HI Boston Hostel + Harvard University Tour
Tired and just wanted to lay down and relax after the 7-hour bus ride from New York City, I was more than excited to check in to our room at HI Boston Hostel. Good thing the hostel is located between Chinatown and Theater District, where my friend and I were able to find it easily. From the bus terminal, we walked for about 10 minutes to reach the hostel. When we arrived, the front desk staff warmly greeted us. I then provided my passport to process our room check in.
HI Boston Hostel is part of the world renowned brand, Hosteling International. It’s a nice modern hostel with a convenient location providing easy access to several tourist spots and sights in the city. It is also close to public transportations and some restaurants. The hostel also offers clean and comfortable budget accommodations. It’s very ideal for backpackers and travelers looking for great place to stay in an affordable rate.
Room
A comfy spacious private room, this is where we stayed for two nights at HI Boston Hostel. It is a Queen Room fitted with a queen bed, flat screen TV, heating facility and air-conditioning. Shower and bathroom are en-suite. Our room also has a desk, safe and iron. The room also has a window offering a nice view of the street.
Our room in HI Boston Hostel was my most favorite among all the hostels that we stayed in the US. Aside from the reason that it’s a private room, I love how spacious it is. It was also clean and the bathroom was really huge. The room also has the basic amenities we needed to enjoy our stay in Boston. It has a nice cozy ambiance giving us also a much-needed rest.
In addition to Queen Room, HI Boston Hostel also has Dorm Rooms for male, female and co-ed. These rooms are either 4, 6, 7 or 8-beds. Each dorm bed is provided with linen and towels. Individual bathrooms are available just outside each room in the hallway. For room rates, you may check this link.
Facilities
Another reason why I loved our stay in HI Boston Hostel is because of the range of amazing facilities that if offers. The hostel has several common lounges including a game room complete with a pool table and TV. They also have this area for film showing and other special events for guests. A fully equipped shared kitchen and dining area are also available. There is also coin-operated laundry facility. I was able to use this one time when I had to wash my clothes (since we were on our 7th day of the trip already). Storage area for bike and luggage are also available. A coffee bar and vending machines offering snacks and drinks are on-site. Wi-Fi connection is also provided for free for all staying guests.
Guests can also enjoy free continental breakfast, which is being served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Like the other Hosteling International properties that we stayed, HI Boston Hostel also host daily tours and activities. One of the popular ones is the Harvard University Tour, which my friend and I attended.
Unofficial Harvard University Tour
With a call time of 10:00 AM, we went to the lobby area to meet the other participants of the tour. Then, a staff from the hostel introduced himself as our guide and told us some information to know about Boston, Cambridge and Harvard. Then, he asked each one of us what made us visit Boston. My friend and I answered that we wanted to go to Harvard University. One of the most prestigious universities in the world, it would be an honor to be able to visit it. We were lucky that HI Boston Hostel is organizing a tour inside Harvard University for free.
Our group took the metro train to get to the city of Cambridge, where the Harvard University is located. My friend and I were excited to finally set foot so when we arrived, in our minds we finally made it to Harvard. Though it was just for a tour. Entrance to the campus is free – and because it is a university, our guide told us that we have to minimize our voice while touring around, respect the campus and students and avoid loitering in some areas.
During the tour, our guide provided us history, general information, and some interesting facts. We also went to different buildings and important landmarks inside the campus. It was during the Halloween when we went to the Harvard University so we were also able to see some students in their Halloween costumes, which I’ve found really fun. The tour lasted for 4 hours. We had a great time where we were able to learn more about Harvard University, and of course how much it costs in average to study in this prestigious university. I would have to break the bank to be able to study here. But at least, I made it here – for a tour.
HI Boston Hostel
HI Boston Hostel is a modern hostel in Boston offering private and dorm rooms. It is centrally located with easy access to everything in downtown. The hostel also has magnificent facilities giving guests the comfort and convenience while staying in Boston.
Contact Information
Book through Agoda for discounted room rates
19 Stuart Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Phone: +1 (617) 536-9455
Email: reserve.boston@hiusa.org
www.bostonhostel.org
Related Links:
HI New York City Hostel, More Than Just an Accommodation
HI Washington DC Hostel, A Great Home Base for Exploring DC
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. For more information, see my disclosures here.
