Sitting at the confluence of the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Providence rivers in the state of Rhode Island is Providence, one of the most underrated cities in all of New England. And trust us when we say that once you’ve visited this place, you’ll want to keep coming back. The early 17th-century-founded Providence is also one of the country’s oldest cities, and is full of creative energy, a legendary stunning scene, and stunning colonial architecture. However, exploring Providence doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune. From budget-friendly to cozy, independent ones, the best hostels in Providence, RI, and around it, give a new meaning to the term “hostel.”
In fact, saving pennies on our stay meant that we could explore the city’s trendsetting bars and restaurants. art-house theaters, hip cafes, and more. So, if you’re someone who loves mingling with fellow travelers while saving some money, these Providence hostel stays are for you.
Also read: 11 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in New England.
Table of contents
Chart House Inn, Newport
6
We begin with the gorgeous Chart House Inn in Newport, which is just 40 minutes southeast of Providence proper. Its hands-down one of the most charming places on the New England coast that we’ve stayed at. The 1883-built Queen Anne-style Victorian inn also has a fantastic location on one of Newport’s prettiest side streets, and just one block from the buzzing waterfront.
On the inside, we had the choice of just seven rooms and suites, making this feel like a very intimate and exclusive stay. What’s more, they’re all named for notable women in Rhode Island history, with decor elements curated to honor their stories. What’s more, they all featured air conditioning, comfy memory foam beds, 42-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, minibars, and bathrobes. In fact, the suite was just like an upgraded dorm, but with a kitchenette and a sitting area.
Our mornings began with delicious complimentary cooked-to-order breakfasts, with their honey butter, fruit displays, and fresh baked goods earning five-star reviews from fellow travelers. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, and on-site spa services wrap up the amenities here.
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Backpackers Hostel & Pub, Everett, MA
5
Located just an hour north of Providence, the Backpackers Hostel & Pub in Everett is a beloved budget favorite with travelers who want to explore both Providence and the greater Boston area. It might sit just outside both Boston’s and Providence’s limits. However, it more than compensated with a genuine social atmosphere and standout services.
Firstly, we’re social butterflies, which is why we loved the on-site pub. It was a natural gathering spot where we traded stories with travelers from around the world. What’s more, the hostel staff was warm and knowledgable, and went above and beyond in helping us with everything from itineraries to whatever we wanted. Our days would begin with a fantastic complimentary breakfast, which included toast, tea, coffee and more.
When it came to the rooms, we had the choice of both shared dorms and private rooms. While the shared dorms came with immaculate shared bathrooms, the private ones had private bathrooms and even came with a fridge, microwave, and TV. A free computer station, lockers, and free Wi-Fi wrapped up the amenities here.
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The Farrington Inn
4
Technically located in Boston’s Allston neighborhood, The Farrington Inn, which is just an hour’s drive north of Providence proper, is one of the most accessible budget stays for travelers who want to explore both cities. Overall, we found it to be a clean and convenient place to stay in what is a quiet but well-connected neighborhood.
On the inside, we had the choice of 50 dorm rooms and private ones, all of which were air-conditioned. Not only that, but they also had free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and laptop-friendly workspaces, besides comfy beds, of course. We were impressed by the common areas and amenities as well, especially the 24-hour front desk that would be staffed around the clock. Plus, we could even bring pets, but on prior request. Did we mention the luggage storage, fresh linens, and towels? Yep. All in all, we loved the no-frills charm, the cleanliness, the helpful staff, and a location that punches well above its price point.
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Michie House in College Hill
3
Best low-key hostel. Does the West End energy feel a little busy for your taste? Then maybe you’ll like the College Hill sister property of Michie House better. Offering a quieter, more residential alternative, this lovely hostel, which is just steps from Brown University, sits in a low-key neighborhood with historic architecture, sitting along the tree-lined streets.
We loved the convenience of the property’s self-check-in system via the access code and a private entrance. So, make sure that you contact the property at least 24 hours in advance to arrange for your arrival. On the inside, we had the choice of multiple shared and private rooms, which were air-conditioned and had free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and memory foam beds.
Amongst the common areas, the kitchen was an extremely useful one. That’s because it was generously equipped with a rice cooker, toaster, microwave, and full-sized fridge. That, along with the many common areas for mingling with fellow travelers and the quick housekeeping make this hostel an extremely great choice to stay.
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Michie Hostel
2
Best boutique hostel. Michie Hostel sits in the West End neighborhood, which is less than a mile from the city center. It’s more of a boutique hostel experience with one unique perk that most Providence hostels don’t offer: a bar on the first floor. So, after a long day of sightseeing, we’d unwind right at the bar with a cold one before we stepped out to experience Providence’s nightlife. Or, on days when we were too tired, we’d just stay in, mingling with fellow travelers.
We had the choice of as many as seven shared accommodations, which made the place more of a large, large guesthouse than a hostel. What’s more, they were all air-conditioned and featured desks, dining areas, and free Wi-Fi. Downstairs, there was even a shared kitchen where we could cook light meals when we didn’t want to eat outside. Free bath products in clean bathrooms, free on-site parking, and a 24-hour front desk round out the amenities here.
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Providence Hostel and Guesthouse
1
Best overall. We were looking for an affordable and social mingling-driven place to stay in Providence proper, which is why we turned to Providence Hostel and Guesthouse. This lovely hostel has a very personal feeling and vibe; the staff knew our names even though we were staying for just one night on our first visit. So, that warmth set the tone for our entire stay.
Tucked in a charming older residential structure in Smith Hill, the hostel is full of original touches, such as the original painted wood floors. That, along with freshly painted walls and exterior, gave the hostel a very lovely vibe. On the inside, there was a fully equipped communal kitchen stocked with free tea, coffee, and spices. It’s where we’d whip up light meals while chatting with fellow travelers. Our choice included male-only, female-only, and mixed-use dorm rooms (capped at just five people). What’s more, there were even choices for solo or double private rooms, but all of them had amenities such as free Wi-Fi and immaculate shared bathrooms. We’d mingle in the large living room with board games and TV. Free bikes, free luggage storage, and an excellent location (15-minute walk from downtown) make this hostel the perfect base for a budget trip.
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Our Verdict!
While we loved all hostels in Providence, this specialized list might actually help you choose where to live.
- Best overall: Providence Hostel and Guesthouse
- Best boutique hostel: Michie Hostel
- Best low-key hostel: Michie House in College Hill
Where to Stay in Providence, RI?
It might be smaller than cities like Boston and Philadelphia, but Providence is large enough if you’re visiting it. So, choosing the right neighborhood might very well end up shaping your entire trip. So, here’s a breakdown of the best areas for travelers to stay.
We begin with Downtown Providence, which is the heart of all the action. Not only is it walkable to most of the amazing sights in Providence, but it’s perfect for first-timers who want to make the most of their trip. Secondly, there’s the city’s most picturesque neighborhood, College Hill. It’s famously home to the historic Benefit Street, Brown University, and lots of indie bookshops and cafes, making for a quieter vibe.
Next, Smith Hill is just a 15-minute walk from Downtown and is affordable and residential. Of course, who can forget Providence’s famous “Little Italy,” a.k.a. Federal Hill? It’s packed with old-school delis, bakeries, and Italian restaurants. Finally, there’s the artsy and bohemian Fox Point, which sits along the Providence River.
Also check out the Best Boutique Hotels in Providence, Rhode Island.
Which is the best hostel in Providence proper?
That would be the Providence Hostel and Guesthouse, which is the chief independent hostel in the city.
What’s the best time of year to visit Providence?
If you want to avoid crowds, fall (September-October) and late spring (May-June) are the best times to visit Providence. Not only is the weather nicer, but there aren’t hordes of tourists either.
