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Europe has many kinds of hostels and they are not necessarily the cheap backpacker places one may associate hostels with. Europe has a very large backpacking culture, and it has a very diverse range of hostels for those backpackers. There are female-only hostels, prison-turned museum/hostels, party hostels, boutique hostels, and everything in between.
One of the main draws of hostels is the electric and friendly vibe found in hostels. This makes them excellent for solo travelers. Sometimes travelers want to stay in hostels only for the vibe with costs being secondary. Some travelers are happy to have an upmarket and boutique hostel that doesn't actually save money. Instead, they want the awesome social atmosphere these hostels offer while traveling.
The Luxury Hostels Of Europe
Hostels are not just about cheap accommodation - in fact, it is often cheaper to stay in a hotel or guest house than in a private room of a hostel.
Europe has some surprisingly upmarket hostels that may seriously change the way one thinks about hostel accommodation. Hostelworld.com lists out some of the most stunning hostel options around the continent. And one will be blown away by how innovative and imaginative some hostels can get.
Examples Of Unusual Hostels In Europe:
- Vienna Boutique Hostel: Vienna
- Jumbo Stay: Stockholm
- Celica Hostel: Slovenia
- Casa Kessler: Barcelona
- Lavender Circus: Budapest
- The 3 Ducks Boutique Hostel: Paris
- Sir Toby's Hostel: Prague
Just think of staying in a Jumbo jet hostel in Stockholm in an old Boeing 747 or staying in an old political prison in Slovenia. The political prison is now an artistic hostel and is also a symbol for the small country of Slovenia to move forward from a sometimes troubled past. The rooms one stays in are called "cells" and have been artistically decorated.
Vienna Boutique Hostel
One example of a boutique hostel is in Vienna - called Vienna Boutique Hostel. This hostel is located only around a mile from Vienna's impressive Museum of Natural History and other eye-catching imperial monuments.
The hostel is charming with homely furnishings and comfortable carpets. Vienna Boutique Hostel is not one's average hostel and has been designed to the highest standards of Vienna's charm. It was before more of a boutique guesthouse but now has been re-imagined as a boutique hostel.
The hostel has a selection of private rooms and dormitory options. The private rooms have ensuite bathrooms while the dormitories have premium beds with plenty of space, a curtain, a plug, dimmable lights, and 2x USB ports. The dorms are limited to having only three, four, or six beds.
Vienna Boutique Hostel is a great option for solo travelers traveling for the first time looking for a safe and comfortable stay. The hostel is also small and so guests will not get overwhelmed by other guests. It offers a piece of both worlds between the impersonal atmosphere of a hotel and the sometimes suffocating social atmosphere of a party hostel.
- Breakfast: Not Included
- Rating: 9.7 "Superb" On Hostelworld
- Private Room: From $100.00
- Dorm Bed: From $40.00
Stay At Boutique Hostels Around The World
Beyond Europe, there are hostels (sometimes called "the backpackers") around the world that seem more like a resort than a hostel. If one is planning to go to Kenya and relax on their stunning tropical beaches, then stay at Distance Relatives in Kilifi.
Distance Relatives is an eco-style resort-like hostel with a bar, private bungalows, dorm bungalows, a swimming pool, access to the beach, and a super chill vibe. It is also one of the sought-after weekend party locations for Kenyans.
Other snazzy hostels can be found all around the world Bali is getting its first custom-designed CoWorking hostel. It is complete with a restaurant, co-working space, a swimming pool, and more. It is a great example of a hostel made for remote workers and backpackers alike.
Czech Inn in Prague is another odd hostel. It has plenty of respectable accommodation - but also a 36-bed dorm in the cellar with no windows and little ventilation (just imagine). It also has a stunning underground bar complete with a stage and theater for concerts and other performances.
If one would like the opposite and find a hostel that proudly embraces all the worst images of hostel life, stay at Hans Brinker Hostel - the self-styled "worst hostel in the world."