Minneapolis International Hostel

I only spent a night in the Hostel but I found the place to be both homey and accommodating. The kitchen was kept clean and the free coffee was a great perk. The price was fair for the accommodations and was quite comfortable as long as you don’t mind sharing a room with a lot of people. I stayed in the attic which had a total of 15 beds and one bathroom between them, thankfully only about 4 of the beds were occupied when I was there though. There is a strict check out time of 9 AM which can be disincentivizing but the owners are willing to be flexible provided there isn’t a large crowd waiting to check in.
The location is also fantastic, literally next door to the Minnesota Institute of Arts which has free entry and within walking distance of downtown. The location plays a large part in the 5 star review.

This place was great. My wife and I got a private room with a private bath for $ 70 ($ 80 after tax). It was spacious and clean. The mattress was new and very comfortable. (It was weird because they had a queen mattress on a full sized box spring, but that didn’t seem to affect my sleep.) Internet worked. Smelled fine. Not noisy. Pretty impressive for a hostel. Be aware, though — checkout is at 9 am.

I’ve stayed here a few times and have never been anything but satisfied beautiful cozy mansion in amazing location with great service free parking in the back for any size vehicle my van like a charm

This is the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in, hands down. The ‘mens’ area was just an upstairs room with 15 beds 18″ apart. The bathroom didn’t work my entire stay: the shower handle was broken off, the sink was plugged, and the bathroom had an overwhelming sickly sweet smell that I can only describe as a cross between wet dog, vomit, and bacterial vaginosis. The owners seemed unconcerned about these problems, defensively retorting «sorry about that, but I didn’t break it» when I mentioned the broken shower.
The rest of the house looks like it’s been under construction for years, with sawdust and slag piles in various corners of the house. To top it off, an alarm went off in a locked private room on my 2^nd morning, and we all helplessly listened to it for 2.5 hours without a staff member on site. I ended up going to the YMCA for a shower. Stay away stay away stay away.
Even though it’s the cheapest stay in town at $ 40, it’s way overpriced for what you get, which is basically nothing.

Great hostel. I would definitely stay here again. The common area is inviting (I took advantage of the complimentary tea and coffee). Location was very convenient– a block away from Eat Street, buses, and the bike share. I stayed in a loft dorm room and had no problems or complaints. Not sure where all the bad reviews are coming from!

The one star reviews are definitely not an overstatement. This place stinks to high heaven. Coming from the hospitality world myself, I understand customer service can be challenging at times, but the owner was not understanding what-​so-​ever and rude. The hostel itself (common area and rooms) are not terrible, but not great. it just really irked me the way I was treated here.
I know this is the only hostel in the Twin Cities area, but seriously DO NOT STAY HERE.
This was a terrible hostel experience.

Being it’s the only hostel in Minneapolis, the owners and managers don’t have to make this hostel what it could be (as compared to other US hostels) for its $ 28 per night price and it’s superb location.
Minneapolis needs a hostel that’s funky cool and one that cares about the mission of hostels, recycling (they don’t recycle!) and about people, «Don’t touch the food in the staff refrigerator or I’ll break your frickin’ arms.» Umm, I’m not in 4^th grade.
I’m sad the owners and managers haven’t listened to my past recommendations i. e more hooks to hang jackets, towels, and now they don’t even have a curtain in the upstairs bathroom. Eeek, freaky weird when you’re getting naked at night to take a shower.
What I like about this hostel is that it’s never crowded. The travelers are insightful, wise, and full of great conversations. It’s a perfect place to park and sleep. It’s in a safe neighborhood. It’s not a party hostel whatsoever. The hostel is secure.
Because I’ve been staying here twice a year for certain events in the Twin Cities and have not seen, even subtle, improvements in the establishment, I am now considering AirBNB’s. And this makes me sad! Because I love the principle and atmosphere of travelers and adventurous people communing at neat places like hostels. Why can’t this happen MIH? Please, be a proud and fierce hostel. Represent Minneapolis. You’re all that we’ve got!

This place is kind of a mess. I’ve put different family and friends here half a dozen times, and it always works out ok, but my mom won’t stay here anymore because the place is just too messy. The management of the establishment is also totally disorganized, the owner just has random employees cycling through this place, and given not much in the way of support or training.
A while ago they renovated three of the rooms and started listing them for over $ 100/​night. The rooms were pretty nice, but who wants to pay that price in a mismanaged youth hostel?
Every once in a while something random and half-​way happens to the exterior or landscaping, then is left to linger haphazardly (are you seeing a theme here), like the back porch, driveway, or where the lawn/​dirt/​rock meets the sidewalk. If someone else would just take this place over, it could be really cool.

Realizing that Minneapolis International Hostel IS a hostel and not a motel /​hotel — I booked my reservation on good faith that it would accommodate my needs /​requirements. It is definitely the cheapest accommodations in the Minneapolis area and you’re probably not going to locate any other location that provides a bed and shower for less money than the Hostel. I do disclaim that I had NEVER stayed in a hostel before. Thus, my review of this Hostel is based upon its own merit, and I am unable to compare this Hostel to any other hostels. My first peeve of my experience is that vehicle parking is extremely limited. The web site for the Hostel indicates that parking is free and plenty. However, the vehicle parking is somewhat limited to the city streets of Stevens & 24^th Street and EVERYONE in the general community parks along these streets. I could usually park my rental vehicle within a short walking distance of the Hostel, but there were two times that I had to park a long distance away from the Hostel. My second peeve was that there was approximately two feet of spacing between the beds, where I would be subjected to having to smell the breath of the sleeping person next to me. My third peeve was that there was one full bathroom in the room for six people. There was no room /​hooks, or otherwise to hang the wet towel, or wash cloth to dry. My fourth peeve was that there was no cleanliness standard within the rooms. Three of the Hostel roommates had their personal belongings scattered all over their respective areas, without any regard to the cleanliness of the room for the other roommates. My fifth peeve was that there was only one television for the entire Hostel. This particular Hostel has at least twenty guest beds and one television for twenty people isn’t quite adequate. On the positive side, there is free WiFi internet that seemed to work at all times and was relatively high speed. There is one community desktop computer that anyone can use. I did not have the need to use the community desktop computer, but I found that it was generally open and available to use at any time. The kitchen and dining area was immaculate in general cleanliness and there were several dishes /​cooking utensils and other cooking tools to use. The refrigerator was clean and organized. During my stay, I had heard that the location of the Hostel is in the «bad part» of town, but I found that to be a very subjective opinion. I found that the local people were very cordial, helpful and appreciative to assist. During my stay and walks around the vicinity, I never felt fearful, unwelcome, awkward, or threatened by the locals. I can only suppose that the statements made against the local people are those that have tendency to speak on their own opinions, without knowing. The Hostel is located nearby many eateries and small retail outlets. There are many fantastic eateries and coffee shops in the area and a McDonald’s nearby. Overall — the Hostel is a decent place to maintain a bed and shower, but it does lack some Space and Cleanliness issues. If I were to recommend this Hostel on budget requirements — I would definitely give a thumbs up, but if I were to recommend this Hostel on the overall space and cleanliness — I would have to give a thumbs down.

It was a good location, extremely affordable, and easy. I stayed in the 4-​bed female dorm for 5 nights, and only shared it with one other person for two days (otherwise it was all mine). It is an old Victorian house, with a full, usable kitchen — like a home away from home. It sits across the street from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, within two blocks of Eat Street or the 18 bus to Nicolett Mall. It isn’t fancy by any means, but for the price, it’s worth a stay!

I’ve stayed here 3 times when I’ve visited Minneapolis and knew what I was getting into before making reservations. It has two small private rooms that I’ve stayed in, one at the top of the back stairs, and one built inside the mens’ dorm room — if you choose to get a private room, get the one at the top of the back stairs. The one inside the mens’ dorm room had thin walls that did nothing to reduce the chainsaw-​drone of multiple snorers although earplugs helped immensely. Other trips, I’ve been in shared rooms with relatively few people staying in them. It’s basically a place to sleep and park your stuff but convenient to most everything Minneapolis.
The staff doesn’t help much in getting to know the city but I had guidebooks and done my research before each trip. It was an interesting place to meet international travelers and I wanted an inexpensive place to stay during the Minnesota State Fair. I loved that it was so close to various business areas and walking distance to the Art Institute. I remember watching the Beijing Olympics at the Hostel and made sure I was finished with my days activities in time to catch Olympic events I wanted to see.
Despite the inevitable bathroom hogs you run into, if you know where the other bathrooms are and what facilities are available in each, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a decent place to stay in a quiet neighborhood at a price that affords me savings to otherwise spend on attractions and food.

the best thing about this place is its location and the price. its walking distance to eat street (in the whittier district) and across the street of minneapolis’ awesome, free art institute. my tiny bare bones room was $ 35 a night, but was kind of like sleeping in a large closet. there’s free wi-​fi, a tv downstairs, and hot tea and coffee. we’ll just say it got the job done!

This hostel was my temporary home while apartment searching after I had flown in: ended up being a couple of weeks with the apartments that fell through. For a few days this hostel will more than suffice: very nice kitchen, friendly staff, and I never had anything stolen, although I kept all of my electronics in my messenger bag which was always with me when I left. It can get a little breezy, so in the fall you’ll want to wear a bit more at night and the shower has no pressure. You can also buy groceries, store them in the fridge and cook up some food.
The downside is that with a shared dorm, hence the $ 27 price tag, is that you get the guy who snores like a horse (be smart: bring tunes and earbuds like I did), the guy who takes an hour in the bathroom, the guy who leaves the shower curtain outside of the tub with water everywhere, the guy who… well, you get the picture. *That* guy (what an asshole) almost always shows up and has to be the thoughtless prick of the day.
The location is great: right next to Nicollet with Lyndale a handful of blocks away and Hennepin a bit further (the #17 bus will take you there if you don’t feel like going on foot) So with uptown (a trio of dense commercial streets), Eat St on Nicollet, and Downtown. just north you could easily spend a weekend in Uptown & Downtown here without even knowing that there’s plenty more going on in other parts of town.
Overall, it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking for cheap accommodations.

Trust me, I’ve stayed in less expensive places in developing countries, and they were way better than this. I think most people who stay in hostels don’t expect squeaky-​clean accommodations and beyond, so the general shabbiness and lack of service that comes with a hostel is anticipated. But this place is in a beautiful building, and it feels like it is not maintained and thus about to collapse. Sort of shady, I’d even venture to say.
When I stayed at this place, it was my first time in Minneapolis and I was learning my way around the city. Unfortunately, I arrived about half an hour before they officially «welcomed» guests, so they wouldn’t let me hang out in the living room or even leave my bags until check-​in. Instead, they directed me via mumble to a coffee shop a few blocks away, where I lugged all my stuff to wait until check-​in time. Seriously? I understand to a degree that policy, but come on! Oh, and from then on I was told to use the back door. How welcoming!
The staff isn’t friendly, even when I tried to talk to them and learn more about the area. Like other Unilocalers have noted, they were essentially there to take the money. I never used the communal kitchen facilities, but they looked messy and random (in the middle of the living room, I believe).
My recommendation: spend a few bucks more for a discounted hotel or look for better hostels/B&Bs in the neighborhood.

This place is OK. Quiet hostel in an old – doesn’t have the crazy, college dorm vibe that many other hostels have.
Staff here was kind of unfriendly but never rude or anything.
This hostel is in a great location. RIGHT across the street from Mineapolis’s amazing, free art museum. Ample parking and I felt my car was pretty safe as security for the art museum discourages the sketchy types from hanging around. The parking situation may change during snowy months, though. Not sure.
The location is also near a lot of other cool places that one might want to walk over to.
Oh, there are mice.
2 Free computers to use along with wifi. The mac was basically busted to the point of no return, though, as far as I could tell.

Although it’s pretty tragic the way the place is taken care of and the general shabbyness of the place, I’m not weighing that into my review. The potential of the space is pretty irrelevant when you’re talking about a hostel. The kitchen is clean, almost new and pretty solid and the facilities pass. It’s not the place you want to invite your girlfriend’s parents to meet you though.
I’m giving this two stars because of the general attitude. I don’t feel like I’m treated as a guest in any way and they make almost no effort to really introduce you to the culture of the place or the city. It’s almost as if checking in is a burden for them. Lots of signs saying what «not» to do and you can’t use the front door after you check-​in. No explanation.
I’d stay here again, but I wouldn’t be excited about it. I don’t recommend it for people looking for a travel experience.

Yes, I’m giving it four stars, but those are *hostel* stars, just to be clear.
My parents were children of the Depression, and they both could pinch a penny until it screamed. When we went on vacation, accomodations were most often tourist cabins, camp grounds or… if Dad had a wild hair, an actual motel with (gasp) air-​conditioning.
That’s why the unpainted drywall in my room at the MIH didn’t bother me. I didn’t mind the Christmas cookie tin wastepaper can, either. The blankets looked a little dubious, but the sheets were spanking clean, and those I kept close to my face.
The hostel is located close to all the hipster action on Lyndale and Nicollet, and I could walk nearly everywhere I needed to be within 20 minutes. The common areas are clean, relatively quiet and there are two computers and free wireless for use by residents.
Most importantly, I had a private room with a shared bath for $ 35.00 a night, and you can’t beat that with a stick.

Not bad, MIH. Not bad.
This place is not a palace. But you can get your own room for $ 35 a night which is pretty cheap. More money to spend at the fine eating and drinking establishments this city has to offer.
MIH is not for the prissy or squeamish. There are strange collections of things in corners, funny mismatched paint jobs, and no glasses to drink out of. But none of these things particularly bother me, and I did appreciate the plethora of chandeliers (two in the bathroom!) and found the rooms named after royalty amusing.
Also amusing is the abundance of signs posted around, some more helpful than others. One in my room read «Do not open the skylight more than one inch as animals have been known to crawl in.» Good to know. Some of the signs had this total bitchy-​bitter-​housemate vibe to them which was kind of funny. Examples: «The floor in this bathroom has been wet every day this week. Close the shower curtain all the way so this does not happen again.» (It wasn’t me!) and «Wash your dishes right away after using them. Failure to do so will result in immediate eviction.» And then the petty: «There is a 20 minute time limit on this computer. Even if no one is waiting.»
The people who work here run the gamut of friendly– not friendly. The girl was really nice (I forget her name…) The guys were mostly silent.
I stayed here a week, and each day I thought I almost put my finger on what that intense smell was in the bathroom… never figured it out.

I stayed over here one night when a friend was visiting.
The romance of Europe is not found here in the united states where anyone is welcome to stay. A hostel should be considered as a step up from sleeping in the gutter or squatting in a condemned building with a bunch of addicts.
You have a place to sleep, a door on your room that you may lock to keep out the other people staying here from looting your things, and use of a kitchen to make things to eat.
Things in a place like this can be highly variable depending on who is staying. If you have a good group, it can be a great time. Other times, not. Just like with anyone who is living close to the edge, you shouldn’t show too much of yourself or you may have an uncomfortable situation on your hands.