Portland, Oregon—a city that wears its quirks like a badge of honour. Known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries on every corner, and that undeniable Pacific Northwest charm, it’s a magnet for backpackers looking for a mix of cool urban vibes with a sprinkle of natural beauty for good measure.
Whether you’re here to hike through lush forests, sip on third-wave coffee, or explore the city’s famous food carts, Portland has something for every traveller’s bucket list. The largest city in Oregon is also known for its parks and cycling as well as its craft beers and cafes. In short—it’s a big ‘ol hipsters paradise.
But just where in this big city do you stay? Can you stay in a city this cool and still stick to a backpacker budget?
YES sir! I’ve scoured high and low to bring you my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Portland.
Ready to find your home base in Portland? Here are the best hostels in the city, offering comfort, community, and a front-row seat to all the action.
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Best Hostels in Portland
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Portland’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into city adventures without wasting time.
Northwest Portland Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $36
- Private Room: From $67
- Address: 479 NW 18th Avenue, Oregon, Portland, USA
This place is set in a pretty cool old house, the type that’d probably be a spooky house in some American horror film, but, you know what, I kinda dig it. Northwest Portland Hostel gives out the exact vibes you’re looking for as a backpacker in Portland.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Tons of Social Spaces
- On-site Bar and Restaurant
Spooky house vibes aside, it’s extremely clean, well-furnished, and in the heart of the NW Portland neighborhood. It’s in a great location for concerts and timber games, along with just strolling the streets and seeing what hidden gems you can find. There’s even a great restaurant on-site, and they even throw in a free breakfast to sweeten the deal too.
The staff are super friendly, and the facilities are super clean. Stay here and it’ll be easy to find all sorts of things to do with a few new mates from the hostel. Although it’s not a party hostel, you have to make sure you catch the open mic night when they’re on. It’s such a cool way to experience and enjoy local talent.
If you’re looking to unwind there are tons of spaces for it, from the garden, library, and other chill-out zones. Considering the standard of hostels in the US is…let’s say, questionable, Northwest Portland Hostel blows it out of the water.
KEX
- Dorm (mixed): From $48
- Private Room: From $182
- Address: 100 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, USA
Smack bang in the middle of the action, KEX is more boutique hotel than hostel, with an industrial-modern design that oozes style. This spot feels downright luxurious, with 24-hour reception and parking thrown in for good measure. Just a short stroll from Portland’s best places to visit, it’s perfectly placed for diving into the city’s best restaurants and attractions.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swanky AF
- Industrial-modern Dorms
- On-site Restaurant
The beds are as comfy as any swanky hotel, and the sleek decor will make you forget your scruffy backpack is even there. KEX skips the usual hostel vibe altogether, serving up a boutique experience with both dorms and private rooms. It’s a top pick for anyone craving a bit of luxury without straying too far from their backpacker budget.
Downstairs, the restaurant has a cool, laid-back energy, with food and wine that hit the spot every time. If you’re backpacking the US with mates or just fancy a break from the hostel scene, this is the place to feel like you’ve splurged—without actually splurging.
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!More Epic Budget Stays in Portland
But we all know that sometimes… you just don’t wanna stay in a hostel. And that’s cool. So here’s a round-up of the best budget hotels in Portland so you can find somewhere private and comfy to call home for a few nights.
Silver Cloud Inn
- Private Room: From $109
- Address: 2426 Northwest Vaughn Street, Portland, OR 97210, United States
A standard sorta budget hotel in Portland, sure, but it’s a good place to stay if you’re looking to save money AND have a lil’ bit more comfort than a Portland backpackers hostel. The rooms here are dang spacious and come equipped with a fridge and microwave, making it easy to fend for yourself and keep things nice and cheap. Another good thing about this place is the COMPLIMENTARY LAUNDRY FACILITIES! My backpacker’s eyes lit up, that’s for sure. This spot is a great budget digs for those wanting to escape the hostel scene so they can crash hard after a jam-packed Portland itinerary.
Aladdin Inn and Suites
- Private Room: From $113
- Address: 8905 South West 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219, United States
Aladdin Inn and Suites is a no-frills spot for the budget backpacker looking to stretch their budget whilst still having their own space. The rooms are basic but functional and have everything you need for a comfortable weekend—powerful showers, a kitchenette, and comfortable beds. There’s ample parking for those cruising in on an Oregon road trip and the location is super convenient to hit up the main tourist hotspots in Portland. Make sure you hit up the Mexican restaurant over the road—their burritos SLAP.
Eastside Lodge
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: 949 East Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214, United States
To find a budget hotel in Portland that’s actually pretty near to the city center is a rare thing, so Eastside Lodge definitely fills a gap in that sense. The rooms are no frills but have everything you need for a comfy stay. The location is the main draw of Eastside Lodge—it’s close to town, which makes getting into Portland’s sights and nightlife easy. There are also great coffee shops nearby which is a lifesaver to keep you fuelled in the morning.
Whilst it’s not smack bang in downtown, there are plenty of bus stops and train stops just a short walk away, making getting around on public transit a breeze. While the streets can be lively with foot and vehicle traffic, it’s quiet in the rooms. The staff are also super friendly and helpful, which always makes a HUGE difference.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portland Airport
Sure, it ain’t cool, it ain’t in the center of town – but it IS right by the airport. Yep, this budget hotel in Portland is probably the best hotel near Portland’s airport, which is especially great if you need to catch an early flight or something. It’s also very cheap for a hotel.
Convenience and stress-free travel to the airport is what I’m all about, so it makes total sense to stay here, even if it’s just for a night on arrival or departure. Rooms come with fridges and microwaves, helping you keep things nice and budget-friendly, too.
Lola Pass
Lolo Pass is a modern and comfortable hostel in Portland close to all the amenities you could need for a city getaway. With the option of private and dorm bedrooms, it suits both budget and luxe travelers. Security is seriously impressive, making it a top choice for female solo travelers in the city.
There is a rooftop terrace, onsite bar, and restaurant for those nights you don’t fancy heading out. Enjoy the lively neighborhoods of Portland with a quiet space to return to. It is especially great for solo travelers looking to make friends!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Portland
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 Portland.
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 Portland
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Portland hostels.
What to Pack for your Portland 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Portland?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, hostel prices start at $35 – $44+ per night.
What are the best hotels in Portland for backpackers?
Not feeling a hostel? Silver Cloud Inn is my top pick for budget digs in the city. The rooms here are swanky, the location is great and it’s a great base for exploring Portland without squeezing your backpacker budget dry.
What are the best hostels in Portland for couples?
KEX is an ideal hostel for couples in Portland. Its private rooms are clean, modern and are a perfect balance of privacy and hostel buzz.
Final Thoughts on Portland’s Hostels
Whether you’re exploring the city’s food cart pods, hunting for vintage treasures, or soaking in the views of Mount Hood, Portland has a way of sucking you in and charming the pants off of ya.
For budget-savvy backpackers, the city’s hostels are more than just a place to crash—they’re a gateway to experience the city’s unique vibe. With spaces that range from artsy and social to cozy and laid-back, they’ll be a place for you to crash on this list.
Still unsure on where to stay? I’d go with KEX. You’ll get hotel-level luxury without torching your wallet. If there’s a time to embrace your inner flashpacker, this is it.
So get out there and make the most of Portland’s magic. And if you stumble on a hidden gem or an unmissable food truck, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the love—and happy travels!
Photo: Roaming Ralph
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Portland for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Portland covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Portland if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Portland before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for 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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