There once was a time when hostels were cheap, miserable, and served a very basic function. They were the last-ditch resort of the poor and weary traveller – nothing more. But now a new phenomenon of luxury hostels has arrived on the global travel scene, offering guests 5* luxury at backpacker prices.
Check yourself into one of our top eight hostels that look like hotels, and you’ll never want to leave.
Kex Hostel, Reykjavik
Kex Hostel wins the prize hands down for looking the most like a boutique hotel.
With a painfully stylish bar, furniture made from reclaimed materials, and an old school gym, we’d happily set up shop here.
The Pod Hotel, New York City
A luxury hostel masquerading as a boutique hotel, The Pod Hotel is now thriving in two Manhattan locations – the original pod51, and the newer pod39 – both of which offer bunk pod rooms for the budget traveller.
Think sleek lines and minimalist décor in the bedrooms, and kitsch Mexicana in the lounge. Ideal.
Downtown Beds, Mexico City
Set in the heart of Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Downtown Beds embodies urban cool.
Whether you choose to chill at the stylish poolside, drink on the beer patio, or watch a film in the cinema à la carte, this place feels more like a trendy members club than a backpackers’ hangout.
Pfefferbett, Berlin
It’s unreal how effortlessly cool the Berlin hostel scene is, even without the help of Pfefferbett.
Located in the über trendy district of Prenzlauer Berg, this former 19th century brewery has been converted into the ultimate hipster hangout, pairing industrial vaulted brick ceilings with chic modern décor.
The Gershwin Hotel, New York City
Styling itself as a hotel rather than a hostel, The Gershwin Hotel has a combination of private and dorm-style rooms on the second floor.
The artistic blood-red façade is hung with extraordinary giant teardrop sculptures, while the onsite Birch Coffee specialises in bird-friendly coffees and teas. Talk about niche.
U Hostel, Madrid
The first luxury hostel in Madrid, U Hostels is stylishly furnished with leather button-backed sofas, vintage reclaimed coffee tables, and whitewashed walls.
Luxury facilities include a cinema, library, rooftop bar and chill out zone. What more could you want?
Plus Florence, Florence
We all know how unbearably hot Florence gets during the summer months, as the sun bakes down on the arid cobble streets. Escape the urban desert and seek oasis at Plus Florence, where you can cool off in their refreshing outdoor pool.
There’s also an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath and steam room. Forget hotel – luxury spa, anyone?
Mosaic House, Prague
Nothing special from the outside, perhaps – but never judge a hostel by its cover. Mosaic House is a luxury design and music hostel that has won eons of awards and certificates since it opened in 2010.
This place offers a combination of shared and private rooms, each with air conditioning and rainforest showers, while the music bar and lounge showcases free music every night.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
(Featured image © U Hostel)
