I stay at hostels because of value for the money, and HI Boston meet and exceeded the mark. From check-in to having some provisions for my next adventure, whoever had the desk was friendly beyond just professional and courteous. The common areas, and particularly the kitchen, were well-stocked and well-maintained, something that isn't always true at hostels. The dorm I was in wasn't huge, but was laid out so it seemed bigger than it was, and it was impeccably clean. For a change, I had a slack day between trains, and HI Boston even had that covered with a FREE professor-led walking tour of downtown Boston!

I had an excellent 1 night stay at HI Boston. The building is beautiful and well maintained, the bed was super comfy and cozy with added privacy. Probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a dorm. The staff were personable and effective. Shoutout to Joseph for being so welcoming and social at check in and check out. Thank you!

Only there for one night, so can't speak to much beyond the nice lobby, friendly staff, clean dorm and bathrooms. Bring a lock for your ample locker (or $8 to buy one at the desk). Bunks were sturdy and mattress was comfortable. My only constructive criticism: stiffen up the doors on dorms so they close a little more slowly and quieter. However, still quieter than a "capsule hostel" I recently tried. And with my Bluetooth eye pillow, no light and noise was minimal. Easy walk from South St train station, very walkable all around/public transportation accessible. Would stay again.

Overall, a great stay with a fantastic location and ample public spaces for study or work or entertainment. I never ran into issues with restroom or bathroom availability, which is often a concern in hostels. Overall the bathroom looks clean. One area for possible improvement is the flooring transition between the bedroom, corridor, and bathroom. Because the floors aren't unified, you're stuck either wearing outdoor shoes to the bathroom (which is inconvenient) or using slippers that quickly get dirty. It’s a common layout issue for many hostels, but a design overhaul here would definitely improve the guest experience

Great for solo travelers of any age who are looking for an affordable way to stay in Boston. I always meet nice and friendly people here. The kitchen is huge! Food in Boston is expensive so by buying groceries and cooking here you can save tons during your trip. They have pots/pans, plates/utensils, oil etc. The staff does the dishes and maintains the area.

Great location, close to Chinatown and Boston Common. We booked a private room for two and it was spotless. The only small downside was the bathroom, which was a bit tight, but everything else was excellent. The kitchen and dining area really stand out: spacious, well equipped and perfect for cooking whatever you want. Overall, a fantastic place to stay. We would definitely come back.

Stayed for 1 night in a private room. Excellent location, short walk from the Chinatown stop and South Station (very easy to get to). Don't know if all private rooms are ADA but it was extremely spacious and the bed was comfortable. Basic amenities were sufficient. Can't speak to the shared/common areas as I didn't use them but had a solid vibe to it. Luggage storage before check-in was much appreciated. Folks that worked the morning shift during my stay were really pleasant but the two ladies working the check-in/evening shift were off-putting; didn't make any type of eye contact while speaking. All in all I'd definitely stay here again.

Great hostel with a hotel-like feel. The rooms are nice, beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are clean with hot water and fresh towels. The staff is friendly and helpful. The common sitting and dining areas feel more like a hotel than a typical hostel. There are plenty of food options right outside, and Boston Common is nearby, which is great for events and exploring the city. I also liked the thoughtful extras—bike storage, water fountains, and even a small shop selling useful items like detergent, brushes, and snacks. The showers are modern and show usage time with color indicators (blue, green, red). They also organize activities throughout the week, which is a nice touch. Overall, a very comfortable and well-managed stay.

I stayed at HI Boston Hostel in Chinatown for 4 nights during Thanksgiving week and paid a decent total, which is a great deal for Boston. This is definitely one of the more budget-friendly options in the city. Location: The hostel is in Chinatown, which honestly isn’t the cleanest area. A lot of restaurants leave food waste outside, and the surroundings can feel a bit unpleasant. However, the connectivity is excellent — you’re close to SL4 & SL1 bus lines, Boylston (Green Line), and Chinatown (Orange Line) stations. It’s also a short walk to Boston Common and the Freedom Trail entrance. Common Areas & Facilities: This is where the hostel really shines. • There’s a large common lounge with plenty of couches for people to relax. • During Thanksgiving week, they even offered free apple pie and beer, which was a nice festive gesture. • There’s a billiards room, though unfortunately there were no balls available to actually play. • The kitchen area is huge — multiple refrigerators, induction cooktops, utensils, silverware, plates, and everything you need to cook. Guests can easily make their own meals. • Plenty of seating, almost like a canteen-style dining area. • They also have staff who handle dishwashing and keep the shared areas clean. The downside is that breakfast is not included, which many hostels usually offer. Rooms: I stayed in a six-bed bunk room, and it was surprisingly quiet. My roommates were good, and I slept comfortably. But one issue was that the cleaning staff does not clean the rooms daily. One of the roommates kept littering repeatedly, and even after complaining twice, the staff did not clean the room. That was disappointing. Washrooms: The washrooms were very clean, well-maintained, and had hot water consistently. This was a major plus. Extras: Coffee is not free — it’s about $2 for regular hot water-based coffee and $5 for brewed options, which felt slightly overpriced. But free hot water is available, which was helpful in winter. Staff: The staff was overall friendly, helpful, and supportive throughout my stay. ? Overall: For the price you pay, this hostel offers great value — excellent facilities, big common areas, a full kitchen, clean washrooms, and a supportive staff. The main downsides are the Chinatown neighborhood, no free breakfast, and room cleaning not being done despite complaints. But for budget travelers, it’s still a solid choice in Boston.

I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel! The staff were super friendly and helpful from the moment I arrived. I booked an all-female dorm and, since I’m a bit older, asked for a bottom bunk — they happily made it happen. There’s a secure spot to store your luggage before check-in or after check-out, which was really convenient. The elevators worked fine during my stay, unlike what another reviewer mentioned. The showers were clean, though I’d still suggest bringing shower shoes just to be safe. My roommates were all young, quiet Asian women who went to bed early, which was perfect since I had an early flight. If you forget a lock, you can buy one at the front desk. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely stay here again!