In this article, we unveil the top 5 hostels in Dundee, each a testament to the city’s commitment to providing budget-friendly accommodations without compromising on comfort and style
My quick advice (in case you’re in a hurry) is this… if you actually want to stay in a hostel, stay in Dundee Backpackers Hostel. As you’ll soon come to discover, it’s technically the only actual hostel in the city, and it’s a good one.
Other good options include Sleeperz Hotel Dundee (ideal for couples, and somehow both modern and affordable), and Shaftesbury Hotel Dundee (actually a guesthouse, it serves up cozy vibes and excellent breakfasts).
Coming up in this guide: Riverside views, tucked-away tourist attractions, all-you-can-eat sausages, a so-called ‘tiny home,’ and the 5 best hostels in Dundee.
You’re visiting the city of Dundee.
You want to visit Dundee without spending loads of money.
… and that’s why you’ve clicked on this guide.
So in this speedy article, I’ve read your mind, and I’ve brought you the 5 best budget-friendly places to stay in Dundee.
Today, Travelness are taking you to the 5 best hostels in Dundee. Pack your bag and come join the party!
Here is the map of the selected top hostels in Dundee. Click on each one then click the link on the left side for quick access to its dedicated section.
1. Dundee Backpackers Hostel
As I said, this isn’t just one of the best hostels in Dundee… it’s actually the ONLY hostel in Dundee.
Dundee is a small place, and it doesn’t have many accommodation options (or, at least, it doesn’t have many budget accommodation options). So if you want to stay in a hostel, book here, and book now.
It has both dorm rooms and private rooms, it’s right in the center of the city, and it’s Dundee’s only sociable option. The kitchen is fully-equipped, you get free tea and coffee, and the staff are welcoming and friendly. The common areas are uninteresting but busy, and the bedrooms are a little hotel-like.
It’s not the cleanest or tidiest place in the world… but it’s a good hostel.
The hostel is fantastically situated near the station, the town centre and the McManus gallery and the V&A gallery. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Our room was much larger than expected, very clean and with a great shower. The only drawback is that central location which means late night revellers kept me awake until 3.00 am. This is not the hostel’s fault, and I am a very light sleeper but be aware of this. Otherwise, we had a fantastic stay In Dundee at this unique hostel.
— Debbie (Read more reviews)
Dundee Backpackers Hostel
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Last Updated June, 2025
2. Sleeperz Hotel Dundee
Okay, this is a hotel… so it’s not really one of the best hostels in Dundee (which, as I think I’ve made pretty clear, is the case for all this list’s upcoming accommodation options).
But although it’s not a hostel, it still has plenty of perks.
Sleeperz Hotel Dundee is part of a chain—and like all Sleeperz places, it’s much more affordable than it looks.
In terms of value for money, this place is great. And because it’s pretty sleek and modern, it’s a nice choice for a cut-price romantic break. It sits super-close to the city’s river, some rooms have riverside views, and it’s a 2-minute walk from the train station.
It’s very clean, it’s spacious, and they have a bar and restaurant. The buffet breakfast is massive and affordable, and packed with both hot and cold stuff.
If you want a reliable and modern hotel, Sleeperz Hotel Dundee is the best place on our list.
Great location for an overnight stay in Dundee. Arrive off of the train and straight into hotel, so easy. Lovely welcome at reception and hotel bar before dropping off bags and heading into the city centre. Brilliant. Everyone I met who worked there were really pleasant.
— Jonathon (Read more reviews)
Sleeperz Hotel Dundee
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Last Updated June, 2025
3. Holiday Inn Express Dundee
Just around the corner from Dundee Backpackers Hostel, the Holiday Inn Express is another chain option.
It’s a little less modern than Sleeperz, but it’s slightly (only very slightly) more affordable.
The free buffet breakfast is good (and, again has both hot and cold stuff), the beds are comfortable, the staff are friendly, and the rooms are clean and tidy. Cons include small beds and small bedrooms.
Overall, yep, this is a basic chain hotel… but it’s a very good basic chain hotel.
The room was quiet and cosy, the bed very clean. It was a great room for the price, there were quality toiletries in the bathroom and the included breakfast was superb. We will be back.
— William (Read more reviews)
Holiday Inn Express Dundee, an IHG Hotel
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Last Updated June, 2025
4. Shaftesbury Hotel Dundee
Yet another place that isn’t really one of the best hostels in Dundee. Sorry for disappointing you (again).
Despite its name, Shaftesbury Hotel is more of a guesthouse than a hotel. It’s a bit retro and a bit dated, but it’s comfy and cozy, and the hosts are friendly. The bedrooms are big, the beds are comfortable, and the showers are great.
The cooked breakfast is excellent… and because it’s cooked to order, it’s the best breakfast you’ll find on this list.
Shaftesbury Hotel sits west of the city center, close to (the very tiny) Dundee Airport. If you’re catching one of the rare flights in or out of the city, this is where you want to stay.
To get from Shaftesbury Hotel to the city center, you can walk for 30 minutes… or you can take one of the direct 5/5A buses, which’ll get you into the city center within 10 minutes.
Easy to find and parking available on-street right outside the hotel. Impressive building, welcoming and beautifully decorated inside. Single room was fairly small but adequate, comfortable and very well appointed.
— Cameron (Read more reviews)
Shaftesbury Hotel Dundee
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Last Updated June, 2025
5. Tiny Home at Dundee
The most affordable option of all the non-hostel choices we’ve brought you, this tiny home is, well… a tiny home.
A 1-bedroom apartment, it’s ideal for people who want their own space, without having to spend loads of money to get it. Nice for short stays, independent people, digital nomads, and those who don’t want to make any friends.
Perks include modern furniture, a minimalistic vibe, a homely atmosphere, and a well-equipped kitchen. Cons include the bed (it’s a little small and a little uncomfortable), and less-than-perfect cleanliness.
This tiny home isn’t in the very center of the city, but you’ll be there within a 15-minute walk… so it’s still very central.
Overall a nice wee flat and only 15 mins walk down into town. Everything was fresh, clean and new. The tenement was quiet and the local area fine and we got parking round the corner on the street.
— Kenneth (Read more reviews)
Tiny home at Dundee
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Last Updated June, 2025
Pro Tips for Staying at Hostels in Dundee
My Recommendation for the Best Hostel in Dundee
Alright, we’re done here—you’ve reached the end of our list of the top hostels in Dundee (even though there’s only actually one hostel in Dundee).
In summary, you should stay at Dundee Backpackers Hostel. It’s the only hostel in the city, it’s the only place to make friends, and it’s right in the center of the city.
Other good options include Sleeperz Hotel Dundee (affordable and trendy, it’s ideal for a cheap romantic break), and Shaftesbury Hotel Dundee (if you want the best possible breakfast you can get).
