6 best hostels in Denver

Denver is the capital of Colorado, known for the Rocky Mountains, world-renowned art and history museums, great food, historical landmarks, and outdoor spaces. Being located on the base of the Rocky Mountains, just one mile above sea level is how Denver earned its nickname, the Mile High City. With over 30 million tourists a year, Denver has developed a network of affordable accommodations to suit every budget and preference.

Whether you're traveling solo or with your significant other, you can always find cheap places to stay in Denver, from hostels and budget hostels to guesthouses, B&B, and more. While hostels in Denver are not many, they all have everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Most Denver hostels are located near top attractions such as the Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Convention Center, Colorado History Museum, Denver Performing Arts Complex, and Colorado State Capitol, making it convenient for travelers looking to explore the great city on a budget.

Below we've handpicked some of the best hostels in Denver and why you should consider them. Also, when making your hostel bookings, remember that Bounce often partners with hostels in Denver, offering luggage storage services. And if the one that you pick doesn't happen to be our partner, you can always choose from our many Denver luggage lockers conveniently located all across the High Mile City.

Ember Hostel

Are you looking to have the time of your life while in Denver? The big city will make sure of that, but when it's time to unwind after a long day out sightseeing, Ember Hostel has you covered. Housed in a 9,000 sq ft Capitol Hill historic mansion, the multiple-award-winning hostel is one of the best, if not the overall best hostel in Denver for budget travelers and backpackers from all around the world. Being in the heart of the city, you won't need to walk far to visit Denver attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, The Fillmore Auditorium, and the Ogden Theater.

The charming hostel offers all the amenities and facilities you can imagine, and most are free! From an outdoor hot tub and back patio with a fire pit to fast and free wifi, free coffee and tea, and bunk beds fitted with privacy curtains, shelves, and power plugs. If you want to save money on dining out, you can use the shared kitchen to make your own meals. There is a large Tea Guest Lounge where you can watch TV, work, read, or make new friends. Daily housekeeping keeps the property shining, so you don't have to worry about cleanliness.

Other freebies are on-site parking, linen and towels, laundry, luggage storage, and concierge service. Ember Hostel features both private and dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. The shared accommodation fits 4 to 16 beds.

What makes Ember Hostel unique

Besides being at a prime location in downtown Denver, the Ember Hostel is special for many reasons, including affordable prices, fun communal areas, daily housekeeping, and lots and lots of freebies. For those who want to explore the city, you can check with the hostel's helpful staff so they can organize and book your tours.

Ember Hostel pricing

The average price per night at the Ember Hostel is $50.50 for a bed in a 16-bed dormitory and $67.00 for a 4-bed mixed dorm room. Private rooms with shared bathrooms cost around $197.00 per night.

11th Avenue Hostel

Clean, bright, and minimalist design is what you first notice when you enter the 11th Avenue Hostel. Set in a newly-renovated space in downtown Denver, this Denver hostel is ideal for solo travelers, digital nomads, and couples who want to make the most out of the city's vibrant social life and club scene.

Like many hostels in Denver, 11th Avenue Hostel prides itself on friendly and helpful staff, free wifi, a shared kitchen, a library, and a lounge. Guests get to have their morning coffee in the on-site cafe and enjoy an ice cream from the in-house ice cream shop. Whether you want to go shopping, dine out, or go on a pub crawl, you'll find many spots within a short walking distance.

This Denver hostel features private rooms, semi-shared rooms, and dorm rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people.

What makes 11th Avenue Hostel unique

This place is one of the best hostels in Denver for many reasons. Besides its prime location, this is one of the best hostels in Denver for clean and spacious dorm rooms, friendly staff, and an on-site ice cream shop and cafe.

11th Avenue Hostel pricing

Though not the cheapest hostel in Denver, it certainly is one of the cheapest in the city center. The average nightly price at the 11th Avenue Hostel is $54 for a basic 4-bed male or female dorm. Families, couples, and friends who feel like family and are looking for more privacy can opt for the deluxe 4-bed family room with an ensuite bathroom for around $200 per night.

Hostel Fish

Hostel Fish is one of the best hostels in Denver, boasting great vibes and lively culture. Located in the historic Airedale Building, this place was once a brothel, but now it's the perfect hostel in Denver for travelers looking to explore Denver on a budget.

Features like a bar with a cocktail hour, modern kitchen facilities and an outdoor patio make this Denver hostel one of the best choices for young travelers who want to experience an authentic Denver. With the downstairs restaurant and music venue, you don't have to walk far to find food or enjoy some live music. Furthermore, you'll find a reading lounge where you can either use your laptop or chill with a book. If you feel like some game time, there is table tennis in the games room you can take advantage of.

At the Hostel Fish, you can take your pick from both private and shared accommodations that sleep between 4 to 10 people. All rooms are equipped with plush mattresses and key card access, and each bed has a blackout curtain, a reading light, and an outlet.

What makes Hostel Fish unique

Hostel Fish is unique in many ways, but one quality that sets it apart from other Denver hostels is its young and lively vibe and communal feeling. The fact that it's right in the center of the city makes it a great choice for travelers with mobility difficulties, plus it's one of the cheapest hostels in Denver.

Hostel Fish pricing

Pricing at the Hostel Fish starts at $47.00 for a bed in a superior 10-bed mixed dorm, but if you're a female solo traveler, then it's best to pay $1.00 extra and book the 6-bed female-only dorm. Private rooms start at $161.25 per night for a 4-bed with a shared bathroom or $183.00 for an ensuite superior double with a king bed.

Jule Sleep

Jule Sleep is the perfect little homestay that will make you feel like home. Located about 15.5 miles from Colorado Convention Center and Union Station and just 2.5 miles from Denver International Airport, this home away from home is the perfect stay for solo travelers, couples, and families who don't mind spending time in the suburbs of Denver. This means that it's not the best base for sightseeing, but you can always take public transportation or rent a car to drive downtown.

Amenities offered are superb, including free wifi, free on-site parking, an in-house lounge, and a shared kitchen. The rooms have linen, kettles, and air purifiers, and all have air conditioning.

What makes Jule Sleep unique

Since location isn't the best trait of this homestay, there are other reasons why it should be one of your choices for accommodation in Denver. For instance, it's close to the airport; it's surrounded by little stores and cafes, and if you like your privacy, this is a safe bet.

Jule Sleep pricing

Jule Sleep is one of the cheapest accommodations in Denver, with prices starting at $99.00 for a double room that can accommodate two adults and a child.

La Quinta by Windham Denver Gateway Park

When the best cheap hostels in Denver are booked for your dates, you can always opt for budget hotels, and there are many in Denver. One of the best budget accommodations, with a great location, a swimming pool, and modern amenities, is the La Quinta By Windham Denver Gateway Park.

Some of the free amenities you get to enjoy at this 3-star hotel are free breakfast, free parking, free toiletries, and free wi fi. Each room has a flat-screen cable TV, a fridge, and a private bathroom. Featuring a business center makes this hotel an easy pick for travelers who need to work on the go, and the fitness center is the perfect addition for everyone who wants to break a sweat. Also, the hotel is only a 20-minute ride from the Denver Art Museum, and there are many shops, restaurants, and bars within a short walking distance.

The hotel offers rooms that sleep between 2 to 4 people, ideal for friends and families traveling together.

What makes La Quinta by Windham Denver Gateway Park unique

One of the many reasons to pick this Denver hotel is the inside swimming pool and hot tub. Moreover, you get free breakfast every morning, and the prices are pretty affordable for a hotel of that caliber.

La Quinta by Windham Denver Gateway Park pricing

Pricing at this budget hotel starts at $115.00 per night for a deluxe king room, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Comfort Inn Denver Central

Here is one more budget hotel that could check all your boxes. Located just 5 miles north of the Denver Museum of Art, this 3-star hotel features an outdoor pool, perfect for letting your hair down after a long day exploring. There is an on-site restaurant that serves free breakfast, a lounge area, laundry facilities, a gym, a minimarket for your snacks, and a workstation with free computers.

The bedrooms are bright and spacious. Though it's a bit old and outdated, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Even the staff will go above and beyond to make sure you've got everything you need, including arranging airport transfers or taxis to get you to one of the restaurants nearby.

What makes Comfort Inn Denver Central unique

Some of the reasons you should make this your home away from home while in Denver are the outdoor pool, free breakfast, daily housekeeping service, and, of course, the affordable price.

Comfort Inn Denver Central pricing

Pricing at the Comfort Inn Denver Central starts at $131.00 per night for a king room that sleeps two people and goes up to $226.00 for a king suite that can accommodate up to 4 people.

The best cheap hostels in Denver for seasoned travelers

Denver is a great city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, a group of friends, or solo, you can find a wide range of accommodations in Denver, from cheap hostels and hotels to Airbnb and guest houses. When looking for the best cheap hostel in Denver, you have to consider a few things first, such as location, price, and cleanliness. Then, depending on your needs and preferences, you should check whether the hostel has a kitchen, a bar, what the quiet hours and the free amenities offered, if any.

Your accommodation is very important and shouldn't be taken for granted, whether you're staying for one night, the weekend or longer. If this is your first time in Denver and you would like to get familiar with the city, we recommend checking out our guides on Denver museums for indoor activities, and for exploring nature, best hikes in Denver.