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.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
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.
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 Old Town – Airbnb for Large Groups in Fort Collins

Who wants to stay in a hostel when you can bag yourself a four bedroom town house with a rooftop hotub. This place this ideal if you’re travelling with a group of friends and need a place that can host a small army. You’ve got a large kitchen which is ideal whipping up some tasty meals, and a cosy living room to chill out after a day exploring.
You’re in a great location with bars, restaurants and shops nearby. Pus they even have FREE bikes which you can use with hepas of epic trails nearby. If theres a big group of you, this place is a no brainer.
The loft Old Town

If you’re traveling as a couple, this cosy loft is the perfect place for you love birds. It’s got all the snug, romantic vibes without being kept up all night randomers snoring. There is a fully equipped kitchen which is perfect for keeping the costs down and a comfy bedroom for getting a great nights rest after a day of adventures. If you’re looking for a cosy place to perch up then this apartment ticks all the boxes and staying here won’t break the bank.
AmericInn by Wyndham Windsor Ft. Collins

Okay so there is a serious lack of hostels in Fort collins so im bring you then next best thing. This hotel and has everything you need for an EPIC stay without breaking the bank. The rooms are comfortable, there’s a bangin’ FREE breakfast, and an indoor pool and hot tub to relax after a busy day exploring.
You’re in a fantastic location to explore and see everything Fort Collins has to offer. It’s one of the cheapest hotels, so if you’re looking for a place to get a solid night’s sleep whilst keeping the budget in check, this place does the job.

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!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.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂