Madison hostels

Booking a hostel in Madison is great for budget travelers because it puts you right in the heart of the city without the high prices of other accommodations like hotels and vacation rentals. Common amenities like game rooms and shared kitchens are also commonly not included when you stay at a hotel, so staying at a hostel gives you more control over your vacation and how you spend it.

Something that’s important to note about booking a hostel in Madison is that there is just one hostel within the city limits. To expand your options, you’ll have to look to the nearby cities of Racine and Milwaukee, both of which are around a 1h 30m drive away. Hostels in these cities can give you access to Madison attractions by car or bus, as well as the attractions in their host cities.

One of the best hostels in Madison for solo travelers is the HI – Madison Hostel. This hostel features both dormitory-style and private accommodation options, and it also boasts a game room and plenty of common areas for you to relax in and mingle with other travelers. The HI – Madison Hostel is located in Madison’s downtown area for quick access to local transportation options and attractions like the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Lake Monona. The HI – Madison Hostel will also hold your luggage for you if, for example, you happen to catch a late night flight after check-out hours.

If you’re heading to Madison in a group, you’ll need to book a hostel in the area with the right room options for your party size. The Cream City Hostel located in nearby Milwaukee has flexible room options that can accommodate either two or three people, which you can mix and match, depending on how many people are in your group. Because this hostel is centrally located in Milwaukee, you can easily access buses to Madison while also enjoying all that downtown Milwaukee has to offer.

If you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Madison, you should consider going during the low season. You’ll generally find lower-priced hostels in Madison in March and May.

Hostel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll likely find the best hostel deals in Madison if you stay on a Tuesday. The most expensive day for hostel bookings is Wednesday.

If you want to ensure you grab a bargain, try to book more than 90 days before your stay to get the best price for a Madison hostel.

The cheapest 3-star hostel in Madison found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $72, while the most expensive was $657.