Y’all need to head down to Nashville for some southern comfort. From its feel-good music scene to some seriously delicious barbeque, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer. Plus, you’ll experience true southern hospitality in everything you see and do.
To help you figure out where to stay in this vibrant city on a budget, we’ve listed the best hostels in Nashville here. Although there are only a handful of Nashville hostels, they offer serious quality at a fraction of the cost of a traditional hotel. We’ve filled the gaps with cheap guest rooms and affordable Airbnbs, so you can find somewhere that’s perfect for you.
Check them out!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Nashville
- For Couples in Nashville – Happiest & Most Joyful Condo
- Best Party Spot in Nashville – Moxy Hotel Downtown
- Best Place for Digital Nomads in Nashville – Sylvan Park Suite
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What to Expect from Hostels in Nashville
You may be lured in by the beauty of private homes and hotels, but staying in a hostel in Nashville will save you some major dollars. The city isn’t exactly full to the brim with hostels, but the budget spots we have found will really knock your socks off. From Downtown to Music City, rooms are available across Nashville that will give you a comfortable spot to rest in between exploring.
Offering a friendly atmosphere, its no secret that hostels are some of our favorite places to stay when traveling. And the private rooms we’ve found are great if you are visiting with your partner and want something a bit more secluded.
If it’s your first time visiting Nashville, it’s useful to know that driving is the main mode of transport so if you can, rent a car. Uber and Lyft are widely available if you prefer to leave the driving to the locals. Make sure you include this in your budget, or perhaps find somewhere to stay where you can get out and explore on foot!
Some of the best places to stay in Nashville are;
- Downtown
- Midtown
- Music Valley
- SoBro
HOSTELWORLD is usually our go-to for finding hostels around the world, but this time around there was absolutely nothing – which is very unusual! The upcoming hostels are listed across Airbnb and Booking.com. They provide great images, list the inclusions, and show previous guest ratings to make sure you’re booking the right spot for you!
Best Hostels in Nashville
Here you have it folks! These are some of the best hostels and budget spots to stay in Nashville.
Happiest & Most Joyful Condo – For Couples in Nashville
This bright and beautiful condo is perfect for your couple’s getaway, and its budget-friendly! The modern design has everything ready for you and your partner to spend a fabulous weekend exploring Nashville and enjoying each other’s company. The entire apartment is yours, so you can spread out, relax, and be yourselves.
Walk to one of the many nearby cool restaurants for a romantic dinner or keep it simple by making your own in the full kitchen. It’s a short drive to downtown, so the whole city is ready.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Can host up to 4 guests
- Laundry facilities
- Free parking
Take relaxation to the next level in the pool during the warmer months. Happiness is at the core of this incredible space – it’s bound to make you happy too! Bright, stylish and boho, if you haven’t felt at home in any of the other budget spots you’ve stayed, you sure will here.
Moxy Hotel Downtown – Best Party Spot in Nashville
If partying is high up on your Nashville itinerary, then y’all gotta stay in a place that knows how to do it right! With a live music stage and bar right in the lobby/lounge, the Moxy is the best place to come. A lounge is a great place to hang out, with billiards, old-school arcade video games, and comfy places to sit (including a swing).
Even though you can have a fantastic time without even leaving Moxy, you’ll have the entire city within easy reach. Located just off Broadway, this hotel is mere steps away from the best honky-tonks in town. You can’t get closer than this!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pet friendly
- Close to the Johnny Cash Museum
- Fitness center
It’s not exactly a cheap and cheerful hostel, but this hotel has all the amenities you could need for a central stay in Nashville, while being reasonably priced.
There are king and queen bedrooms, even twin options for those who are traveling with friends and want separate beds.
Sylvan Park Suite – Best Place for Digital Nomads in Nashville
With free wifi, a workspace, and plenty of places to relax, this suite is perfect for digital nomads. The cozy little place has a great spot to set up shop with your laptop for a morning of emails before you head out to explore. Or, work on the porch and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
When you’ve finished work for the day, check out the numerous nearby cafes and restaurants. There are parking spaces available if you’re travelling by car, and bicycles can be rented to help you get around easily.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 1 queen bed, 1 sofa bed
- Small kitchenette
- Laundry facilities
You won’t find an affordable place to stay that feels more like home. Forget bunk beds and shared living areas, we all crave a little solitude and this studio is perfect for that! There is a private entrance and patio so you can bask in the beauty of the home, and get to work without any distractions.
Music City Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Nashville
The Music City Hostel is the place to stay in Nashville if you’re backpacking the USA on a budget. It truly offers the best value for your hard-earned dollars as well as all the amenities you could need. Designed to be welcoming to travelers, it’s perfect for those who want to see the world and make new friends in the process.
The spacious lounge and garden are the ideal spots to hang out when you’re not out discovering Nashville, and are a great place to get to know the other guests.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fun, quirkly style
- Female only dorms
- Central location
Lockers are available in the shared dorms to keep your stuff secure, just remember to bring your own lock! If you are traveling with a couple of friends, you could check out their 2 bedroom apartment option. You can have your own private space, and the luxury of meeting other backpackers.
The Midtown location is a kicking neighborhood to be in – there’s tons to do by day and night.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
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 REISpacious and Comfy, Close to Everything – For Solo Travelers in Nashville
When you’re headed to Nashville on your own, wouldn’t it be nice to stay in the heart of it all? This charming little home has the perfect location, and the rates are totally affordable. The cozy bedroom is complete with a private bathroom, so you can have your own space. When you’re feeling more social, head down to use the full kitchen or relax in the living room – you’ll probably find the host playing some music.
This comfortable home is within walking distance of downtown Nashville, so you really are close to everything. Other neighborhoods are a short Uber ride away, so you’ll have Nashville’s top attractions at your fingertips.
Why you’ll this hostel:
- Short walk to downtown Nashville
- Keyless entry system
- Laundry facilities
You can get tips from the host of the must-see spots, or even just hang out in the shared living areas getting to know each other. When you are traveling alone, every friend counts!
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 Hostels in Nashville
We know it’s a little disheartening that there aren’t more Nashville hostels. However, the Southern city is brimming with affordable accommodations like private rooms and condos!
Private Entry Room in a House
If hostel living ain’t really your thing or you’d simply prefer some personal space, then you can’t go wrong with this private room. The host has opened her beautiful home for visitors to have a lovely, convenient stay. You’ll have your own entrance, as well as access to the shared kitchen.
The East Nashville neighborhood is at the forefront of the coolest new things in town. It’s also just a hop over the river into the downtown area – you’ll get the best of old and new. Popular with hipsters, East Nashville is the best place to experience a less-touristy side of Nashville.
Hillside Crossing Hotel
The affordable rates at Hillside Crossing Hotel make it one to consider when a hostel isn’t available. The modern rooms make for a sleek and comfy stay. After a full day enjoying some of the cool things to do in Nashville, relax poolside or get a workout in at the gym to get pumped for a night out. Refuel at the Lost Paddy Irish – the onsite pub – for yummy burgers and a beer.
Since it’s located halfway between the Nashville International Airport and downtown, you’ll want to figure out how to get around town before you arrive. If you have your own ride or a rental, the private parking at Hillside is quite convenient. Otherwise, Uber or Lyft are good options.
The Preston Hotel
The Preston is a sleek, modern hotel offering a chic experience that’s easy on the wallet. Enjoy a meal or happy hour with live music at Blackwood, the on-site restaurant. The gorgeous pool is a perfect way to wind down after a killer day out exploring everything Nashville has to offer.
The location is the reason it can house such perks like this large pool and affordable rates, but since it’s a bit of a drive from downtown, it’s a good idea to figure out how you’re going to get around. Having a car is best, but the free airport shuttle and Ubers will do the trick.
Millennium Maxwell House Nashville
This traditional hotel offers quality rooms at seriously great rates. The Germantown location is the ideal home base to explore the whole city, and the free parking makes it super convenient. If you didn’t bring your own ride, the Millenium Maxwell has a free shuttle to bring you straight downtown.
If you want to stay close for a bite or drink, hop down to Pralines, the on-site restaurant, or Maxwell’s Lounge. Millennium is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend to Nashville too.
Nashville Downtown Hostel
Nashville Downtown Hostel is fantastic! As a traditional hostel, their goal is to make traveling enjoyable and convenient (most importantly, affordable). The dorm rooms are comfortable, and the shared kitchen helps keep food costs low.
Its location makes it even better for enjoying the city. Situated downtown, all the top shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions are just moments away. It’s just one block from Lower Broadway, Nashville’s main live music and entertainment strip.
What to Pack for your Nashville 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!
Nashville Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Nashville cost?
Staying in Nashville is quite pricey, since there aren’t really any bedspace rentals. The cheapest private room you can stay in costs atleast $100. There are also cheaper options, however you wouldn’t really wanna risk it. Your best bet is always to check the reviews first.
What are the best hostels in Nashville for couples?
Happiest & Most Joyful Condo is my favorite in Nashville. The whole vibe of the place is aesthetically pleasing and it comes with complete amenities. It’s also located right at the city center, so you can choose to roam around the neighbourhood or just a dip in their outdoor pool.
What is the best hostel in Nashville near the airport?
Catching flights in Nashville is easy since the nearest airport is conveniently located at the city center. Amongst the accommodations in the area I highly recommend Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Nashville Airport. It’s just a few minutes walk to the airport, but you’ll most likely benefit from the free airport shuttle service that they offer.
Travel Safety Tips for Nashville
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 on the Best Hostels in Nashville
There ya have it, the best hostels and budgets spots in one of the USA’s coolest destinations. Whether you want to be right in the middle of the honky-tonk, or share a home a bit further out, there’s a place for you on our list.
If you’re still not sure which one to pick, we think the Music City Hostel does a fantastic job showing travelers on a budget the best time. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get to enjoy the comforts of southern hospitality and charm.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Nashville for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in the USA covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Nashville if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Nashville 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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