Phoenix's most popular backpacker hostel located near downtown and Tempe, offering dormitory beds and private rooms at rock-bottom prices. The hostel features a communal kitchen, lounge area, organized tours, and a friendly international atmosphere — ideal for solo travelers and budget backpackers.
Hostel 1 Phoenix operates from a converted building at 1026 North 9th Street in Phoenix's Garfield neighborhood, approximately 1 mile east of downtown Phoenix and 2 miles northeast of the Arizona State Capitol. It is widely regarded as the most social and best-positioned backpacker accommodation in the Phoenix metro area, attracting a mix of solo international travelers, domestic road-trippers, and budget-focused visitors using Phoenix as a transit point for Arizona's national park circuit of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. The hostel offers dormitory beds in shared 4- to 8-person rooms and a limited number of private rooms at prices significantly below the market rate for even budget hotels in the Scottsdale area. A fully equipped communal kitchen allows guests to self-cater and store food — a critical cost-saving feature in a metro area with limited inexpensive restaurants walking distance from the property. The communal lounge and outdoor patio serve as social anchors where travelers organize shared transportation for day trips and excursions. Staff actively coordinate evening social events, Grand Canyon and Sedona day trip logistics, and recommendations suited to travelers working with tight budgets in a car-dependent city. Free WiFi, luggage storage, and bicycle arrangements are standard features. The Garfield neighborhood is a historic early-20th-century residential area; several independent coffee shops, casual restaurants, and a Sprouts grocery store are within walking distance. Valley Metro light rail connects Phoenix's downtown corridor from nearby stops, and the hostel is reachable from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport via the PHX Sky Train and light rail without a rideshare.
Amenities
- Dorm and private rooms
- Communal kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Tour bookings
- Common lounge
Location
1026 N 9th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
33.4587, -112.0634 View on map
Highlights
- Dormitory beds and private rooms at the most competitive prices in the Phoenix metro area
- Communal kitchen for self-catering — a significant budget advantage in a car-dependent city
- Staff-organized day trips to Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix attractions for solo and group travelers
- Garfield neighborhood location with Valley Metro light rail access to downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport
- Active international social atmosphere with outdoor patio and community-organized events
Tips for visiting
- Book dormitory beds at least 1–2 weeks ahead in winter high season (November–April) when Phoenix demand is at its peak.
- The hostel's staff can recommend reliable shared shuttle services for Grand Canyon and Sedona day trips on a tight budget.
- Valley Metro light rail from nearby stops connects to Sky Harbor Airport in about 20 minutes — far cheaper than a rideshare.
- Bring a small travel padlock for locker storage in dormitory rooms — a useful travel accessory for shared accommodation.
- Camelback Mountain, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Phoenix Zoo are all within rideshare distance for under $15.
Accessibility
Hostel 1 Phoenix is a converted historic building with limited accessibility — the dormitory and private room configuration may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations. Guests requiring wheelchair access or roll-in shower facilities should contact the hostel directly before booking to confirm what accommodation is available.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Hostel 1 Phoenix have private room options?
Yes — in addition to dormitory beds in 4- to 8-person shared rooms, the hostel operates a limited number of private rooms at prices considerably below comparable hotel rates. Private rooms book quickly and should be reserved in advance for peak season stays.
Is Hostel 1 Phoenix safe?
The hostel is well-reviewed by international travelers for security, with lockers in dormitory rooms and active front-desk management. The surrounding Garfield neighborhood is in transition; guests should apply standard urban awareness outside the hostel, particularly late at night.
How do travelers get from Sky Harbor Airport to Hostel 1?
Valley Metro's light rail connects directly from the airport terminals via the PHX Sky Train shuttle to the 44th Street/Washington station, then west to downtown stops within walking or rideshare distance of the hostel. The full trip costs under $3.
What activities does the hostel organize?
The hostel's staff coordinates group day trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and local Phoenix attractions. Informal social events, shared transportation coordination, and barbecue gatherings are organized regularly depending on the season.