The Basics: Ivanhoe Hostel
Located within easy walking distance of both the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps, the Ivanhoe Hostel is a larger-scale party hostel offering dorms with up to 12 beds in central Rome. In addition, there’s lots of common space here where you can kick up your heels after a day of sightseeing.

Hostel Description: Located within a few minutes’ walk of Rome’s famous Trevi fountain, the central Chianti Hostel caters to a youngish crowd (guests must be between the ages of 18 and 35). The staff will even arrange a pasta party if you happen to be here on your birthday!

The Basics: Hostel Beautiful 2
Located just a half block from Rome’s main Termini train station and about a fifteen-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Hostel Beautiful 2 offers cheap and appealing accommodations in the heart of the Eternal City.

Hostel Description: Located just a few blocks from Rome’s Termini train station and within walking distance of many central sights, the MJ Place Hostel (sometimes called M&J Hostel) has a range of dorms and private rooms on tap.

The Basics: Freedom Traveller
The Freedom Traveller is located about a ten-minute walk  north of Termini Station. Its location doesn’t boast much, but the hostel itself packs on the extras. From free croissants and coffee at breakfast to weekly pizza parties, this is a solid pick for backpackers visiting the Eternal City.

Hostel Description: Located outside the city center on the Tiber Riber, Tiber Hostel and Camping provides an outdoorsy alternative to the Rome host

The Basics: Alessandro Downtown Hostel
Located near Termini Station and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Alessandro Downtown Hostel—an off-shoot of the popular Alessandro Palace Hostel in Rome— is a central option with cheap dorms.

The Basics: The Yellow
Just north of  the Piazza dell’Indipendenza and a few minutes’ walk from Termini train station, the Yellow hostel is a cheap and forward-thinking place (hey, you can rent an iPad here!) in central Rome. It’s a hoppin’ place too, with travelers living it up downstairs at the Yellow Bar.

The Basics: Hostel Lella
Centrally located just north of Rome’s Termini station, the Hostel Lella is a good, reasonably priced base from which to explore the Eternal City. The busy Corso Italia is just a few blocks away.

Hostel Description: The Two Ducks Hostel, located steps from Termini Station, is one of many cheap options in this hood. Dorms accommodate four to

The Basics: Hotel and Hostel des Artistes
Situated about a twenty-minute walk from all of central Rome’s main action, the family-run and friendly Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes is a hybrid property offering both private rooms and dorm beds. A youngish vibe is maintained via its age cap: no one older than 36-years can book a bunk.

The Basics: Pop Inn Hostel
Talk about door-to-door service: the Pop Inn's front door landing serves as the last stop on the shuttle from Rome’s Ciampino airport. In addition, it's located across the street from the main rail station, Termini, and rooms are cheap and well reviewed by recent guests. Prepare to pop in to the Pop Inn!

The Basics: Hostel Beautiful
Situated just a hop, skip and a jump from Rome’s main Termini train station, the Hostel Beautiful might make the likes of Roberto Benigni (of “Life is Beautiful” fame) blush with satisfaction. Cheap rooms and free daily maid service? Check please!

Hostel Description: Conveniently located just across the street from Rome’s Termini Station, the Hostel Eden Rome is a central option with both private rooms and dorms on-the-cheap.

The Basics: TwinCities
The Twin Cities Hostel is located near Rome's Sapienza University in an area full of bars, restaurants, and parks. Private

The Basics: Colors Hostel and Hotel: The Colors Hostel is a hotel-hostel hybrid that’s located just a short walk from the Vatican in Rome. Here you’ll find both dorm-style rooms and private doubles and triples.

The Basics: Alessandro Palace Hostel
Located on a quiet street not far from Termini Station, the Alessandro Palace Hostel is a well known backpacker spot that offers private and dorm-style rooms. And get this: The hostel’s bar features a large-scale ceiling mural of Michelangelo’s “The Creation”! How’s that for cheap-and-chic?

Hostel Description: The Hostel Stargate boasts an international staff and a convenient location that’s just a ten-minute walk north of  Rome’s main Termini rail station.

Hostel Description: Situated just a few meters (literally!) from St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican in Rome, the Pensione Ottaviano has been providing bunks since 1956. As such, it’s oft-mentioned in guidebooks and raved about by recent guests.

Hostel Description: Located in central Rome and a quick walk from the main Termini station, the Hostel and Hotel Positano offers a wide variety of rooms—from private doubles to larger dorms.