Last Updated: 1/2/24 | January 2nd, 2024
Miami is a party city. There are just no two ways about it. People come here to get wild, visit nightclubs, lounge on the beach, and drink the nights away. While it’s not a city I particularly love, even I’ll admit they know how to have fun here.
I’ve been visiting Miami for years. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel here. The top four when picking the best hostel in Miami are:
- Location – Miami is huge and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
- Price – In Miami, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
- Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free Wi-Fi and some even have pools but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
- Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Miami that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Miami:
Price Legend (per night)
- $ = Under $35 USD
- $$ = $35-45 USD
- $$$ = Over $50 USD
1. Freehand Miami
For a budget-friendly hostel, Freehand Miami really goes above and beyond. They have a pool, shuttles to Little Havana, and tours to Key West and the Everglades (among other places). It’s an upbeat hostel with two bars on-site and is just five minutes from the beach. The dorm beds have comfy mattresses and the dorms have plenty of space and light, though there are no privacy curtains.
Overall, it’s a good choice for travelers who want a social hostel but one that isn’t too wild. Just be sure to bring earplugs as you can sometimes hear the noise from the street.
Freehand at a glance:
- $
- Organizes lots of tours and events
- Easy to meet people
- Bar and pool
Beds from $26 USD.
2. Viajero Miami
This self-proclaimed design hostel is the first U.S. location in the Viajero (Spanish for “traveler”) chain, a Latin American group of hostels. Located in South Beach’s Art Deco district, Viajero Miami brings the same Latin flair to the city that is often called “the capital of Latin America.” The dorm rooms are spacious and clean, with comfy beds that have privacy curtains and lockers (bring your own lock).
Viajero also offers a host of amenities, with a library co-working space and not one but three artfully designed swimming pools. The poolside bar is a fun place to hang out and meet people (while enjoying one of their specialty cocktails). It’s also located just a block from the beach!
Viajero at a glance:
- $$$
- 3 swimming pools
- Co-working space
- Bar and restaurant
Beds from $59 USD, private rooms from $179 USD.
3. Generator Miami
This hostel is awesome. They have a pool, two restaurants and a bar, and are just minutes away from the beach. It’s a massive hostel (there are eight floors), the beds are more comfortable than the cheap ones you’ll find at the party hostels, and the place is kept clean. They offer bike rentals, private rooms (including rooms for families), and have tons of common areas throughout the hostel. It’s not a super social hostel (they don’t organize a lot of events), making it a good choice for anyone looking for time alone or who needs to get work done.
Generator at a glance:
- $$
- Great for families
- Pool and restaurant
- Clean and comfy dorms
Beds from $36 USD, private rooms from $109 USD.
4. Selina Gold Dust
Selina Gold Dust is housed in a former 1950s roadside motel that’s been renovated and turned into this retro-style hostel. Like most hostels in Miami, there’s an outdoor pool, at which Selina frequently hosts events like yoga classes, live DJs, comedy shows, and even movie nights. It’s a cool spot to hang out, with a nostalgic diner and bar on-site as well.
The dorm beds are all comfy, with thick mattresses and privacy curtains (as well as outlets and reading lights), but unlike most of the other hostels on this list, Selina is not located in South Beach. It’s located in Miami’s up-and-coming MiMo (Miami Modernist) design district. While you won’t be on the beach, you’ll be closer to the museums and art galleries.
Selina Gold Dust at a glance:
- $$
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant on-site
- In MiMo District
Beds from $38 USD, private rooms from $169 USD.
5. Beds&Drinks Miami
This hostel is in the heart of South Beach, located near all the nightlife and just two blocks from the beach. Their renovated Art Deco hostel offers bright, beautiful, and colorful rooms while still being super affordable. They have a huge outdoor terrace, a bar, and two lounge areas that are perfect for hanging out and meeting other travelers. They also organize a ton of activities, such as nightclub trips and movie nights, and there’s a daily happy hour too. There are lots of free perks included as well, such as free beach towels and free beach umbrellas.
Like most party hostels, the bunks are pretty basic (metal bunks with no curtains) but the rooms are airy and the mattresses are thick and comfy. There are lockers to store your gear, and the bathrooms are all kept clean and have decent water pressure.
Beds&Drinks at a glance:
- $
- Awesome South Beach location near the beach
- Daily Happy Hour
- Female-only dorms
Beds from $25 USD, private rooms from $122 USD.
While there are other hostels in Miami, there are the best choices in my opinion. Whether you’re looking to party or just want a cheap place to spend the night, you’ll be able to find what you need, save money, and have an amazing visit!
Book Your Trip to Miami: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Looking for More Information on Visiting Miami?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Miami with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
