It’s often thought that choosing to stay in a hostel over a hotel is choosing to trade luxury for affordability. While that may be true in some establishments, there are several hostels around the world that are even better than your average hotel. There’s no trade necessary. It’s a win-win!
Many of the world’s most beloved and famous hostels offer amenities and perks that hotels can’t, including the organization of social events and authentic homemade local food. Keep reading to find out about these 10 hostels around the world that might be better than a real hotel.
10 Plus Hostel, Germany
One of the most positively reviewed hostels in Berlin is Plus Hostel, which is famous for its luxe pool. Often appearing on Instagram, Plus Hostel is all about adding that extra dose of luxury to the guest experience.
Conde Nast Traveler names Plus Hostel as one of its favorite luxury hostels to stay at because of the fantastic amenities on offer, in addition to the activities available. There are weekly yoga classes that guests can attend after they’ve visited the sauna, before heading up to the rooftop bar for a drink.
9 Option Be Hostel, Spain
Located in Córdoba, Spain, Option Be Hostel is a great choice for those looking for a lavish experience without wanting to fork out the money for five-star accommodation. Here you’ll find a roof terrace with a plunge pool, minimalist interior designs, and included breakfast. The hostel is located centrally, within walking distance of several local points of interest.
The Guardian also points out that Option Be Hostel also serves drinks and tapas every evening from 8:30 p.m., to give guests a chance to mingle with guests from its sister hotel Bed and Be.
8 The Bowery House, U.S.A.
The Bowery House has to be one of the most loved hostels, not just in New York City, but in the whole world. You really don’t feel like you’re staying at a hostel here—more like a high-end hotel. The interior is brimming with style—think mahogany bars and couches of expensive leather. There’s also a rooftop garden for when you want to enjoy that New York air.
Travelers have revealed that the rooms are a little squashed, but when you’re staying anywhere in New York City, that’s to be expected.
7 M Montreal, Canada
M Montreal is where the contemporary meets the traditional. This popular hostel is set in a historic building but the interior is anything but dated. The rooms feature several amenities that you just don’t find at regular hostels, including wide-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms. There is also plenty of space to hang your clothes so you don’t have to leave them folded in your suitcase.
One of the best things about M Montreal, according to Cosmopolitan, is its prime location. Only a short walk from Berr-UQAM station, it’s a super convenient place to base yourself in Montreal.
6 Rocking J’s, Costa Rica
The Costa Rican Rocking J’s might not resemble a five-star hotel, but the experience that you’ll have here will be better than what most hotels around the world could dream of giving you. As Nomadic Matt explains, the best part about Rocking J’s is its location in front of a tropical beach.
In terms of accommodation, you can choose to stay in a private room or stay in hammocks. Lots of parting goes on here, and the food on offer is said to be one of the high points.
5 St. Briavels Castle, England
Why stay at a hotel when you can stay in a real castle for the price of a hostel? St. Briavels is located in Gloucestershire and is an authentic medieval building dating back 800 years. It might not have all the amenities of a resort, but it will offer you the experience of a lifetime.
Feel like royalty in the picturesque courtyard and as you stroll through the walled garden on the property. According to BuzzFeed, St. Briavels Castle was used by King John in the 13th century as a hunting lodge.
4 The Roadhouse, Czech Republic
Generally speaking, newer hostels have a cleaner and fresher feel that older hostels can sometimes lose over the years. You don’t have to worry about the Roadhouse in Prague feeling outdated. This popular hostel only opened in August of 2017.
Aside from looking stylish enough to pass as a hotel, the Roadhouse is also equipped with several features that many other hostels don’t offer. Here you’ll get your own shelf and reading light, as well as an electrical outlet and privacy curtain. Best of all, there is plenty of lockable storage space for your belongings.
3 Rodamón Riad, Morocco
You definitely won’t feel like you’re staying in a hostel at the Rodamón Riad in Marrakech. Surrounded by traditional Moroccan architecture, mosaicked tiles, and a pool reminiscent of paradise, you’ll think you’ve landed in a royal palace!
Travelers love the rooftop bar at the Rodamón Riad, not just because of the drinks and parties, but because of the amazing vistas. You’ll be able to take in sweeping vistas of the Koutoubia Mosque as well as the Atlas Mountains and the nearby souks. According to Stylist, the Rodamón Riad is one of the world’s top 10 beautiful hostels.
2 Under The Coconut Tree, Vietnam
Under the Coconut Tree in Hoi An, Vietnam is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Escape from your busy life with a quiet beach at your doorstep, often hosting bonfires at night. You’ll be able to choose whether you stay in a beach hut bungalow or a regular dorm. Just so you know, the bungalows are the ultimate lavish experience.
The hostel serves delicious homemade food that you’ll become addicted to and is in a prime location that will allow you to explore the nearby area.
1 Gallery Hostel, Portugal
A hostel combined with an art gallery? Yes, please! The Gallery Hostel in Porto, Portugal has several features that will keep guests returning time and time again. There is so much here that you won’t get at a hotel, including homemade Portuguese dishes, free after-dinner drinks, a backyard, and staff members determined to get everyone together.
On the walls of the hostel, you’ll find stunning pieces of art for sale. Many of them are completed by local artists, although they might set you back a few too many euros if you’re traveling on a budget.