Today’s hostels have private bathrooms; they have luxury common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, free internet access and incredible views over their surroundings. They’ve been beautifully designed with the customer in mind, and often the environment too. Some might call them ‘boutique hostels’, but at HostelBookers.com we like ‘designer hostels’ and here’s a few of our favourites…
Chicago, USA
The Chicago Getaway Hostel is one of our top designer youth hostels in Chicago. Take comfort in the style and modern design from just €23.47pppn, and you’ll be in a top location too. Enjoy the common areas, gourmet kitchen and the outdoor patio too – they make for a great environment and it’s just a short walk to the top beaches, bars and restaurants. There’s always some excitement here, with free BBQs, pub crawls and tours.
Cape Town, South Africa
The Backpack & Africa Centre is hot on Fair Trade policy and offers guests the opportunity to volunteer to work on local projects. Thanks to the onsite café the place is buzzing and the atmosphere was recognised by guests in the annual HostelBookers Awards for Excellence. There’s also a swimming pool and outdoor lounge in the shadow of magnificent Table Mountain. Some rooms have en-suites and there are also private electronic safes and an in-house ATM too. Shared dorms start from €12.77pppn and private rooms from €25.05pppn.
Santiago, Chile
The Princesa Insolente Hostel is decorated with the latest furnishings in a bohemian neighbourhood in Santiago. It’s the perfect place to chill out in a relaxed and fun surroundings with an onsite travel agency so you won’t have to go far to sort out your onward travel. The rooms – all with big mattresses and no bunk beds – surround a candlelit courtyard complete with a bar for drinks under the stars. The brightly painted frontage has earthy wooden touches throughout and pretty native dried flowers arrangements dangling from the rafters. Shared dorms start from €11.11pppn and private rooms from €57.12pppn.
Reykjavik, Iceland
KEX Hostel is one of the coolest and best designed hostels at HostelBookers. This incredible hostel is housed in a former biscuit factory in Reykjavik’s most lively and exciting cultural quarter. The restoration journey has been lovingly photographed and you’ll be amazed at the transformation process into what it is today. You’ll find guests and locals alike in the uber chic bar or chilling out on the heated patio area using the free Wi-Fi. Shared dorms start from €20.26pppn and private dorms from €45.58pppn.
Sydney, Australia
Fancy soaking up Sydney’s spectacular skyline from a hip hostel roof terrace? Then you need Bounce Sydney in your life. The designer hostel is located right opposite Central Station in Surry Hills. It’s a great location if you’re into bars, restaurants and super cool nightlife. There’s a BBQ and cabana up on the roof terrace – perfect if you’ve caught a few too many Aussie rays at the nearby Bondi Beach. Wi-Fi is available and lockers complete with power points too. Shared dorms start from €24.15pppn and private rooms from €34.48pppn.
Want more? Check out these beautifully designed hostels around the world on the HostelBookers Blog.
