Expert reviews
“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.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Top location
- Clean rooms
- Free breakfast
- Excellent Wifi
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
27 May 2026
Very good
The location is nice.
The rooms are tight.
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
26 May 2026
Exceptional
Amazing location in Downtown. Walk distance from the Bus Terminal. Everything very organized and clean ! Great staffs!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
19 May 2026
Will stay there again.
Clean
Some outlets didn't work.
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.
19 May 2026
Very good
The price the location greet !
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
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
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.
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
16 May 2026
Fabulous
Everything is good
Nothing
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.
15 May 2026
Exceptional
Staffs are always good and helpful.
14 May 2026
Comfy bed, good location
This isn’t the first time I’ve stayed here - generally always a nice experience.
N/A
13 May 2026
Exceptional
Location from South station or Chinatown, lots of restaurants around, comfortable bed, has storage.
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
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.
9 May 2026
excellent.
everything.
nothing.
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
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.
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 May 2026
Exceptional
Excellent place!! Great people
Everything was perfect!!
4 May 2026
Clean hostel and great value for money
Clean rooms, great location and good atmosphere all round.
Nothing
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.
2 May 2026
Exceptional
Great safe location, nice rooms, plenty of things to do. We attended Harvard trip with Peter and it was amazing
30 April 2026
World 🌎 Class Accomodations...
5- Star Customer Service....
29 April 2026
Exceptional
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.
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.
25 April 2026
Fabulous
Friendly staff, clean bathroom which is a huge win, clean room
24 April 2026
Amazing
The location is incredible
The sirens, non spot
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.
23 April 2026
It was just wonderful
Everything
I don’t have a complaint
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
22 April 2026
Excellent
Amazing location. Staff so friendly and the place is very clean. I highly recommend staying here.
22 April 2026
Very happy.
Nice receptions for the marathon runners, very welcomed by all staff.
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
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.
17 April 2026
Exceptional
All well 👍
14 April 2026
Very good
Available bathroom and excellent location in the downtown area.
The room layout and the noisiness
13 April 2026
Great stay
Excellent customer service and friendly staff
Cold concrete floors (bring slippers)
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.
12 April 2026
Fabulous
Everything was nice and convenient. The staff were helpful and friendly.
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

More photos

27 May 2026
Very good