Home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef, a plethora of water sports, endless summers, the best Key Lime Pie on the planet, and a place where you can watch some of the most stunning sunsets, Key West is worth visiting many times over.
An excellent place for adults and children, Key West lets you experience magnificent local wildlife, enjoy gorgeous beaches and sunsets, as well as immerse yourself in political, literary, and maritime history. It has everything you will ever need for one unforgettable time whether alone, or with family and friends.
Key West might be known as one of the most expensive places in Florida, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend an arm and a leg to get a comfortable place to stay. We have made it our mission to help you in finding the best hostels in Key West.
Sit back and check out what we found.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Key West
- Overall Best Hostel in Key West – Seashell International Hostel and Motel
- Hostel with a Pool/Jacuzzi in Key West – Not Your Average Hotel
What to Expect from Hostels in Key West
Situated in the south of Florida, Key West is nearer to Cuba than Miami. Some of the things it’s famous for are maritime marvels, charming architecture, Cuban culture, pastel-hued houses, legendary sunsets, and an off-beat vibe. There are just too many good things to say about it.
A trip doesn’t need to be costly as there are a variety of accommodations available. Hostels are the first choice if you are on a strict budget. The rule of thumb is, the more people in a room, the less each person has to pay. Of course, this means sacrificing a bit of your privacy, but it also means saving money.
Admittedly, hostels in Key West are more expensive compared to other places, but they are still the cheapest place to stay in the Florida Keys. Make sure to consider that when figuring your travel costs so you still have enough money for the attractions and activities!
Here are the prices you need to consider:
- Mixed or same-sex dorms – $70
- Private rooms – $120
HostelWorld is the site to go to when in search for the best hostel in Key West. Make sure to look at the reviews by previous guests as they will help you determine if a place is worth staying in or not.
Best Hostels in Key West
We’re here to make sure that your stay in Key West is as fun as it can be! Read on to check out the best hostels in Key West.
Seashell International Hostel and Motel – Overall Best Hostel in Key West
One of the best hostels in Key West, Seashell International Hostel and Motel is located downtown and is in proximity to many of the most popular points of interest.
Regardless if you’re visiting for a long holiday or are just stopping by for the weekend, the property has an ideal location to start your adventures. A few tourist attractions that are not to be missed are Lighthouse Museum, the Hemingway House, and the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States.
The kitchen is well-equipped for those who would like to prepare meals ,and the amenities are available 24 hours a day.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Daily housekeeping
Different types of hostel rooms are available to choose from such as all-female, all-male and mixed dorms. Private rooms are costly, but preferable for those who would not want to share the space with others.
Towels and beddings are provided, locker facilities are free to use for guests, and onsite bicycle rental is on a first come first serve basis. Cycling to nearby attractions is a low-cost alternative if you want to explore the area.
Do keep in mind that the hostel has a strict no alcohol and no smoking policy, and after 10 pm is considered strict quiet time.
Not Your Average Hotel – Hostel with a Pool & Jacuzzi in Key West
Don’t let the name fool you, this hostel offers dorms for people who travel on a budget but don’t want to skimp on comfort and convenience. With two Jacuzzis and three pools, there’s plenty of relaxing common spaces where you can mingle with other travelers.
The property is a couple of blocks away from the old port and close to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Audubon House, and Tropical Gardens, so getting around is easy and quick.
You’ll be happy to hear that a continental breakfast for your whole stay is included in the price. We love additional savings!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bicycle hire
- Housekeeping
- Luggage storage
The hostel has both dorm and private rooms to choose from. Rather than your regular double private room, these are equipped to accommodate up to 6 guests! Perfect if you’re travelling in a group. As an adult-only hostel you are promised peaceful afternoons around the pool without any splashing or screaming kids.
There is a tour and travel desk onsite that can provide recommendations of what local attractions to see and what can be missed. And let’s not forget the bike rentals for exploring the town!
Internet access is free making staying connected with friends and family easy.
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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 Accommodations
Aside from Key West hostels, there are many other budget accommodations available in the area. These houses and private rooms have the same prices as hostels but offer more privacy, check them out!
Entire Townhouse – Airbnb for Large Groups
This property is ideal for large groups and families. Just 10 minutes away from the center of Key West, you are never too far away from the thick of the action. The shared saltwater pool and the large outdoor deck are just a few steps from the home, and it’s the perfect place to lounge and relax.
Several pubs and restaurants are nearby for sampling local dishes. A supermarket is just a mile away for those who would like to buy groceries, and prepare their meals in the home’s kitchen.
Free parking is available on the premises, as well as a gym, so you never have to worry about missing your fitness routine.
Apartment in the Heart of the Old Town – Great Airbnb for Couples in Key West
This cozy home’s location is the most wonderful thing about it. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, the apartment is in a 19th century Conch house just walking distance of everything!
You won’t need to go hungry with its close proximity to restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee shops, and craft breweries. Not only will you get your fill of sumptuous food, but you’ll be able to get a drink or two afterward.
If you’re a seasoned diver or would like to try it for the first time, there are so many dive shops nearby that offer all levels of experiences.
The kitchen is equipped with cooking basics, and an organic market is nearby where you can easily find the freshest produce. On the private deck savor a cup of coffee in the morning with your loved one.
Room in Historic Bed and Breakfast – Airbnb for Solo Travelers in Key West
This lovely, private room in Key West has access to a shared pool, the perfect place to spend lazy afternoons. Greet the morning sun when you step out of the French doors onto the semi-private balcony, and update friends and family while connected to the free Wi-Fi.
One of the things to love about this space is that it’s near to everything and you can walk everywhere! That’s good news for those on a budget as you don’t have to spend extra on transportation.
There’s no breakfast onsite, but you will be given vouchers to Harpoon Harry’s which is less than five minutes’ walk away. Just three blocks away from happening Duval Street, you can easily stroll to an abundance of bars, restaurants, and shops. Plenty of entertainment at hand!
As if that weren’t enough, the beach is only about a mile away!
What to Pack for your Key West 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!
Key West Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Key West cost?
Dorms in Key West can range around $100 per night while private rooms can double from $270 to $380.
What are the best hostels in Key West for couples?
With 24 hours reception, great nightlife, located near multiple attractions, Not Your Average Hotel definitely lives up with its name. This is the perfect hostel for couples no doubt.
What is the best hostel in Key West near the airport?
Seashell International Hostel and Motel is nearest to Key West International Airport. It only takes seven minutes to drive there from the hostel.
Travel Safety Tips for Key West
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
Key West is a fun place to be, especially for people who love the ocean, and water sports! You’ll be sure to go home with a treasure trove of memories that you cherish forever.
Hostels in Key West will make sure you are able to stick to your budget and still have a cozy place to stay.
If you have a hard time deciding where to stay, you can never go wrong with Seashell International Hostel and Motel. The Jacuzzi and pools are impressive, and it’s in proximity to the most happening places.
- Use our Where to Stay in Key West guide to plan your adventure.
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in the USA.
- This guide to the National Parks of the USA will also help you plan your itinerary
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in USA covered.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for the USA to avoid any issues.
- Don’t forget the essentials with our in-depth 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!
