Firehouse Hostel

5 Stars – Great Spot in the Middle of Everything Firehouse Hostel is a solid place to stay if you’re in Austin. The location is perfect—right downtown and walking distance to bars, restaurants, and live music. The building has character, and the vibe is laid-back but friendly. Rooms are clean, beds are comfortable, and the staff is helpful without being over the top. Everything was well-kept, and I had no issues with noise or security. The hidden bar behind the bookshelf is a cool bonus—great drinks and a good crowd. If you want an affordable, no-nonsense place that still has style and a social feel, this is it. I’d stay here again, no question.

Wow! Very happenin’ place with people to match :) I met a lot of people and each one was a unique and genuine person. Had a fun time on “dirty sixth” and the lounge at the hostel was one of the best spots to be at night. I love the music and livelihood; the whole vibe was really chill and the employees were very cool. Everyone is really open with their good recommendations, and the city has no shortage of things to do. Barton Springs and the surrounding area are amazing. Rideshare seemed preferable to renting a car, in most instances.

A delight. Crisp personalities of the staff both in the front desk and lovely bar made for an easy vibe . Both were gracious and fluid experiences. The shared room is spacious and calm, what you'd want from a nicely looked after hostel experience. Complaints?..none. My man Abhishek solved the slightly warm room problem by locating a fan and it fully made the night complete. Highly recommend as well because you're truly in the heart of some of the greatest things about Austin. The music scene is fostered right downstairs in the hostel's bar as well as right around the corner from the front entry lies friend's bar, hosting live music, open to close 7 days a week. The historic Driskill hotel(haunted?) is directly across the street, sending old school Texas wealth vibes and restaurant par excellence. Great food and excellent beer at not only Eureka ( marrow burgers are no joke) and Friend's Bar but Irish Pub newcomers Dead Rabbit originally from NYC. Walking distance to great bars and restaurants for literally miles from this launch/crash miracle. Come stay in an historic firehouse, stop fooling around!

Good deal, great location and friendly service. Ashlyn immediately made us feel welcome and made herself available for any tiny issue we had. Also patiently listened to us ramble. Rooms were average, you’re getting what you paid for. But clean and all the amenities. Recommend for travelers looking for a casual, inexpensive community vibe.

This is the best Hostel in the country!!! I've been all over. The staff here goes above and beyond to make you feel right at home when your miles away from yours. The place is clean and kept that way. I stayed a week and can not wait to come back. perfectly located right next to congress st. easy access to the intire city. (Thank you to all the staff)

Ash is one of the best. Super cool and down to earth She will do her best to make sure you have a nice and fun stay. Just follow the rules and be respectful to the crew and roommates.

Overall a really great place to stay right in the center of the city! I met lot of interesting folks of all ages, from all over. The affiliated Firehouse speakeasy is a true gem and had awesome vibe and music every night. The place is clean and well maintained. Beds are comfy. Only downers were the over-use of the AC during the summer - it was set to a ridiculously cold level and in the heat of a texas summer i was sleeping under multiple blankets and had to wear sweats around indoors when it was in the 90s outside. Also, if you are a light sleeper ask for a bed in a room on the third floor. Mine on the second floor was rocked by the speakeasy until the middle of the night... Finally, heads up parking is suuuuper pricey and annoying downtown, so if you are coming to Austin with a car, drive to a neighborhood near a rapid bus line stop and take one of the really fast buses into the city - only takes 10-15 minutes and saved me tons of $$.

Fire House Hostel - A Memorable Stay in Austin! I recently spent four incredible days at the Fire House Hostel, and I can confidently say it’s the most social hostel I’ve ever experienced. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by Holly, whose beautiful, welcoming smile instantly lifted my spirits. The warmth of the staff made me feel right at home. My bunk mate Taylor also worked was a cool cat as well. During my stay, I attended the Growth Day event, but the highlight was the vibrant social scene at the hostel. Engaging in karaoke, dinners, drinks and exploring the city with staff and fellow travelers made for unforgettable memories. From bat watching to soaking in live music, every moment was filled with joy and connection. You simply can’t replicate this experience in a hotel—Fire House Hostel offers a sense of community that is unparalleled. I give my highest recommendation to anyone considering a stay here. Dive into the fun and camaraderie; you won’t regret it! Live it up, while you got it! Holly Rocks!!!

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Girls' Dorm at Firehouse Hostel during my trip to attend a conference. I must say, it was an exceptional experience that exceeded my expectations in every way. Located in the heart of Austin, the hostel's prime location made it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. Being close to popular attractions, restaurants, and transportation options, it allowed me to make the most of my time in this vibrant city. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the friendly Howey who made me feel right at home. They were always available to answer any questions, provide recommendations, and ensure that my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The girls' dorm itself was clean, cozy, and well-maintained. The beds were comfortable, and the linens were fresh and of high quality. Each bed had its own power outlet, and reading light, and mini shelf which added a thoughtful touch to enhance the overall comfort and convenience. One aspect that truly impressed me was the attention to security. The hostel had a reliable keycard system that granted access to the dorm area, ensuring that only guests had entry. Additionally, there were lockers available for storing personal belongings, providing an extra layer of peace of mind. The hostel's amenities were fantastic. The common areas were spacious and thoughtfully designed, with comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere. The communal kitchen was well-equipped with modern appliances, allowing guests to prepare their meals. This not only

This place is a gem! Stay at the penthouse. They give you a beer with a cool koozie at check in. The speakeasy is awesome. The service was awesome. The location is great. I will definitely be back.

I'm leaving this review as there was never a contact from anyone after communication was sent or expressed also I feel this persons actions and behaviors were intentional and deliberate as in asking fellow residents none of them were looked at for 15m and made to wait until exactly 3pm (5ppl) Today I arrived about 2:45p. I used the lock code provided and stepped in. A girl (Mae) was sitting , didn't look up nor speak or welcome me so I got her attention knowing she saw me walk in and said hello. She still didn't provide a hi or hello or how May I help. So o had to let her know I was there for a check in. I asked her if rooms were avail as it's only 15m and she said no check in is not until 3pm and added you'll see the cleaning staff in a moment come down. Not that I needed to see the cleaning staff to prove it's the reasoning behind waiting however I will mention any other hostel , hotel I've visited will not make you wait the full 15m to be checked in. So I sat there literally till 2:59p and approached her again. She looked at me like why I was up there a minute early ! I told her I'd like to check in. She asked for my ID still no hi hello nothing. Didn't say what your hostel offered didn't point to anything nothing ! So as I'm attempting to check in , other guests walked from upstairs and stood right next to me ( no privacy as they were looking at my info as your desk clerk typed it in) she never asked them to step back and give her a moment while she checked me in which again was odd. She in front of them stated she needed another card. Because she wasn't communicating anything how would I know she was ready to charge my card ? So I told her oh I didn't know you were ready for the card as you never asked nor mentioned it so I told her I had it locked and I needed to unlock it. She appeared annoyed and said well I need to charge it ! I said no problem I just didn't know. She hands me a sheet of paper which outlines some basics rules , handed me a key card and a number to hang on my bed , then said ok! I'm like um where are the rooms ?? Because again she wasn't communicating with me anything. She annoyingly point towards an elevator and the stairs. I asked her oh ok so which way she's like either! I had to figure out where bathrooms etc were. Not happy with this interaction at all. I was in the hostel upstairs for less than 15m as I just feel unwelcomed nor wanted at this establishment (hostel) So I left out. My plan was to change and have a drink at the bar and relax but it just didn't feel right due to her behavior. This truly is unfortunate because we visited the Firehouse Lounge last SXSW for an Afrobeats show / artists so I couldn't wait to check out the hostel! Totally not satisfied. Why have someone in front who doesn't want to be bothered , provide helpful details or acts as if you're not needed there ??

I stayed in the 6 bed women's room and had a very positive experience! The staff was kind, I was able to store my luggage in their storage room after I checked out, the bathrooms were clean, and the kitchen was well equipped! The location of this hostel is super central. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a hostel in Austin.

I had a really good experience here! I checked into the hostel after I landed in Austin and upon check in the front desk worker asked if I wanted a free beer. Like I'm going to say no! You can either stay in an all-gender room or a coed room. In the room that I stayed in there were storage spaces where you can lock your belongings. The most important part for me however, was that each bed had power outlets and USB outlets for me to charge my electronics. I was staying at another hostel in another city just before this and that was one of my biggest pain points so I'm glad this place thought that out. The beds also had some fans to help cool off during the heat. Also, this is a great place to stay if you like cocktails and bars because the Firehouse Lounge is in the same building (on the first floor) where visitors who stay at the Firehouse Lounge get a discount. The check in and check out processes were super easy and smooth. They also let you leave your stuff with them if you want to walk around after your check out time and don't want to carry your luggage around.

I want to write a 5-star review, but I can't. The space was great. My shared deluxe dorm was cozy, but solid, and set up with everything I needed. Shared bathrooms were clean, the kitchen was lovely and well equipped (and had decent free coffee), and there was even laundry on site and plenty of spaces to read or work. The spot was noisy (above a speakeasy) but I expected that. One little worry: the door code for the building is also the door code for the speakeasy and doesn't seem to change often. I wasn't too worried though: each room was key carded and within the room we had lockers. And then ... there was Lily. Lily was a local unhoused woman sleeping on the third floor couch. I first discovered her one morning waking up, but she didn't seem to be causing trouble ... That night, she was back. How do I know her name was Lily? When I woke up Saturday every item of furniture in the common space had been overturned, Lily had labeled all the artwork in the hallways with her own commentary in crayon, she had torn several items off the walls, ripped up bike seats from the bike storage and - for a bonus - squeezed coconut lotion onto every door handle. Beer cans and trash everywhere. Plant pots broken. It must have been a lot -- she was peaceably asleep when I saw her. This was when I discovered that there was literally no way to reach hostel staff overnight in an emergency, and no night attendant that we could reach. Next day, staff was apologetic and cleaned it all up with speed and grace. A few additions to the murals were all that was left of Lily ... till that night. Yep. There she was again, just sleeping on the third floor couch like nothing had happened. No change to the door code. No attempt to keep an eye out for her. No increased efforts to secure the site at all. No way to reach staff. I just decided not to sleep that last night. If it had been a one off, I could give a stellar review. But I can't just set you up for Lily roulette without a warning. Your visit might be great! Or you might get a local person's meltdown without any effort from staff to prevent it. At least the art critique was funny ...?

Love love love this place. I found a close spot to park and went inside to check in. Right away they handed me a beer and welcomed me warmly. I thought it was a nice touch that my name was up on the wall too. The room my friend and I had picked out was big, and we reserved the whole room for privacy. There was a bathroom right across the hall from us. The shower bathrooms could have used a little cleaning, but nothing crazy. The have nice little touches around the place The place is a little dated, but for the price you're paying, it's amazing. And they even have a "speakeasy" tucked away I'll definitely be coming back here when visiting Austin.

I have to start with an apology to firehouse because this review is way overdue. The first time I visited this hostel, it was my first time to Austin / visiting 6th AND I had just turned 21. Amazing experience all around. The location is superb. The instructions were very clear and the common spaces were clean and well kept. Very warm and cute place to rest your head in the middle of the city, But also a great place if you want to enjoy some live music and tasty cocktails in the speakeasy below the hostel. The first time I went here, I met a traveling Brit in the kitchen area, 6 years later, we got married! I've visited a handful of times after and have always met some great people and had some amazing experiences. Thanks for introducing me to my husband, firehouse!

I stayed at this hostel two weeks ago, and it was such a great place. I was traveling alone and booked at a m/f dorm -- actually the bunk beds have a lot of privacy so I had a really cozy space to myself. I was in austin again this weekend and my flight home was canceled, so I was stranded at the airport all night. even though all hotels and even beds at firehouse were booked because of SXSW, howie kept me updated on any cancellation, which luckily there was! and he emailed me right away. I was so so impressed with how friendly and helpful that was, so I have only good things to say about this place

I've stayed at a lot of hostels around the world. By comparison, the staff seemed lovely, and the overall room and amenities were fine. The major downside was the noise, on multiple aspects. I stayed in room 205 and the lounge below was playing music that disrupted my sleep. One night had a DJ playing a repeating bass pattern that vibrated the floor every few seconds. This was the type of noise I could feel in my body and therefore, ear plugs were not effective against this. That said, there's a 3rd floor that might be better if you go to bed before midnight and care about your sleep. They couldn't move me because they were full. Also, in addition to the noise from the lounge, the design of the fixtures were also noisy. They have classic metal lockers that clang unless you're super super careful; there are hard surfaces around the bed that can create noise as you place your phone or other stuff on them; and the lock on the door gives a rather loud beep when it unlocks. It does make it a bit harder to sleep as other people are moving around the space. Beds were a bit hard, and I tossed/turned a bit with how uncomfortable they were. Maybe that was just me. The free breakfast was just okay. Compared to European hostels, not even close to good, but for American hostels, probably okay-ish?? The one thing that can't be beat is the location just off Sixth Street, the main party drag of Austin. Or it's a horrible location, if you don't like that. Oh! And the Driskill Hotel is just across the street; definitely pop by there for brunch or just enjoy the decor! Bathrooms: Decent quality overall; spacious and mostly functional. There was never any crowding in the bathrooms though it could have been because I was there when the hostel was not full. That said, the two showers on the 2nd floor never had good water pressure, and the urinal was non-functional.

If I could have given 0 stars I would have. Made my reservation in advance. When I arrived was given a room key and a bed tag. The room I was assigned had a person in every bunk. No big deal, I went to the desk again and they found another room and bed for me. Then I go out on the town and when I get back a few hours later there's someone in my bed. What did firehouse hostel do? Apologize and wish me good luck. I was shit out of luck at 3 am in a city I've never been to. Got to sleep under the stars on the street. Thanks a lot you assholes.

Great location and friendly service, but watch out for the bed bugs. Stayed here for a couple nights during a weekend trip to Austin. Arrived pretty early in the day before check-in but they let me store my luggage while I explored the city a bit more. Don't forget to grab your welcome beer! The location is great because it's right off of 6th Street, which is a popular street with lots of bars and live music playing. One of the employees there, Jared, was such an awesome guy. He gave me some great recommendations on things to check out during my visit and provided some great conversation too. The main complaint I have is that there were bed bugs in the room I stayed in. This is my first time staying in a hostel, so I'm not sure how common this kinda thing is but it soured my overall experience a bit. I left with several nasty bites all over my legs and I made sure to throw all my clothes in the wash once I got back home. Do not bring any pillows or sheets of any kind if you plan on staying here!

NO NO NO!!! I was misled, lied too and exploited as a traveller with my stay. They stole about 500USD from me. I was on what was described to me as an "emergency booking" which was because one of my staff booked the wrong days for SXSW, so when I got there they told me they had rooms suitable for these situations and I would be accommodated until I found suitable accommodation. Let me explain more about the stay though... I didn't complain about the poor state of the rooms and bathroom facilities, I relied on their hospitality to make up for it and it's failed. The unclean bathrooms, kitchen and odours in the dorms and most other areas was very poor, while they had a strict zero tolerance against bringing people back or having any type of social interaction with non-guests, it didn't matter, the sound from the streets below, homeless yelling, fights breaking out, or the very average and expensive nightclub downstairs (yes inside the Hostel), this part of town is not the greatest either, with police shutting down the street with sirens and loudspeakers like martial law for a zombie apocalypse (the zombies being the literal thousands of drunk people staggering home at all hours). Having to check out every day was a nightmare, and no way to enjoy a stay, I got threatened with "Check out fees" at $15 per 30 mins everytime I needed to pack up my things and move to a different bed, unfortunately it was just so impractical, I was paying full price, why should I move everyday? I was told this is the standard with the Hostel, and most guests do this?? I ended up moving to a place that was flexible, cheap and understanding while I waited for a friend to have me stay in Hyde Park. It's clear this is a poor outcome based purely out of the managers spite, arrogance, principle or maybe just to hit some incentivised monetary target for the owners, for a booking that would have otherwise been non-existent and reserved for emergencies. They cancelled my booking and gave no refund when I left, saying they had a no refund policy, even though that's what was promised. No doubt they were able to capitalise on the extra money I paid, plus renting the space to another guest. They have zero care for the guests, it's such a shame and I won't be going back. When I said how disappointed I was, they shifted the blame on me, they claimed they were accommodating, but as I said to them I would have called my friend and stayed on their couch until a room became available at a place that would have had a more comfortable and clean. I should have done this! I could see them writing some typical PR response to this saying how sorry they are and then refer to their "policy", but it's absolute lies. This place doesn't suit the partygoers or the conference attendees. DON'T stay here!

This place is great. I appreciated that checkin instructions were sent via email ahead of time; it made checking in so easy. Firehouse has a perfect central location, friendly staff, it's clean, safety-conscious, comfortable, has a cool interior design, is quiet, and has all the hostel amenities. The stairwell even has interesting art and suggestions of cool places to check out around Austin. And, the speakeasy lounge attached to the lobby is worth going to even if you're not staying in the hostel. I seriously loved this place!

If you're driving in from out of town, be prepared to pay $20-$50 a day for parking and to wake up at 7 am every day to move your car to a new spot. I arrived on a Sunday, when street parking is free, but I had to move my car to a garage or pay for street parking by 8 am. I came downstairs and asked the woman behind the front desk which garage would be best. She responded, "idk I don't work here" then put up a sign that said the front desk isn't open until 8 am. It was 7:57. She couldn't answer a simple question. Very rude and turned me off immediately.

I hate to leave these kind of reviews, but my stay this past Wednesday was so awful, that something needs to be said. Long story short - my bed was infested with bed bugs. I asked to be in the "all womens" bunk bed room and when I arrived, there was no sign of an infestation. It wasn't until about 6pm that I noticed baby nymphs (had to look them up to learn the terminology) scurrying around my pillow. Of course, at this point, I didn't realize these were actually baby bed bugs so I simply moved to the next bunk bed where I fell asleep. At 3am, I woke up to pain and irritability on my right inner arm and eventually smacked whatever it was. I turn on the bedside lamp and find a huge ass bed bug (now dead) with blood trails on my arm. So effin' disgusting and a total nightmare. I walked down to the check in desk, horrified. The staff immediately moved me into a new room (I will give them a nod for being urgent in handling the situation). I proceeded to take a hot shower, but the days to follow have been painful. The following morning I found a live bed bug in my laptop case and now that I'm back home, I also found one unpacking. I'm honestly so upset and frustrated by the whole experience. Worst of all, once I told the staff the following morning, they mentioned that they KNEW there were bedbugs in that bunk bed room, but had called professional exterminators a week prior. So they let a guest be the guinea pig and failed to properly check all areas of the room?! EFF that. My advice: Steer clear. At this point my attempt at saving a little bit of money has now turned into a painstaking and expensive process where I'll have to likely call an exterminator for my home.... NOT WORTH IT. Also the PTSD of the whole experience is just not worth it.

I had a really good experience staying here for 2 nights in the 8-person mixed room. The room and bathroom were both very clean, and people were as conversational or not as you would prefer. The front desk service was very receptive and willing to help with any issues. The showers could use some rehabbing but they were functionally good. I didn't have any issue with the noise from downstairs and outside, nor from other people in the room -- it was noticeable, but nothing that disrupted sleep or my life. Ample outlets were available, which was great.

An amazing hostel for a great price and location! I've stayed at a few hostels and this one is a winner! It's clean, the staff is helpful and it's attached right to a speakeasy bar which is always a plus! They also give you a free beer during check in which is the "national" beer of Austin (oh Texas lol). It's a great way to meet others and there are random activities throughout the weekend and weekdays for solo travelers. If you can afford the deluxe room I would highly recommend it because it's worth a few extra bucks. The checkin and checkout process is painless. The kitchen area is in the 2nd floor and they give free breakfast from 7-11. You're close to sixth street and most places are walkable. Highly recommend a stay here!

Had a wonderful time at the speakeasy bar behind the bookshelf. Jordan is a very accommodating bartender and sweet because he let me try angostura bitters for the first time ever. Love the Harvey Wallbanger drink he mixed. Thanks for the great customer service Jordan!

Howie at the front desk 10/10 service I will definitely be back in the future solid and clean place

Stayed here during the ACL festival, it was very easy to get around. This hostel is in a great location. Around the corner from 6th street and restaurants and bars in the immediate area. Pros: Close to the ACL free shuttle bus. Awesome and friendly staff. Was super excited to get a free beer at check in. Free Continental breakfast Bathrooms and common area very clean. Quite rooms. Comfortable beds Plenty of room for luggage storage. Beds came with individual mini fans. Cons: can't think of any I would definitely stay at this hostel again, I really enjoyed my stay.

I'm a sucker for a speakeasy and this place is cool. Very dark inside & loud music, which makes for a particular vibe. It seems like a hidden gem off "dirty 6th" because it's a bar with a personality. It was also not super crowded on a Friday--easily found a table to sit.

My first time ever staying in a hostel. I have heard many horror stories about them and I was skeptical coming in, but to my surprise I had the best trip to Austin, upon arrival I was greeted with a Lonestar beer and a nice smile from the front desk. For the majority of my trip I found myself hanging out with staff members and doing exciting things through out the days. Li LI was super fun and would take us out on the town at nights or go grab lunch with us. Sarah and Jarad were extremely insightful when it comes to places to go and see. On top of the great staff, all of travelers were friendly and made many new friends. Perfect for someone traveling on a budget in their 20s. All in all a very positive and entertaining experience. Thank you!

This place was AMAZING. I met very cool people that love to travel and be social. My experience traveling alone in Austin would NOT have been the same. I ended up going to karaoke with my roommate and had a wonderful time. I highly recommend Ego's. It's like dive bar meets American Idol. The people there were insanely talented. Anyway the location, the kind staff, the cleanliness and the fact you can store and cook food in their communal kitchen make this hostel unbeatable. I will be back again and again.

What a bunch of POSERS!! Putting a bookcase on a sliding door does not make you an old speakeasy. And none of these people are of austin, let alone "insiders" dark, dirty and overpriced, even for Austin

Amazing drinks and super dope spot. Super unique and cute. The drinks are awesome and the service here is even more amazing. I would recommend grabbing a drink or two any day.

Every time I visit a new city I always try to stay at a hostel. This place was perfect. It's smack dab in downtown and easily accessible. I followed their instructions on how to get here from the airport and it was super easy. Best part is they have a bar that's open to the public. I stayed here for 2 nights. Room was clean and ample. Everything is a stone's throw away. You can hit all the spots with a brief walk. The staff was super helpful and friendly! Thanks again.

I had to cancel my second night because of the uncertainty of getting in. The code box was not working, which is understandable but I couldn't get in contact with anyone and stood outside for almost an hour in the heat to find out the man on duty was taking a nap... I don't usually write reviews, but I was a little annoyed, and concerned if I were try to get back in later that day and be locked out again in the dark.

Overall I had a great stay at this hostel. We stayed in a suite with a larger bed for 2 and a bunk bed for 2. The room was clean and the bathroom was huge! Jared - the receptionist was fantastic. Very friendly and gave us all the information we needed as soon as we arrived. The owner of this hostel should give him a raise. He deserves it. The location is probably the best part about this place. Literally steps away from 6th street where all the bars and restaurants are. Highly recommend!

My husband and I visited the bar during our getaway in Austin. It was suggested to us by the lovely couple who rented out their guesthouse to us. It's a really neat idea to give it a "Speakeasy" feel to it. It is located inside Firehouse Hostel. When you go in, you look to your right and go towards the bookcase. The bookcase is a sliding door. Really thought this was nice. The lounge is lit just right. They had a movie on the TV. The lounge attracts business types and young professionals. The bar is beautiful. Sits up high. My 5'4" self could lay me head atop the bar while standing up. I kinda felt like a little kid at a candy store...only I'm not a little kid (albeit short) and this candy is much better! They have a blackboard with their drink specials. I highly recommend ordering something from the blackboard. It offers classic traditional drinks and also some creative mixes that are sure to tickle your fancy. Right, I ordered my favorite drink: an Old Fashioned. It's delicious concoction of Rye Whiskey, sugar, bitters and orange oil squeezed from fresh orange peel. Dare I say they make it better than me? Oh dear God yes! I like the candied blueberry they garnished it with. The cocktail is perfectly balanced. A lot of times, bars tend to use any old whiskey. In an Old Fashioned, it is important to use a Rye Whiskey. It gives the cocktail a smooth taste because Rye Whiskey is subtle. They add just enough bitters to give it that lovely citrus bouquet. It had just enough sugar to bring out those citrusy notes too. Hubby got his usual Vodka Sour...he liked it. It was mixed just right and the Vodka wasn't overpowering. I noticed that they had plaques that adorned their wall for being the Best Bar in Austin for 2017. I have to say that I can see why. For my second drink, I had a cocktail called a Baptist. It is a mix of Bourbon, Lemon, Ginger and bitters. The cocktail starts off with the bright lemon and finishes off with the heat of the Bourbon and Ginger. Man oh man did I like this one! This is possibly my second favorite drink now. It was that good!! Seriously folks, visit this gem! Heck the bookcase entrance is reason enough! I know the drinks themselves are the cherry on top!

Very convenient location for enjoying downtown Austin. From the moment you check in you're treated with great hospitality, air conditioning, and a cool drink, welcome relief from the heat and humidity. The front desk is great at giving suggestions as to what to do and where to eat. I stayed in an 8 bed womens room. Spacious lockers are under the bunks, but as with most hostels, you need to bring your own lock. I took the bottom bunk and ended up requesting a fresh bedsheet. All my requests for linens and towels were met. The bed itself was pretty uncomfortable. I could feel a spring in it and I woke up sore. The room ended up getting uncomfortably cold at night as well. If you're a light sleeper like me you'll probably want earplugs because it gets very noisy. The cost of being so close to sixth street is hearing all the noise from the bars. This was unfortunate for me because I needed to be up early in the morning. The free breakfast is pretty basic. Good if you just need a coffee in the morning to get started. The bathrooms were spacious and provided clean washrags at the sinks. The shower curtains were the biggest issue I had with the hostel as they were sort of gross and need to either be thoroughly cleaned or replaced. Not the worst shower experience I've ever had at a hostel but definitely on the dirty side. Remember to bring flip flops. There is a cool bar hidden downstairs, but the drinks were a little pricy for me. Overall, I'd recommend this place to people looking to have affordable fun in downtown Austin, but be wary if you have to wake up early for whatever reason because it's tough to sleep.

Loved this speak easy hidden bar. You have to go thru a bookcase to come out on the other side and inside it's a hip little bar with fantastic cocktails. Would recommend!

I really enjoyed my time here. Jared gave us some great recommendations and seems like a great overall guy. There was a little booking issue on the second day. But nothing big. They had OJ, Bagels, Toast, tea. Pretty a continental breakfast on the second floor. For the staff, I left a black power pack the size of a wallet in room 204. first bed to the right behind the door. Maybe, in the cubby under the bed. If you guys can check there for me I would be entirely grateful! I believe street parking is free on Sunday. Maybe something to look into to save some cheddar. If you're going to be using the parking associated with the hotel. Check in at the hostel first, get the transponder for the garage then go park. They have free earplugs at the front desk and give you beer @ check-in

We stayed here on our first trip to Austin, not knowing too much about the city but decided to stay downtown here, being pretty central. We enjoyed our stay here but there were some cons along with pros. This hostel is in a good location downtown, yes but with that - it was noisey at times. Sixth street is lined full of loud bars! We were told to steer clear of this street once we arrived in airport...to find out that's where we were pretty much staying, oh well. We stayed on the 3rd floor and our window went out to an alley way where people wandered and when the bars shut down, glass bottle dumping, garbage bin moving, etc. and not to mention the late night crowd stumbling back in, sometimes not respecting the quite hours, in fact shouting down halls. The noise from outside and the halls were loud but never heard anything from shared walls. Side note, they do have free ear plugs - if that doesn't give you a hint when checking in. It seemed to be a very diverse crowd staying here. They have a decent kitchen, with meh breakfast items and crappy coffee. Happy they had a good tea selection! We stayed in a "private room" which had two sets of bunk beds, one with a full size on bottom, not the exact feel we were wanting but we get it - it's a hostel. The room was tiny but functional. Bed was comfortable with nice bedding. The shared bathrooms were never an issue waiting for shower or anything. We also very much enjoyed the lounge downstairs, that had good drinks - and gave us a discount for staying at hostel (maybe just during happy hour?) with an entertaining live blues band! The staff was very friendly! And I'd recommend staying here if you're looking for a spot downtown!

Matt is the Sh*t. He assess you before you sit down. Working security, I already knew I was buzzed but the moment I sat down he gave me a glass of water. Moments later he asked me if I wanted a drink. Not, what I wanted to drink BUT, IF I wanted a drink. After I told him my drink he still provided me with a glass of water. Thanks Matt. That's skillful thinking. Think about you patron before you think of yourself.

Let's begin with the people and the process to book a room. I don't know what the deal is with the website but it didn't want to accept my credits cards which was cited by Firehouse staff that is was operated by a UK company. I sent emails that went no-where fast so a phone call was in order. You will be hard pressed to get anyone on the line during their prime hours. I did get someone on line and it was a jerky transaction at best to reserve and book a room (got email confirmation weeks later) That said, the staff is generally friendly and accommodating. There was mixed signal of when you can check in. Most sites I've seen for this hostel says check in time is 3:00pm but I get there and then they say 3:30pm which threw me for a loop only because I was dying to get my bags in and take a quick nap. I do get checked in (and they will let you leave your bags there before you do) and your visit is received with a beer and general hostel rules. The hostel itself is just that a place to lie your head, stow away your bags in a locked compartment. The actual bunk bed area was a little on the wooden dingy side but definitely comfortable enough to get clean, adequate rest. There are many eclectic pictures, maps, and odd n ends that make up the lone star state charm of this building. The bathroom are surprisingly clean, although the showers are gross with empty shampoo, and body wash bottles everywhere and large clumps of hair littered on the floor (this is no biggie as public men's showers are typically nasty and you just deal with it) The kitchen which has strict hours, is very serviceable and has what you would expect of a low-budget continental breakfast. Juice, Milk, cereal, bagels, apples the basic rundown. I think this helped my travel as it trimmed an extra meal expense and was fair tasting. I met a few passer travelers groggily eating and scrambling out to experience downtown Austin. I'll lump in the bar review which is on the first floor behind a movable book case. It was a dark, red decor and feels like a chill hangout. The bar is well stocked with an assortment of liquor and the bartenders look as if they mildly enjoy their jobs. The bar was a highlight even if there was a gaffe with the Happy Hour price. I was overcharged on Happy Hour price but the bartender happily (or so it seemed since it was his mistake) made me another drink on the house. They had a TV by the bar playing, Teen Wolf 2 of all things, and the place was bumping random songs all of which fit the mood of the place. In short, give this hostel a chance if you want to stay somewhere on the cheap. You may have more fun if traveling with friends. I didn't have problems with the people in my room and sleeping accommodations was fair enough to constitute good sleep. Lil' musty in those damp smelling rooms though and the showers can be gross depending how late you sleep in. They do let you keep bags after checkout if you have to leave later in the day like I did. That was a great courtesy as I didn't have to carry my bags with me everywhere till I left. Staff also will give you good tips on city eats and things to do. I can see myself going back knowing fully what I'm getting into.

The staff is absolutely stellar, the location is unbeatable, but the amenities are a bit lacking. Everything is falling apart by a good bit. Janky showers, broken toilets, only 1 fan in the 8 bed room worked and it was hot as balls. Pretty dirty even for a hostel.

My bf and I stayed in the single room on the top floor - what an awesome space! It almost made us want to live in the city. (Almost.) The hostel is clean and nicely decorated, workers are friendly, and it was fun to be in the heart of dirty 6th. The not-so-secret lounge downstairs is fun too.

I had an AMAZING experience at this place. Traveled from California, and my friend and I stayed here because we were in Austin for the weekend. We paid around $50 each on a Saturday night for a five-person coed room, which is a great price compared to getting a hotel or Airbnb. First of all, it's in a great location! Just right off 6th Street and walking distance to a lot of bars and restaurants, including just a 10-15 minute walk from Rainey Street. It's really a perfect place to get drunk on 6th Street and just walk less than five minutes to the hostel. At first, I was lowkey hesitant to stay at a hostel, considering I have never stayed at one, and I do think there's a whole negative connotation around the whole idea of staying in a hostel. But like what I said before, I had a great time. It felt like I was staying in a college dorm -- the floors are coed, and they share a separate mens/women bathroom and common area/kitchen. The staff here at very helpful and accommodating; at no point did I feel unsure/unsafe about something. We had Australian roommates who were traveling around the country, and it was dope and also very humbling talking to them about their travels and getting to know them. Austin, in general, is a great city and I would definitely come back! And I wouldn't mind coming back here!

Cool speakeasy type bar! Great vib and good drinks! Overall very cool little spot to visit

I stayed at The Firehouse Hostel for a weekend getaway with a friend. It was fantastic! We stayed in The Carrington Suite which was perfect for us. The Firehouse Lounge is also a lot of fun and obviously so convenient with excellent drinks and hummus! Everyone who works there was so incredibly nice and helpful, I can't say enough about how great they all were.

When I ask some people in my life why they haven't traveled, oftentimes the excuse I'm given is "I can't afford it." Depending on the city you go to, sure, it might be difficult to afford. An obscure island-name off the Caribbean might not be financially-suitable for a twenty-something to go explore. But most big time cities in the United States have sprouted backpacker hostels in the past five to ten years, which makes travel a lot more affordable then you think. A hostel is a glorified dorm. The room I was in had four bunk beds but traveling elsewhere, depending on the popularity of the location, might elicit more beds. For example, when I stayed at a hostel in Cusco, the value dorm had eight bunk beds (and set my bank account back seven dollars a night). This hostel was about thirty dollars a night (off season). The bed was comfy, even though I was right next to the door and since I go to bed kind of early, I would say that would be my only problem. The hostel was actually the Firehouse Lounge first though, so the hostel seems to be built upward, in a small space, directly above the bar. With limited space, the beds were really cramped together. We had quite a few different roommates when we were there for three nights, but each one was respectful of our sleep and generally quiet as they moved around the dorm. For snoring, the hostel provided free earplugs at the front desk so definitely take advantage of those :) I'm under the mentality that whenever I go traveling, I'll just sleep well when I get home. That being said, you ARE staying at a hostel so you won't necessarily get a great night's sleep, but it's a safe and welcoming place to lie your head down for a few nights. Some cool additional things: the staff was friendly, free breakfast, the hostel itself was very clean, the hostel is right outside 6th street (the optimal bar scene in Austin), always a hot shower, and ample locker space (bring your own lock!) Besides not spending an arm and a leg in downtown Austin, the mindset of a hostel is quite different than a hotel. You're surrounded with deep, philosophical thinkers and like-minded individuals who share an equal desire to explore the world. You can always meet someone to hang out with at the hostel and more than likely, go bar-hopping with some interesting and cool people. If you're looking for this kind of experience, I would definitely check this place out. If you've never been at a hostel before, Firehouse Hostel is a good place to start. While you're not staying in a luxury five star hotel (please keep this in mind when staying at a hostel), Firehouse Hostel does a great job trying to match your comfort levels and accommodate your needs.

Firehouse is the first hostel I have ever stayed at and I had a wonderful experience. Each staff member I spoke to was incredibly friendly and helpful. It's right next to 6th street, so you can go check out all of the local bars. I was on the 3rd floor and did not have any issue with the noise at night, but I can't speak for the other floors. Overall, it was a great place!

very disappointed. had a reservation, showed up to see the doors completely boarded up and locked. nobody was answering the phone. we had received an email confirmation for our reservation, but NEVER received an email about the business being closed. very unprofessional.

Worst customer service I have ever had. Booked a room through their website and was charged an advance payment for it only to get there and be informed that I do not have a room and that they will not pay me back my reservation. The manager instead of admitting his fault tried to put the fault on me.

I stayed here in a private room on a Tuesday night. Not my first stay at a hostel. My biggest complaint about this place: They never pick up the phone! I tried reaching them five times before my actual stay. They leave a message stating it's best to reach them by email, so I did. No response. I finally got a call back after leaving a voicemail. I honestly think that for the most part they just let the phone ring even while at the front desk. The public hallways are not carpeted, and allows for everything to echo. Quiet hours are supposedly from midnight to 8 pm, but there were definitely drunk college kids outside my room at 2:30 am that would not stfu even after I asked politely. Finally the desk attendant addressed the issue 30 minutes or so afterward. The noise from the street and bar downstairs didn't bother me, but the activity from the hallway made for a less than peaceful night's sleep. On to the room, the shower was gross. Lots of mildew and soap scum on the shower curtain. The AC was comfortably chilly...better than 75+! The beds/pillows were pretty comfy, but don't expect high-quality linens. I would have slept well without the hallway traffic. I'm not sure if I would stay here again. But for a one-night stay, I think it's tolerable.

Great Hostel and I would definitely stay here again, but not in this room. PROS: Great location, super friendly staff, fairly clean, good breakfast CONS: can be very noisy. Do NOT stay in Room202. It is directly across from the kitchen and elevator. Noisy all day/night despite supposed quiet hours midnight to 8am., and it 's directly above the Lounge below, so added noise. The other side of the building (an prob 3rd floor) seem quieter.

My first and only trip to Austin would never have been as life-altering without this place. I was in town for the ATX TV Fest and the hostel was conveniently located beside the venue, making my ventures into the summer heat short and sweet. The people at the desk are really helpful. One guy, wish I had gotten his name, was so patient with me, answering my daily questions about local eats, pop culture trivia and the condition of his socks. There's also a swinging lounge area downstairs where you can get delicious drinks to cool down after spending too much time in the terrible Texas heat. It's located behind a bookshelf in the lobby. The lobby where the adorable guy sits and patiently answers my ludicrous questions about life, the universe and tacos. Other amenities include a helpful parking pass (extra charge, but totally worth it), delicious snacks in the kitchen, clean bathrooms and that charming guy at the reception desk. A stay here will complete your experience in Austin. It's centrally located, has everything you need and there's a Prince Charming just chilling in the lobby waiting to answer your inquiries about Tim Curry and the muppets.

My friend and I stayed in one of the private rooms here and thoroughly enjoyed our time. Our flight got in at 5am and although we couldn't check in until 3pm, the staff quickly accommodated us by allowing us to leave our bags in a locked room, and hang out and relax in their lounge. Everyone who works here was extremely helpful and fun to talk to, they also had great recommendations! The rooms were clean and the bunk beds were surprisingly comfortable. I really loved the atmosphere and will definitely be coming back!