Crummy, loud hostels have now become a thing of the past; thanks to the on-going Luxury Hostels revolution sweeping across Europe and the rest of the world, you can now stay in a hostel and still feel like royalty. So you can forget about being cramped in a dorm room, and think big for your next Europe trip! With the hunger for genuine travel on the rise, hostels all over Europe have truly gotten their act together, and have now made it consummately simpler to have a luxury encounter on a shoestring budget plan.
Some of the finest luxury hostels across the globe have a cool social vibe joined with expressive plan designs that are usually only found in boutique inns. An eccentric component is tossed in with the general mish-mash –a quirky art exhibition, or an indoor pool, a cosy library. Because ultimately, luxury is not just characterized by lush bedding or a private bath, but by the overall experience.
From an artsy hostel in the middle of Ljubljana, to soaking in the sun on a rooftop pool in Lisbon, have a look at our list of 20 most luxurious hostels found in Europe. Because believe it or not, they’ll soon be making you forget about all those 5-star hotels!
20 TOC Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
Giving you easy excess to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and the surrounding major attractions, TOC Hostel in Barcelona is located in the beautiful neighbourhood of Eixample, and enjoys a powerful position in the shopping, tourism, and bistros hub of Barcelona. What’s more, it boasts of a terrace pool surrounded by swanky cushions and sun-beds, and unlike the standard stiff metal-framed bunk beds, TOC hostel rooms have sleeping cushions holed up behind white, wooden holed screens.
This hostel belongs to TOC group that claims to be Spain’s “coolest hostel chain”. TOC’s other two properties are in Madrid and Seville, which are worth a visit, too!
19 Czech Inn, Prague, Czech Republic
Unconventional, historical, epicurean and sarcastic, Prague dazzles its guests; and charms them at the same time. The Czech Inn possesses a perfectly re-established nineteenth century building 1.5 km from the historical central point of Prague, which includes classy rooms, a brick basement bar and free WiFi in public areas.
A warm breakfast buffet is served every day in the brick cellar. At night, the bar includes live entertainment, light snacks and of course, Happy Hour! You’ll be hopelessly enamoured with Czech Inn, with its oak floors, and boutique décor. The hostel offers a variety of lodging options, from standard hostel dorm rooms to value-for-money doubles (en-suite and non-ensuite), as well as apartments.
18 Plus Hostel Berlin, Germany
A magnificent indoor pool at hostel prices? Count me in! Plus Berlin is perfectly located for those looking to explore Berlin's way of life on foot; it's set close to the East Side Gallery and just between the shopping, nightlife, and art districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. What's more, the reasons why Plus Hostel Berlin is amazing doesn't stop there: there are free yoga classes, fast wi-fi, a sauna and a beautiful courtyard in the hostel premises. It is aptly categorized as a hotel/hostel and offers its guests lively dorm rooms as well as uniquely designed private rooms.
17 Lavender Circus, Budapest, Hungary
Prettily located in a 19th century building with antique furniture and trinkets sprinkled all over, Budapest’s Lavender Circus is a vintage yet bohemian abode right in the centre of the city. Each room has been decorated and designed exclusively by sculptors, graphic designers, and painters, giving you the suspicion that you’ve just entered an eccentric wanderer’s home!
You’ll always find free coffee and tea in the charming common room, and make sure to ask the lovely Lavender staff about the Hungarian dinner parties. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow travellers over a Hungarian wine! Take your pick of rooms from a two-bedroom apartment to a private room or a cosy bed in the dorm room.
16 Les Piaules, Paris, France
While Paris has a range of good hostels to choose from, Les Piaules, located in the trendy neighbourhood of Belleville, is definitely one to look out for. The hostel was recently opened by three young Parisians in a fully renovated art-deco building, and is the ideal stopover for millennials keen to make the most of the adjacent nightlife. And if nightclub isn’t your scene, Les Piaules’s rooftop terrace offers terrific views of Paris’ iconic monuments.
Additionally, there’s free wi-fi and late checkout (until 12 am). The dorm bunks are custom made, each having its own reading light, power plug curtains, and private locker for your valuables.
15 Generator Hostel, Amsterdam, Netherland
Housed in the University of Amsterdam’s former zoological department, Generator Amsterdam overlooks the beautiful Oosterpark, and is one the biggest hostels in Amsterdam! Coming from the famous chain of Generator Hostels, this hostel justly pays homage to its former purpose; it has three unique social spaces; a huge outdoor terrace that offers everything from light snacks and salads, to pizza and sandwiches, an auditorium-turned bar, and an old library that has cosy seating arrangements.
With private bedrooms that have plush double beds and floor-to-ceiling windows, and chic dorm rooms, Generator Amsterdam can easily accommodate over 500 guests, that’s how huge it is!
14 KEX Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland
Built on an organic concept that flawlessly blends with vintage industrialization and a contemporary touch, KEX hostel is located in downtown Reykjavik, just a few minutes away (by walk) from the main shopping street, the city centre, the harbour, the main bus terminal, and more. The Icelanders are known for their quirky sense of humour. Did you know that “Kex” is the Icelandic word for biscuits? The hostel was an old biscuit factory, and hence its said name. Are you chuckling yet?
13 The Beehive, Rome, Italy
Located in the midst of Rome’s bustling centre, The Beehive is Rome’s answer to homeliness and luxury in the same line. The hostel was built in 1999 by an American couple who fell in love with the Italian city and decided to move here for good. The hostel offers dorm beds, en-suite private rooms on a budget and deluxe rooms with a separate bathroom.
Some rooms also come with self-catering kitchens. Beehive owners Linda and Steve believe in an eco-friendly hostel, and ensure that their personal values reflect on this eco-conscious hotel/hostel.
12 Sunset Destination Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
A stay at Sunset Destination Hostel is certain to be quite sweet. Apart from the genuinely standard hostel facilities like free Wi-Fi, a common lounge, and a shared kitchen, Sunset Destination Hostel also features a rooftop with stunning views, a swimming pool, a lavish garden, and a fabulous on-site bar/bistro. Go to the bar for the amazing sunset view, and you'll additionally get a free drink. Rooms are comfortable and you also get plenty of privacy in the dorms.
This is a standout amongst other hostels in Lisbon, and guess what? It is located right inside Cais do Sodré Train and Metro Station. You couldn’t ask for a location more central than Sunset Destination in Lisbon!
11 Celica Hostel, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Celica Hostel is a previous military jail that’s been masterfully changed into a youth hostel. It is situated in the heart of Ljubljana, only a 5-minute stroll from the primary train and bus station. A building that once used to restrain an individual's freedom is presently an open multicultural mixture of explorers and guests from everywhere throughout the world. Celica, which translates to "cell" in Slovene language, invites visitors of all ages in 20 unique and novel cells that have been artistically transformed into private and dorm rooms.
10 Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage, London, UK
England’s capital has its own one-of-a kind 5 Star Hostel. The Palmers Lodge in Swiss Cottage is housed in a Victorian grade II building. This charming mansion has quite a few social zones to hang out in, and a knight in shining armour watching the lobby. The hostel has a distinctive Victorian English atmosphere, reminiscent of its past glory, and the staff is known to be very helpful and knowledgeable. Palmers Lodge offers twin rooms, a private stay with a bunk bed and bedroom with double beds. Even their bunk beds give you curtains to ensure your privacy.
9 Backpackers Villa, Interlaken, Switzerland
Fittingly situated in the sports capital of Europe, the Backpackers Villa is cosy, clean and gives you easy access to the Interlaken’s famous hiking trails. It is also a few minutes stroll to Interlaken-West train station, Lake Brienz and a short hike to St. Beatus Caves. This alpine chalet is perfect for adventures as well as adrenalin-loving couples.
It has free-wi-fi, personal lockers and private balconies for upgraded rooms. But the most romantic rooms you would find are the ones that offer astonishing views of Jungfrau – one of Europe’s tallest peaks.
8 Swanky Mint Hostel, Zagreb, Croatia
Occupied in a former dry-cleaner and textile-dye workshop that dates back to 1887, Swanky Mint Hostel is a stylish, boutique hostel right in the heart of Zagreb. It boasts of adorable private rooms, dormitories and a bar on a sun-soaked leafy terrace, which is an ideal meeting place for fellow travellers. Cool yet simple, this design hostel has a particular modern look, with brickwork, uncovered pipes and steel I-shafts, mellowed by the utilization of chipboard and bungled up-cycled furniture. Zagreb’s main shopping street is a stone’s throw away, and the train station is a mere 15 minute walk away.
7 Generator, Copenhagen, Denmark
Another Generator hostel on the list, the Gen Copenhagen hostel is a six-story building that highlights 662 beds, more than 175 rooms, a blend of shared accommodation, and double bed private rooms for those who are past the explorer's life. The smart interior joins bright furniture, and elaborate lighting to make a cheery chic atmosphere.
Have a drink in the ritzy bar, and pristine bistro, before retiring for the day in your shared or private room. Reviews boasts the rooms of Gen Copenhagen are superbly clean, and the place is comfortable for families and solo travellers alike.
6 Isaacs Hostel, Dublin, Ireland
Promoting itself as the friendliest and most centrally located backpacker hostel in Dublin, Isaacs Hostel is housed in a former 19th century wine house and has character to boot. Over that, it's super modest in price. But don't stress, those costs don't mean you'll stay in a dump! It also has a super warm and friendly atmosphere, plenty of socializing opportunities, great facilities, and they even offer free breakfast, walking tours, and live music for guests. Oh, and there is a Sauna. Yeah, you read that right, Isaacs Hostel has a sauna for guests. Something we’ve never seen in any other hostel!
5 Meininger Hotel Brussels City Centre, Brussels, Belgium
Decked out in comic book theme all through, Brussels’ Meininger Hostel is one of the coolest hostels you're probably going to see. Also, similar to all great Meininger properties, its location is difficult to beat. It's only 300m from the Porte de Flandre, and 15 minutes from Grand Place, Brussels’ central square.
The place doesn't hold back on highlights either. The bar is the ideal place to meet kindred minds or you can bond over a pool game or try some Belgium dishes in the fully equipped kitchen. All dorms and private rooms come with their own bathroom.
4 Skanstulls Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Skanstulls Hostel is situated in Sofo, the social focus of Stockholm with numerous exhibitions, unique bars and live events. The inn is culturally diverse, making it the best place to be for foreign explorers. The hostel’s funky and spacious kitchen is one of its best traits and is an ideal place to socialize with fellow lodgers.
Each of Skanstulls’ beds, whether in the dormitory or private room, come with their own security lockers and lamps. The impact of the hostel’s central is obvious by the Skanstulls Hostel’s design, which generates a cosy and creative atmosphere and makes it one of the finest hostels to be found in Stockholm.
3 City Circus, Athens, Greece
City Circus is a shiny new comfortable inn with 11 rooms, fit to accommodate all types of travellers at a sensible cost. The owners have re-established the wooden floors and painted roofs in this neo-classical building and after that dressed it up with collectibles, wall art by local artists and retro furniture. Overlooking the cool Psirri neighbourhood as a scenery, the hostel is ideal for exploring, fun as well as some tranquillity, should you prefer that. The hostel offers en-suite double or twin bedrooms, as well as spacious dormitories, all of which are fully air-conditioned.
2 Casa Gracia, Barcelona, Spain
The enchanting Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel is a popular choice among artists and like-minded creatives, thanks to its laid-back environment and an idyllic location in the core of the city. The splendid interior décor is recognized by a bohemian vibe and tasteful sophistication. A cutting edge common kitchen and trendy porch area rooftop views are perfect venues to make new friends.
Settled in an elegant building on a leafy, green road, this chic hostel is a 2 kilometres-walk from the shops and eateries of Plaça de Catalunya, and only 2 minutes away from Diagonal metro station. What’s more, Casa Gracia also offers daily yoga classes to its guests!
1 Plas Curig Hostel, Snowdonia, Wales
The perfect getaway for dreamers and adventurists alike, The Rocks at Plas Curig is perched in the beautiful town of Capel Curig at the foot of Snowdonia in Wales. The hostel is in a Victorian farmhouse, and is a family-run inn that offers fantastic views of the Moel Siabod mountain. But outside views are not all that it offers, the lodging’s interior décor is incredible with warm colours and soft lighting, giving you a tranquil, happy ambience even on rainy days (which are abundant here). No wonder Plas Curig has been called the UK’s best hostel by many awe-struck travellers!