices not only local visitors but travellers from all over the world who want to spend their time in the glory of the outdoors.
Travellers can choose from a superb lineup of outdoor adventures, including biking, hiking, rock climbing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Aside from the many outdoor pursuits waiting for intrepid travellers, Boulder is designated America’s Foodiest Town. The city is teeming with critically acclaimed restaurants that serve up the freshest produce grown right from Boulder’s backyard. Incredible food and sick adventures. Sounds pretty epic to me!
Although it’s known as the most expensive summer destination in the state of Colorado, based on the cost of accommodation, you don’t have to empty your bank account when in Boulder. The cost of your digs need not stop you from having the most epic time of your life in this incredible city. Why? Because hostels that’s why!!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Boulder?
- Hostel in Boulder – Boulder Adventure Lodge
What to Expect from Hostels in Boulder
Anyone heading off on an adventure will tell you that it is always a good idea if you keep track of your expenses straight from the off. It’s easy when you get excited over your plans and the money side of things to get out of hand!! We’ve all been there! Thankfully, there’s no need to splurge when it comes to digs as there’s a great range ofbudget accommodation options.
Hostels are great choices when it comes to budget accommodation – not only are they convenient and comfortable, but they also cost a fraction of what one would normally pay for a hotel room. The money you save from your accommodations can be used for other things, such as extending your stay in Boulder, so you can have a few more adventures before moving on! This is especially ideal if you’re backpacking around the USA and want to hang out somewhere for a while.
If you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors and only returning to your accommodation to sleep and rest, it doesn’t make sense to pay extra for amenities you won’t need or use. If you only need the basics, hostels are a good fit for you. The hostel we found in Boulder is equipped not only with the basics but also come with a few extra facilities. They’re made for travellers who crave adventure and adrenaline rush.
Social butterflies will absolutely love hostels. They’ve got a buzzing social atmosphere that’s just not present in large hotel chains. You get to chat with people who’ve been all over the world with hundreds of incredible and aspiring travel stories to share. Most hostel guests will be more than happy to give you a tip or two about things like where the best Colorado hikes are or where to head next on your Colorado road trip.
Unlike hotels where guests are pretty much left on their own, hostels often organise various social activities such as tours, themed party nights, movie nights, and game nights, so guests will never be bored. Staff are also usually super informed too and will be able to give you advice on the best places to visit in Colorado and beyond.
Boulder may not have a slew of hostels compared to other destinations, but don’t worry though – some alternatives are just as easy on the pocket, and the ones it does have are some of the best hostels in the US. Just keep in mind that location matters when it comes to choosing hostels. The nearer it is to the centre of the city, the more expensive it will be.
- Private rooms – $130 per room
- Dorm rooms – $70 per bed
HOSTELWORLD is the best place if you’re looking for hostels. Hostels are sorted according to destination making it easier to search for them. Booking is instant but do keep in mind to check the hostel carefully through the pictures, descriptions, and reviews.
Best Hostels in Boulder
There’s no need to pay a huge amount of money for accommodation in Boulder. We’ve found you the best places to stay in Colorado!
Boulder Adventure Lodge – Hostel in Boulder
Boulder Adventure Lodge is made with the outdoorsy and adventure type of traveller in mind and it’s also just five minutes from downtown Boulder. It’s within proximity to a variety of restaurants and the best nightlife the city has to offer. It’s near to the urban jungle but close enough to the mountains where the true adventures take place.
Fill yourself up with the breakfast that is included in the daily rate before heading out for your cycling, hiking, biking, or fishing adventure. If you need more information about the activities and the area in general, or tips on the best things to do around Colorado, the staff will be more than happy to give you the lowdown.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tours/travel desk
- Book exchange
- Wheelchair friendly
Regardless of what type of traveller you are, single, couple, family, or a large group, there is always room for you at Boulder Adventure Lodge. Guests can choose from dorm rooms with bed bunks, standard queen rooms, double standard queen rooms, and even the cabin.
Social areas such as the shared kitchen, outdoor terrace, swimming pools, and common room are the ideal places to hang out and meet other people. It’s the perfect opportunity to exchange travel stories and insider tips too.
Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property. If you don’t fancy heading into the city, you don’t have to look far for your meals as they are served in the bar for a small fee. Staying at this wonderful hostel so close to the city, yet right at the heart of the outdoors, it’s easy to see why Boulder has been voted the happiest city in the US with these surroundings!
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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!Other Budget Accommodation Options
Boulder may not have numerous hostels to offer, but there are other types of accommodation, mostly private rooms, that are just as nice and budget-friendly. Let’s take a look at them. Hey, if all else fails there’s plenty of sick camping spots in Colorado too!
Boulder University Inn
Located just 300 meters from the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder University Inn offers private rooms with desks and free Wi-Fi. So it’s the perfect spot for digital nomads who need to get some work done while sightseeing in the area.
TheBoulder University Inn is just a short walk from the centre of Boulder, so it’s within proximity of a plethora of restaurants, shopping centres, and bars.
Other points of interest nearby are Boulder Creek Path for those who want to hike, run, or bike. There’s Pearl Street Mall for restocking your supplies for your USA road trip. Then there’s theBoulder Theatre for some entertainment in the evenings.
A variety of parking options are available to guests such but they are subject to availability.
Boulder Twin Lakes Inn
This reasonably-priced accommodation is just about 15 minutes away from Boulder and right next to Twin Lake Park, which is one of the best places to see in Colorado if you’ve got the kids in tow! Boulder Twin Lakes Inn is approximately 1.4 miles from Gunbarrel Shopping Centre where you can pick up some supplies for your trip.
Pick from different suites that all come with free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, a dedicated workspace, and spacious living and dining areas. The hot tub is free for all guests to enjoy all year long and the hotel provides bikes to guests who would rather not explore the area on foot.
Guests who are driving to the area will be happy to know that parking is free but it is subject to availability.
Upstairs Guest Suite
This guest house located on the top floor of a traditional wooden house taking back to 1901 is perfect for couples or solo travellers. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood in North Boulder, this cosy space is within walking distance of various restaurants as well as a coffee shop and a diner that’s open for breakfast! The famous Boulder Teahouse, a hand-built gift from Tajikstan is just down the road.
The kitchen is open for guests to use if they want to save on expenses by preparing their meals. A grocery store is nearby with an excellent selection of local, as well as organic produce. Getting to and around town is easy and quick as two bus routes take passengers downtown or to the university, but if you’re fit and up for the challenge, you can walk for 10 to 15 minutes to reach the university.
Hiking and biking trails are nearby and some of the usual guests that will make your day even better are wildlife such as birds, foxes, and deer.
Entire condo in Boulder
This condo in Boulder can easily accommodate up to six people, so it’s perfect for families or large groups travelling together. Aside from the two bedrooms with king and queen beds, the sofa in the living room can be easily converted to a bed too.
The home comes with a fully stocked kitchen where guests can prepare meals, as well as complimentary tea and coffee. The living room is the perfect area for relaxation after a long day spent outdoors.
The condo is located in North Boulder and on top of all that, the property is only just a two-minute drive away from the Rocky Mountains where there is a myriad of things to do and see.
What to Pack for your Boulder 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Boulder Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Boulder cost?
There is only one hostel in Boulder, Boulder Adventure Lodge. Private rooms are within the range of $130 to $180 while dorm rooms cost $70 per bed.
What are the best hostels in Boulder for couples?
While there aren’t really no other options for hostels in Boulder, Boulder Adventure Lodge needs no competition with it’s superb private rooms, great location and amazing view.
What is the best hostel in Boulder near the airport?
The nearest airport you can book to Boulder is Denver International Airport. I highly recommend Boulder Guest House if you want to stay at the city center.
Travel Safety Tips for Boulder
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
Breathtaking views of the magnificent Rocky Mountains and the stunning Flatirons as well as some of the best culinary offerings are what await you when you go to Boulder, Colorado. The best way to make the most out of your Boulder trip is to find the right accommodation for you and your budget.
There may not be many hostels in Boulder, but there are other options that will help those who are travelling on an absolute povo budget – we know what that’s like trust us! So we’ve done the job of narrowing down the accommodation choices for you so you don’t have to. Legends ey!
We highly recommend Boulder Adventure Lodge. This hostel is close to the thick of the action and its host of amenities will be greatly appreciated, especially by backpackers.
Spending more time around Colorado, check out the hostels in Denver too. It’s somewhere you’ll want to visit for sure as there are so many things to do in Denver.
- We’ve also got where to stay in Colorado covered with our epic guide.
- There are heaps of totally epic places to visit in Colorado.
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around Colorado.
- For adventurers check out the best national parks in the USA.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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!
