While many come to Florida for the sun, sea, sand, and nightlife of Miami or the theme parks of Orlando, there’s a whole lot more to discover in the Sunshine State.
Fort Lauderdale has long been a hotspot for American tourists on spring break, but it’s close to shaking off the wet t-shirt competition and binge drinking tag it may have suffered from in the past. Now, you’re more likely to find sophisticated bars and nightclubs on Las Olas Boulevard, an array of museums and galleries, and lovely parks to stroll in.
I can tell you’re considering swerving from Miami or Orlando and spending your vacation in this smaller and quieter (but still happening) city, but you may come across a small issue – and that’s where to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
The city isn’t exactly brimming with hostels. You’ve got much more choice when it comes to hotels. However, for a bit of personality and character, you can’t beat a hostel – so it’s worth the extra research to find one!
That’s where I come in. I’ve scoured the streets of Fort Lauderdale for you and put together this list of awesome hostels in Fort Lauderdale.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Fort Lauderdale
- Overall Best Hostel in Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood Beach Hostel
- Best Hostel in Fort Lauderdale for Solo Travellers – Sheridan Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Fort Lauderdale – BPoshtels Hollywood Florida
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Fort Lauderdale – Crocodhouse
The 4 Best Hostels in Fort Lauderdale
I guess you’re already imagining sunning yourself on the beaches or trying some delicious Mexican food on Las Olas Boulevard. First, though, let’s take a moment to talk about where to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
Ideally, you want to do some research on what you want to explore first. There are many awesome things to do in Fort Lauderdale, so there’s a lot to choose from. So, make sure to pick something that matches your preferred travel style and personality – and, of course, your budget!
1. Hollywood Beach Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Fort Lauderdale
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: 334 Arizona Street, Fort Lauderdale, USA
Just minutes away from the beach, this awesome hostel is a boutique-style stay perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends and family. A mix of dorms, private rooms, and family suites are just one part of what makes this place so desirable.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Beachside
- Bar and restaurant nearby
- Helpful staff
The other is the communal spaces; as well as a Mexican restaurant and bar on the beach, you’ll find ping pong tables, a sand lounge, cabanas, and events every night. If all that’s not enough, you can rent bicycles and surfboards at no extra cost. While you’ll be right near Hollywood Beach of course, Dania Beach is also worth checking out and close by.
You’ll find all sorts of travelers here – from Florida Roadtrippers to broke backpackers from all over the world – so it’s also an amazing spot to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
2. Sheridan Hostel – Best Hostel in Fort Lauderdale for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Address: 1500 SW 2nd Ave, Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, USA
One of the cheapest hostels in Fort Lauderdale is also one of the best for solo travelers. It’s a win-win situation! Sure it may not be the BEST hostel in the world, but there are very few options in FTL and this is one of them. Plus Sheridan Hostel has been in the SoFlo budget accommodation game for years!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Cheap AF for FTL
- AC works
- Solid location
To keep your costs down even further, you can take advantage of a free breakfast every morning – the ideal fuel before you head out and explore the city or take a bike ride along the boardwalk. Another plus of this hostel is the landscaped gardens – it’s a lovely spot to sit, chill out, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
There’s also luggage storage AND laundry facilities both of which are deff worth taking advantage of!
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!
View on Osprey View on REI3. Bposhtels Hollywood Florida – Best Cheap Hostel in Fort Lauderdale
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Address: 26 Diplomat Pkwy B, Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, USA
Boasting super-safe security lockers, this hostel on Hollywood Beach is another excellent, inexpensive option among Fort Lauderdale hostels. You might expect that at such a budget backpacker friendly price, it would lack a few features – but that’s not the case at all! From a shared lounge to an iconic pool, you’ll find plenty of options.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- In between Miami and FTL
- Free parking
- Amazing pool
You’ll still be able to enjoy a delicious free breakfast and an afternoon dip in the outdoor pool. It’s close to all of the nightlife, too, so you won’t have to splash out on a taxi to get home safe and sound. It’s within walking distance of clubs and bars, as well as shops and cafes.
4. Crocodhouse – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Fort Lauderdale
- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $108
- Address: 1112 NE 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, USA
If you’re a digital nomad, I imagine you’ll be pretty happy as long as you have somewhere to work and super-fast free wifi, right? Look no further than Crocodhouse. This cozy and characterful stay never has more than four guests, so you don’t need to worry about being kept up by all-night parties!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ladies only bathroom
- Garden area
- Self parking
This home away from home offers a kitchen complete with cutlery and crockery, so you can prepare your own meals before a day of hard work. Of course, once you’ve finished work for the day, you’ll want to make the most of the city. Luckily, you’re close to the beach and a mall, so that won’t be a problem!
There’s no curfew in case you want to head out for the night, as you’ll be close to the famous Wilton Manors neighborhood and the city center.
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 Epic Fort Lauderdale Budget Stays
In case you want something a bit more private, here are some budget hotels in town!
Bayview Apartments By Lowkl
- Private Room: From $270 (2-night stay)
- Address: 2850 Northeast 30th Place, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, United States
These modern, clean apartments are a solid choice for those looking for a cheap Fort Lauderdale vacation rental. You’ll be within walking distance from Lauderdale Beach, and all other beaches and regions won’t be too far away.
The space is huge which is such a refresher from your standard hotel room. You’ll have a full sized kitchen you can save on meals in! Everything was super clean and the atmosphere was relaxed, which is always a plus when you’re in a city.
Casitas Coral Ridge
- Private Room: From $123
- Address: 2648 NE 32 Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, United States
I imagine if you’re traveling with your other half, you won’t fancy a sweaty, noisy dorm room. What if I could offer you a cabana with a double bed for a very reasonable price? I almost heard your ears prick up. These tropical casitas are perfect for a romantic break.
With your very own little hut, you won’t be disturbed by noise from other guests – and you likely won’t disturb them either! Though there are lots of restaurants nearby, you could opt to cook a mouthwatering meal on the outdoor gas grills that come with each cabana.
Hotel DEAUVILLE
- Private Room: From $115
- Address: 2916 North Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, United States
Last but not least is a hostel that has been quite tricky to classify on our list! The award-winning Hotel Deauville is quite unique; you’ll find everyone from backpackers and boat rental crew members to students staying at this eclectic budget stay. While you’re here, there’s plenty to keep your attention. Perhaps you’ll want to make friends in the communal lounge or take a dip in the swimming pool. If that’s not high energy enough, you could have a game of volleyball in the pool!
Fort Lauderdale Grant Hotel
Yes, you caught us; this one isn’t a hostel. However, the Grant Hotel offers a price pretty close to what you’d pay at a hostel. What’s not to love about that?! It’s great for families, and you can bring your furry friends along, too. While it may not have the buzzing atmosphere of a hostel, this large corporate accommodation is clean and contemporary.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Fort Lauderdale
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Florida!
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.
FAQ about Hostels in Fort Lauderdale
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Fort Lauderdale.
What to Pack for your Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?
A dorm can cost around $30-$50 per bed. Private rooms has different prices depending on the accommodation but it can cost from $60 to $150.
What are the best hostels in Fort Lauderdale for couples?
Casitas Coral Ridge is a place filled with palm trees and tropical flowers. This picturesque paradise scene is just the ideal place to stay with your partner.
What are the best hostels in Fort Lauderdale near the airport?
The nearest airport in the area is just within the city center, so most accommodation is pretty much accessible. But if you ask me I’ll definitely recommend Hollywood Beach Hostel as the best hostel to stay in!
Final Thoughts on Fort Lauderdale’s Hostels
Whether you’re pulling up a sun lounger on Fort Lauderdale’s white sand beach, taking a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk, or learning new things at one of the many museums, Fort Lauderdale is an ideal place to rest, recuperate, and disconnect from the stress of everyday life for a few days. But you’ll only escape that stress if you choose the right place to stay.
Ask yourself what’s the right type of accommodation for you. Do you want a backpacker pad where you can easily meet other travelers from around the world? Would you prefer an intimate space where you can have a chat each morning with the friendly owners? Or perhaps you don’t really care as long as there’s a swimming pool! Either way, have another scroll through our list – unless you’re already sure where you’re going to book!
Is this your first trip to Fort Lauderdale? If not, why not share your experiences below to help other backpackers make the most of their Florida vacation!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in the USA covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Florida if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale 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.
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