If you are traveling to the United States, there’s a good chance that Washington DC is high on your list. And deservingly so!
America’s political center and historical background in one city, not to mention an amazing food scene and world class nightlife.
But traveling to Washington DC isn’t cheap, and there aren’t many hostels available. Which is exactly why we have put together this list of the best hostels in Washington DC.
With the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly which hostel in Washington DC fits your travel style, so you can book it quickly.
And you’ll wanna book quickly! Washington DC only has a limited amount of hostels, so if you are traveling here on a budget, the only way to do so is to book as hostel and to book a hostel ASAP.
Written by travelers, for travelers, our no stress guide to the best hostels in Washington DC is designed to help you book an awesome hostel, and quickly, so you can focus on exploring this amazing capital city.
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Washington DC
- Overall Best Hostel in Washington DC – Duo Housing DC
- Best Party Hostel in Washington DC – HighRoad Hostel DC
How we chose the best hostels in Washington DC
Simply put – Washington DC is freaking cool. If you are visiting the US, then you should swing by the capital.
The rich history and politically charged environment gives it a very unique feel, and many travelers end up staying longer than they first thought.
Because of this high demand, it’s best to have your accommodation booked as far ahead of time as possible.
With the help of this ultimate guide, you’ll know Where to Stay in Washington D.C. and which of these hostels fits your travel-needs.
This is because we…
- Only take the highest-reviewed hostels in Washington DC
- We THEN organize the best hostels in Washington DC by different travel needs.
This is because we understand that everyone travels differently. Some travelers like to party late. Other travelers like to sleep late. Some people travel as a couple, others travel alone. Whatever your travel agenda may be, our ultimate list to the top hostels in Washington DC has got you covered.
The 10 Best Hostels in Washington DC
Hostels in the US are a mixed bunch. But we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to, splitting the hostel choices into different types so you can see where you would feel most at home. Looking for the best hostel for solo travellers in Washington DC? Want the cheapest hostel in Washington DC?
Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered!
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!’.
Overall Best Hostel in Washington DC – Duo Housing DC
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- BBQ
- Book Exchange
Our pick for the overall best hostel in Washington DC in 2021, Duo Housing DC has tons of fab freebies. Like free breakfast, tea and coffee, Wi-Fi, fun events, maps, lockers, and use of computers. Meet other people in the kitchen, on the patio, and in the social room, which has a TV and Wii. There’s a separate quieter common room too if you want some peace and calm. Got the munchies? The well-stocked vending machines will sort you out. This top hostel in Washington DC is sociable and the staff members are super friendly. Do note that there is an age limit of 18—no kids! The mixed dorms sleep from four to 12 people.
Best Cheap Hostel in Washington DC #2 – Duo Nomad
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Café
- Games Room
A top hostel in Washington DC, Duo Nomad is located just a short stroll from the US Capitol. The youthful hostel is a great place to meet new people, with a large lounge, complete with cable TV, and a well-equipped kitchen. There’s a quiet common room too, ideal if you want to read, work, study, or simply think. Grab a free tea or coffee at any time and tuck into a free breakfast each morning. Reception is staffed around the clock and there’s 27-hour security.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Party Hostel in Washington DC – HighRoad Hostel DC
- $$$
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Facilities
- Key Card Access
HighRoad Hostel DC is the best party hostel in Washington DC. It’s located in Adams Morgan, an area known for its numerous lively bars. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants close to hand too for some pre-drinks and food. You can cook up your own favourite dishes without going outside, though, if you prefer—the hostel has a well-equipped kitchen. There may very well be a communal dinner during your stay too. If you just fancy chilling at this youth hostel in Washington DC, head to the cosy common room and curl up in front of the fireplace. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.
Washington DC may not have heaps of hostels but there are great hotels as well, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re counting the dimes, want a middle-of-the-road accommodation, or want to splurge on somewhere fancy, here are three top hotels in Washington DC that may just tempt you.
Best Budget Hotel in Washington DC – Ivy City Hotel
- $
- Free Parking
- 24-Hour Reception
- TV
Each room at the Ivy City Hotel has a private bathroom, a TV, free Wi-Fi, a desk, and a fridge. Sound-proofing and air conditioning help you to have a comfortable night’s sleep. Rooms have a timeless class and the prices are affordable. Double and king-size rooms are available.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Washington DC – The Georgetown House Boutique Inn
- $$
- Shared Kitchen
- Free Toiletries
- Satellite TV
The Georgetown House Boutique Inn is a charming Washington DC Hotel that’s housed in a historic building. Like in a hostel, there’s a shared kitchen where you can help yourself to free tea, coffee, and orange juice. All rooms are en-suite and have a TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and air conditioning, and some rooms also have a separate seating area.
Best Splurge Hotel in Washington DC – Kimpton Glover Park Hotel
- $$$
- Restaurants
- Fitness Centre
- Business Centre
Kimpton Glover Park Hotel is a pet-friendly property in Washington DC. Loaded with great facilities, you can dine in two onsite restaurants and workout in the modern fitness centre. There’s a business centre too along with free Wi-Fi. The stylish rooms are all en-suite. Other room facilities include a wardrobe, fridge, seating area, and TV. There’s an elevator in the hotel and daily housekeeping services keep everywhere looking nice.
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Washington DC – Hilltop Hostel
- $
- Games Room
- Bike Hire
- Laundry Facilities
Hilltop Hostel is our choice for the best hostel in Washington DC for solo travellers. It’s also the coolest hostel in Washington DC! You’ll meet heaps of cool people staying here and there are regular BBQs, shared meals, and jamming sessions. Holiday parties here are also tons of fun. The hostel is housed in a period home with plenty of charm yet with modern amenities. There’s a TV room and you can challenge your new pals to a poker game, pool tournament, or foosball playoff. Alternatively, grab a book and laze in a hammock outside in the yard.
As well as mixed and female-only dorms and twin and double rooms, this awesome Washington DC backpackers hostel offers something a bit different to the norm – an area where you can pitch your own tent and sleep outdoors.
Hilltop Hostel is one of our favourites in Washington DC but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Cheap Hostel in Washington DC #1 – City House Hostel Washington DC
- $
- Luggage Storage
- Tour Desk
- Housekeeping
City House Hostel Washington DC is the cheapest hostel in Washington DC. There are mixed dorms and private twin rooms, as well as areas to chillax and a kitchen. For fun and entertainment, the hostel has a TV, Wii, Xbox 360, board games, books, and Wi-Fi, and there are regular movie nights too. Free tea and coffee is available in the kitchen. The friendly members of staff are a great source of local knowledge to help you make the most of your stay in Washington DC.
City House Hostel Washington DC is one of our favourites in Washington DC but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Washington DC – Capital View
- $$$
- Laundry Facilities
- Lockers
- BBQ
With fast and free Wi-Fi, free-to-use computers, and a choice of places to sit and work, Capital View is the best hostel for digital nomads in Washington DC. Looking to network while in DC? There are meeting rooms right here. When you’re finished with work, head out to the terrace for a BBQ or cook up a feast in the spacious kitchen. Unwind and meet other travellers in the lounge, which has a TV and foosball. There are private twin rooms as well as mixed and single-sex dorms.
Capital View is one of our favourites in Washington DC but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Washington DC – HI Washington DC
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Tour Desk
- Laundry Facilities
The award-winning and eco-friendly HI Washington DC is a recommended hostel in Washington DC, a place where you can meet other travellers, socialise, and chill. There are comfortable and clean single-sex and mixed dorms in various sizes and private twin rooms. Bathrooms are single sex. The top-notch facilities and amenities include a comfy common room with pay-to-use internet stations, a TV room, a patio, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. There’s an elevator to save your legs. Freebies at this Washington DC backpackers hostel include breakfast, Wi-Fi, lockers, toiletries, maps, and a pool table.
HI Washington DC is one of our favourites in Washington DC but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.
What to Pack for your Washington DC Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Washington DC
There’s the list! With the help of this guide, you’ll have a really good idea of which of the best hostels in Washington DC best suits you, so you can book quickly and save some money while in the District of Colombia!
Remember, don’t wait too long… hostels and budget hotels fill up quickly in the American capitol.
And if you are having a difficult time picking one hostel, just go with Duo Housing DC. Its great price, stellar reviews, and tons of freebies make it our top hostel in Washington DC for 2021.
FAQ about Hostels in Washington DC
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Washington DC.
Travel Safety Tips for Washington DC
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.
More Epic Hostels in USA and North America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Washington DC.
Planning an epic trip all across USA or even North America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Washington DC has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
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!
