The 4 Best Hostels in Fort Lauderdale

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

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!

3. 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.

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.

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!