Alright, let’s talk about Phoenix – a sun-soaked desert playground that’s more than just cacti and endless blue skies. This vibrant city is bustling with everything you’re looking for on your next fun-filled trip, with the warm desert climate making this a popular destination year-round.
This city is the ultimate playground for backpackers who thrive on a mix of nature, culture, and a little bit of urban hustle. Spend your time on world-class golf courses, exploring the Camelback Mountain, or on the mother of all adventures: the Grand Canyon.
But where do you rest your weary head after a long day of sun, hikes and adventuring?
Fear not, for I’ve scoured the Valley of the Sun to bring you the lowdown on the best hostels in Phoenix.
Unfortunately, much like most of the U.S, the hostel scene is pretty…well, sparse. So, this guide will also cover the top budget hotels in town, ensuring you make the most of your trip without blowing your backpacker budget.
Ready? Let’s get stuck in.
Photo: Ana Pereira
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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Phoenix
- Overall Best Hostel in Phoenix – Williams AZ Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers In Phoenix – Grandview Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Phoenix – Cozy Room in Midtown, hosted by Michael & Zane
- Best Party Hostel in Phoenix – The Clarendon Hotel & Spa
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Phoenix – Studio B, hosted by Patty
Photo: @audyscala
The 5 Best Hostels in Phoenix
1. Williams AZ Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Phoenix
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: 117 South Slagel, Williams, USA
Williams AZ hostel is in a killer location, right within walking distance of the best food spots and the charming little downtown Williams area. Expect hot showers, a big comfy bed, and free tea and coffee to kickstart your mornings amongst other facilities. Plus, it’s just an hour’s drive from the Grand Canyon – perfect for getting your hike on in Arizona.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Parking
- BBQ Facilities
- Friendly Staff
What sets this Phoenix hostel apart in an otherwise snooze-worthy hostel scene is its vibrant social vibe! The common area and kitchen are perfect for meeting fellow travelers, making it an absolute gem for solo adventurers.
This place is homely, welcoming, and provides everything you need—towels, toiletries, you name it! It’s got super chill vibes, and the host is incredibly helpful and ready to dish out the best Phoenix recommendations.
2. Grandview Hostel – Best Hostel in Phoenix for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $46
- Address: 625 Linger Lane, Williams, USA
This place is a total gem. They’ve got everything you need for a comfy stay, and the staff are fabulous – welcoming, kind, and seriously professional. If you need advice, they’ve got you covered with tips on the best sunrise spot at the Grand Canyon (hint: Shoshone Point) and the must-do hiking trails like South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Social Vibes
- Great Location
- Free Wifi
The location is unbeatable – it’s just a quick 30-minute drive to the Grand Canyon and super close to Guadalupe Peaks and other killer spots. It’s a dream for nature lovers and hardcore hikers.
This Phoenix hostel has a cozy, homely vibe with plenty of communal space to kick back and chat. You’ll meet a super cool crowd here, perfect for swapping stories about the Grand Canyon, the best hikes in Arizona, and your U.S. adventures. It’s no surprise why it’s my top pick for solo travelers coming to Phoenix. If you’re looking to explore Phoenix solo and want to meet some travel buds, this is the spot.
3. Cozy Room in Midtown, hosted by Michael & Zane – Best Cheap Hostel in Phoenix
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
This private bedroom is one of the best deals in town. It’s not your typical hostel setup, but it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers backpacking the USA. Let’s face it, America’s hostel scene isn’t exactly legendary. Given that, this private room is a fantastic option for those heading to Phoenix, Arizona on a budget.
Why you’ll love this private room:
- Cozy Bedroom
- Dedicated Workspace
- Close to the Airport
The central location is a major perk – in the city center close to the public bus, near the freeway, and the top attractions in Phoenix are within walking distance including Arizona State University’s Downtown campus. It’s also not too far from downtown Phoenix and all of the great food and drink spots that come with it. Michael and Zane have nailed it by keeping costs down without compromising on quality.
The spacious bedroom comes with its own fridge, microwave, and kettle, so you can chill in your own space. Plus, the shared kitchen, living room, and backyard offer extra comfort and more ways to save on your travels.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. The Clarendon Hotel & Spa – Best Party Hostel in Phoenix
- Private Room: From $80
- Address: 401 West Clarendon Avenue, Encanto, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States
Alright, listen up. Even though it’s not a hostel, this place is your ultimate budget-friendly party pad in the city center of Phoenix. Don’t let it slip by – this hotel is a total gem. Located in downtown Phoenix, it’s got easy access to all the best places to visit in the city.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Daily Events Held
- Rooftop Bar
- Lively Atmosphere
Start your night off right at the rooftop bar – grab a cocktail or three and take in the views before hitting the town. By day, dive into the pool and soak up the sun, then head to Fuego, the on-site restaurant, for some tasty bites.
This place is buzzing with action, from live music to Comedy on the Rooftop. It’s got everything you need to have a blast. Sure it’s a bit of a splurge from your backpacker budget, but it’s totally worth it.
5. Studio B, hosted by Patty – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Phoenix
- Private Room: From $120
- Address: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
For digital nomads, staying connected is a top priority while traveling. So, when picking a place to crash, you need to make sure the WiFi can handle your needs. At Studio B, you’re golden – this spot is all yours, so no slowdowns from other guests.
Why you’ll love this apartment:
- Private Patio
- Clean and Modern Facilities
- Downtown Phoenix Location
Patty’s guesthouse is set up perfectly for getting serious work done. Just plop down at the desk and get to it. You can post about your Phoenix adventures from your private patio or dish out reviews of the best local food spots.
Given that Phoenix isn’t exactly a hostel haven, this apartment is the ultimate choice for digital nomads. You can relax, crush a few hours of work, and still be smack bang in the middle of the city center and all of its action – all without blowing your budget. If you’ve got the time I would definitely spend an afternoon wandering around the campus of Arizona State University!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Phoenix Hostels
6. Two Sisters Cottage
- Private Room: From $98
- Address: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
The Two Sisters Cottage is a fabulous place to feel like you’ve got it all. This Phoenix Airbnb enjoys a fabulous location, with everything within easy reach of the city center. The private entrance and patio make this whole thing yours. It’s fully fitted with everything for you to be independent, keep the costs down, and not burn through your entire travel budget.
Cook your meals in the full kitchen or make sure your clothes are looking their best with the washer/dryer available in the unit. Another stellar factor is that dogs are welcome too. Doesn’t it just make life better when your best friend can join you when you’re out traveling the world?
7. La Casita
- Dorm (mixed): From $54
- Address: 2948 West Polk Street, Estrella, Phoenix, AZ 85009, United States
Las Casita is the ultimate jackpot. For the price, you get a whole lotta bang for your buck. There’s a shared lounge perfect for solo travelers, free WiFi, and private parking for those with cars. Plus, the shared kitchen and BBQ facilities mean you can grill up a feast in the sun after a day of adventuring.
The staff are on top of their game – keeping everything spotless and organized. Laundry facilities are a bonus, the free breakfast options are fab, and the room setup is just right.
The host is a gem – quick, efficient, and super friendly. They’ll answer your questions in a flash and offer great local tips for the best day trips from Phoenix. If you’re looking for a great place to crash while you explore, Las Casita is where it’s at.
8. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Phoenix Airport
- Private Room: From $71
- Address: 3037 E Van Buren St , Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix, 85008-6806, United States
Surestay Hotel is a great place to stay in Phoenix. It may be a hotel, but its convenience and affordable rates make this a top place to consider. The fact that it was renovated in 2019 means everything is up to snuff. Each ensuite room is sleek, clean, and modernized with a flat-screen TV, fridge, microwave, and free Wifi.
The hotel is right by the airport, so you can save travel time. There’s a free shuttle to and from, but this also means it’s close to everything in Phoenix. The pool is an added bonus – take a dip when you’re done exploring and the hot desert gets too much.
9. Paradise Valley Oasis, hosted by Megan
Megan’s room is a sweet setup. Get the awesome low rates of staying in someone’s spare room but without the awkwardness of being all up in someone else’s space. The separate entrance and ensuite bathroom let you do your own thing, minus the worry of stepping on other people’s toes. So, lay back, relax, and enjoy a cup of joe while watching some binge-worthy TV.
Located a bit north of downtown Phoenix and the city center, you’ll definitely want to figure out how you’re going to get around before you arrive. But parking is not a problem at Paradise Valley Oasis and the highway is a stone’s throw away, so it’s just a quick drive to get anywhere and everywhere.
10. HI Phoenix – The Metcalf House
The Metcalf House (aka Phoenix Hostel and Cultural Center) has it all: affordable rates, a great location, friendly staff, free breakfast, and a vibe you can’t beat. They offer dorms and private rooms, so you can choose what fits you and your budget.
The location is perfect as it’s within walking distance of the top attractions in Phoenix, along with the best places food and drink spots in the city. It’s less than two miles from some stellar places to visit like the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum. It’s also a cultural center, and this purpose is at the heart of everything they do. They host awesome events like Open Mic Night and BBQ & Movie Night, so you’ll never run out of things to do in Phoenix.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Phoenix
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Phoenix.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs about Hostels in Phoenix
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Phoenix hostels.
What to Pack for your Phoenix Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much do Phoenix hostels cost?
Hostels in Phoenix are few and far between, meaning there isn’t really a standard price on the budget accommodations. As a rule of thumb, the most budget of accommodation starts at about $40 a night. Airbnbs and guesthouses range from around $60 to $100 dollars per night, so you can still get a steal here too.
What are the best Phoenix hostels for couples?
Studio B, hosted by Patty is a great hostel for couples. Its contemporary industrial design gives the whole place a slick modern vibe. It’s located in Downtown Phoenix – home to a ton of local food spots, parks, and museums. You won’t get bored here.
What is the best Phoenix hostel near the airport?
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Phoenix Airport is the best place to stay near the airport as they even arrange a free airport shuttle for you! Cozy Room in Midtown, hosted by Michael & Zane is also a solid choice as it’s located super close to the airport, perfect for those early morning flights.
Final Thoughts on Phoenix’s Hostels
Whether you’re hitting the hiking trails, soaking up the artsy vibes, or just enjoying a sunset that’ll make you want to cry happy tears, Phoenix has something for every traveler. And just because the U.S is short on hostels does NOT mean that you can’t travel here as a backpacker – you just have to get a lil thrifty!
If I was super keen on staying in a Phoenix Hostel then I would definitely go for Williams AZ Hostel. It’s got that super social, homey vibe that’ll make you want to keep extending your stay. If you’re looking for your own space that won’t break the budget, Studio B, hosted by Patty is a solid option too.
And hey, if you’ve rallied up the troops for a big ‘ol Arizonian adventure, why not check out my fave Phoenix vacation rentals instead?
So, get out there and soak up the desert magic! Make new friends, embrace the adventure, and don’t forget to stay hydrated – because that Phoenix sun does NOT play around. Happy travels!
Photo: @audyscala
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Phoenix covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Phoenix if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Phoenix before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for the USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
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