Seattle isn’t just known for its coffee and tech scene—it’s a cool hipster city that is as adventurous as it is creative.
From its iconic landmarks to hidden gems in every neighborhood, backpackers flock here to experience the real soul of the city. Whether you’re wandering through Pike Place Market, catching a live show, or getting lost in the twists of Capitol Hill, it’s a city known for its culture, creativity, and community.
If you’re doing Seattle on a budget, finding a good hostel can feel like searching for a needle in a rainy haystack. The hostel scene in the States isn’t exactly Europe-level buzzing, but don’t sweat it—I’ve got the lowdown on the best places to crash that won’t blow your budget.
These hostels are perfect for keeping costs down while still letting you fully dive into Seattle’s vibe.
Let’s get into it.
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.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Seattle
- Best Overall Hostel in Seattle – Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Seattle – American Hotel Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Seattle – HotelHotel Hostel
The 3 Best Hostels in Seattle
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of the best Seattle hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into city adventures without wasting time.
1. Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Seattle
- Dorm (mixed): From $55
- Address: 105 1/2 Pike Street, Seattle, USA
Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel puts you smack bang in the middle of the buzz of the city center—a prime spot to eat, drink, explore, and soak up Seattle’s unique vibe. With a location this good and staff this awesome, it’s a fab spot to meet other travelers backpacking Seattle.
The dorms have all the essentials covered: comfy bunks with privacy curtains, reading lamps, power outlets galore, and roomy lockers for your gear. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the common spaces are perfect for chilling out or striking up a convo.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Boardgames and Foosball
- ATM and Currency Exchange On-site
- Super Friendly Staff
This is backpacker life at its best—laid-back, social, and packed with character. Rent a bike and cruise around the city in style, ticking off iconic Seattle spots like Pike Place Market and the original Starbucks.
Green Tortoise isn’t just a dorm bed to crash in—it’s about good food, good company, and epic city living. Kickstart your day with a free breakfast featuring oatmeal, eggs, and fresh fruit, then hit the streets or join one of their legendary pub crawls. They run them three times a week, and they’re not to be missed. It’s classic hostel vibes with a Seattle twist. You gotta check it out for yourself to see what I mean.
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 REI2. American Hotel Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Seattle
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $53
- Private Room: From $103
- Address: 520 S. King St., Seattle, USA
American Hotel Hostel is a gem for backpackers thanks to its unbeatable location in the heart of the International District. With Chinatown right outside, you’re spoilt for choice with incredible food and fascinating spots to explore. Pro tip: make sure you check out a food tour whilst you’re here to get stuck into the local foodie scene.
The rooms here tick all the boxes: clean, comfy, and just what you need to crash after racking up those step counts. Whether you opt for a private or a dorm bed, you’ll find bright and spacious rooms that are always kept clean. Throw in late check-out and a cheeky game of foosball, and you’re sorted.
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, this is your go-to. It’s the cheapest bed in Seattle, and they throw in a free breakfast every morning. With cozy communal spaces to kick back in, it’s easy to chat with fellow backpackers or hash out your next move on your Seattle itinerary.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Table Football
- Laundry Facilities
- Late Checkout
Transport options are ridiculously close—trams, buses, trains, ferries, and bike rentals are all within walking distance. The International District/Chinatown light rail and bus station is less than five minutes away plus Pike Place Market is within walking distance, making it an absolute dream for ticking off all the big things to do in Seattle.
The social vibe is a little more laid-back compared to the bustling hostels you might find in Europe or Asia, but the common areas are good for making a connection if you’re feeling extroverted enough. As one of Seattle’s rare backpacker hubs, it’s a great shout for solo travelers looking to find their people—or just a quiet corner to relax.
3. HotelHotel Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Seattle
- Private Room: From $99
- Address: 3515 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, USA
HotelHotel Hostel is a little haven of chill tucked into the Fremont district, Seattle’s artsy heartbeat. This neighborhood’s got everything—killer eats, live music, dive bars, festivals, and enough street art to keep your heart content. If quirky vibes are your thing, you’ll feel right at home here.
This spot keeps it simple but cozy. The rooms are comfortable and practical, with free linens, private lockers, and towel rentals. The kitchen is fully equipped, the bathrooms are clean, and the vibe is all about laid-back, no-fuss comfort.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Chill
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Clean and Modern Amenities
This is the go-to spot if you’re after a quiet, chill base. It’s not heavy on the social scene, but it’s a dream for digital nomads backpacking the US. The rooms have desks, the Wi-Fi doesn’t flake out, and Fremont’s cafés and co-working spaces are just a quick stroll away for when you need to switch up your workday backdrop.
Post-pandemic, they’ve been sticking to private rooms instead of dorms, which is a bit of a bummer for budget backpackers trying to save money. Fingers crossed they bring the dorm beds back soon because this place would tick all the boxes with that addition.
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 Seattle Hostels
Of course, there’s more to Seattle than sharing rooms with strangers in a hostel. If that’s not your bag, then there are still a whole bunch of Seattle hotels to choose from that won’t break the bank. Let’s check them out.
Georgetown Inn Seattle
- Private Room: From $99
- Address: 6100 Corson Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
Georgetown Inn Seattle is the ultimate budget-friendly spot with a touch of charm. The rooms are simple but stylish, offering those little extras that make a big difference—like Fran’s Chocolates instead of a run-of-the-mill pillow mint. The lobby has a relaxed, cool vibe and is spotlessly clean, with an ever-helpful staff ready to assist.
The continental breakfast is a treat, featuring freshly baked goods from a local bakery every morning. For the price, it’s hard to beat the value here. But honestly, the real draw is the location—Georgetown is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, bursting with culture and character. This place is a total hidden gem for anyone looking to explore Seattle.
Ace Hotel Seattle
- Private Room: From $129
- Address: 2423 1st Avenue, Belltown, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
For the price, this place punches above its weight in style. Think exposed white brick, minimalist furnishings, and a sleek, modern vibe—Ace Hotel is the definition of contemporary cool. Ace Hotel is totally contemporary with none of the floral antique-ish-ness that you’ll find in other Seattle hotels in this price range.
Conveniently located near the water and all the must-see spots like Pike Place Market, Ace Hotel is in the heart of vibrant downtown Seattle filled with great bars, affordable restaurants, and cafes. The rooms are just as cool as the hotel itself, with super comfy beds and a vibe that’s impossible to resist. The front desk team is amazing—friendly, helpful, and always ready to make your stay memorable. If you’re after a chic spot in downtown Seattle, Ace Hotel is definitely your jam.
Belltown Inn
- Private Room: From $89
- Address: 2301 3rd Avenue, Belltown, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
Within walking distance of pretty much everything, with a cool rooftop terrace offering awesome views of the city center, this hotel is a solid pick for Seattle.
The location couldn’t be better—just a short stroll from the Space Needle, the iconic Pike Place Market, art galleries, and Belltown’s buzzing restaurant scene. The hotel is spotlessly clean, with staff that are not only friendly but genuinely helpful. Whether it’s bike rentals or insider tips on the city, they’ve got you covered. Plus, with the freedom to make your own coffee, toast, and more, the value here is surprisingly solid. For a convenient and comfortable stay, this place ticks all the boxes.
City Hostel Seattle
This youth hostel in Seattle is set in a historic building with the prestige of having played host to a bunch of movie stars back in the day. In light of this, this Seattle backpackers hostel got 47 local artists to design and paint the rooms here, which is pretty damn cool if you ask me. Cool, artsy, and with a great location, you can’t ask for much more in a hostel in Seattle. The dorm beds are no frills but have everything you need to crash hard after a day of city exploring. The staff are super friendly and are on hand 24/7, making sure you feel safe coming home, no matter what time of day.
11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast
11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast is situated in an old townhouse with bags of antique charm. It’s effortlessly Instagram-worthy—seriously, this place ticks all the aesthetic boxes.
While it leans towards the pricier side, it’s worth every penny. The free breakfast is beyond delicious, and the rooms are spacious and lavish, making you feel like you’ve stumbled into a luxury haven. It’s one of those places that feels WAY out of your league but ends up being pretty reasonable. Plus, the location is spot-on, putting you within easy reach of all the best Seattle has to offer. Plus, free parking makes it a breeze for those coming with cars looking to make a cheeky day trip from Seattle. Trust me, it’s a gem.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Seattle
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 Seattle.
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 Seattle
Here are the questions I get asked the most about Seattle hostels. Still got Qs? Drop them in the comment section below!
What to Pack for your Seattle 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 does a hostel cost in Seattle?
A dorm bed (mixed or female only) can cost anything between $30-$42. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $85-$122.
What is the best area of Seattle to stay in?
For backpackers, downtown and Belltown are top picks. These areas are buzzing with energy, putting you right in the heart of Seattle’s iconic spots like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. You’ll find plenty of affordable hostels, chill vibes, and opportunities to connect with other travelers.
What are the best budget hotels in Seattle?
If none of the hostels in the city float your boat, Georgetown Inn Seattle is a great affordable alternative. It offers a cool, quirky vibe with minimalist furnishings and touches like local baked goods at breakfast. It’s perfect for culture lovers looking for a hidden gem that won’t break the bank.
Final Thoughts on Seattle’s Hostels
That’s the lowdown on the hostel scene in the Emerald City—solid options to keep your budget intact while soaking up everything the city has to offer. Whether you’re hanging near Pike Place or kicking back in Fremont, these spots have got you covered for a decent night’s kip and a chance to save money and meet some fellow wanderers.
Still unsure on where to stay? I’d go with Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel. It’s got a great location in the city center, clean and modern dorms and they ACTUALLY host events in the week. Make sure you don’t miss that pub crawl, it’s pretty legendary.
So grab a coffee, hit the streets, and let the city’s weird, wonderful energy pull you in. You’ll leave with more than a few stories to tell. Happy travels friends 🙂
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Seattle for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Seattle covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Seattle if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Seattle 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.
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 🙂
