Last Updated: 3/29/22 | March 29th, 2022
A city filled with life, beauty, and charm, Rome has something for everyone. It is a hotspot on the backpacking trail (I mean, who wants to miss out on Rome?) and has a lot of hostels to choose from. Searching Hostelworld yields pages of results that can be overwhelming. I mean how do you really know which ones are the best?
Having stayed in numerous hostels over the years, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Roman budget-friendly accommodations with everything you need to have fun, save money, and enjoy your time in the Eternal City!
First, there are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four are:
- Location – Rome is big, and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites you want to see and/or the nightlife you want to experience. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
- Price – In Rome, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
- Amenities – Every hostel in town offers free Wi-Fi, and some even include free breakfast, but if you want more than that, do your research in order to find one 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 stay at one of the places listed below, 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, below is my list of the hostels in Rome that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the whole list, the following are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Alessandro Palace Hostel & Bar
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: YellowSquare or Hostel Trastevere
Best Hostel for Families: RomeHello
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: The Beehive
Best Hostel for Partying: Alessandro Palace Hostel & Bar
Best Overall Hostel: YellowSquare or The Beehive
Want more specifics? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Rome:
Price (per night)
- $ = Under 30 EUR
- $$ = 30-40 EUR
- $$$ = Over 40 EUR
1. YellowSquare
YellowSquare is a fun hostel. There’s no common area, so everyone hangs out in the bar downstairs, which means people come here to socialize and party. It’s loud in that respect, but since the bar is separate from the main accommodations, you don’t really hear a lot of noise in the rooms.
Moreover, they have great security, high water pressure in the showers, comfy beds, and decent enough Wi-Fi. The dorms are spacious, and some of the rooms have privacy curtains so you can get a decent night’s sleep. They also run walking tours throughout Rome. It’s one of my favorite hostels in Europe!
YellowSquare at a glance:
- $$
- Bar on-site makes it easy to meet people
- Party vibe
- Organizes lots of activities
Beds from 35 EUR, privates from 95 EUR. HostelPass members get 20% off stays, drinks, and tours.
2. The Beehive
This is one of those hostels that feel like home. It’s super chill and laid back, and the owners go out of their way to make you feel welcome. They organize weekly events (like cooking classes) and communal dinners using seasonal produce (dinners are by donation) to make it easy to socialize. The owners also have a bagel business next door, Beehive Bagels, offering fresh bagels from Monday-Thursday. If you want to cook your own food, there are two fully equipped guest kitchens.
There’s both an indoor lounge and an outdoor courtyard, so it’s always easy to meet people and chat. While the beds aren’t the most comfortable (they are basic metal bunks), the dorms are clean and spacious.
The Beehive at a glance:
- $$
- 2 guest kitchens
- Very friendly staff
- Organizes weekly events
Beds from 35 EUR, privates from 61 EUR. HostelPass members get 10% off
3. Roma Scout Center
This eco-friendly hostel is focused on sustainability. It has a bar and restaurant on-site and is close to the metro so you can easily explore the city. The dorms are basic, but they have lockers, and the beds are comfy enough (some of them are cozy pod beds). The hostel (including the dorms) is quite clean and well maintained. The staff is very helpful too and always willing to help you plan your trip. It’s not very social, though, since you get a wide range of people here (backpackers, families, kids, etc.).
Roma Scout Center at a glance:
- $$
- Eco-friendly focus on sustainability
- Restaurant and bar on-site
- Knowledgeable staff can help you plan your visit
Beds from 33 EUR, privates from 83 EUR.
4. Alessandro Palace Hostel & Bar
This party hostel is one of the cheapest places in town, and it’s just 5 minutes from the Termini station too, so you’re in a great location for exploring. Plus, there’s a bar with cheap drinks. Overall, it’s a fun, party backpacker place. So don’t come looking for a good sleep!
Alessandro Palace has a rooftop bar as well as a fully equipped kitchen and a fitness room. The beds here are pretty basic and not especially comfy, but the dorms are spacious, there are lockers in every room, and it’s super easy to meet people. They also have free coffee and tea all day.
Alessandro Palace Hostel & Bar at a glance:
- $$
- Bar on-site
- Very affordable
- Social vibe makes it easy to meet other travelers
Beds from 33 EUR, privates from 120 EUR.
5. The RomeHello Hostel
This is a fun, social hostel where it’s easy to meet people. Each bed has an individual lamp, USB charger, plug, and shelf. The bunks are comfortable and sturdy (so they don’t creak), with thick mattresses and individual lockers built-in. It’s just a 10-15-minute walk from many of the city’s best sites, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum. There’s also a kitchen for cooking your own meals, as well as a pub and a beer garden, so it’s easy to hang out and meet people (there’s a ton of common area space).
The RomeHello Hostel at a glance:
- $$$
- Pub and beer garden make it easy to meet people
- Great location
- Family-sized private rooms
Beds from 42 EUR, privates from 114 EUR.
6. Hostel Trastevere
Located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere, this has a great outdoor terrace common area with shade sails to keep you cooler in summer. There are actually three common areas, so there’s a place for people who want to party, relax, or work. They offer a cheap buffet breakfast, as well as fast Wi-Fi and AC for when it gets hot. The bunks are basic, and some of the top bunks don’t have railings; however, they’re comfy enough, and the dorms don’t feel crowded. There’s a bar on-site too, and the hostel is close to grocery stores and public transit.
Hostel Trastevere at a glance:
- $$
- Bar on-site
- Lots of common space makes it easy to meet people and for digital nomads to work
- Great location
Beds from 32 EUR.
7. Palladini Hostel Rome
This might be a hostel, but it hasn’t skimped on the décor, with stylish black-, red-, and white-themed communal areas and artwork and chandeliers in the private rooms. The dorms are basic but roomy, and the beds aren’t amazing, but it’s just 200m from the Termini station, so it’s really easy to access public transport. There’s a café on-site too, as well as a large kitchen for cooking your own meals. It’s one of the cheapest places in the city as well. Plus, they also give you a free glass of champagne on arrival!
Palladini Hostel Rome at a glance:
- $
- Convenient location near Termini station
- Affordable dorms
- Free champagne on arrival
Beds from 29 EUR, privates from 89 EUR.
Mixing the ancient with the modern, Rome is an incredible destination full of world-class historical attractions and amazing culinary delights. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a history buff, foodie, partier, or on a romantic getaway. No matter what your travel style, there’s plenty of budget-friendly accommodation, so you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank!
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Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. 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 Train
ItaliaRail is a great resource to use when planning your trip via train around Italy. You can compare prices, routes, and schedules and save up to 60% on your tickets.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, 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 (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation 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’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Italy?
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