10 Top-Rated Hostels in the US in 2025: Rooftop Pools, Free Events, Coworking Spaces

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Over the years, I’ve road-tripped across the U.S. more times than I can count. I’ve backpacked through national parks, crashed in quirky small towns, and chased live music from Austin to Asheville. And while I’ve stayed everywhere from boutique hotels to sleeping in my car, it’s the unique hostels that keep pulling me back.

There’s something about these places—treehouses in the woods, retro airstreams in the desert, artist-run bunkhouses in the middle of nowhere—that make the trip itself feel like the destination. They’re not just cheap beds. They’re creative hubs, community magnets, and sometimes just flat-out weird (in the best way). These 10 hostels are the coolest I’ve found in the U.S., and honestly, I’ve stayed at most of them more than once.

Coolest Hostels in the US at a Glance

Whether you’re backpacking coast to coast or just looking for an affordable, creative place to stay, here’s your shortcut to the best of the best. These U.S. hostels stand out for vibe, value, and location. Click below to jump to each one.

• Best Bay Views + City Access: HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
• Best Beach Hostel in SoCal: Samesun Ocean Beach, San Diego
• Most Stylish & Social: Hostel Fish, Denver
• Top Eco-Friendly Base for Outdoor Lovers: The Crash Pad, Chattanooga
• Best for Meeting Travelers: Green Tortoise Hostel, Seattle
• Best for Hollywood Location + Daily Events: Banana Bungalow Hollywood
• Coziest Private Rooms in NYC: American Dream Hostel, Manhattan
• Best for Garden District Vibes: Auberge NOLA Hostel, New Orleans
• Best for Urban Explorers: HI Chicago Hostel
• Coolest NYC Skyline Views on a Budget: The Local NY, Long Island City

Here’s how I’d do it: book The Crash Pad if you’re heading south, use HI Chicago as your Midwestern base, and pair Banana Bungalow with The Local NY for an epic East-to-West trip. Full guide ahead!

1. Stay steps from the Golden Gate Bridge at HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf honestly surprised me the first time I stayed there. You’re literally waking up to Golden Gate Bridge views and Alcatraz right outside your window – it’s pretty unreal for hostel prices. The location inside Fort Mason is perfect because you get that national park vibe but you’re still close to everything.

I loved the movie room with actual theater seating, and the common lounge with the fireplace is clutch on those foggy San Francisco nights. The staff here knows their stuff and they’ll hook you up with walking tours and pub crawls that are way better than anything you’d book yourself. Plus they’ve got free coffee all day, which is essential when you’re trying to see everything the city has to offer.

Dorm beds start around $40-50 per night, which is actually pretty reasonable for San Francisco. The hostel’s got free parking too, which is basically unheard of in this city. You can walk to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and catch buses to anywhere in the city right from the park. The kitchen’s huge and the breakfast setup is solid – definitely take advantage of it before heading out to explore.

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2. Surf and chill at Samesun Ocean Beach in San Diego

Samesun Ocean Beach in San Diego is exactly what you’d want from a beach hostel. You’re literally steps from the sand, and the whole Ocean Beach vibe is so laid-back it’s almost impossible to stress about anything. I stayed here twice because the location is just that good – everything you need is right outside the front door.

The open-air concept works perfectly with San Diego’s weather, and the common areas are always buzzing with people planning beach days or checking out the local breweries. The staff here actually lives in the area, so they know all the good spots that tourists miss. Dorm beds run about $35-45 per night, and honestly, you can’t beat that for being this close to the beach.

What’s cool is how easy it is to get around from here. The local bus will take you to Balboa Park, La Jolla, or downtown San Diego without any hassle. I’d recommend grabbing breakfast at the hostel then walking to the Ocean Beach Pier to watch the surfers before deciding on your day. The farmers market on Wednesday is pretty awesome too, and it’s literally right down the street.

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3. Party in style at Hostel Fish in Denver’s historic district

Hostel Fish in Denver is hands down the coolest hostel setup I’ve seen in the US. This place used to be a brothel, and they’ve turned it into this speakeasy-style hostel that actually feels upscale. The bar downstairs gets pretty lively, and the daily cocktail hour is included – which is rare for hostels.

I was blown away by how central the location is. You can walk to Coors Field in five minutes, hit up 16th Street Mall in ten, and you’re surrounded by Denver’s best restaurants and breweries. The rooms have those thoughtful touches like USB charging stations in every bunk and decent privacy curtains. Beds start around $45-50, but you’re getting way more than typical hostel amenities.

The vibe here is definitely more party-focused, especially on weekends when people are heading out to LoDo’s nightlife scene. They host events like yoga sessions and pub crawls, but fair warning – the music from the bar can get pretty loud if you’re on the second floor. I’d recommend bringing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, but honestly, the energy here is part of what makes it special.

4. Experience eco-friendly adventure at The Crash Pad in Chattanooga

The Crash Pad in Chattanooga is seriously the most environmentally conscious hostel I’ve stayed at anywhere. It’s the world’s first LEED Platinum certified hostel, which basically means they built this place to be as green as possible. They used 99% of the materials from the old building they tore down, and the whole place runs on renewable energy.

What makes this place special isn’t just the eco stuff though – it’s that the owners are total outdoor enthusiasts who moved to Chattanooga specifically for the climbing and hiking. They know every trail, climbing spot, and hidden gem in the area. I ended up doing way more outdoor activities than I planned because their recommendations were so good. The fire pit area is perfect for hanging out with other travelers after a day of exploring.

Dorm beds start around $35-40, and you get free breakfast plus access to that discount map for local restaurants and bars. The location in downtown Chattanooga means you can walk to most attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium and Walnut Street Bridge. The Tennessee River is right there, and honestly, the outdoor scene in Chattanooga is way better than most people realize.

• Read next: Epic Things to Do in Chattanooga at Night

5. Meet travelers from around the world at Green Tortoise in Seattle

Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle is right across from Pike Place Market, which sounds touristy but is actually perfect. I ended up grabbing coffee and breakfast at the market almost every morning, and watching the fish throwing never gets old. The hostel itself has this community vibe that’s hard to find – they do free meals and organize activities that actually get people talking.

The location is unbeatable for exploring Seattle. You’re walking distance to the waterfront, Seattle Art Museum, and tons of coffee shops that aren’t Starbucks. The free breakfast isn’t fancy, but you can cook your own eggs, which is pretty cool. Evening activities like wine nights and ice cream socials might sound cheesy, but they’re actually fun and a great way to meet people.

Dorm beds run $45-55 per night, and they include linens and towels. The rooms have privacy curtains and under-bed lockers, plus there are enough bathrooms that you’re not waiting around. I loved that the common areas are designed for hanging out – there’s always someone planning a group dinner or figuring out what neighborhood to explore next. The staff here really knows Seattle and they’re not just recommending the obvious tourist stuff.

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6. Live the Hollywood dream at Banana Bungalow on Hollywood Boulevard

Banana Bungalow Hollywood is exactly what you’d expect from a hostel right on Hollywood Boulevard – colorful, retro, and full of people chasing the LA dream. You can literally see the Hollywood sign from the courtyard, which is pretty surreal when you’re hanging out with travelers from all over the world. The whole place used to be a motel, and they’ve kept that vintage California vibe while adding hostel amenities.

Each dorm room has its own kitchen and private bathroom, which is almost unheard of in hostel land. Dorm beds start around $40-50, and considering you’re in the heart of Hollywood, that’s actually reasonable. The daily events are constant – BBQ parties, karaoke nights, Hollywood sign tours on Thursdays, Beverly Hills tours on Fridays. It sounds super touristy, but honestly, it’s pretty fun.

The courtyard with the big screen TV and lounge furniture is where everyone hangs out during the day. I met people here who were doing everything from Universal Studios to hiking in Griffith Park. The staff helps coordinate group activities, and since everyone’s staying in Hollywood, it’s easy to find people to explore LA with. Fair warning though – it can get pretty loud, especially on weekends when the party crowd comes out.

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7. Find cozy private rooms at American Dream Hostel in Manhattan

American Dream Hostel in Manhattan feels more like a bed and breakfast than a typical hostel, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to survive New York City. The family that runs this place has been hosting travelers for over 20 years, and they actually care about making sure you have a good experience. Every room is private with bunk beds, and you get your own sink, TV, and AC.

The location in Gramercy Park and the Flatiron District is perfect – you’re walking distance to Madison Square Park, the Empire State Building, and Union Square. I loved being in this neighborhood because it feels more residential than midtown, but you can still get anywhere on the subway in 15 minutes. The breakfast is seriously good too – homemade waffles, fresh fruit, and real coffee, not that instant stuff.

Rooms start around $120-150 per night, which sounds expensive until you realize this is Manhattan and you’re getting a private space with breakfast included. The common kitchen and lounge areas are small but cozy, and there’s a 24-hour computer if you need to print tickets or maps. I stayed here during my first NYC trip and felt way less overwhelmed than I expected – sometimes having your own space to retreat to makes all the difference.

8. Soak up Garden District vibes at Auberge NOLA in New Orleans

Auberge NOLA Hostel has won awards for being the best social hostel in the US, and after staying there, I totally get why. This place is in the Lower Garden District, perfectly positioned between the French Quarter and the Garden District proper. The nightly events are legendary – they organize everything from pub crawls to Super Sunday parades, and the staff genuinely wants you to experience the real New Orleans.

The hostel is in this gorgeous 19th-century house with a courtyard where they serve free breakfast every morning. Dorm beds run $35-45 per night, and they include everything – linens, towels, lockers, even free street parking. The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is one block away, which takes you directly to the French Quarter or out to the Garden District mansions.

What makes this place special is the community they’ve built. There’s a WhatsApp group for guests to coordinate activities, and the pre-game sessions before going out are actually fun, not forced. I ended up doing way more New Orleans experiences than I planned because other travelers and staff kept recommending things. The quiet hours start at 11 PM, so you can party but also get sleep when you need it. The staff here really knows how to balance social energy with respect for people’s rest.

• Read next: Things to Do in New Orleans at Night

9. Explore downtown Chicago from HI Chicago’s central location

HI Chicago Hostel puts you right in the heart of the Loop, which means you’re walking distance from Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and Grant Park. I stayed here during a work conference and was shocked at how nice the facilities were – this place feels more like a modern hotel than a hostel. The building’s got this historic charm but with updated amenities like keycard access and good security.

The free activities and local tours they organize are actually worth doing. The walking tours show you neighborhoods you wouldn’t find on your own, and the trivia nights in the common area get pretty competitive. Dorm beds start around $45-55, and the breakfast buffet is solid – definitely fuel up before exploring the city. The second-floor lounge has pool tables, ping-pong, and computers if you need to work.

Location-wise, you honestly can’t do better in Chicago. You’re two blocks from major train and bus lines, so getting to Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or even out to Wrigley Field is easy. The Lake Michigan waterfront is a short walk, and there are tons of good restaurants within a few blocks. I loved being able to walk to Navy Pier and the Chicago Riverwalk without dealing with public transport. The staff here gives solid recommendations for both touristy stuff and local favorites.

10. Take in Manhattan skyline views from The Local NY’s rooftop

The Local NY in Long Island City has hands down the best rooftop views of any hostel I’ve stayed at. You’re looking directly at the Manhattan skyline, and it’s especially incredible at sunset. The whole place is in this converted warehouse with floor-to-ceiling windows and an industrial vibe that feels very New York. It’s only two subway stops from Manhattan, but it feels like a different world.

The rooms are legit – every one has its own bathroom, which is huge for hostels. Dorm beds run $45-65 depending on the season, and you get premium bedding, reading lights, and storage under the bed. The common areas downstairs have different zones for working, hanging out, or just chilling. The on-site bar serves local beers and cocktails, and they host events like movie nights and live music.

What I love about Long Island City is that it’s quiet at night but still has great restaurants and coffee shops. Cafe Henri is a short walk south and does amazing brunch. The industrial neighborhood has tons of street art to check out, and you’re close to the East River waterfront. The subway ride into Manhattan is quick, but honestly, I spent more time on the rooftop than I expected. Sometimes the best part of New York is just taking in those views with a drink and good company.

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