# Why Staying At A Hostel In The United States Makes For An Awesome Guys Trip Idea *By James Hills — Updated November 2024* If the image that comes into your mind when I mention the word "hostel" is some sweaty and cramped communal living arrangement then what I'm about to share with you will change your mind forever. While there is certainly a wide variety of properties that refer to themselves as hostels, the industry has changed quite a bit since I first considered them as a starving college kid many years ago. Let's take a look at some unique properties run by Hosteling International USA that will surprise you. **Questions****Key Points****Article Index** ** No answer selected. Please try again. Please select either existing option or enter your own, however not both. Please select minimum {0} answer(s). Please select maximum {0} answer(s). /polls/travel-and-trip-ideas/do-you-like-road-trips.html?task=poll.vote&format=json 1 Hate Road Trips! (4 votes / 7.84%) 7.84% votes [{"id":20,"title":"Love Road Trips!","votes":47,"type":"x","order":1,"pct":92.159999999999996589394868351519107818603515625,"resources":[]},{"id":21,"title":"Hate Road Trips!","votes":4,"type":"x","order":2,"pct":7.839999999999999857891452847979962825775146484375,"resources":[]}] ["#ff5b00","#4ac0f2","#b80028","#eef66c","#60bb22","#b96a9a","#62c2cc"] ["rgba(255,91,0,0.7)","rgba(74,192,242,0.7)","rgba(184,0,40,0.7)","rgba(238,246,108,0.7)","rgba(96,187,34,0.7)","rgba(185,106,154,0.7)","rgba(98,194,204,0.7)"] 350 ** Vote Now** Vote Form** ResultVotes - Modern hostels have evolved beyond basic dormitory-style accommodations, now offering private rooms and upscale amenities while maintaining affordable prices. - HI Pigeon Point and Point Montara offer unique lighthouse accommodations in California with stunning ocean views and stargazing opportunities. - Urban hostels like HI Boston, HI NOLA, and HI NYC provide centrally-located stays with modern amenities and easy access to city attractions. - Many HI USA properties now feature both traditional dorm-style rooms and private accommodations, catering to different travel preferences and budgets. - Full communal kitchens are a standout feature of these hostels, allowing guests to cook with local ingredients and save money on meals. 1. [Benefits Of Picking A Hostel For Your Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#benefits-of-picking-a-hostel-for-your-guys-trip) 2. [HI Point Montara & HI Pigeon Point](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#hi-point-montara-&-hi-pigeon-point-) 3. [HI Point Reyes](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#hi-point-reyes-) 4. [HI Boston](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#hi-boston-) 5. [HI NOLA](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#hi-nola-) 6. [HI Chicago](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#hi-chicago-) 7. [HI NYC](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/unique-hostels-in-the-united-states-that-may-surprise-you.html#hi-nyc-) ## Benefits Of Picking A Hostel For Your Guys Trip I know that a lot of you guys probably gravitate towards resorts and fancy hotels but staying at a hostel can be a great option ... not just for young guys without money. While hosteling is usually seen as something you do while backpacking through Europe but there are some great options right here in the United States too.  Among these reasons why a hostel makes a great place to stay on a boys trip is the simple fact that it makes it easy to meet other guys and potentially expand your circle of men who love travel and adventure. Unlike staying at a hotel where you never meet your neighbors, hostels are designed to be social. This means that for instance if you are planning a [Boston guys trip](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1942:father-and-son-getaway-ideas-in-boston&catid=23:travel&Itemid=1350) and nobody else wanted to join you, you'll probably find other guys looking to join you on a beer tour as well. Cost is clearly a benefit too. However, not necessarily in the way you might think. Specifically, what really appeals to me is that many guys don't want to share a room with someone but in cities like New York, [Seattle,](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=905:how-to-spend-an-awesome-guys-weekend-or-longer-in-seattle&catid=23:travel&Itemid=1350) [San Francisco](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=833:man-francisco-awesome-guys-weekend-ideas-in-san-francisco&catid=23:travel&Itemid=1350) etc. that can be ridiculously expensive - upwards of $300 / night, getting a private room can be half that cost. While you don't have the amenities found in more posh properties but those fancy hotels can't compare to the opportunities you'll have to meet new people and make new friends. ### I Tried Cellular At Sea Cruise+ On Norwegian Getaway A hands-on review of the Cellular At Sea Cruise+ service on Norwegian Getaway, useful for cruisers deciding whether to stay connected at sea. MenWhoBlog [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/LVjlqBlrDWPaAWZ703F5vw.377) ### Which Great Lakes Cruise Line Fits You Best? A Real Comparison What's included in your Great Lakes cruise: Real comparison of Viking Octantis, Victory, and Pearl Mist all-inclusive packages. First-hand insights on alcohol policies, excursions, and hidden costs. P CruiseWestCoast [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/LVjlqBlrDWPaAWZ703F5vw.447) ### Book Your Next Alaska Cruise On Holland America Line Book your next Alaska cruise on Holland America Line and explore stunning glaciers and coastal towns. Holland America Line [Book with Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/LVjlqBlrDWPaAWZ703F5vw.607) ### How To Get Free or Nearly Free Drinks During a Cruise Vacation Free drinks on a cruise ship might seem like an impossible dream but here's ways that you can achieve just that. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/LVjlqBlrDWPaAWZ703F5vw.429) Promoted by FlowAds ## HI Point Montara & HI Pigeon Point  Where else can you stay at a lighthouse? Here you can stay in one of two different lighthouse hostels in California and HI Pigeon Point is a recognized 'Dark Sky' site so it is the perfect location for doing some stargazing too. In fact, these two properties were suggested by one of our readers who is older than I am and loves visiting properties like this in the HI network because some properties are actually designed for private reservations so you can get the entire property to yourself. That's the case with [HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road) and [HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway) as well. While accommodations consist of bunkbeds instead of king sized beds, it is a whole lot more comfortable than camping! ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/VR6TlfNx1kH2dYyuyz2rXA.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/VR6TlfNx1kH2dYyuyz2rXA.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/VR6TlfNx1kH2dYyuyz2rXA.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/VR6TlfNx1kH2dYyuyz2rXA.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Plus there is an unparalleled oceanfront view and privacy that you just can't buy for any price at fancy resorts. ## HI Point Reyes  [HI Point Reyes](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/point-reyes-station-1390-limantour-spit-road) is the only accommodation in this beautiful National Park - direct access to trails, to the Point Reyes National Seashore & LEED certified family accommodations. Like the two lighthouse hostels we mentioned above, this one is also open only for private reservations currently. ## HI Boston  [HI Boston](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/massachusetts/boston-19-stuart-street) is custom designed and offers a variety of private as well as classic "dorm style" accommodations The property is centrally located within walking distance from Boston South Street train station and downtown Back Bay and common areas feature a chic, hip modern vibe that frankly feels like some of the trendier motels that we see for far more money. ## HI NOLA  This is the newest hostel in HI USA's portfolio and once again features custom designed private and dorm accommodation. [HI NOLA](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/louisiana/new-orleans-1028-canal-street) also features a large, shared kitchen, on site café and is located just outside the French Quarter for easy access to all the fun and culture of the city. ## HI Chicago  [HI Chicago](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/illinois/chicago-24-e-idabwells-drive) offers unique pods - apartment style accommodation on the hostel's 7th floor, with 1-4 bedrooms, kitchenette, living area and full bathroom - within the hostel footprint. Located in the city's Loop district within easy walking distance to many activities. ## HI NYC  This property features an incredible location in Manhattan's Upper West Side, convenient to Central Park and two subway stations. Inside, guests will find private as well as dormitory-style accommodation, and possibly the largest private patio in New York City! Fun fact, [HI NYC](https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/new-york/new-york-891-amsterdam-ave) is  the last remaining building in the city that was designed by Robert Morris Hunt (whose architecture features prominently in the new Julian Fellowes HBO show "The Gilded Age"). I think it is very exciting that most or all of the HI USA properties now feature very nice private accommodations as well. It is an interesting divide where you can still enjoy the "under $50 per night" spirit of the backpacking youth ... but if you want a bit more privacy then you can get a private room as well.  One of the big differences between these properties and hotels is also the kitchens. As a foodie, I can't tell you the number of times where I've walked through a fish market or a place like Cleveland's West Side Market and wanted to buy those fresh local ingredients and cook something up for dinner with them. When you are staying at a hostel where there is a full kitchen (most of them), this is a very big feature that shouldn't be ignored. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value in your getaways and how much pampering you want vs how much you want to actually experience the city itself. I know that I'm personally pretty excited about where hosteling is headed! ### How to Plan a Caribbean Golf Trip That Will Make The Guys That Didn't Join You Jealous Planning a Caribbean guys golf trip: which courses justify the flight, what all-inclusive covers, and how to keep a mixed-handicap group happy. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/KBzPGXB_EAZMNQDYZLmO-w.2156) ### Why Richmond Virginia Is An Awesome Place For A Guys Trip Richmond Virginia is a great destination for an awesome guys weekend getaway. 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