Famous for its picturesque historic downtown district, Fort Collins offers travelers the amenities of a Colorado mountain town with various big-city offerings. Anyone who says you can’t have the best of both worlds has obviously never been to the area.
The best activities of the town include biking, hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring state parks with beautiful wildlife. It’s nearly impossible to explore all the lakes, streams, and trails, but some of the must-sees are the spectacular Horsetooth Reservoir and Roosevelt National Forests.
Fort Collins is a place that can easily be explored when you have a limited amount of cash. We have checked out all the accommodation options in the area to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Hostels in Fort Collins are your best bet. Not only are they economical, but they are the best places to meet new people who you can share adventures with.
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What to Expect from Hostels in Fort Collins
Staying in a hostel in Fort Collins helps save you money, so you can enjoy all the activities available in the local area. Aside from the wide array of activities and parks, Fort Collins is considered the cultural capital of Northern Colorado. Museums, art galleries, and musical performances are scheduled throughout the year.
Hostels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They offer private rooms, as well as shared dorm rooms which are always significantly cheaper. Aside from the fact that hostels help you stay on budget, most have a unique communal vibe that you won’t find in other types of accommodation.
Hostels in Fort Collins have a laid-back vibe. After all, the area is known for its outdoor activities and parks.
How much should you expect to spend on hostels in the area?
- Mixed or same-sex dorms – $60 to $80
- Private rooms – $30 to $40
If you want to find the best hostels, you should check out HostelWorld. Before clicking the ‘book’ button, be sure to check the reviews, pictures, and amenities to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Best Hostel in Fort Collins
Let’s not waste any more time, check out the coolest places to stay in while in Fort Collins!
Fernweh Inn & Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Fort Collins
Located in the heart of Fort Collins, Fernweh Inn & Hostel sits in a historic landmark that has been in the community for more than a century. It’s an accommodation with so much history!
The hostel staff are incredible. They love nothing more than to guide travelers, as well as customize trips. If its your first time to the area, they will make sure you hit all the hotspots.
The property is within walking distance of parks, attractions, bars, clubs, and restaurants. There’s definitely a lot of local food to try, as well as watering holes where you can head for a nightcap after a satisfying meal. It’s never boring in this area of Colorado, and if you’re someone who enjoys the nightlife, you’ll love it here!
Aside from the nearby attractions, the surrounding area has a lot to offer. Lory State Park, Foretooth Reservoir, and Poudre Canyon are all just a short trip from the hostel. You might want to extend your vacation to cover them all.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Games room
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Plenty of outdoor spaces
Unlike most hostels, Fernweh only offers private rooms, all with their own private bathrooms. It is a non-smoking hostel that welcomes pets and children.
There are multiple common spaces where you can meet other travelers and relax. Lounge in hammocks, the organic garden, around the BBQ grill, fire pit, or picnic table. Yard games are very popular!
You can cycle around town using the complimentary bikes to explore. The hostel also offers free coffee and tea, and snacks such as pancakes, and waffles. It’s a good opportunity to fill your tummy without extra spending.
Keep in mind that quiet hours are between 22:00 and 8:00, and guests are expected to respect and follow this rule. Laundry facilities are available and free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel helps keep you connected to loved ones back home.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Other Budget Accommodation
Aside from hostels, several Fort Collins accommodation will give you your money’s worth. These Airbnb rentals and motels have comparable prices with hostels and offer excellent amenities, too!
America’s Best Value Inn & Suites – Most Affordable Motel in Fort Collins
This motel offers the best value for people who are on a tight budget. You can enjoy a free continental breakfast with their daily rate, as well as free private parking on site.
Each room has a desk where you can do a bit of work should they need to, as well as a coffee maker to perk up in the morning. American’s Best Value Inn is nearby The Edge Sports Center and is in proximity to various attractions such as the New Belgium Brewing Company and Fort Collins Museum. Link-N-Green Golf Course is within 6.4km of the motel, too.
The fitness center is open to all those who want to work out and a seasonal swimming pool is on-site!
Apartment in the Heart of Town – Great Airbnb for Couples in Fort Collins
This charming property was built in 1905 by a famous architect, filling it with personality and history. One of the things couples love most about the home is the location. Not only is it close to downtown, but it is close to Old Town Fort Collins.
Guests can walk or bike to a plethora of coffee shops and restaurants, as well as breweries in the area. Don’t be afraid to contact your hosts and ask for their recommendations. They would be more than happy to guide you to an unforgettable experience.
The patio is open for guests to use and it’s a good place to have your morning coffee. Oh, the nearby area is also a good place to go shopping!
Townhouse on Spring Creek Trail – Airbnb for Large Groups in Fort Collins
This sunny townhouse is located on Spring Creek Trail and has an excellent location that guests love! Old Town and Horsetooth Reservoir are a mere 10 to 12 minutes’ drive away. It can easily sleep a family or a group of friends in its three bedrooms.
Spring Creek trail is a favorite among walkers, bikers, and runners. You can use the trail to get various breweries, and don’t forget to try the local craft beer.
Guests traveling by car will have free parking in the lot in front of the house. If you are traveling without a vehicle, there is a bus stop located directly in front of the townhouse on Drake Road.
Laundry amenities are available so you don’t have to worry about having clean clothes, and at least two desk spaces can be used by those who need to get some work done.
Townhouse Close to CSU and Old Town – Airbnb with a Pool/Jacuzzi in Fort Collins
This townhouse is located in a quiet residential area, nearby to restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream shops. You never have to worry about your next meal if you don’t fancy cooking. If you do want to save some money, the home is in walking distance to groceries where you can get supplies.
One of the best things about the home is its location. It is a 5 to 10-minute drive from Old Town, and several bike paths and recreation parks are nearby. The community pool is available for guests to use, as well as the indoor climbing gym and tennis courts across the street.
You can easily take day trips to Horsetooth Reservoir and Estes Park where you can see a variety of wildlife and experience the outdoors. Make sure you have enough battery on your phone or camera so you can take hundreds of pictures!
What to Pack for your Fort Collins 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!
Fort Collins Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Fort Collins cost?
Accommodations in Fort Collins varies and since most of the offers are only for private rooms it can be quite pricey. The cheapest rooms can go for as low as $70 to $150 per night.
What are the best hostels in Fort Collins for couples?
This remodeled apt will totally catch your heart with it’s aesthetic brick walls. Apartment in the Heart of Town is great for couples who wants to stay cozy private place while still at the district center.
What is the best hostel in Fort Collins near the airport?
If you want to head to the airport with less travel time, we recommend staying at Fernweh Inn & Hostel. It is only a 20-minute drive away from Northern Colorado Regional Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Fort Collins
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.
Final Thoughts
You are never short on adventure and fun in Fort Collins. It’s a must-visit area for people who love Mother Nature and the outdoors.
We’ve checked hostels, motels, Airbnb rentals, and other budget accommodations and narrowed down the choices to the best of the best.
Still can’t decide where to stay? You’ll never go wrong with Fernweh Inn & Hostel. A historical landmark, it is in the perfect location.
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Colorado covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Colorado if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Colorado 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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