5 best hostels in Seattle

From music, theater, festivals, and museums to abundant natural resources and outdoor recreation, Seattle has everything to satisfy your wanderlust. It’s one of the best places in Washington State and one of the country’s most fascinating destinations. But if you want to ensure you’ll have a wonderful time in Emerald City, choosing the right place to stay will make a massive difference in your overall experience.

You have numerous lodging options in Seattle, from luxurious hotels and vacation rentals to Airbnb and hostels. Each has its unique feature and services, but if you want budget-friendly communal accommodation, hostels in Seattle are your best option. They are built around shared spaces, making them ideal for backpackers, groups, and travelers looking to meet and spend time with people from all walks of life.

Whether you’ve been staying in hostels on your trips or considering them for your first vacation, this guide lists the top hostels in Seattle, their features, pricing, and what makes them special. Need extra storage so you can explore without lugging around your bags? Bounce partners with businesses, including hostels, convenience stores, and restaurants, giving you safe and clean luggage storage in Seattle for your belongings.

Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel

Surrounded by several famous attractions, including the historic Pike Place Market, the Green Tortoise Hostel is Seattle’s best hostel featuring private rooms, queen beds, and co-ed and female-only dormitories. It’s nestled in the central city, across downtown Seattle, just a short walking distance from Seattle Art Museum, the Gum Wall, the quirky Original Selfie Museum, and Seattle Aquarium. There are also numerous restaurants, shops, the Seattle Space Needle, and stunning waterfront views outside its doors.

The Green Tortoise Hostel is designed to make your stay in Seattle as comfortable as possible without making a big dent in your travel budget. Its European-style showers come with heated tile flooring, and every bunk has privacy curtains. All bathrooms are private and found in the hallways; each unit has a sink, toilet, shower, and a locking door for your privacy.

Guests at the hostel also enjoy free breakfast with unlimited eggs, toast, English muffins, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and fresh fruits. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen for those who want to prepare their own food. Then, you can relax in the common room, play a board game, or watch your favorite movie.

What makes Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel unique

There are many reasons to stay in this youth hostel next time you visit Seattle. Besides a hearty breakfast, free WiFi, and private bathrooms, Green Tortoise Hostel ensures patrons have an enjoyable social, communal experience through its activities and programs. Its experienced staff will guide you through the dynamic city through free walking tours, pub crawls & open mic nights, ice cream socials, and more. For a minimal fee, you can join the Beneath the Streets tour and discover Seattle’s underground history.

Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel pricing

A single bed in a co-ed or female-only dorm room is perfect for solo travelers for only $41.00 a night, while couples can opt for a spacious queen bed for around $45.00. Private individuals or couples who want to have their own space can pay more for a private room, which costs about $139.00 per night.

Hotel Hotel Hostel

Located in the fun and hip Fremont neighborhood, Hotel Hotel is a clean, modern, and updated facility that will change the way you view cheap hostels. Downtown Seattle is only a twenty-minute bus ride from the Hotel Hotel hostel. But if you don’t want to commute there, the area boasts an excellent food scene, unique landmarks, and local shopping. Some of the must-see spots nearby include the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Kerry Park, offering spectacular views of Central City and Elliot Bay.

Although the shared dorm-style rooms may not be currently available, you’ll have several room options to meet your needs. All private rooms feature convenient sinks, comfy beds, towels, toiletries, and room fans. You can choose from a king bed with a private bath or two twins with shared hall baths. You can access free WiFi or use the Seattle and Fremont maps you’ll find in your room to guide your adventure.

What makes Hotel Hotel unique

Hotel Hotel hostel provides guests with the cleanest facilities and ensures they have everything they need in their room for privacy. It features hand-cleaning stations, and the kitchen is equipped with a fridge and microwave. But besides its amenities and services, Hotel Hotel’s biggest draw is its location. Fremont is one of the city’s best places to stay, giving everyone an urban feel. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes, bars, and parks in the area, and the city’s major attractions are only a short drive away, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy what Seattle has to offer.

Hotel Hotel pricing

Hotel Hotel isn’t a cheap hostel in Seattle, as the rooms available for the time being are private, so it may not be the best for young solo travelers or backpackers on a budget. The price for a private twin for two people starts at around $169.00 per night. Families or small groups of four who want to stay in one room can book a private king with a bunk suite with an ensuite bath for about $299.50 a night.

HI Seattle at the American Hotel

If you’re looking for the best city hostel in the middle of all the action, Hostelling International Seattle at the American Hotel fits the bill. It is set in a renovated historic building in the colorful and vibrant Chinatown-International District. It is just minutes from Downtown Seattle and a few blocks east of King Street Station, the Link Light train station, and Flix Bus. An international grocery store is also only one block away, so you can shop and then cook in the fully-equipped kitchen.

The neighborhood is the center of Asian American community in Seattle, home to culture, tradition, and history. So, besides putting you in the heart of a historic area, staying in this hostel in Seattle means enjoying family-friendly activities, shopping, and sampling authentic Asian delicacies.

HI Seattle at the American Hotel was voted the Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Seattle in 2019. It’s one of the primary hostels in Seattle and the biggest in the Pacific Northwest. It boasts card-operated laundry facilities, a spacious shared lounge, a dining room, free WiFi, and more. You can stay in one of the dormitories and share the room with four to six people. The private rooms can accommodate up to three people and are great for couples and single guests looking for privacy.

What makes HI Seattle at the American Hotel unique

Guests can discover the laid-back international neighborhood by staying at Hi Seattle at the American Hotel. You’ll also get to spend the night in a building from 1926, and though it was completely renovated in 2009, it retains its old-world charm while adding more modern amenities. Watch out for fun hostel events, as it often hosts free movie nights, coffee tastings, and walking tours for guests.

HI Seattle at the American Hotel pricing

For a centrally located hostel in Seattle with tons of offerings and award-winning amenities, you might think you’ll have to spend a fortune to stay in HI Seattle, but that’s not the case at all. Of course, the pricing may vary depending on the season, availability, and type of room you choose. The standard rate for a bed in a female dorm starts at about $42.00 per night. If you want to spend more for a private space, a private room with a shared bathroom costs around $89.00 a night.

The Art Inn

Surround yourself with art and vibrant colors by staying in one of the rooms at the Art Inn Seattle. Although not exactly one of Seattle's hostels, this colorful inn offers budget-friendly accommodations for families, groups, and solo travelers.

The Art Inn is nestled in the bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood, an eclectic district offering fantastic shopping opportunities, exciting nightlife, and dining. It’s also one of Seattle’s hippest neighborhoods, which matches the inn’s bright and colorful atmosphere. It’s in a great location, easily accessible via public transportation, and is close to some major points of interest, including the Pile Place Market, Space Needle, and the majestic Columbia Center.

The Art Inn provides guests with air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, a kettle, a fridge, a desk, and a smart TV. There are standard double rooms with free parking, comfort studios, family rooms, and budget rooms. Unlike your typical Seattle hostels, maximum privacy is guaranteed since you don’t have to share a dorm with strangers.

What makes The Art Inn unique?

One of the things you will notice at the Art Inn is the colorful art in each room, highlighting the city’s iconic sites. The eye-catching artistic décor, free WiFi, air conditioning, and comfy beds ensure a good night’s rest. It pretty much has everything you need, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of home away from home. There are also common rooms and a business center for business travelers and digital nomads looking to remain productive while on the go.

The Art Inn pricing

You won’t find cheap dorm rooms at the Art Inn, but the most inexpensive option is the small room for two people with a private bathroom at $251.00 per night. For families who need a spacious room, you can book a family room for $305.00 a night.

The Belltown Inn

Head to the central Seattle district, the Belltown neighborhood, and you’ll find the chic Belltown Inn. It’s a top-value accommodation boasting the friendliest service, spotless rooms, and walkable entertainment and sights. From the inn, you can walk to several notable landmarks, such as the Space Needle, Symphony Hall, and Pike Place Market. It’s also near cruise ship terminals, major shopping malls, the central waterfront, bars, restaurants, and more, making it an ideal base for a day of exploration, shopping, and dining.

There’s no need to worry about your privacy, as Belltown Inn has private rooms that sleep two to four people. It’s an excellent choice for couples, families, and business travelers. You can stay in a room with views of the interior courtyard or the city, complete with outstanding amenities.

What makes the Belltown Inn unique?

One factor that makes Belltown Inn stand out is its location, which places its guests within minutes of the top city attractions. You’ll also be surrounded by trendy cafes, boutiques, and a legendary music scene. Additionally, the inn features a business center, rental bikes to maximize your tour, and a rooftop terrace where you can take in the cool breeze in the warm summer.

The Belltown Inn pricing

Sure, the Belltown Inn is not exactly where you want to stay if you want to save money on accommodation. But its great location, just a short distance from many major Seattle attractions, shops, and restaurants, will allow you to save on transportation. You’ll spend about $249.00 a night in a petite queen room, $10.00 more in a queen room, or an additional $20.00 in a king room with a roll-in shower.

The best Seattle hostels for all travelers

As a major tech hub in the Pacific Northwest with endless offerings for locals and visitors, it makes sense that Seattle is a bit pricey to visit, especially for young travelers. But by staying in one of the best Seattle hostels and inns, you can make the most of your holiday and spend days in the city without breaking the bank. Most hostels in Emerald City are found in the city center or a short drive from Downtown Seattle, so you’ll be close to all the hotspots and incredible events.

Still undecided about where and when to go for your first trip? Read about shopping in Seattle and fun museums in Seattle to get started on your itinerary.