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82%H.I. Boston Downtown

12 Hemenway Street, Boston

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from US$ 39

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Where?

Located in the downtown Back Bay area.

What?

Hostel.

Anything else you need to know?

The property features a guest kitchen & common rooms. Rooms include bed linen. Guests receive a complimentary pair of flip flops for use in the shared bathrooms.

Reviews of H.I. Boston Downtown

H.I. Boston Downtown has a rating of 82% from a total of 1603 reviews and ratings, below are some reviews of H.I. Boston Downtown

This hostel is extremely overpriced for the services it provides. While it is in a central location, the staff were not welcoming and did not smile or make eye contact during check in or check out. There was zero atmosphere in the hostel and nobody was making an effort to create atmosphere. The... more This hostel is extremely overpriced for the services it provides. While it is in a central location, the staff were not welcoming and did not smile or make eye contact during check in or check out. There was zero atmosphere in the hostel and nobody was making an effort to create atmosphere. The heating was inconsistent in the rooms, which were also extremely tight and cramped.close

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by clarejwalker5938 – posted on Nov 27, 2008

clarejwalker5938, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2

VERY EXPENSIVE, ok hostel but totally overpriced, little choice in boston though, try a hotel maybe. breakfast was good but the place feels like a prison, rules about everything and very little atmosphere because of this, would stay again if they put the price down but not for $40 + $3 for non...

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by turkm3936 – posted on Nov 27, 2008

turkm3936, from New Zealand, has 9 reviews 9

Hostel is very clean and safe (each bed has its own locker). The staff is also very frendly. They even give you free slippers to take showers (never seen that before) Nice place to meet people. Just a few blocks from the subway station. Fair breakfast I surely recommend !

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by danilobackup7049 – posted on Nov 26, 2008

danilobackup7049, from Brazil, has 3 reviews 3

Location of this hostel is absolutely awesome, it's bustling day and night so there's a really good vibe around it and it's a 2 min walk from the nearest subway too. It's a good hostel to vibe with fellow travellers too and there's a real mixture of guests, young and old. It's a bit annoying... more Location of this hostel is absolutely awesome, it's bustling day and night so there's a really good vibe around it and it's a 2 min walk from the nearest subway too. It's a good hostel to vibe with fellow travellers too and there's a real mixture of guests, young and old. It's a bit annoying with the shared bathrooms though, sometimes you're dying for a pee and they're all in use! This also means they're not as clean as you'd like. Staff were great and always happy to help, I got some good advice and help with tours from the guys there. But it's a great place to stay and you're never far from any of the downtown action!close

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by shaxx – posted on Nov 26, 2008

shaxx, from England, has 2 reviews 2

great hostel in a lovely area and the staff are so nice.

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by katytatum3094 – posted on Nov 24, 2008

katytatum3094, from England, has 1 review 1

Cool place. Would stay here again.

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by treenie075092 – posted on Nov 21, 2008

treenie075092, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2

The room I was in had barely enough room for just the beds, let alone everyones stuff. The toilets were always blocked. The activities - they just leave u to find them yourself. The trivia on a Sunday night was so badly organised that we got there & there were no tables. Surely the hostel... more The room I was in had barely enough room for just the beds, let alone everyones stuff. The toilets were always blocked. The activities - they just leave u to find them yourself. The trivia on a Sunday night was so badly organised that we got there & there were no tables. Surely the hostel could book a table? On my last two nights there was a school group booked into the hostel resulting in heaps of 15yo kids running down the halls shouting to one another.close

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by pulpf – posted on Nov 20, 2008

pulpf, from Australia, has 3 reviews 3

This place is really the only hostel in downtown Boston so you'll probably going here regardless of reviews, but compared to the other H.I. I went to, this was like it was run by a bunch of students. The breakfast was horrible and the kitchen needs to be supervised so people actually wash up... more This place is really the only hostel in downtown Boston so you'll probably going here regardless of reviews, but compared to the other H.I. I went to, this was like it was run by a bunch of students. The breakfast was horrible and the kitchen needs to be supervised so people actually wash up properly. Plus the beds were pretty firm too. But the staff were friendly and as a hostel, it did the trick. Just anything beyond average.close

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by bentadams7642 – posted on Nov 19, 2008

bentadams7642, from England, has 4 reviews 4

Very nice place, well located a at very good price

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by martinvkarg2916 – posted on Nov 18, 2008

martinvkarg2916, from Argentina, has 1 review 1

Staff were really friendly and informed; dorms were clean and comfortable; location fairly central. Given the v. poor feedback on other hostels in Boston, I would definitely stay there again. Still, it was very expensive for a bed, and the building had a lot of the typical HI mega-hostel... more Staff were really friendly and informed; dorms were clean and comfortable; location fairly central. Given the v. poor feedback on other hostels in Boston, I would definitely stay there again. Still, it was very expensive for a bed, and the building had a lot of the typical HI mega-hostel qualities: lots of signs, impersonal decor, crowded hospital style dining room, limited lounge space. It was more a place to sleep than a home away from home.close

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by jill7jill4652 – posted on Nov 16, 2008

jill7jill4652, from Australia, has 7 reviews 7

40$ are to expensive. The lounge looks like a waiting area in a bus station and in my room was no space for the luggage, but it was space for 6 beds. Overall it´s ok but could be much better for 40$.

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by chris667 – posted on Nov 15, 2008

chris667, from Austria, has 3 reviews 3

A bit pricey maybe, but well worth the money. Its best features are its location and the lockers in the room (bring your own padlock, or buy one cheap from them). Free WiFi, card-key for your room, slippers to use in the shower for the clean freaks, plastic mattresses. Sheets were clean, plenty... more A bit pricey maybe, but well worth the money. Its best features are its location and the lockers in the room (bring your own padlock, or buy one cheap from them). Free WiFi, card-key for your room, slippers to use in the shower for the clean freaks, plastic mattresses. Sheets were clean, plenty of blankets. Vending machines, TV, pay phones, coffee and tea in the common area.close

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by pschaafsma – posted on Nov 15, 2008

pschaafsma, from Netherlands, has 5 reviews 5

Staff very knowledgable, they organize excursions as well. Rooms fine, 24hr reception and security operates by a booking form system but mine was never checked by reception even at 1030pm. Location is 4 stops by T-Bahn Green line to city centre, ATM, Starbucks, McDonalds and Convenience store...

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by taziti – posted on Nov 12, 2008

taziti, from Australia, has 9 reviews 9

No real common area here, other than the multi use eating/laptop area (what is it with everyone delving into their own little laptop world all day...hostels used to be about meeting people and seeing and doing stuff!). Staff were mixed - some really helpful and some not so. Location is fine...

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by Jccom – posted on Nov 11, 2008

Jccom, from Australia, has 6 reviews 6

A great place with all the facilities a regular traveler needs. Unfortunately they seem to cater to providing accommodation to university attending people more than regular travelers.

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by scruffyjohn – posted on Oct 28, 2008

scruffyjohn, from Australia, has 40 reviews 40

It was SOOOOO EXPENSIVE!!! Almost 40 bucks a night!!! There are few bathrooms. My bedroom smelled like feet, and ventilation wasn't good enough. However, it's peaceful, and it's so close to downtown you could go walking anytime.

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by Langer – posted on Oct 27, 2008

Langer, from Colombia, has 6 reviews 6

Great hostel! One of the best I've stayed in.

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by Elysiabe – posted on Oct 26, 2008

Elysiabe, from USA, has 1 review 1

Free Museum Night is great.Thanks a lot. Heating is not warm sometimes.

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by gracehao883403 – posted on Oct 24, 2008

gracehao883403, from China, has 1 review 1

I like it as it is clean and the bed is comfortable. The location is great where i can walk along Bolyston St or Newburry St for a start to get to know Boston. Travel to places like MIT & Havard is easy as the T station is 2 mins away! The staff is friendly and approachable. Really enjoy my...

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by brianlawz9840 – posted on Oct 23, 2008

brianlawz9840, from Singapore, has 3 reviews 3

Nice location and lively locals.. plus overall

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by mox – posted on Oct 19, 2008

mox, from England, has 13 reviews 13

Scouts. Everywhere are Scouts

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by blobmueller1858 – posted on Oct 19, 2008

blobmueller1858, from Germany, has 4 reviews 4

Good location, room was a bit cramped but the bed was really comfy. Free breakfast which was really good, bagels!!!

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by pgclmccabe9687 – posted on Oct 17, 2008

pgclmccabe9687, from Scotland, has 7 reviews 7

This place was great, Staff very helpful with things to dso the location is sweet as you can walk everywhere or catch subway just round the corner. Offer extra activities throughout the week which were great!

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by bridgee-k6577 – posted on Oct 17, 2008

bridgee-k6577, from New Zealand, has 3 reviews 3

Great location, friendly, accommodating staff. Great hostel if you can actually get a reservation.

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by lazio-eagle9767 – posted on Oct 16, 2008

lazio-eagle9767, from Australia, has 12 reviews 12

HI Boston exceeded my expectations by miles! The staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. And what a plus to get breakfast included! It was scrubby dutch clean and only a block and a half from the subway. What more could you want?

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by halsonboysnana20031101 – posted on Oct 15, 2008

halsonboysnana20031101, from USA, has 1 review 1

It's a good place to live. And the breakfast is also very good.

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by siliny11163617 – posted on Oct 13, 2008

siliny11163617, from Taiwan, has 6 reviews 6

Move the wifi to where is does not interfere with diners. No more comedy trips!!! They weren't that funny to those of us from this country let alone people from other countries.

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by keithcorkran7918 – posted on Oct 12, 2008

keithcorkran7918, from USA, has 2 reviews 2

Not a party hostel but its clean, secure and reasonably friendly. Does what it says on the tin.

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by salimstephenson7649 – posted on Oct 12, 2008

salimstephenson7649, from England, has 4 reviews 4

It's one of the greatest places I've ever stayed! I love the staff!

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by keller – posted on Oct 11, 2008

keller, from Germany, has 3 reviews 3

No problem, fairly standard HI Hostel...

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by AGilbr – posted on Oct 10, 2008

AGilbr, from England, has 9 reviews 9

The staff was very very sad and boring, but the location was great and the room clean and cheap (= for Boston!). Very good the organic breakfast :)

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by araler – posted on Oct 9, 2008

araler, from Italy, has 5 reviews 5

Good hostel very well equipped and organised. Could have done with a few more fun events and encouraged people to socialise a bit more though. But a safe clean place to stay and good value for money. free breakfast good too.

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by karmakiller855893 – posted on Oct 9, 2008

karmakiller855893, from England, has 3 reviews 3

I'll recommend backpackers, it worth than what you paid.

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by hueiru20085542 – posted on Oct 8, 2008

hueiru20085542, from Taiwan, has 1 review 1

The room was way, way too small for 6 people. Carpets were wet, no ventilation. Bathrooms hideous. Toilets didn't flush properly and frequently clogged up! The whole place is really old and needs a makeover!

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by Melb – posted on Oct 6, 2008

Melb, from Australia, has 9 reviews 9

Everyone at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. I look forward to coming back. Thanks! Ursula

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by ursula9805 – posted on Oct 4, 2008

ursula9805, from USA, has 1 review 1

en bosotn esta bien ubicado y lo recomiendo, lo unico feo es que las habitaciones no estan ventiladas y no se puede abrir la ventana, es lo unico a corregir.

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by diamantim – posted on Oct 3, 2008

diamantim, from Argentina, has 14 reviews 14

In a good location, staff ok, internet patchy, good atmosphere

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by all-that-shaz1480 – posted on Oct 1, 2008

all-that-shaz1480, from Australia, has 20 reviews 20

I got bedbugs!!!! room 202 bed 3

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by stefankiehas4902 – posted on Sep 29, 2008

stefankiehas4902, from Austria, has 1 review 1

It's a big hostel, not very warmful, not very clean. It's too busy, rooms are too small, there isn't enough place to set your backpack. There are not enough bathrooms and restrooms: it's sad to queue at 11pm. It's like a big firm where noone knows its neighbour. Good points: breakfast and...

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by Phedr – posted on Sep 29, 2008

Phedr, from France, has 2 reviews 2

Location was excellent. The door key system was a pain for trying to enter a room quietly. The staff was helpful and friendly. I will absolutely go back next time I'm in Boston. It was the perfect starting point for seeing Boston..especially Fenway Park.

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by zig – posted on Sep 25, 2008

zig, from USA, has 1 review 1
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Facilities at H.I. Boston Downtown

  • In Room Facilities

    • Air Conditioning
    • Reading Light
    • Linen Included
    • Security Lockers
    • Key Card Access
  • Food & Drink

  • General

    • Iron/Ironing Board
    • 24 Hour Security
    • Washing Machine/Dryer
    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Hairdryer for Hire
    • Luggage Storage
    • Tours Desk
    • Parking
    • Parking
      • Bicycle Parking
    • Towels Hire
    • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Communications

  • Sport & Leisure

    • Library
    • Common Room
    • DVD`s
    • Cable TV

Map of H.I. Boston Downtown

See things to do around this hotel

In Boston

Restaurants

Restaurant name price boo rate
The Cheesecake Factory $$$$$ 100%
Centre Street Cafe $$$$$ 100%
Top of the Hub Restaurant $$$$$ 80%
Mistral $$$$$ 80%
Paramount $$$$$ 80%
The Wrap $$$$$ 80%
Grill 23 $$$$$ 70%
Atlantic Fish Co. $$$$$ 60%
Abe & Louis $$$$$ 60%

See all restaurants

Bars

Hotel name boo rate
The Littlest Bar $$$$ 100%
Oak Bar $$$$$ 100%
The Banshee pub $$$$$ 100%
J.J. Foley $$$$$ 100%
Greatest Bar $$$$$ 80%
Bukowski's Tavern $$$$$ 80%
Cheers $$$$$ 80%
Cheers Bar $$$$$ 40%

See all bars

See the Boston guide