As most budget travellers are aware, hostels have become sociable, fashionable places to stay providing high standards of accommodation and top facilities. No longer are hostels cheap bunkhouses or shelters as the dictionaries still depict.
Whether you fancy lazing by a lake-like swimming pool in Argentina or relaxing on the terraces of a courtyard house after exploring bustling Beijing, there is a new age hostel waiting for you. Hostelworld has conducted a survey into the most luxurious hostels around the world:
Hostel Inn Iguazu Falls
Where: Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
In the pristine, lake-like swimming pool you will find a full bar of refreshing beverages to both hydrate and relax thirsty travellers. There are plenty of wooden sun-beds, umbrellas for those looking to relax or volleyball courts and soccer fields available for some healthy competition. The party starts at dusk and never ends, so don’t forget your dancing shoes. You won’t want to miss the Brazilian show and BBQ night amongst music, cocktails, and a friendly international crowd. In the morning as you relax and enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast and send e-mails free of charge, the maid hurries up to your bedroom to organize and prepare for the day ahead. Life couldn’t be better!
UPDATE [27/05/2018] – this hostel is no longer available
Hilux Valencia Feet Up Hostel
Where: Valencia, Spain
A unique touch is given to this hostel, as each of the spacious balconied rooms are decorated with the contributions of imaginative local artists. Combine this with the fact that they have just ten double or twin rooms, the hostel never feels overcrowded. To maintain this energy, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to stay without guardian. The hostel is located in the heart of Valencia´s beautiful and historic Barrio El Carmen, just minutes away from the train and bus stations and a short ride from the airport. The warm and friendly staff always have plenty of time for a chat in the cool and colorful lounge or to offer advice on the best restaurants and bars to take in the vibrant and diverse nightlife that Valencia has to offer.
UPDATE [27/05/2018] – this hostel is no longer available
Peking International Youth Hostel
Where: Beijing, China
The Peking International Youth Hostel is an immaculately preserved, old courtyard house surrounded by billowing greenery and breathtaking flowers. It is located in the centre of Beijing and is a mere 5-minute walk from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. After a full day of sightseeing, tired travellers can find solace under the roof of the outside terrace, which provides a charming escape from the bustling city, as well as all the physical and mental nourishment one could need. The red cushy couches and antiquated wicker tables are the focal point of relaxing, socialising and dining. The kitchen cook prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, so you don’t have to worry about wandering all over the city to find an affordable and delicious meal. The free wireless internet and access to a library make this an ideal hostel for the hungry travelers aspiring to passionately pursue his private studies.
Peking International Youth Hostel – CLICK HERE
Jetpak Hostel
Where: Berlin, Germany
This hi-tech hostel offers all the mod cons one could ask for, with free broadband, photo upload, CD burning, wi-fi access in every room and iPod and phone charging. It has its own café and restaurant and provides table tennis, basketball, volleyball and soccer in a huge outdoor recreation area. Jetpak is an eco-friendly hostel with all power coming from 100% renewable sources. The hostel offers bright, clean rooms and truly spotless bathrooms. The large common room provides space for high speed internet, nightly big-screen movies, foosball or downtime on one of the many sofas.
UPDATE [27/05/2018] – this hostel is no longer available
Oasis Backpackers Mansion Lisboa
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
One of Europe’s best hostels in the heart of the Lisbon`s funkiest neighborhood, the Oasis is a true travellers paradise! A new generation of contemporary styled backpackers, the Oasis is perched on the ‘Miradouro do Santa Catarina’, overlooking the river and the bridge ‘Ponte 25 de Abril¨. Designed for the modern day global traveller, the Oasis offers high pressure showers, 9 inches of mattress heaven, famously gourmet yet economical dinners, Portuguese language classes, high-bow library and laundry service. This state of the art backpackers offers a superior level of comfort, cleanliness and a staff well versed in the art of backpacking.
Oasis Backpackers Mansion Lisboa – CLICK HERE
Sleepzone, The Burren
Where: Co. Clare, Ireland
Situated in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare this former 3 star hotel has reformed itself into a luxury 130 bed hostel. Each of its 22 rooms have ensuites and the hostel comes complete with a fully licensed bar, cosy lounge and even a conference centre! Just a stones throw from the infamous Cliffs of Moher, Sleepzone offers affordable luxury in one of the most picturesque settings Ireland has to offer.
Sleepzone, The Burren – CLICK HERE
Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel is a hosteller’s paradise. Each bedroom in the old Victorian building has been redesigned by the creative minds of artists and musicians – so count on having a unique sleeping experience like never before. No more scuttling conscientiously across the hallway to the communal bathrooms, each double ensuite has its own private shower and toilet. The hostel boasts an affordable lively bar and an enormous flat screen television with access to both local and international sports.
Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel – CLICK HERE
Ace Hotel
Where: Kensington, London
Located in Kensington, Central London this hotel has set a new standard for budget accommodation in the UK. Spanning across four beautiful Victorian town houses, Ace Hotel has it’s own bar, garden and hot-tub and provides the latest amenities, security and comfort for the independent traveller or anyone wishing to stay in peaceful, calm surroundings.All double rooms have their own television, bathrobes, slippers, fridge and private patio. Bunk bedded rooms have security lockers, high quality bunk beds and electronic swipe card access making them comfortable, modern and secure.
UPDATE [27/05/2018] – this hostel is no longer available
BASE Backpackers Melbourne, St Kilda
Where: Melbourne, Australia
This hostel is extra special for the female visitor, as exclusive to Base is ‘The Sanctuary,’ an innovative and luxurious ‘girls only’ floor with high quality facilities, safety and home comforts. The hostel offers all guests a unique style of hostel-living, combining state of the art facilities with a laid back vibe. Base is situated in the heart of St Kilda, yet only 15 minutes by tram from Melbourne city centre and a short walk from the famous Ackland and Fitzroy Streets,’ which are jam packed with cafes, bars and boutiques. St Kilda Beach is a five-minute walk away – a great place to chill out or get active with swimming, kite boarding, rollerblading and much more.
BASE Backpackers Melbourne, St Kilda – CLICK HERE
Oops! Hostel
Where: Paris, France
Oops! Hostel is the first ‘design hostel’ in Paris, a contemporary mixture of modern comfort and bold design strokes. The hostel’s fresh and innovative look is the creation of interior architect Philippe Maidenberg and the hostel features design decor, beautiful comfortable rooms with showers and toilets, free WI-FI, air conditioning, elevator, and handicap access. Open since September 2007, the hostel is located in the middle of three villages: Mouffetard, Chinatown and the Latin Quarter area, known worldwide for its student life in the numerous cafes, bars & restaurants, parks and galleries. With the Metro stations Place d’Italie and Les Gobelins (Lines 6, 5 & 7) only a stone’s throw away from the door, the rest of this fascinating city is yours to discover.