Groups

HI-USA Group Programs

We can make your group trip affordable and easy!

Get the Hostelling International USA Advantage with:

  • Special Group Rates
  • Great Locations
  • Friendly & Helpful Staff
  • Fun Places to Stay!

At Hostelling International USA (HI-USA), we understand the many challenges you face when planning a group trip. That's why we work hard to meet your group's specific needs and budget. As a non-profit association celebrating 75 years of experience serving groups like yours, here and abroad, we are more than just an affordable place to stay. We can also be your group itinerary and programming partner, by helping you arrange:

  • Activities
  • Trip itineraries
  • Meal plans
  • Group-leader pre-visits to plan your trip
  • Private rooms for leaders (based on availability)
  • Fast and friendly reservations and welcome orientation upon arrival

Group Hostel Options

Group facilities vary at each HI-USA hostel depending on the hostel, location, size and the time of year. With nearly 70 hostels throughout the country in many key destinations for group trips. Our key destination gateway group hostels are located in major cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Portland. These and many of our other urban locations offer a great metropolitan stay, close to all the sites and attractions. However, if your group is looking for something a little more off the beaten path, we also have hostels in spectacular locations where you can explore National Parks, natural wonders, cultural and historic sites and many other activities.

What you can expect from our hostels:

  • Assured Quality - all our hostels are inspected regularly and must meet international standards for comfort, security, cleanliness, privacy and welcome.
  • Affordable rates to help make your group's trip possible.
  • A free Hostelling International Group Membership, which entitles your group to many HI member benefits in the USA and in over 60 countries worldwide.
  • Shared accommodations in separate male and female dormitory-style rooms with 4 -12 beds.
  • Individual bunk beds to ensure each group member's comfort and not having to share a double bed. Separate male and female shower and restroom facilities.
  • Bed linens and towels provided to all group participants.
  • Self-service kitchen or on-site meal services.
  • Private rooms for group leaders can be reserved, based on availability.
  • On-site meeting / program rooms, with presentation equipment available upon request at most locations.
  • A wide range of nearby or hostel-based activities and programs (vary by location).
  • Friendly, helpful onsite staff.
  • An international, culturally diverse and welcoming atmosphere.

Click here for our groups brochure in PDF format (1023kb).

Free HI Memberships for Groups

Hostelling International is a non-profit membership organization promoting international understanding and peace though hostelling since 1909. To maintain our ability to offer low-budget accommodations we charge additional fees to non-members.

However, a FREE Group Membership is available to US groups. A group membership entitles everyone in the group to member rates and benefits as well as access to our group trip advisors. *You must be the group leader of an organized, US based group of 10 or more people in order to apply for a free group membership.

Click here to order your FREE Group Membership today!

Group programs

HI-USA hostels are more than just a place to stay. Meet people from around the world and learn valuable lessons about the local community and environment. Special educational programs are available for organized groups who want to get more from their stay. For information about specific programs and group hostels throughout the USA contact our National Sales Manager, Amanda Booth at: groups@hiusa.org or call 1-312-583-2223. We're ready to help you plan your next group trip.

Group Reservations

Hostelling International USA provides the perfect setting for groups. Besides providing an affordable place to stay, we can help arrange individualized programs and activities for your group including:

  • Service projects or collaborations with other groups
  • Museum visits
  • Walking tours

You can also participate in many of our existing programs and activities.

The hostelling experience can provide your group with affordable rates, meeting rooms and a comfortable and friendly atmosphere not found in hotels.

Membership is FREE for groups of 10 or more traveling together. Click here to apply for a FREE group membership.

Your group can expect the following from our hostels:

  • Affordable rates.
  • Shared accommodations in separate male/female dormitory-style rooms with 4-12 beds.
  • A wide range of nearby or hostel-based activities and programs.
  • Self-service kitchen or on-site meal service.
  • Same-sex common shower and restroom facilities.
  • Bed linens and towels are provided at no extra charge.
  • Many hostels have private rooms for group leaders.
  • Many hostels have on-site meeting/program rooms, with presentation equipment available upon request.
  • International quality standards that ensure a safe, clean and affordable environment.
  • Friendly and helpful staff.
  • An international, culturally-diverse and welcoming atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions


One of the main reasons people contact us is to ask questions about their planned group trip. Many ask similar questions, so to help you we have listed answers to these Frequently Asked Questions for your reference. However, these are only meant as a guide for your planning, should you have any additional questions or requirements not addressed here, simply submit these to our National Sales Manager at groups@hiusa.org.

• How many people are considered a group?
• Can I make an online reservation for my group?
• Is the reservation request sent directly to the hostel?
• How do I proceed if my group plans to visit countries outside the US?
• What do I do if my group wants to visit several US cities?
• May I make group reservations at any HI hostel?
• What are your terms and conditions?
• Do I get a discount for booking a group?
• Can I book activities for my group?

How many people are considered a group?
In general, 10 or more people traveling together are considered "a group". If you have a smaller group but still have trip questions please let us know, as we would be pleased to help you.

Can I make an online reservation for my group?
No, this is because group trips require careful planning and special arrangements, it is better that you do not attempt to book and pay for the beds online. Instead, you should initially contact our National Sales Manager directly to help determine your requirements to make your group's stay as comfortable and trouble-free as possible. We will send you a reply with options and the answers to your questions. If our response does not adequately meet your requirements - please tell us!

Is the reservation request sent directly to the hostel?
No, all request forms go to our National Sales Manager, who is very experienced with group reservations. She will communicate with the hostel and then either contact you or have the hostel contact you directly.

How do I proceed if my group plans to visit countries outside the US?
Please contact our National Sales Manager with your questions, including destination, group size and prospective dates at groups@hiusa.org.

What do I do if my group wants to visit several US cities?
It is easy to do this. Simply inform our National Sales Manager during your initial inquiry and indicate the locations, she will help coordinate your trip including multiple hostel reservations.

May I make group reservations at any HI hostel?
Yes, based on availability, all HI hostels can accommodate groups. However, our key destination gateway hostel facilities are best suited for group stays. We know from experience that groups need a little extra care and attention when it comes to arranging accommodations and itinerary planning, and these hostels are best equipped to meet special group requirements.

What are your terms and conditions?
The terms and conditions for group reservations may differ slightly at each hostel because HI-USA is an association of youth hostels. Our National Sales Manager will provide specific terms and conditions as they pertain to a given hostel during your initial inquiry. However, should you have concerns during any stage the reservation process, please contact her at groups@hiusa.org.

Do I get a discount for booking a group?
Yes, all groups are offered our discounted Group Member rates, additional savings are also offered to groups depending the size of your group, length of stay and time of year. We ask all group leaders to complete a group membership application, found on this website, to assure that your group receives these discounted rates.

Can I book activities for my group?
Our National Sales Manager will be able to help you with additional requirements you may have for the organization of your group trip, including activities.