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Hostelling International, Boston

19 Stuart St, Boston, MA 02116, USA (show on map)

Expert reviews

Lonely Planet review:

“HI-Boston sets the standard for urban hostels, with its modern, ecofriendly facility in the historic Dill Building. Purpose-built rooms are comfortable and clean, as are the shared bathrooms.”

Guest rating

4.4 out of 5.0

Ranked 9th in Boston


This an aggregated guest review rating of Hostelling International, Boston. We have taken customer review ratings from hotel booking sites, search engines, the official hotel website and other travel platforms. This is the average of all those ratings. We only list places that have a guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0


What guests liked


Value for Money

89.95 %

Ranked 4th in Boston


We use a smart algorithm to determine the value for money each hotel offers. The score is based on a combination of aggregated guest review ratings and the average nightly rate. The higher the percentage, the better the overall value you receive for the price you pay.


All you need to know

If you are looking for an affordable spot to crash in the heart of the Theater District, Hostelling International Boston is a fantastic choice. Located right on Stuart Street, this modern hub places you steps away from Chinatown, Boston Common, and the historic Freedom Trail. It strikes a great balance between a social, budget-friendly atmosphere and urban convenience.

What makes this place truly special is the building itself. The hostel is housed inside the historic Dill Building, a six-story structure originally built in 1886 that is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the brick facade preserves its late 19th-century charm, the interior underwent a massive $44 million transformation before reopening.

The redesign was a collaborative effort by Boston architectural firms Bergmeyer Associates and Stegman + Associates. Instead of stripping away its identity, they used adaptive reuse to blend the historic structure with cutting-edge environmental tech, including a green roof, solar hot water heating, and energy-efficient elevators. This earned it the title of the first LEED-certified hostel in the United States.

Inside, you will find modern industrial decor and clever perks, like private hallway bathrooms designated for specific dorms. It is a highly sustainable, historic landmark designed to bring global travelers together.

Location

Recent guest reviews

4.0
Tajana

27 May 2026

Very good

Location is excellent, pretty clean and well maintained. Common areas were cozy. In overall it was good experience.

According to rules quiet hours are from 11pm until 7am, no doors slamming should be added to those rules. Had a pretty early awakening around 5 am since people don’t know how to close doors quietly or some of the doors need fixing.

4.0
Daniel

27 May 2026

Very good

The location is nice.

The rooms are tight.

4.0
David

26 May 2026

Very good

It was the only place I could find to stay in Boston after my truck got stolen and I didn't have an ID and they let me stay

It is what it is it was a place to sleep That's all I needed

5.0
Gabriela

26 May 2026

Exceptional

Amazing location in Downtown. Walk distance from the Bus Terminal. Everything very organized and clean ! Great staffs!

4.5
Becky

24 May 2026

Great location hostel

Great location in Chinatown, lots of fridge space, fun activities, comfortable and clean shared spaces, complimentary luggage storage, safe.

Appreciate that they provide earplugs at the front desk

4.5
Martin

22 May 2026

Great International Vibe In the Heart of Boston.

Location and proximity to public transportation. Chinatown food and people are wonderful. Nice safe vibe inside the community kitchen with street view. Great Bakery and Cafe within walking distance. No loud music blasting across generational lines.

Bathrooms and showers could have been a little more attended to with soap and shower mats. Bagels / Toast and Jelly would have been a nice touch for breakfast for those not yet situated to the area. The area at night could be a challenge if traveling alone.

4.0
Alexandra

21 May 2026

Good place for a budget holiday

The hostel was very clean, with an industrial look to it. Unfortunately the thermostats had been recently replaced and the one in our room wasn't working, which meant that it was chilly during the night. Overall the room was nice, clean, good size. Bed was comfortable and the bathroom was a very good size. The hostel was offering some activities as well, but sadly we could not take part as we had our own itinerary, but I think it's a great thing for those travelling alone or in pairs to meet new people and experience the city at the same time.

4.0
Yuhsuan

20 May 2026

The location is very convenient.

The location is very convenient, there are many places in the common areas where you can relax, and the front desk staff are also very nice.

I couldn’t find a hair dryer, and the guest in the lower bunk was yelling loudly at 1 a.m., which was very noisy.

4.5
Samiksha

19 May 2026

Worth it.

It’s at peak location yet very affordable. Every tourist spot was at walking distance from the hotel. Didn’t expect it to be this clean! Staff was polite. They had arranged movie nights trivia games etc. Plus they also had lockers arranged to keep luggage after you have checked out, that too for free. I was impressed.Def recommend it

Wish they had also provided locks for the lockers in the room

5.0
Andrew

19 May 2026

Will stay there again.

Clean

Some outlets didn't work.

4.0
Michael

19 May 2026

Definitely worth it; will do it again!

Pleasantly surprised by the experience, degree of privacy and comfort. Shower/toilet facilities are very private rooms (not congregate) - this is unclear and should be made so, as it will positively attract more clientele who may have misgivings about “locker room” style facilities.

Cleanliness of shower/toilet rooms varied and wasn’t always up to minimum standards.

4.0
Joe

19 May 2026

Very good

The price the location greet !

5.0
Jonathan

18 May 2026

Pleasant stay and roommates were curtious overall great experience will definitely be rebooking when I’m in Boston again

It was near all the places I need to visit.

N/a

4.0
Ruth

18 May 2026

It is a good place to stay

The localization is good! Also very easy to get it from the airport.

I little bit messy the bathroom

4.5
Yujin

16 May 2026

Loud Door Noises but Friendly Staff and a Great Atmosphere

The staff were friendly, the quiet hours were well respected, and the kitchen area was spacious and nice. I had a great stay.

The noise from the doors closing, both in the room and the bathroom, was very loud and startled me at times.

5.0
Tk

16 May 2026

I had fun.

It’s an expansive property and quite huge for a hostel. There are about a million bathrooms on each floor (all private) which made it a lot easier to do things in the morning and late at night while feeling safe. It’s very close to public transport which I enjoyed and right down the street from Boston Common.

N/A

4.5
02

16 May 2026

Fabulous

Everything is good

Nothing

5.0
Romsil

15 May 2026

Best stay to understand and experience the city!

The Chinatown location was great - lots of food options and the tourist attractions were of walking distance. But what truly exceeded my expectations were the free activities organized by the hotel. I participated in 5 of them - and all were great! The MIT architecture, East Boston Skyline, and the Freedom Trail tours were so good, I would do them again.

None.

5.0
Dasilva

15 May 2026

Exceptional

Staffs are always good and helpful.

5.0
Vikki

14 May 2026

Comfy bed, good location

This isn’t the first time I’ve stayed here - generally always a nice experience.

N/A

5.0
Souradeep

13 May 2026

Exceptional

Location from South station or Chinatown, lots of restaurants around, comfortable bed, has storage.

4.0
Mei-chi

12 May 2026

not bad , but with higher price in general hostels stay, provide breakfast or even coffee or tea

no breakfast provide is really inconvenient.

clean bathroom. the place has elevator ! nice

5.0
Juan

12 May 2026

Nice affordable place

Location is great, the room was cleans and quite. I was having a bad night due to the cold temperature but they gave me a extra blanket and that helps me a lot.

There are no curtains on some of the windows in the room, this allows a lot of light to enter.

5.0
Rodney

9 May 2026

excellent.

everything.

nothing.

4.5
Colett

9 May 2026

Very nice staff and great customer service.

I felt safe in the hostel.

The china town area left something to be desired

4.0
Soner

8 May 2026

stay here, you will not regret it.

facility was clean. location is good. room was quite. Staff could smile little more though. They were usually nice but could have smiled little more. The city tour and the tour guide, Fred was fantastic.

Check in is after 3pm which is kind of too late for someone travel from long distance. It could be earlier. the curtain which covers bunker or bed does not cover the bunker completely all the way. The little part at the end of bed stays open. It would have been much better if the curtains go all the way to the end.

4.0
Wayne

6 May 2026

Nice location and facilities considering the price.

Hi Boston Hostel is located near Chinatown and is just a few minutes' walk away from the closest subway station. The Hotel features a lot of different activities every day, including an interesting tour in Harvard.

I live on the 4th floor, and none of the washrooms have a working hair dryer. Most of the washrooms don't even have a working socket where I can plug in my own hair dryer.

5.0
Sami

5 May 2026

Exceptional

Excellent place!! Great people

Everything was perfect!!

4.0
Morongoa

4 May 2026

Clean hostel and great value for money

Clean rooms, great location and good atmosphere all round.

Nothing

5.0
Mauro

3 May 2026

Excellent, clean and spacious hostel in a great location

This hostel is superb. Great, big and entertaining common areas (enormous kitchen and many spots to relax, work or play a pool game), super clean and comfortable bathrooms, and spacious rooms. The staff is also super nice and always accommodating. The location is also great as you'll be equidistant from most of the Boston area main attractions.

Mattresses could be a little bit better, mine at least was a bit worn and uncomfortable for the back.

5.0
Kopylova

2 May 2026

Exceptional

Great safe location, nice rooms, plenty of things to do. We attended Harvard trip with Peter and it was amazing

5.0
Linda

30 April 2026

World 🌎 Class Accomodations...

5- Star Customer Service....

5.0
Mushfig

29 April 2026

Exceptional

4.5
Kateřina

27 April 2026

Fabulous

I stayed at HI hostel for Boston marathon and I felt very welcome there. The staff was very friendly and helpful and made sure that we runners had everything what we need for carb-loading before the race - a nice breakfast and a pasta party.

4.0
James

25 April 2026

Overall, love staying at HI

Location

Room was cold the first night, which was ok because possible to just add a blanket. Room was hot the 2nd night, which is slightly difficult to deal with. Room was comfortable 3rd & 4th night.

4.5
Sabrina

25 April 2026

Fabulous

Friendly staff, clean bathroom which is a huge win, clean room

5.0
Souleymane

24 April 2026

Amazing

The location is incredible

The sirens, non spot

4.5
Rhiannon

23 April 2026

Pleasant, thoughtfully designed hostel

Really thoughtful hostel design! Great kitchen and dining facilities, excellent privacy with the bathrooms, and a great solution to the age-old hostel question of "how do you keep bathmats sanitary and not gross?" (this hostel's answer: have a stack of clean ones on hand in each bathroom and let guests use them as necessary.) Super hot water in the spacious showers. Love that each guest gets a locker and two hooks (my thinking is, one for a towel and one for a coat, perfect). The gas fireplace in the lobby was so cozy and welcoming. Good location near Beacon Hill.

Privacy curtains around the beds only went halfway, I'm not sure why. Cold in the rooms, but I just got another blanket and that was fine. Poor wifi. No breakfast offered, aside from free coffee/tea. Tip for management: some kind of sign explaining the dish-washing situation would have been helpful; it wasn't clear to me if staff was supposed to wash the dishes or, as in most hostels, guests were expected to wash what they used.

5.0
Natalie

23 April 2026

It was just wonderful

Everything

I don’t have a complaint

5.0
Shoshanah

22 April 2026

I can’t wait to stay there again

I loved the location it was perfect

I wish they had small towels for the bathroom

5.0
Holly

22 April 2026

Excellent

Amazing location. Staff so friendly and the place is very clean. I highly recommend staying here.

4.5
Ann

22 April 2026

Very happy.

Nice receptions for the marathon runners, very welcomed by all staff.

4.5
Tommy

22 April 2026

Great location for the cost.

It’s close to everything I needed

Not sure if there is a type of rewards program for repeat customers

5.0
Wei

20 April 2026

This hostel is well worth booking again.

Conveniently located near Boston Common, this hostel offers great privacy in bunk beds, well-maintained facilities like the 2nd-floor kitchen, and a welcoming social atmosphere with plenty of activities.

5.0
Bhuvan

17 April 2026

Exceptional

All well 👍

4.0
Adehmar

14 April 2026

Very good

Available bathroom and excellent location in the downtown area.

The room layout and the noisiness

4.5
Eamonn

13 April 2026

Great stay

Excellent customer service and friendly staff

Cold concrete floors (bring slippers)

4.5
Christopher

12 April 2026

Perfectly located hostel in Boston downtown

The location is excellent! You can walk to downtown and is next to a main shopping street. I also liked that bathroom were individual and were kept clean daily. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I was able to store my bags after check-out. There are hydration station on each floor.

I am 186 cm tall and the bed was a bit too short. I could hear people talking on the corridor.

4.5
Alaia

12 April 2026

Fabulous

Everything was nice and convenient. The staff were helpful and friendly.

5.0
Sara

11 April 2026

Exceptional

Location was fab, easy and quick to walk everywhere, including South Station to get the Silver Line to the airport. Loads of free activities provided, which were great to explore the city and get to know people. The extended freedom trail with Tommy was fantastic, don't miss it! Bathrooms were clean and there was a shower, toilet and sink in each one of them, which is very comfortable. I'd definitely stay here again!

Breakfast not available although there is free coffee in the morning. There's a place called Panera to grab breakfast 2 minutes away so this wasn't a big issue.

Hotel facilities

Services

  • - 24-hour front desk
  • - Laundry (additional charge)
  • - Luggage storage
  • - Lockers
  • - Shared lounge/TV area

General

  • - Non-smoking rooms
  • - Facilities for disabled guests
  • - Lift
  • - Heating
  • - Non-smoking throughout
  • - Air conditioning
  • - Minimarket on site

Activities

  • - Billiards
  • - Pub crawls
  • - Movie nights
  • - Walking tours
  • - Bike tours

Food & Drink

  • - Snack bar

Kitchen

  • - Shared kitchen

Entertainment & family services

  • - Board games/puzzles

Parking

  • - Parking garage

Accessibility

  • - Wheelchair accessible
  • - Toilet with grab rails
  • - Raised toilet
  • - Lower bathroom sink
  • - Emergency cord in bathroom
  • - Visual aids: Braille
  • - Visual aids: Tactile signs

Miscellaneous

  • - 24-hour security
  • - Key access
  • - Key card access
  • - Smoke alarms
  • - CCTV in common areas
  • - CCTV outside property
  • - Fire extinguishers
  • - Delivered food is securely covered
  • - Access to health care professionals
  • - Face masks for guests available

Reception services

  • - Invoice provided
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