World-renowned for its skiing, spectacular mountain views, friendly neighborhoods, and a wide array of restaurants and shops, Vail is a haven for people who like winter sports. And those who want some respite from the demands of working in the metropolis.
Vail Mountain has an area of more than 5,000 acres and is the third-largest ski mountain in North America. It is a veritable playground for those who want to have some fun in the snow. Adrenaline-pumping fun is never too far away.
Vail may be known for its luxurious accommodations but that doesn’t mean you have to be insanely wealthy to afford to vacation here. You just have to know where to look. One of the best ways to save money when in town is to stay in a hostel in Vail. We don’t want you to be overwhelmed with the options so we have taken the time to sort things out for you.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Vail
- Best Overall Hostel in Vail – The Bunkhouse
Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??
Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.
What to Expect from Hostels in Vail
One thing that you can instantly tell about Vail hostels is that they are more expensive than hostels in other destinations. This is partly because it is the most expensive ski destination in North America, but there are still many ways to save money and still have enough to enjoy the skiing and the resorts.
You can stay in hostels, and share a dorm with other travelers to cut down on expenses. You just might meet a lot of interesting characters, too. Hostels have that distinct log cabin feel with the wonderful breeze of mountain air. So, how much do hostels usually cost?
- Mixed or same-sex dorm – $60 to $80
- Private room – $180 to $300
Where can you find the best hostels in Vail? Hostelworld is where you can make bookings easily and quickly. Check out what other previous guests have to say first and of course, take a look at the photos to ensure you’ll have a pleasant time on your vacation.
Best Hostels in Vail
Raring to go to Vail and get your winter sports on? We’re with you! Here are some hostels and budget spots worth staying.
Best Overall Hostel in Vail – The Bunkhouse
- $$
- Near skiing facilities
- Complimentary coffee
- Plenty of outdoor activities
If you love the outdoors and crave adventure, The Bunkhouse is the ideal hostel in Vail for you to stay. Situated between the slopes of Beaver Creek and Vail Mountains, The Bunkhouse is just a 10-minute drive from the area’s popular snowboarding and skiing venues, a bonus for winter sports enthusiasts! You might just end up spending an extra week skiing and snowboarding!
You can prepare your meals in the community kitchen, and pair them with a complimentary coffee before you head out to enjoy all the exhilarating activities on the nearby mountains. During the warmer months, you can try hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.
At night, unwind by trying the Colorado craft beer. If you’re not a beer person you can always have a glass of wine on the mountain deck and discuss the day’s events with fellow travelers. Share stories and make plans for the following day to take to the mountains.
Things only get better from there…
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free WIFI
- Mountain view
- Free off-site parking
- Bar on the premises
This boutique hostel is unlike your standard hostel, and guests who have stayed here have been pleasantly surprised. Each bunk bed has its own USB and power outlet, so you never have to worry about your phone or other gadgets running out of power.
Situated in the heart of Minturn, the bunk beds offer a degree of privacy that most hostels don’t. Not only are they all handcrafted, but soundproofing materials were also used when crafting them.
Just keep in mind that the property is smoke-free and doesn’t accept guests that are younger than 18 years old. There is a bar on the premises so you can easily grab a drink or two when you want.
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 REIOther Budget Accommodations
Aside from hostels, other types of budget accommodations are available too. Here we have a few motels and Airbnbs for the same price as hostels!
Great Airbnb for Couples in Vail – Condo with Spectacular Views
- $$$
- Outdoor seating area
- Shared laundry facilities
- Near restaurants and shops
This is the perfect accommodation for couples traveling in Vail. The condo comes with an outdoor seating area where you and your loved one can sit and enjoy your morning coffee or hot chocolate while admiring the panoramic views. Don’t forget to take some pictures to remember the special moment!
You’ll never have problems with where to go and what to do after a full day of skiing and snowboarding as the home is close to the downtown area with loads of restaurants and shops. You’ll have your pick of the best places to dine.
If you’re not into skiing and snowboarding, opt for biking or traversing the hiking trails. Who knows, you might just meet some interesting wildlife or meet new friends who are vacationing in the area.
Guests of the condo are entitled to a 10% discount at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Adventure Company, and Iron Mountain Hot Springs when they purchase online tickets. The discount code will be sent via email a week before your arrival.
Airbnb with a Pool/Jacuzzi in Vail – Private Room with Views of Vail Valley
- $$
- Private balcony
- On bus route
- Walking distance to grocery, bars, and restaurants
Located on Chamonix Lane, this private room comes with its own bathroom. However, the loft space includes a living area, kitchenette, dining area, workout area, and ski storage that are shared with other guests.
The property is on a bus route making getting from one place to another quick and easy. Guests can walk from the property to the grocery store, bars, and restaurants. Save money by collecting supplies at the grocery store, and cooking in the main kitchen.
If you don’t fancy cooking on vacation, you never have to worry about what you can grab for dinner as plenty of choices are nearby. After a sumptuous meal, grab a nightcap at one of the bars.
What better way to unwind after a day full of activities than by soaking your tired muscles in the hot tub. Just keep in mind that the hot tub is shared with other guests. If the tub is occupied, you can enjoy a movie night with the 10×10 foot projector in the main living area.
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.
Airbnb for Large Groups in Vail – Creekside Mountain Townhouse
- $$$$
- Near hiking trails
- Swimming pool
- Near free Vail shuttle
If you’re traveling with friends and family, this is the best spot. There are plenty of amenities to make your stay as pleasant as it can be. It’s nearby a free Vail shuttle, and just a few minutes away from hiking trails so you can spend your time enjoying outdoor activities.
The fully-equipped kitchen allows you to prepare and enjoy home-cooked meals, and save money at the same time. Free WIFI is available throughout the premises to show off your wonderful vacation photos, and make your friends at home envious of the good time you’re having.
After a day full of fun and activity, head to the Ptarmigan complex just across the way and take a dip in the pool or the hot tub that’s open all year round.
Best Hotel for Solo Travelers in Vail – Minturn Inn
- $$
- Free breakfast
- Excellent location
- Free private parking
The location of this property is what guests love the most. This charming bed and breakfast is on Main Street in the historic town of Minturn. You’ll find yourself so close to Vail, but without paying the expensive central prices.
Built on a historic 1915 homestead, the property has the unique ambiance of an old cabin in the mountains. Guests can choose from the buffet or ala carte breakfasts that are already included in the price.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and free private parking is available for guests with cars. Within close proximity are skiing and hiking locations, so there’s no reason to get bored. The terrace is available for guests to use, and you can sip your morning coffee while admiring the majestic views.
Vail Hostels FAQ
Travel Safety Tips for Vail
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
Vail is a beautiful place to be throughout the year. With the distinction of having one of the best alpine resorts in the world, the area is still able to retain its intimate, small-town feel where everybody knows everybody.
Aside from hiking in the summer and skiing during winter, Vail offers other bountiful cultural and recreational opportunities. You’ll have plenty to talk about and memories to cherish when you finally go home.
If you still have a hard time deciding where to stay, pick The Bunkhouse. It has a warm and cozy feel with a bar on the premises, and they even have complimentary coffee for guests. Its the best hostel in Vail.
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!
