Traveling across the United States can be a time-consuming and expensive journey, but hostels can make a huge difference to your budget and comfort. There are many options you can consider booking, but only some are consistently top-rated.
From hostel chains like HI and The Local that are the best in San Francisco and NYC, to The Bivvi in Breckenridge and the Ocean Beach in San Diego, there are many popular options to meet the needs of backpackers. Many other top-rated choices can be found in locations like Austin and LA.
If you’re interested in visiting the United States and benefitting from the hotel experience, check out these top 10 choices.
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Are Hostels Legal in the US?
While state regulations regarding hostels vary, they are legal in most states if they adhere to specific regulations. Most hostels were made illegal in New York City by a bill passed in 2010, but since 2019 the legislation has changed to account for their presence.
Despite being legal, hostels have not achieved the same popularity in the US that they enjoy in Europe. This is due to various reasons, but here are the most influential factors:
- There is a stigma associated with sharing accommodation. Many Americans think that this is something only young people do.
- The country’s massive size has not contributed to the blossoming of the kind of backpacker culture that is necessary for hostels to triumph.
- Red tape makes it harder for hostels to meet the criteria to open, especially as many zoning regulations don’t even include the concept.
Despite these challenges, hostels are becoming increasingly popular in the United States and can become massive assets in meeting the demands of a burgeoning tourism market fuelled by individual travelers.
Are There Youth Hostels in the United States?
There are many youth hostels in the United States, and most of them fall under the umbrella of the Hostelling International USA (or HI USA) network. Hostelling International is the official American affiliate of the International Youth Hostel Federation. The first youth hostel on American territory was opened in 1934 in Massachusetts.
Youth hostels differ from regular hostels by offering fewer amenities and being more focused on providing a sleeping space. They also tend to be cheaper. The youth hostel boom of the ’80s suffered in the following decades due to increased regulations, but they have been seen a renewed popularity since 2013.
To find a youth hostel in the US, check the Hostel Handbook or the various directories accessible online. You will be able to check which options are part of the Hostelling International network, which will help you narrow down the search for the best youth hostel.
Is It Cheaper to Stay in a Hostel?
Hostels tend to be cheaper than more traditional options like hotels, but also when compared to Airbnb. They are incredibly convenient for those traveling by themselves and can save a lot of money in the most touristy locations.
The quality/price ratio tends to be excellent in hostels, and the amenities like shared kitchens make it the best option for a budget unless you’re traveling in a group and staying in the same place for an extended period.
The 10 Best Hostels in the US
You’ll find the 10 best hotels in the US all across the country, so you can create an itinerary around them if you are planning a longer trip with many stops. While there are plenty of options for hostels in the States, fellow travelers have consistently named these as the best.
1. HI, San Francisco
This Hostelling International offering in San Francisco is one of the most top-rated in the whole country. Located in a beautifully renovated former hotel in downtown San Francisco, the HI offers numerous features like complimentary continental breakfast, a shared fully-equipped kitchen, and a media room that doubles as a movie theater with nightly movie screenings.
If you stay at the HI, you’ll be within walking distance of attractions like the Westfield Shopping Centre, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Metreon Complex, Union Square, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. You’ll also have easy access to cable cars that can take you straight to other popular areas like Fisherman’s Wharf.
2. The Bivvi, Breckenridge
You’ll find The Bivvi in Breckenridge, in the mountains of Colorado. The fantastic scenic location is made even better by the many comforts found in this boutique mountain lodge. The Bivvi is aimed primarily at adventurers and mountain lovers, and their guests are treated to plenty of activities to keep them entertained no matter the season.
The Bivvi has excellent outdoor amenities like a fire pit and a hot tub, but it also includes hot tubs in some of the rooms if you’d rather not leave the indoor comfort. They also offer a great fresh continental breakfast every morning to fuel you before you go to explore the mountainside or for a spot of group skiing.
3. USA Hostels, Hollywood
This USA Hostels location in Hollywood is ideal for getting you within walking distance of the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. The hostel organizes daily tours of some of the biggest attractions in Los Angeles (like Beverly Hills) and provides free breakfast every morning, including baked goods and all-you-can-make pancakes.
There are also great social spaces like a large garden and lounge, and the staff is very friendly. You will only be around eight minutes away from the nearest subway station that will connect you to the rest of the entertainment in the city. If you’d like to hike to the Hollywood Sign, you’ll only be four miles away from it.
This location stands out from other competitors in the city because it uses sleeping pods that ensure more privacy even when sharing a dormitory. The pods include a reading light, outlets, and a shelf.
4. The Local, New York City
When you need to stay in New York City, The Local is a great hostel that you’ll find in Queens. The Local has excellent connections to the rest of the city, and it’s less than ten minutes away from the MoMA. The nearest subway station is a short four-minute walk away.
The minimalist design offers plenty of comforts, and you can stay in mixed or single-sex rooms. You’ll have access to reading lights, outlets, lockers, towels, and linens. There’s also a shared kitchen, free WiFi access, and a bar-café on-site. You can hang out on the rooftop terrace, and there are coin-operated laundry facilities if you need to freshen up.
5. Auberge, New Orleans
Staying in the vibrant city of New Orleans is always a great experience, but it’s made even better by having somewhere like the Auberge to spend the night. The Auberge is made for the fun-loving party-going crowd and is ideally situated between the Garden District and the French Quarter.
The staff is exceptionally welcoming, and you’ll have the best time at the nightly parties on-site that you can use as the prelude to a night out on the town. Amenities at the Auberge include free WiFi, free social events, a cinema room, an outdoor courtyard that includes a BBQ area, and numerous indoor social spaces.
6. Beds N'Drinks, Miami
Located right in the bustle of Miami Beach, you’ll find Beds N’Drinks in a wonderfully renovated art deco building. This is an ideal hostel for those looking to spend the night while attending Art Basel, the art fair of international renown. You will also be only two blocks away from the beach and close to Lincoln Road Mall.
You’ll also be surrounded by world-famous restaurants and bars, and you’ll get to enjoy a kitchenette, game room, shared lounge, and tour desk on the premises. There is also a front terrace and a back patio where you’ll be able to unwind and hang out with new acquaintances. There’s also luggage storage and laundry facilities available.
7. Ocean Beach, San Diego
This Ocean Beach location is another USA Hotels offering that focuses on the chill and trendy California vibe despite being in the middle of a city. This beachside hostel benefits from excellent security, a high level of cleanliness, and it’s even in a lovely location that is beloved by many.
On-site amenities include free WiFI, a laundromat, 24/7 security, daily housekeeping, and a shared kitchen. There are plenty of recreational activities to do in the area, so book a stay at Ocean Beach and enjoy your relaxing vacation.
8. Firehouse Hostel, Austin
The Firehouse is located in downtown Austin. As the name suggests, you can find it in the building that housed the city’s oldest fire station. This popular hostel is known for its fantastic craft cocktail lounge and its unparalleled access to some of the best nightlife in the city.
There are no TVs on the premises, but there are plenty of amenities like free breakfast, coffee and tea refills available all day, a shared kitchen and common room, and a coin-operated laundromat. There are basic dorms with lockers, upgraded dorms with reading lights and custom bunks, and 4-person private rooms.
The lounge brings all the speakeasy charm of the Prohibition Era and can be accessed through the lobby via a hidden bookshelf. It frequently features live music (blues, jazz, rock’n’roll), accompanied by some of the best cocktails in town.
9. Hostel Fish, Denver
This affordable hostel opts for an upscale look and feel. It’s located only a mile away from the Elitch Gardens Theme Park and the Denver Art Museum. It’s also only a short walk from the Denver Aquarium. Hostel Fish was created by backpackers for backpackers, and their attention to travelers’ needs is on a different level.
During your stay, you’ll have access to charging stations, free use of shared iPads, daily housekeeping, as well as group tours and pub crawls through town. There are optional private rooms if you’re looking to share with fewer people, and there are events you can attend every day. If you need to unwind, you can enjoy the terrace with skyline views.
Also consider accommodation options for your next trip with our curated list of cheap hotels in downtown Denver, offering convenience and comfort without breaking the bank.
10. Nashville Downtown Hostel
The Nashville Downtown is located in a renovated warehouse dating back to the 1880s. It’s also on the riverfront and a short walk away from The District, Nashville’s historic center. If you’d like to visit the iconic Ryman Auditorium, you’ll be less than a mile away from it.
Amenities include a common area accessible at all times, a shared kitchen with a pizza oven and access to a music stage that includes a piano.
Outro
If you’re looking to travel through the US on a budget, you’ll find plenty of hostels to seek out during your journey. They all offer different benefits and atmospheres, but no matter where you go, you’ll be able to get memorable experiences from these top-rated hostels.