Travelers need a comfortable bed, but many seek unique experiences to share with friends, family, and followers back home. These days the lines are blurred between hotels, private dwellings, and fantasy destinations. The word 'hostel' no longer suggests the cheap and spartan shared dormitories. From being located in some of the most desirable locations around the world, creatively serve up themed accommodations, to extra amenities designed to charm, the right hostel can be a thrilling dig for all classes of travel.
01 Hostel Tresor - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Built in a 19th-century bank smack in the center of Ljubljana's cobbled Old town area, Hostel Tresor draws budget travelers to explore the many unsung wonders of Slovenia. Steps from Presēren Square and the Three Bridges crossing the Ljubljana River, this hostel has all the conveniences plus a superb location close to bus and train transport for moving on.
02 Jumbo Stay - Stockholm, Sweden
Aviation buffs will love to stay at this iconic hostel, which is a de-commissioned 747-200 Jumbo jet. Located at Stockholm's Arlanda airport, Jumbo Stay boasts a café and bar as well as a wing-walk observation deck, unique dormitories, and private sleeping areas. If you book early enough, the luxurious Cockpit Suite offers panoramic views of nearby runways.
03 HI Jail Hostel - Ottawa, Canada
Dating from the 1800s, this former stone jail has a dark and violent past. Retro-fitted to be a comfortable urban launch pad for the delights of Canada's capital city, the Nicolas Street Jail has retained its original footprint and interior details such as cell bars and steel doors. For those with a morbid fascination for penal history, there are daily tours of the jail, including the former Death Row.
04 MET A Space Pod - Singapore
At two locations, in Singapore's Chinatown and on Boat Key next to the Singapore river, visitors to this modern city can spend the night in a space capsule-themed hostel with all the comforts of home. Sleep in a private space pod equipped with individual AC and ventilation controls, a charging station, and a mini fire extinguisher. Or socialize in the shared facilities, which includes desk workspaces and spotless communal bathrooms.
05 Traveller's Cave Pension – Cappadocia, Turkey
Cool stone caves built into the hillsides have been home to the residents of Cappadoccia, Turkey, for millennia. The Traveller's Cave Pension welcomes guests to grotto-like rooms with luxurious architectural touches and cozy lighting. Some have panoramic views of the famous nearby cliffs and a sky filled with hot air balloons. The hostel also boasts 5-star common areas and terraces and has an extensive list of activities and tours to choose from.
06 Book and Bed – Tokyo, Japan
Bibliophiles will feel right at home at Tokyo's Book and Bed. Accommodations at this popular hostel in Shinjuku or Ikebukuro are tucked behind and around bookshelves laden with all manner of reading material in many languages. Private rooms are cubby holes that include a book light, wifi, and outlets. Some require a ladder to get to, and the communal areas include lots of space to curl up. Travelers to Japan should note there are Book and Beds in Kyoto and Fukuoka as well.
07 Casa Elemento – Minca, Colombia
Colombia is one of the world's best destinations these days for inexpensive independent travel. If you head to the lush rainforests and mountains of the north, don't miss Minca—a tiny mountain town that's home to a breathtakingly located hostel called Casa Elemento. After exploring the great hikes in the vicinity, you can finish your day off by crashing in a hammock surrounded by epic views of nearby Los Pinos come sunset. The hostel has a slackline, a bar, and billiards tables.
08 Bayrams Treehouses - Olympos, Turkey
Along Turkey's Mediterranean coast is Bayrams Treehouses, a unique hostel near Olympos. There is little development in this protected area of natural beauty, so the surrounding views are just lush forests, sheltered beaches, and soaring cliff faces. This beautiful hostel has private bungalows, treehouse dorms, and a great outdoor patio and restaurant. There is also a nearby beach for soaking up the sun and rock-climbing.
09 Railway Square YHA – Sydney, Australia
Platform Zero at Sydney's Central Station is home to the transportation-themed Railway Square YHA. The hostel is a mix of shared and private rooms, most of which were built from de-commissioned railway cars. Glimpse Sydney's skyline from the communal roof terrace or cook up a storm in the communal kitchen. There is also an on-site snack bar and nightly food specials serving up everything from discount meatballs to nasi goreng.
10 Hotel Costa Verde – Quepos, Costa Rica
The tropical rainforest surrounds Hotel Costa Verde, a quirky hostel within striking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park and Costa Rica's sprawling Pacific beaches. People come here for more than the natural scenery, as this backpacker's hotel is built around the remains of a Boeing 727 fuselage jutting from the forest canopy. There are 70 less dramatic but equally comfortable rooms scattered across the property, which also hosts weddings on its Helipad deck.
11 St. Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire, UK
If you've dreamed of sleeping in an 800-year-old castle, St. Briavels awaits your arrival. The castle has 60 beds in nine separate bedrooms, a chapel that has been converted into a lounge area, and several social spaces. Dine feast-style in the spacious, candle-lit, tapestry-lined banqueting hall in front of a massive fireplace. Outside the castle, explore the archaeologically preserved grounds. Relax in the peaceful walled garden and courtyard, or test your skills at the archery range. You won't find a television room here, but there is free Wi-Fi, plus live music events and Shakespearean plays.
12 Kadir's Tree House, Kumluca, Turkey
Just a short 15-minute walk from the Olympos Ruins and a mile from sandy, Mediterranean beaches in southern Turkey, Kadir's Tree House is a budget-friendly option for thrifty travelers. Kumluca is filled with spectacular natural beauty and historic landmarks. With amenities like a daily breakfast buffet, bars and lounges, private balconies, a variety of dining options, and laundry services, Kadir's provides comfortable yet humble accommodations along with options for campsites, tree houses, or en suites.
13 KEX Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland
Often appearing on lists as one of the world's best cities, Reykjavik has sensational nightlife and a top-rated arts scene. It doesn't hurt that there are natural wonders here. Outdoor lovers can explore hot geysers, warm lagoons, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. The KEX social hostel sits in the middle of the city, and the main shopping district and harbor is within walking distance. Using salvaged materials and repurposed objects, entrepreneurs refurbished this former old biscuit factory, creating dorms and rooms for more than 200 guests adding a wide array of comfortable amenities.
14 Lub D Hostels, Bangkok, Thailand
This hostel in Bangkok belongs to the Lub D chain of hostels located throughout the country. Choose from private rooms with two twin beds or a single, double bed, or a shared mixed or ladies dorm-style room with two bunk beds. Bangkok is a fascinating city with a beautifully balanced blend of ancient and modern cultural experiences. The city is not only a well-known party hub but also a respected wellness locale. The Lub D hostel provides guests with an outdoor beer garden, a computer station, and social space.
15 Gyreum Ecolodge, Sligo, Ireland
The coastal seaport of Sligo, in northwest Ireland, is home to some of the most picturesque and spectacular natural settings in the country. Mountains surround the area, and the rugged landscape rivals more touristy areas like Killarney, but without all the extra bodies roaming about. Eco Lodge is not just part of the hostel's name. It also describes its green energy use of geothermal and sunlight heating systems and recycled rainwater showering facilities. The home-cooked meals include fresh veggies and greens harvested from the on-site garden.
16 Asahi Plaza, Osaka, Japan
Pod hotels are a Japanese creation, and the Asahi is one of its shining examples. You'll find the basics here — a climate-controlled compartment with a bed, Wi-Fi, a fridge, and an electric kettle. But, there are some delightful amenities available, including a sauna, jacuzzi, game room, comic book room, and other communal spaces. The hostel is just a five-minute walk from the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade as well as Amerikamura, an entertainment area that extends from Nagahori Street to Dotombori.
17 Home Lisbon Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
A 200-year-old building in the Baixa neighborhood houses this highly rated hostel. Cozy comfort is the best way to describe it, not only for the decor but the delicious meals served here. The social spaces are great places to meet other travelers, whether it's in the on-site bar, library, or chillout room. It's an excellent base for your Lisbon adventure, a city full of stunning views, historic neighborhoods and architecture, vibrant nightlife, and loads of tantalizing eateries.
18 Dreamcatcher Hostel, Golden, BC, Canada
Many hostels offer a maximum three-day stay. But the Dreamcatcher books extended stays for two weeks or more during the winter months, providing you plenty of time to explore this magical area in the Canadian Rockies. Private en suites are available, but frugal travelers can choose dorm beds at a cost that won't gobble up your getaway budget. There's no shortage of excellent eateries in the neighborhood and lots of sled boarding, snowmobiling, skiing, and other winter sports.
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