You could easily spend your entire vacation exploring Texas and barely scratch the surface of everything this state has to offer. In the north Texas city of Dallas, you’ll discover that cowboy culture is still thriving in popular sites such as Sundance Square and the museums. It’s not only the old Wild West that still lives on in Dallas; modern breweries and art galleries also define the unique local atmosphere.
With the wonderful botanical garden, the Dallas Arboretum, live music venues and tonnes of attractions, you’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime in Dallas. No matter if you’re a solo backpacker or a couple, there’s plenty to see and do in Dallas. The only thing is… there aren’t many hostels.
For all you budget travelers out there, I’ve got you covered with my list of the best hostels in Dallas! You can find hostels, plus more epic budget-friendly accommodation options, I’ll help you find that one stay that best fits how you like to travel. So put on your cowboy hat and lace up your spurs; your Wild West adventure in Dallas is right around the corner.
Let’s get into Dallas!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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The Best Hostels in Dallas
Get ready to say howdy to Dallas! But before you can hop on that horse and head out to the open range, you’ll first need to pick out that perfect backpacker’s hostel. There are some totally wicked places to stay in Dallas, but finding that perfect one ain’t easy.
In Dallas, you’ll find tons of museums, parks, and malls, the only hiccup is that there aren’t many hostels located in the city. With only a couple of cheap dorm rooms to choose from, backpackers will have a hard time finding a place to call home. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the cowboy culture capital – budget-conscious travelers, I’ve got you.
Wild Wild West Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Address: 214 W. 6th. Str., Irving, TX, Dallas, USA
Minutes from the Dallas Kennedy Museum, just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and 30 minutes from Fort Worth, expect cowbow culture! Budget conscious travellers rejoyce, this hostel features everything you love to see in a hostel. There aren’t many hostels to pick from in Dallas, in fact, this is the one and only so if your heart is set on staying in a hostel, book now!
With air conditioning, free wifi, this budget-friendly accommodation is comfortable to say the least. There’s luggage storage if you want to keep roaming post checkout – maybe you’ve got time to kill before you hit the international airport? You don’t often find hostels with free breakfast and this is no exception, but you can cook your own meals!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Classic hostel features
- Located in a vibrant neighborhood
- Walking Distance to public transport
You’re a hot minute from the city centre but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be missing out on any of the action. From Billy Bob’s Country Dancing Saloon to the Rodeo, to the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, this area is packed with things to see and do! There’s plenty of nightlife on offer, including a mechanical bull, bar top dancing is encouraged and you know there’ll be cheap drinks.
There is a full kitchen set up if you’re living that broke backpacking life and cooking meals for yourself. The city center is easy to access via bus or the rail line which are both within walking distance of this Dallas hostel. Your hosts will be happy to help you figure out how to get to where you want to go.
Staying in Fort Worth is a massive vibe and essential if you want to experience the cowboy spirit of north Texas. This hostel is slap bang in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth but as I said, there’s aepic public transport. This is easy to navigatis if you’re a solo traveller without your own wheels.
SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel
- Private Room: From $121
- Address: 2105 Commerce St, Dallas, USA
This budget hotel is on Hostelworld and can help keep your trip easy on the ‘ol backpacker budget. SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel’s location is unbeatable, especially for the price – and bonus points for the incredible farmer’s market nearby. Being just a short walk into Downtown Dallas is an exceptional perk and makes for a very easy stay.
The amenities are pretty sweet too, with a snack bar, coffee shop, and a cozy bar that’s perfect for evening drinks and a game of chess. The vibe here is spot on, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly yet enjoyable stay!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 24 Hour Reception
- City Center Location
- Onsite Bar
Your stay here will be comfortable with air conditioning and a fully equipped bathroom at your personal disposal. That’s right, at this micro hostel, you’ll have your own private bathroom (with hot showers!) – pretty sweet eh? If you’ve go the cash to splash, and are staying in Dallas for more than one night, I’d recommend staying here.
Especially if you’re travelling solo, you’ll appreciate the extra security that you don’t always get at hostels. With super speedy wifi, digital nomads will be comfortable parking up here too and don’ think you’ll be missing out on anything… SOVA has in-house travel guides to help you curate your ideal Dallas experience so have a chat to them to have the best time possible.
There aren’t any self-catering facilities, bu there is a cafe and a bar onsite and the farmers market is within walking distance. The bakery at the farmers market comes with high recommendations and it’s kind of nice to take a break from cooking sometimes, right?
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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!More Epic Budget Accommodation in Dallas
So that’s it, short and sweet when it comes to finding hostels in Dallas but that doesn’t mean the budget-friendly accommodation stops there. I’ve got a few other epic options that are friendly to solo travelers, couples looking for cowboy culture, and everyone in between! I’ve got a good selection of accommodation that is near the city center and accommodates budget-conscious travelers.
Holiday Inn
- Private Room: From $87
- Address: 11331 West Kingsley Road, Dallas, TX 75238, United States
This is an elite budget stay option in Dallas, not only do they have room service, a stunning free breakfast, and a fitness center… but there are two whole swimming pools too! You get air conditioning, a coffee machine, and free wifi included in each of the rooms, the full hotel nine yards.
The Holiday Inn in Dallas is a much-loved accommodation option and has a longstanding history. Yes, it’s a far cry from a hostel but are you getting up in arms about your own room, a private bathroom, and room service? There are bigger problems to have in life and you’ll just have to head on out to one of the saloons to meet people.
Studio 6
- Private Room: From $64
- Address: 10326 Finnell Street, Dallas, TX 75220, United States
If a place to rest your head is all you need while you’re backpacking Dallas, Studio 6 is a good place to be. You’ll have easy access to public transportation and lovely clean rooms to come home to when you’re done adventuring.
The staff at Studio 6 are friendly and helpful and feel free to ask them for their local intel on what’s hot in Dallas. There’s a full kitchen at your disposal which saves money and everyone knows the kitchen is where you go to meet people in any establishment. If that didn’t tempt ya, there’s free breakfast too!
Modern Townhouse Near Nightlife
- Private Room: From $373
- Address: Dallas, Texas, United States
If you are looking for somewhere to stay for you and your friends, look no further, this townhouse is close to great nightlife and top-notch restaurants. It’s located in the Knox Henderson neighborhood which is within walking distance of Old East Dallas. Updown is just a short drive away too, booya!
This spacious three-bedroom and three-bathroom townhouse offers jaw-dropping views of the Dallas skyline with views from the big balcony. There is free parking, a well-designed and stocked kitchen, and a washer, and a dryer, as well. There are also family amenities such as a high chair and crib should a friend bring a young one in tow, or if you’re traveling with your family.
Sleep Inn Dallas Northwest
- Private Room: From $84
- Address: 2208 Royal Lane Building A, Dallas, 75229, United States
Keep up your fitness while you travel and pump out a workout before hitting the free breakfast buffet at the Sleep Inn in Northwest Dallas. That’s definitely not the hostel vibe but it’s a pretty cheap stay in Dallas and I’m trying to hook it up for you guys! If you’ve got work to do, link up to the free wifi and make the most of all the room you have in these suites.
The Sleep Inn offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking so if you want to back out, that’s all good too. The staff here are lovely and accommodating and despite my wisecracks, this is a stellar place to stay. It’s clean and tidy, relatively new and it’s nice to stay somewhere like this when you’ve been on the road awhile.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas
- Private Room: From $112
- Address: 2100 North Cockrell Hill Road, Dallas, TX 75212, United States
As a backpacker traveling on a shoestring through the United States, you’ll always be searching for those cheap youth hostels and budget hotels. But while you’re in Dallas, why not treat yourself to a hotel that will fit into your budget and give you a taste of luxury? Fairfield Inn & Suites is perfect for backpacker couples looking for an upgrade for a few nights with its stylish and cozy rooms.
When you’re not lounging about in bed, Fairfield Inn & Suites will make you rethink ever checking out with its onsite swimming pool and fitness center. Complete with its very own cafe serving breakfast every morning, this hotel is sure to leave you refreshed and ready to hit the road!
Deep Ellum Hostel
Putting you right in the heart of Dallas’s live music and bar district, you’ll find just as much to do outside Deep Ellum Hostel as inside! From your dorm room, you’ll have the AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Aquarium just a short walk away. When you’re not out exploring Dallas, there’s no better place to put your feet up and chill than the lounge at this historic hostel.
With its boutique atmosphere, bar, and cafe, guests will be looking forward to heading back to chill and chat with the other travelers. Deep Ellum Hostel will also make sure you get every morning started on the right foot with their free breakfast! For a hostel that is both cheap and trendy, you’ll find that Deep Ellum is your home away from home.
Gateway Hotel Dallas
Dallas is a city filled to the brim with bars and saloons, where you’ll be hopping up on the countertop and dancing the night away. Although you won’t exactly be able to throw an all-night party at the Gateway Hotel in Dallas… You’ll be able to throw back a few beers before you head out to the club. Gateway Hotel hooks budget travelers up with cheap private rooms just outside of the downtown area.
When you’re not out exploring, Gateway Hotel will have everything you need to kick back and relax! Complete with an onsite bar, restaurant, fitness center, and even a swimming pool, so you can stay fit on vacay! Travelers will be practically staying at a resort rather than your run-of-the-mill budget hotel.
Hawthorn Suites Dallas Love Field
Located just a few miles away from the Frontiers of Flight Museum and Medieval Times, you’ll have some of the best sights in Dallas right outside. This budget hotel not only gives you some of the cheapest private rooms in Dallas but also the most bang for your buck with their added perks!
Other than the cozy private rooms, Hawthorn Suites will have you soaking in the swimming pool and blowing off some added steam in the gym. You might need to hit up the fitness center more than you think; this budget hotel also serves a delicious breakfast every morning that’ll have you going back for seconds.
Motel 6 Dallas
If you’re looking for the cheapest private rooms in town, look no further than Motel 6 Dallas! Being an upgrade from the hostels you’ve been stuck at throughout your trip in the United States, Motel 6 will pamper you with its cozy, clean rooms. After being on the road for a while, you’ll probably be wanting some extra relaxation.
This budget hotel in Dallas even has its very own swimming pool where you can take a dip and escape that dreaded Texan heat. Top it off with coffee and breakfast served daily in the cafe… Motel 6 is a budget stay that will surprise you with its perks and comfort!
Comfort Suites North Dallas
Hostels just won’t cut it if you’re a digital nomad looking for a quiet place to get to work for a few days. Make sure you get all the peace and quiet you need to finish up a few articles and stay at Comfort Suites North Dallas. Although this budget hotel costs a little bit more than your average motel, you’ll be staying in absolute comfort in one of their cheap private rooms.
When you’re not working, Comfort Suites will also give you tons of places to relax. From the lounge to the heated swimming pool, you’ll never want to check out of this luxury experience!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Dallas
Getting good hostel insurance is always a good idea, then you’re covered for the specifics of the backpacker life.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Dallas
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Dallas.
What to Pack for Your Dallas 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!
How much does a hostel cost in Dallas?
If you’re lucky to find a dorm hostel in Dallas you can expect a price range of about $30 per stay. But not to worry since there are a lot of cheap private rooms for rent that start around $50 per night.
What are the best hostels in Dallas for couples?
A little splurge with your accommodation won’t be too bad, especially if you’re traveling with a special someone. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas has great value for money, a great location, and even free breakfast!
What are the best hostels in Dallas near the airport?
Wild Wild West Backpackers Hostel is the one – a convenient location and a stellar price. Get in touch with the hostel to get the best recommendation for airport transfers.
Final Thoughts on Dallas’ Hostels
Want to explore American culture through a football game? Or maybe you want to take it easy by strolling through a park or botanical garden? Regardless of how you like to travel, you’ll find that Dallas will never have you spending any two days exactly the same!
With its rich history and unique modern culture, you can be saddling up with cowboys one day and viewing modern art the next! As the saying goes – everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the fun.
I know you’re ready to explore all the sights of Dallas yourself, but unless you have epic accom, your trip to Texas won’t be the same. Whether you’re looking to hang out with fellow backpackers or get some much-needed alone time in a hotel, Dallas has a place to call home. Wild Wild West Hostel is my top recommendation for a cheap, fun stay but all my picks are fabulous! 😉
Wherever you stay, I’m sure you’ll get sucked into the cowboy culture and love it – from White Rock Lake to the Dallas Arboretum, it’s a whole vibe!
If you have ever traveled to Dallas, I would love to hear about your trip. Let me know in the comments below if there is a great backpackers hostel I may have missed.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Dallas for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Dallas covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Dallas if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Dallas before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.sostud
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