The 29 BEST Hostels in USA (Find One in 2024)

Quick Answer – What are the Best Hostels in USA

• The Best Hostel in New York
• The Best Hostel in Boston
• The Best Hostel in Portland
• The Best Hostel in Los Angeles
• The Best Hostel in New Orleans
• The Best Hostel in San Francisco
• The Best Hostel in Austin
• The Best Hostel in Miami
• The Best Hostel in Chicago

Let’s begin with the pick of the very best hostels in USA. These are the cream of the crop, and by staying in any of these American hostels, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime and just have a great experience overall!

Auberge NOLA Hostel – New Orleans – Best Budget Hostel in USA

Looking to keep your costs down but still have an awesome experience? Look no further than Auberge NOLA Hostel in New Orleans! Not only is it a top cheap American hostel, but you can really let your hair down and party here too. There are nightly social events which might include anything from bar crawls to BBQs in the outdoor courtyard! When the weather’s not so great, head inside to one of the indoor common areas where you’re sure to find it easy to make new friends and get chatting.

USA Hostels Hollywood – Los Angeles – The Overall Best Hostel in USA

The first stop on our list of the best hostels in USA is where else but Hollywood?! From the sunny courtyard to the comfy beds, you’re bound to feel cosy in this home away from home in one of the most glamorous locations in the world. And don’t just take our word for it, take a look at that list of awards. Since 2006, this awesome American hostel won 13 awards including the best hostel in Los Angeles seven times.

Start your day with the awesome free breakfast before immersing yourself in one of many free activities! Whatever your travel style, you’ll fit right in at USA Hostels Hollywood.

Miami Party Hostel – Best Party Hostel in USA

When it comes to partying in USA, there’s no better city to do so than Miami. This place not only has a bar and cafe where you can soak up hangovers from epic nights out, but there’s a nightclub IN THE HOSTEL! So, you don’t even need to leave the building to find some of the city nightlife. Chill out the next day on the rooftop terrace with some shisha!

Broadway, Central Park, and Times Square are just a few places to visit in New York. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and it’s often the first place on many travellers’ USA itineraries. New York can be frightfully expensive but our chosen hostels will save you money. These three prove that you don’t have to compromise on quality and style to have an awesome accommodation experience in the city that never sleeps!

NY Moore Hostel

One of the best hostels in America

This loft-style youth hostel in New York is our favourite place to stay in the city that never sleeps! It’s hidden away in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Brooklyn, so you’ll feel like a movie star. To keep your costs down in New York, Moore Hostel offers you a range of freebies, including tea and coffee, movie nights, and yoga classes. Proof that you don’t need to be on the go all the time to enjoy this crazy city. Don’t want to blow all your budget on a night out in New York? Then just head to one of the hostels awesome international stand-up comedy nights.

The Local NYC

A legendary American hostel

For one of the cheapest hostels in New York, look no further than the Local NYC. Staying here means you can enjoy an industrial-style building with floor to ceiling windows, giving awesome views of the New York skyline. Want to get a clearer pic? Ditch the windows and head up to the rooftop, where there’s an awesome terrace. If you feel like it, why not take up a coffee or a locally made beer from the bar up there? Travelling solo in the USA and want to make friends? There are movie nights, board games, and wine/beer tastings – so you can bond over a mutual interest!

HI NYC Hostel

An awesome American hostel for solo travellers

Our third and final New York hostel is one of the most popular in town, with more than 8,000 reviews. It’s one of the best hostels in USA if you’re looking to make friends during your trip – partly thanks to the largest private outdoor patio in Manhattan! From there, you can enjoy views of the NYC skyline, or just the imposing castle shape of the hostel itself. There are events on pretty much every night here, whether that’s a pool tournament in the billiards room, or a big group meal prepared in the 36-burner kitchen!

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Famed for it’s Irish heritage and iconic place in American history, Boston is one of the East Coast’s truly great cities. If you are spending a few here days then check out these awesome Boston Hostels.

HI Boston

Overall Best Hostel in Boston

How can this not be the overall best hostel in Boston? They’ve got you covered for all of your travel needs. Close to the subway and located in Boston’s vibrant China Town, this hostel is like a cool hangout to meet like-minded Boston backpackers. It’s decorated really stylishly too and they have loads of different room types to choose from.

The staff will help you out with your Boston travel tips and even feed you a big, FREE breakfast which is always tasty. There’s even a coffee bar in the lobby so you can fill up of caffeine and baked snacks.

Abercrombie’s Farrington Inn

Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Boston

A really sweet little budget place to stay in the city, this place is the best hostel for solo travellers in Boston. The staff here really know how to look after guests and will more than happy to answer any questions you might have. All of the different rooms on offer at this budget hostel in Boston are really homely and clean, it might feel like you are staying with an old aunt, but you’ll feel safe and well looked after the whole time.

Is Portland the hipster capital of the world? It could well be – and it’s an awesome place to visit! For eating out, this city is much cheaper than most major US cities, and there are some awesome natural parks nearby too! When it comes to hostels in Portland, it’s all about quality over quantity. We’ve included three of the four hostels in Portland, but all have excellent review scores and you’re assured of an awesome time.

HI Portland – Northwest

Recommended hostel in the USA

Portland is home to some of the best hostels in USA, but HI Portland edges the others. Not just according to us either – it came 3rd in the worldwide medium hostel category IN THE WORLD at this years Hoscars! It’s got a number of other awards under its belt too, and that’s no surprise really! Start your day with a free breakfast, explore the city, then come back to enjoy the leafy gardens where you can challenge one of your new pals to a board game!

Weather’s not so good? You can always just chill in one of the cool common rooms!

HI Portland Hawthorne

A top cheap American hostel

When it comes to cheap American hostels, HI Portland Hawthrone has to be on your itinerary! You may not be breaking the bank by staying here, but you wouldn’t know! You still get a lot of bang for your buck, including a free breakfast at the on-site restaurant Dóttir! There are loads of other features too, including a sauna, rooftop terrace, bar and library! If all that’s not enough, there are regular events too including live music which is sure to be the beginning of a great time in Portland!

Travelers House

An All American Boutique Hostel

Want something a little more upmarket than your average youth hostel in USA? We don’t blame you… Sometimes it’s nice to splash out a little extra on somewhere that’ll make you feel more like you’re at home. And that’s Travelers House!

Meet other travellers over the backyard fire pit in the evenings over a beer or two, then have breakfast together the next day. Did we mention that breakfast is free and you get pancakes? What’s not to love! If you’d prefer to enjoy some quality me-time, just pick something out from the book exchange and enjoy!

If you want all the best things a city can offer, then throw in surfing and hiking too, you might get something that looks a little like Los Angeles! Oh, and it’s home to the world’s most glamorous movie industry! There are hostels across the city and they’ll give you a slice of the high life for a fraction of the price of a five star hotel!

Freehand Los Angeles

An Awesome American Hostel

We’ve two words for you. Rooftop pool. That’s just one of the many bonuses you get by staying at one of the best American hostels there is. The view of the LA skyline from said pool is another one. This awesome LA hostel is best suited to travellers who want to enjoy the party lifestyle the city is famous for – there’s often live entertainment and DJs that will make your stay unforgettable. If all the eating and drinking LA has to offer is catching up with you, then be sure to stop at the fitness centre for a workout. However, we’re sure you look great!

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica

A top American hostel for budget travellers

There’s so much of LA, it might be worth staying in two different places. Spend a few nights in the centre, then move out towards the beach for one of the best cheap hostels in USA – HI Los Angeles Santa Monica. Almost 5,000 reviewers agree that it’s a pretty awesome place to stay. Not only is the price of a bed here low, but you get lots of freebies thrown in too.

Enjoy your free breakfast while you decide which free activity to take part in later – it could be a pub crawl, a comedy night, or a tour of Venice Beach! If you don’t want to do the tour as part of a group on foot, rent a bike on-site instead.

Orange Drive Hostel

Recommended American hostel for visiting Hollywood

Right in the centre of where all the stars live and work in Hollywood, those backpacking in the USA can enjoy a traditional home that’s become a hostel. Orange Drive Hostel is within walking distance of the Walk of Fame, The Dolby Theatre, Sunset Boulevard, and a whole load of other awesome attractions that any self-respecting film buff wouldn’t dream of missing! It’s not just about movies though – there are ways to meet other travellers aplenty here. Maybe you’ll join pub crawl or just chill out on the patio over a BBQ!

One of the most culturally and historically intriguing cities in the USA, New Orleans has a lot to offer visitors. From the spirit of jazz in the French Quarter, to the grisly history of Madame La Laurie’s house, to Nicholas Cage’s pyramid in a cemetery (don’t ask), there’s something for everyone to do in New Orleans.

HI New Orleans

A legendary hostel in the USA

You already saw one New Orleans hostel was one of the best hostels in USA, so you’re going to have to make some tricky choices when you stay in the Big Easy. Allow us to complicate things more with not only our favourite hostel in New Orleans, but the best new large hostel in the world 2024 – HI New Orleans!

That impressive award comes as no surprise when you find out more about this place – the location is pretty much unbeatable in the heart of the French Quarter. You’ll want to set some time aside to enjoy the hostel though – whether that’s for a game of pool or chilling in a cool common room!

India House Backpackers Hostel

One of America’s favourite cheap hostels!

Another awesome American hostel, backpackers in New Orleans flock here for its low prices, awesome atmosphere, and endless supply of things to do – including taking a dip in the backyard pool. There are plenty of floats, so even if you don’t want to swim, you can enjoy sunning yourself on a flamingo float. Perhaps you’ll do that to the backdrop of a jam session, or the tantalising scents of someone whipping up a delicious meal in the open-air kitchen.

Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans

An awesome American hostel for families and couples

There’s no shortage of awesome hostels in New Orleans and Madame Isabelle’s just makes your choice even harder. We’d say this is a good shout for small groups of friends and couples – as well as the standard dorms you’d expect from a hostel, they do some pretty great private rooms for up to 3 people. Not that solo travellers shouldn’t consider this place by the way – there are awesome free events pretty much all the time, including beer bong, bike tours, and music crawls.

Whilst LA is all about the endless space, the heat and the glitz, San Francisco is it’s cooler, cooler, and more compact cousin up the road. Whether you’re in San Francisco to check out the bay, bar hop or visit Alcatraz, these hostels are a good base.

SFO Crashpad

Best Cheap Hostel in San Francisco

The best cheap hostel in San Francisco for budget backpackers, SFO Crashpad is also a great choice for people wanting a hostel near San Francisco Airport.

Less than ten minutes’ drive from the airport, the hostel is also within a 15-minute drive of San Francisco downtown.

Frequent buses connect the hostel with surrounding areas. Enjoy sweet dreams in a mixed dorm for four and make full use of the hostel’s facilities, which include a kitchen, dining area, lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a washing machine.

HI-San Francisco City Center

Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in San Francisco

With single-gender dorms as well as mixed rooms, each with their own bathroom, top-rate facilities, heaps of activities, and a funky location, HI –San Francisco City Center is our top choice for the best San Francisco hostel for solo travellers.

It’s easy to meet new people and feel right at home here. The historic building has splashes of its past splendour with all modern amenities.

Wi-Fi is fast and free and there’s also a free breakfast every morning.

Make the most of your backpacking trip in San Francisco with the tour desk and let the friendly staff let you into insiders’ secrets. There’s a kitchen, lounge, book exchange, laundry facilities, onsite bar-cum-café, and more!

USA Hostels San Francisco

Overall Best Hostel in San Francisco

The myriad facilities and freebies at USA Hostels San Francisco make this our pick for the overall best hostel in San Francisco in 2024.

It may be a bit pricier than other digs, but the free breakfast, Wi-Fi, walking tour, luggage storage (on the day of check-out), and discounted tours save you way more in the long run.

It’s also one of the coolest hostels in San Francisco. Whether you want to relax and chill or be a social butterfly and mingle, this hostel caters for all.

You won’t just find a kitchen, dining area, and lounge—there’s also a yoga room! Dorms have lockers and the pod beds provide plenty of privacy when it’s time to get some shut-eye.

The maximum dorm size is 4 people which massively reduced the chances of been stuck with a snorer!

Is there anywhere better in the USA to party than Miami? The jury’s out on that… but if you’re not into nightlife, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied! The golden sand beaches are primed for sunbathing, while the city’s arts and architecture can delight you when the weather’s not so great (but that’s rare). Hostels here will mean you can funnel your lower accommodation costs into beers, cocktails, and food.

Generator Miami

A highly recommended hostel in USA

If you know hostels, you’ll know the name Generator, which boasts some of the coolest and most modern hostels in Europe. It happens to have a branch in Miami too, which is one of the coolest hostels in USA! There’s space for almost 350 guests here, so you’ll probably find someone milling around the cool social spaces or at either the indoor or outdoor restaurant whatever time of day you’re around. Make sure you take a dip in the swimming pool after a hot and sweaty day exploring the city.

Miami Beach International Hostel

One of the best cheap hostels in USA

When you’re staying in Miami, let’s face it, a lot of people want to make sure every single dollar goes towards drinks and partying! Nothing wrong with that, but you’ll need a hostel that understands that! Not only does this awesome American hostel offer one of the cheapest bed prices in Miami, but it’s got a bar with a happy hour and a pool table. The perfect place for pres! Breakfast and dinner don’t cost any extra here – the perfect way to line your stomach before a wild party or a keg night!

Rock Hostel

Top American hostel for solo travellers

There are few hostels in Miami where you’ll arrive alone and not leave with a gazillion friends, and Rock Hostel is no different. Events here will make it super easy to meet people and get conversations flowing, including wine tasting, boat trips, and group nights out. If you’re hungry, no need to head out and search for places to eat for hours, just pop to the on-site bar and restaurant which serves up some pretty great food.

The capital city of Texas, this city’s popularity is growing year on year. Music fans can rejoice that it’s the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, and if you’re planning to visit SXSW Festival, you’ll have to book a hostel in Austin WELL ahead of time. Repeat, book early if you want to come for SXSW. It’s also got some incredible outdoor attractions nearby which you won’t want to miss.

Firehouse Hostel

A top American hostel for solo travellers

Right in the heart of Austin, you’ll find the Firehouse hostel, which used to be the longest standing fire station in town. It’s the biggest hostel in Texas, so you’ll not have any trouble meeting new people and making friends for your adventures in the lone star state. Of course, there’s the free breakfast but you can also make your own food if you wish in the well-equipped guest kitchen. Long day and you can’t be bothered?

No problem, there’s a bar and restaurant too serving Tex Mex classics! The lounge also does local beers and hand-made cocktails, which you can enjoy to the backdrop of some awesome live music!

Drifter Jack’s Hostel

One of the coolest hostels in USA

This colourful and artistically designed spot is yet another of the top hostels in USA. The walls have been painted by local artists, which gives it a unique touch and plenty of character. That’s not the only thing worth staying though – it’s a great place to meet fellow travellers. Enjoy a conversation in the common room, or get competitive by challenging a new friend to a board game or a round on the pool table! Need to sort out onward travel or personal admin? Use one of the hostel’s iPads or laptops FOR FREE!

HI Austin

A legendary cheap hostel in USA

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the awesome location of HI Austin. It’s right on the shores of Town Lake, so, you have the best of both worlds; peace, quiet, and tranquillity, whilst being just moments away from Downtown Austin! In the morning, enjoy a free continental breakfast with an awesome view of the lake on the outdoor terrace. Spend your day either enjoying the sights of the city centre, or take a hike or a bike along the Colorado River’s awesome trails. When you’re properly tired out, come back and make the most of the games room!

The last stop on our list is the Windy City. Unless you’re an Italian purist, you’re going to love the deep pan pizzas here and sports fans will be in heaven too. Although you probably think of skyscrapers when Chicago springs to mind, there are almost 600 parks so you can take advantage of green spaces while you’re here.

HI Chicago, The J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel

Another awesome American hostel

Not only does this cool Chicago hostel get the thumbs up from us, but from Hostelworld too… and more than 5,000 reviewers! And it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re travelling solo, with your other half, or as part of a big group, this place can easily suit you.

There are lots of free activity nights that can help you get acquainted with the city and save money at the same time. You’ll be visiting the hottest clubs and jazz bars in the windy city of Chicago! If you’d prefer to do something in the day time that doesn’t revolve around alcohol, there are meet-ups with free ice cream and snacks! Awesome!

Freehand Chicago

Up there with the best cheap hostels in USA

You wouldn’t believe it by looking at the photographs, but the Freehand Chicago is one of the best cheap hostels in USA; it doesn’t look like a cheap hostel at all. The classic building dates back to 1927 and it’s been designed by the famous design firm Roman and Williams.  You first stop here should be the Broken Shaker cocktail bar, where you can fuel up on delicious food and treat yourself to a tasty cocktail!

Wrigley Hostel

Legendary American hostel for sports lovers

Last but not least on our list of the best hostels in USA, here’s the Wrigley Hostel. No, it’s nothing to do with chewing gum, but all you sports fans will know it refers to the historic Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium! So, if you’re coming to catch a game, you sure won’t be disappointed with this place! Not big into your sport? Not a problem. You can still take advantage of freebies like barbecues and city walking tours, and a free breakfast each morning of your stay! As well as all that, you’re in the most vibrant nightlife district in Chicago, so there are lots of bars and clubs nearby!

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So what are the essential need to know facts about visiting the US? Let’s take a look!

Currency – The US Dollar – $1 = $1!!!

Language – English. Although Spanish is widelly spoken and semi-official in many parts of California and Florida.

Visa – Many visitors can get a 3 month Visa on arrival but MUST complete the ESTA application before hand. We recomened doing it immediately in case there are any complications. If you have a “lively” travel history you may be questioned about it and this cause issues in entering the country. For example, I was sent for a bag search at LAX on the basis I had visited Colombia 3 years earlier…American logic eh?

Anything Else? – The US is a big country and it’s expensive. The political situation in March 2020 is divided but that should not deter you from visiting.

We have written previously about backpacking, and staying safe in the US.

Map of Where to Stay in USA

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.

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Check Best Price

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Check Best Price

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Check Best Price

Make Some New Buddies…

Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Check Best Price

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 Best Price

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Why You Should Travel to USA

So, that concludes our list of the best hostels in USA. We’re sure that you’ll agree that there’s a lot of choice! Whether you want to be right in the heart of Manhattan, relaxing on a Californian beach, or a stone’s throw from the coolest jazz bars in New Orleans, there’s an American hostel for you.

The only thing is now you’re probably a bit overwhelmed with recommendations on where to stay in USA. If that’s the case, keep it simple, and go for our favourite overall hostel in each city. If you have a lot of flexibility over where you’re going to be, make a special trip to where our top overall hostel in America is: USA Hostels Hollywood. Not only does it have an awesome location, it’ll provide great value for money and an unforgettable experience!

Now that we’ve helped you plan your vacation, it’s time for us to go. All that’s left is for us to wish you an incredible trip to USA. We hope you have an amazing time.

Travel Insurance for USA

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.

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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!