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.
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
Location
Recent guest reviews
27 June 2026
Value for money and great location
Great staff large open meeting room
Just the predictable noise from the street and late night slamming of doors
27 June 2026
Not long enough because you end up going from pillar to post sometimes unfortunately.
Location spot on.
Obviously the staging of the World Cup drove the prices up everywhere. The fans were paying hotel rates at hostels which damages a person’s budget who may be looking at staying in the country and tournament longer than maybe 11 or 12 days.
27 June 2026
Good location, clean and comfortable
5 to 10 minutes walk to train station
Loads of food options
Clean restroom
I paid more than $ 300 for two nights
The room was very cold, I couldn’t adjust the AC
26 June 2026
perfect for a short getaway
good location, everything you needed in the room and on the property
expensive considering it is still a hostel
24 June 2026
Stayed here when I came to Boston for the World Cup and saw other fans doing the same!
The location was great! The room was air conditioned and the bed was clean and comfortable.
A shared bathroom is never an ideal situation, but it is what it is.
22 June 2026
A good alternative to a hotel if you are a solo traveller.
Central location.
22 June 2026
First time I've stayed in a hostel. Would not hesitate to return.
Great value for money in an excellent location
21 June 2026
Good price and location, the staff is friendly.
Close location to the south station, clean and separate room available, the same as in standard hotel.
The noise from the street
20 June 2026
overall satisfied and happy with my stay at Hi Boston Hostel, I would recommend or return
Reception service exceptional, very supportive overall, felt safe, great amenities, clean rooms
AC, temperature was too low in the room especially, even with two blankets I felt always cold and uncomfortable
20 June 2026
Staff not welcoming but good hostel
The location, the beds are super comfy. Lots of big bathrooms. Look nice.
No free coffee, staff is rude and not welcoming. Was there during world cup and the price per night was outrageous.
17 June 2026
Great place to stay!!!
Location, friendly staff, set up
AC unfortunately was set to 58 degrees whole time we were there. Johnny I think was his name, he manager said he would give us a discount but we never received one. I realize this was under repair and not the fault of the Hostel.
15 June 2026
Good location comfy bed
Nice and tidy with a comfy bed
A bit noisy outside but you have to expect that being in the heart of the city
13 June 2026
Very pleasant stay. Hostel offered numerous meet-up activities. Would definitely visit again.
Proximity to China Town - Just around the corner, an excellent Vietnamese restaurant. Full meal for $15.
Two blocks to a Dunkin Donuts for a stand-up breakfast. All the major theaters are in a 2 block radius.
The Green and Orange Line 'T' subways are 2 blocks away. The room had only beds and lockers. Numerous individual bathrooms, with shower-stall, toilet and sink, are in the halls. They have inside locks for privacy.
The "mixed" 4-bed room turned out to be all male. Otherwise, everything was fine.
11 June 2026
It was quite utilitarian but everything was comfortable, clean and in working order.
It was walking distance to South Station, and the desk was still staffed at 1am when I arrived after flight delays. I had a private room and there was no noise whatsoever heard from the rest of the property.
The front doors were heavy and a bit tricky to get through with my rolling bag.
10 June 2026
If you plan to visit Boston in 2-3 days the locaton in great
Good location
Air conditioner was broken for two days and one of the two elevators was broken
7 June 2026
It was great for my second time
I had a nice room but there wasn't any breakfast
no breakfast being served anymore
6 June 2026
helpful staff, great building, handy private bathrooms instead of big shared ones, amazing location - walked everywhere
two pillows!
5 June 2026
Excellent place to spend your holidays
Excellent location, friendly staff, kitchen facilities and communications with other hotel residents.
None
5 June 2026
It’s a good one
After they fixed the AC, the experience becomes good
Almost none
2 June 2026
Best stay in Boston
Great hostel, location is super convenient, rooms are clean and comfortable
Nothing, perfect
31 May 2026
Downtown top value at a really affordable price
Great location, just a few steps from Chinatown Orange Subway station. Fast and easy to reach from the airport by Silver Line bus and close to downtown main attractions. Very clean and comfortable rooms and shared bathrooms, nice staff, and nice people to meet anytime. Don't mind your age: I'm a middle-aged woman, and I'm always welcomed by other roommates who are three or four decades younger. Free coffee and water refill, food, and sundry items available for purchase. My favorite accommodation in Boston!
31 May 2026
TRY IT. YOU'LL LIKE IT.
Hi Boston is a great experience. I have stayed there many times for many years. I am never disappointed. Breakfast is always an adventure. Lots of good food for breakfast. Enjoyable company of other travelers.
EVERYTHING IS FINE. I WILL BE COMING BACK AGAIN.
31 May 2026
It is over and done
Location, Laundry on site
Noise can be heard from outside of room
31 May 2026
Great as always
Always great experience
Comfortable beds, curtains, I am tall person and bed is perfectly suited. Location can’t be better, close to Chinatown and all good spots in town.
Also very friendly staff
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

28 June 2026
Perfect immersion to Boston culture.