11 Best Hostels in Florida

From its sun-kissed beaches to its vibrant nightlife and theme park thrills, Florida beckons with endless adventures. We’ve been there countless times, and there’s always a new reason for us to visit the state again. However, we know not everyone is backed by a big budget. Luckily, experiencing the Sunshine State on a budget doesn’t have to mean skimping on good vibes. There are so many hostels in FL, and we’ve stayed in some of them. They offered us an unbeatable blend of affordability, comfort, and community. They allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local spirit and have unforgettable memories. So, next time you’re visiting Florida, ditch the cookie-cutter hotels and spend your nights in one of these hostels instead!

Sheridan Hostel, Dania Beach

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Those seeking a chilled-out Florida escape should consider Sheridan Hostel in Dania Beach. Picture lush tropical gardens surrounding a welcoming hostel. This is where serenity reigns supreme. Like some cheap hostels in Florida, this hostel doesn’t have anything too fancy to offer. However, this hostel was enough for us since all we needed was a tranquil place to call home after a day of cycling and on the beach.

We would whip up a meal in the shared kitchen whenever we could. Don’t be shy about asking for secret recipes from fellow travelers! Speaking of which, staying here will give you the chance to mingle with fellow globetrotters in the 6 to 10-bed dorms. We stayed in the 6-bed mixed dorm and had a lot of fun. We made new friends, and it was where new friendships blossomed. With the perfect blend of laid-back vibes and social opportunities, this hostel surely is worth considering.

Posh South Beach

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Set on the iconic Collins Avenue, Posh South Beach is easily one of the coolest hostels you can find in Florida. This hostel allowed us to dive into the posh life that we were longing for. What makes this hotel the coolest in its area is none other than its rooftop swimming pool. In fact, it’s the only hostel in Miami that has one. Also, we didn’t have to lug towels as Posh got us covered. The best part? We were only a stone’s throw away from the sun-kissed shores of South Beach.

Though a hostel, this place sure doesn’t hold back when it comes to comfort. The memory foam bunk bed was to die for, and we were able to sleep like a baby. On top of that, each was equipped with reading lights. Though I didn’t read any books, knowing the hostel provided us with the lights was nice. Better yet, there was also a hidden storage for our beach essentials. The best part? We were able to mingle with other fellow travelers during the free happy hour from 7 to 8 PM.

Bposhtels Orlando Florida Mall

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Yep, as you can guess from its name, the Bposhtels Orlando Florida Mall is set near the Florida Mall as well as the Mall at Millenia. Thanks to its highly favorable location and affordable rates, this hostel truly offers a good value for the price. While we were there, we spent most of our spare time chatting and making new friends in the pool area. What shocked us was the fact that this hostel boasts two swimming pools. Pretty cool, right?

One of the top hostels in Orlando, this hostel is simply amazing. Aside from the pools, this hostel also offers its guests basic amenities, like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking. We stayed in the 6-bed mixed dormitory, and it was honestly pretty cool. Yes, it wasn’t big or anything, but at the end of the day, it’s a budget hostel, so we didn’t expect it to be extravagant. We had our own little living area and a coffee maker for that daily dose of caffeine. The only thing missing was the kitchen, so we had to go out for food.

South Beach Rooms and Hostel

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Craving turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife but short on budget? Skip those fancy hotels and check out the South Beach Rooms and Hostel instead! With colorful wall art, charming murals, and friendly vibes, this is a SoBe gem that can’t be missed. When we were there, we were treated to a free breakfast to fuel our adventures. Thanks to its convenient location, we were also able to sink our toes into the warm Miami sand in mere minutes. Nothing could beat our lazy day filled with tanning and splashing in the ocean. Speaking of which, nightlife and culinary delights are also only a stone’s throw away from the hostel.

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Sure, the rooms and dorms here aren’t the flashiest. However, we still had a lot of fun. The colorful dorm may be tacky to some people, but to us, it kept the exciting atmosphere going. The bed was surprisingly comfy, and we never had interrupted sleep. The locker was big enough for us, too. What about the bathroom? It was a shared one. Nevertheless, it was bigger than we thought and cleaned daily. Another bonus point for the hygiene. For more affordable accommodations, check out these best cheap hotels in South Beach, Miami!

Hoosville Hostel, Florida City, Everglades

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Best Budget. Are you planning to visit the Everglades National Park? Why not stay at Hoosville Hostel, a simple, low-key hostel in Florida City that offers a cozy place to sleep? Less than an hour from Miami by car, it’s a great alternative for those who want to escape all the noise without being too far away. Though not as vibrant and exciting as some other hostels in FL, the down-to-earth dorms are still enjoyable. Ours was clean, and we needed everything from free Wi-Fi to charging stations. Our shared bathroom was clean, too.

If you decide to stay here, don’t forget to make your own delicious dinner in the communal kitchen. We made delicious pancakes and coffee in the morning, which was the best way to kick off our day. The highlight of this hostel, however, is its waterfall. Surrounded by greeneries and with a small pool, it was our go-to spot to cool off on a hot day. Also, get your camera ready, as it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots on the property.

Selina Miami River

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Most Relaxing. At Selina Miami River, tranquility takes center stage, offering a welcome respite for those seeking a calmer Miami experience. During our time there, we loved to spend the evening on the plush lawn, gazing into the starry sky. This hostel, however, isn’t just about laid-back lounging, as it caters to the curious soul, too. There are unique experiences like workshops, weekly BBQs, and outdoor music concerts that guests can attend. We loved the Thrift & Sip, where we were able to taste so many drinks while treasure hunting.

When it’s time to truly recharge, Selina’s cozy rooms provide a haven of peace. Think comfy beds draped in soft linens, promising a good night’s sleep after a day of mindful exploration. Meanwhile, for those seeking deeper rejuvenation, the hotel’s dedicated wellness area awaits, offering soothing treatments and spaces for yoga or meditation. Finally, there’s the pool! While not for pool parties, it’s a nice place to take a dip and wash away all the worries.

Viajero Miami

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Best Pools. Don’t settle for boring and bland hostels! Look no further than Viajero Miami, one of the top hostels in Florida that can make all your dreams come true. We couldn’t believe how great this hostel was. We never thought we could find a place with sparkling pools, a buzzing bar, a tropical restaurant, and easy access to South Beach, all for the price of a hostel bed. Hence, we were never tired of chilling by the pool (by the way, there are three pools on-site) with a glass of cocktail in our hand while swapping stories under the Miami sun. And when the stars started to appear, we would teleport to South Beach and enjoy its nightlife.

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Need a mental oasis? No worries! You can dive into the co-working space and be productive. During our stay, we chose dorm life, and we were glad that all went well. We were able to sleep soundly in comfort. Each room and bed here will be cleaned daily. On top of that, we loved how the locker was big enough to accommodate our handbags and backpacks. Are you craving a private retreat? Upgrade to a spacious room, and if you’re lucky, you may get yourself a room with ocean views and a private balcony.

Beds n’ Drinks, Miami Beach

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Best for Partying. No more juggling accommodation and nightlife in Miami Beach, as Beds n’ Drinks gives you the best of both worlds under one roof. One of the most popular hostels in Miami Beach, Florida, its legendary cocktail bar is a vibrant hub where you can have epic nights and make new connections. The best part? While we were there, every night, this party palace threw down a 3-hour happy hour, serving up free drinks that would set the tone for an unforgettable Miami adventure. We also want to point out that despite the party vibes, everyone had fun responsibly, and the good times never spilled over into chaos.

Now, let’s talk about the location. This hostel is your getaway to some of Miami’s hippest clubs and bars. With this hostel as our base, we were able to experience Miami nightlife like a local. After making happy memories, we would head back to the hostel with tired smiles. Thankfully, our dorm wasn’t noisy. The bed was plush enough to instantly put us into sleep. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant social hub or a comfortable crash pad amidst the Miami buzz, this is your answer.

Seashell Motel and International Hostel, Key West

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The Seashell Motel and International Hostel is one of the top budget hostels in the heart of Key West, Florida. This place truly embodies Key West’s seaside charm, which is evident from its splashes of blue and ocean-inspired decoration. There wasn’t anything fancy here, but we had a great time as we could do whatever we wanted. With a communal kitchen, we were able to whip up our own breakfast, which we enjoyed in the leafy garden. We were also able to wash our clothes in the coin-operated laundry.

“This place was safe, it has a great location, everything was clean, and most importantly, affordable. Totally a top option for budget travelers.”

WOW Travel

Getting around downtown was a breeze for us, thanks to the hostel’s bike rentals. You can park your car in the designated parking area for free if you drive. From the hostel, it took us only a few minutes to reach South Beach. We stayed in the mixed dorm; though crowded, everyone we met was fantastic. Though we had to share the bathroom, we were surprised by how clean it was. But if privacy is paramount for you, check out its private room instead. For more Key West accommodations, here are the best beachfront hotels in Key West and the best cheap hotels in Key West!

Freehand Miami

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There are so many hostels for you to explore in Miami, Florida, and the Freehand Miami is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a fun and social atmosphere. One of the main reasons we stayed here was that it’s only a few steps away from the beach. On top of that, it also has an amazing pool, which was our go-to place to socialize and party. Knowing that it attracts budget travelers, this hostel offers a free hearty breakfast and a complimentary yoga class. We attended it, and it was honestly so fun (don’t forget to bring your yoga pants and yoga mat).

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Exploring The 305 was also a breeze for us as the hotel provided us with free bike rentals. Feel free to take a day trip to another part of Florida! Here, you can choose from 4, 6, or 8-bed dorms. We stayed in the 6-bed dorm and made new friends. Our dorm was clean, and we had everything we needed, including lockers. However, if you want to stay in the dorm, make sure to bring your own lock, as it’s available at an extra fee. But since it’s affordable, social, and in a great location, we highly recommend this place!

Generator Miami

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Best Overall. Forget cramped hostel vibes! Instead, immerse yourself in the chic and sparkling atmosphere of Generator Miami, the undisputed king of hostels. We never knew we would love this hostel so much. One of the reasons was its location. This Mid-Beach gem allowed us to be steps away from the sand, with epic ocean views as our daily dose of vitamin sea. That’s not all, though. The resort-worthy pool is also a highlight. During our spare time, we would soak up the sun on the tanning deck and grab a drink at the bar. If you’re feeling social, you can meet new people in the common areas.

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Cleanliness is the name of the game, and this hostel sure is good at it. Whether you’re sharing stories in the dorm or unwinding in your private sanctuary, you’ll certainly be impressed by the impeccable hygiene. We stayed in the private dormitory room, and we had a blast. Towels and toiletries? Check! USB ports? Check! All we had to do was focus on creating unforgettable Miami memories.

Our Verdict!

Considering their popularity, cleanliness, location, and amenities, we think Generator Miami deserves to be the best overall pick. But depending on your preferences, you may want to take another look at the following hostels:

• Best for Partying: Beds n’ Drinks
• Best Pools: Viajero Miami
• Most Relaxing: Selina Miami River
• Best Budget: Hoosville Hostel

Where to Stay in Florida?

As you can see from our picks above, most of the hostels are set in Miami. As the biggest metropolitan area in the state and with millions of visitors yearly, this isn’t surprising. It’s a vibrant city with something for everyone, from stunning beaches and Art Deco architecture to world-class dining and nightlife. It may not be the cheapest Florida destination, but there are tons of hostels in the city and budget-friendly activities to explore. Also, don’t forget to check out these top things to do in Miami!

In addition to Miami, there’s also Miami Beach. As the name suggests, it’s all about the beach. Staying at a hostel in this area means you can easily spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or paddleboarding. It also has a lively nightlife scene.

Key West, also called “the Conch Republic,” is another place you may want to visit. Unlike Miami, it’s a charming island city known for its laid-back vibes. It’s a city with history, beautiful natural scenery, and unique culture. You can enjoy the live music and Mallory Square or visit the Key West Aquarium here. It’s a popular tourist destination, but some hostels in the area are worth checking out.

If you’re into outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching, Florida City may be suitable for you. It’s also a great base for exploring the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the biggest wilderness areas on Earth. And since it’s less than an hour’s drive away from Miami, it can also be a great day trip destination.

What is the cheapest month to go to Florida?

Normally, the cheapest months to visit Florida are May (except on the Memorial Day weekend) and September, as both are shoulder seasons.

How to travel to Florida on a budget?

You can do some things to travel to Florida on a budget, like avoiding peak times like summer and spring break, flying midweek, using public transportation, and staying at one of the top cheap hostels in Florida.

How much will a trip to Florida cost?

Based on our experience, you can spend about 180 to 200 USD per day in Florida. However, the cost depends on your activities. You can spend less by staying at a hostel, eating at affordable restaurants, and visiting free attractions.