Staff were helpul and helped us arrange a couple of trips and answered any questions we had in a friendly manner which isn't always a given in hostels. The rooms were ok, comfortable enough to sleep in, we didn't spend much time in the hostel as there was so much to see and do in Boston so it was more than good enough just as a place to sleep. The free breakfast was a bonus too. Overall a good stay with nothing to complain about at all.

I Stayed at HI Boston for about 9 nights at the end of August. I was very lucky and got a room on the ground floor so I didn’t have to lug my suitcase up any stairs. I stayed in a female dorm that had 5 beds. The room was clean, had air conditioning, and fresh white towels were provided. While my room was great, I did walk past a couple of other rooms that smelt a bit sweaty. The bathrooms were in fairly good condition, were cleaned daily and I never usually had to wait to use one of them.
The free breakfast every day was simple and good, even if the kitchen did get a little crowded some mornings.
The location was great. Very close to the train, fantastic shopping, cafes and restaurants, and even a WholeFoods.
The front desk is open 24hours and the staff were always upbeat and helpful.
I initially only had one night booked but luckily spaces became available during my stay and they always shuffled things around so I could stay in the same room. My room keycard seemed to stop working almost everyday which wasn’t a problem since I was on the ground floor but would get very frustrating if I was a few floors up.
I was there during hurricane Irene and since everything was closed the hostel went to the trouble of putting on dinner for everybody.
It’s not exactly a party hostel but with a bit of luck and a bit of effort I made some really good friends there.
Overall it was (comparatively) cheap, and good and I would definitely stay there again.

Choosing Boston as a stop on my 45 day road trip with my daughter was easy. Finding reasonably priced non-chain accommodations with personality on July 4th was not. Just before caving and booking a 4-star chain, Hostelling International rescued me (and, my wallet) with a private room near Boston University and Fenway Park at a fraction of the 4-star price I had been quoted.

Our room was actually a former Boston University dorm room that was meant to house four students. While I reveled in all of our space to move around, my daughter's innocence began to dissolve...

"This is how I live in when I go to college? Really???", "I have to share a room??? With how many people?", "Do I get to at least use my own bedding???", "Can I decorate?", "That tiny bathroom is for four girls???"

With each affirmative answer, I envisioned another bucketful being poured into the well of appreciation for the luxuries of home. After the inquisition was over, I enjoyed a moment of open-eyed peace while lying prone on my top bunk.

OK...done with story. Onto the nitty gritty. The location of this hostel is great...just a block from the subway station and within walking distance to the Common, the waterfront, and plenty of decent places to eat (the McDonald's is NOT decent). You're pretty much on your own for parking...the guy who checked me in was pretty vague on a good lot, but I found a decent one (for $30/night) just slightly up and across the street. Do NOT miss the common area lounge on one of the upper levels...there's a sign to direct you. Incredible views with stools and a counter around the perimeter. I was usually alone up there...enjoying the peace and quiet. We never did any cooking here, so I can't speak for the kitchen (assuming there is one). This hostel wasn't quite as social as others I have stayed in due to it's layout and institutional vibe, but it was a great place to stay in Boston at an incredible price.

Hostelling International hostels are always going to be good, it's a fact. HI Boston includes free breakfast and is full of information on the local area and Boston. Use of a computer is $1/min and Wifi if free in the lobby. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is a bag storage facility and a large kitchen space. The rooms are rather small, but clean, along with the communal bathrooms.
The lobby is a lovely communal space and travelers often get talking.
Close to a general store for food and booze, although there is a no alcohol policy.
Location GOOD. Excellent travel links to central Boston and Harvard University, including the subway and buses. Within walking distance of Red Sox stadium (area littered with sports bars whoopwhoop).