The word “hostel” and “luxury” might seem like an uncommon pairing at first sight, but dig deeper and you’ll discover a new crop of chic hostels on the market. Pairing wallet-friendly prices with rooftop pools, private suites and trendy restaurants and bars, these are the most luxurious backpacker hostels around the world.
1. KEX Hostel – Reykjavik, Iceland
KEX Hostel is housed in an old biscuit factory in downtown Reykjavik, steps from the city’s cafes, museums, shops and bars. Dine like a Viking at the on-site gastropub, Sæmundur, or mingle with fellow travellers over a frosty pint of local lager at DRINX bar.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a breakfast buffet every morning or head to the old-fashioned barbershop on site for a fresh cut. Want to watch live sports? Gym & Tonic is a multipurpose venue with a movie theatre and punching bag. When it’s time to rest, Single, Double and Twin rooms are available in addition to mixed dorms and Family rooms.
2. Grand Ferdinand – Vienna, Austria
Offering Dorm Room prices with 5-star luxuries, Grand Ferdinand is 500 metres from the Wien Museum. Enjoy the perks of a luxury hotel without paying the hefty prices, including a beautiful rooftop pool, exercise room and tropical garden with a courtyard.
Admire Vienna’s rooftops over dinner at the refined Grand Étage, which serves decadent desserts and three-course meals. Retreat to your mahogany bunk bed with air-conditioning, personal lockers and rainfall showers all included for as little as $34 a night.
3. Swanky Mint Hostel – Zagreb, Croatia
Swanky Mint Hostel is set in a former 19th-century textile factory in Zagreb, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Museum of Broken Relationships. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome shot in Swanky Monkey Garden, which features two separate bars, live music and multiple terraces overlooking the forest.
Relax by the outdoor pool or rent a bike to explore the area. The on-site travel agency is also available for booking excursions to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The variety of accommodation ranges from dorm and private rooms to spacious studio apartments, which all have complimentary Wi-Fi, linens, towels and lockers.
4. Generator Paris – Paris, France
Featuring a colourful design, Generator Paris is located in the 10th Arrondissement a few steps from Buttes-Chaumont Park. On the ground floor, kick back at Cafe Fabien, which has a canteen and conservatory overlooking a garden.
Climb down the curved staircase to discover the vaulted ceilings of Le Club, inspired by the Paris Metro, or head to the 9th floor for Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre views at Khayma Rooftop. Choose from Small, Large or Female Shared rooms or upgrade to a Premium Terrace Twin for an open terrace with city views.
5. Freehand Miami – Miami, Florida, USA
Just one block from the beach, Freehand Miami boasts a swimming pool, outdoor garden, complimentary iced coffee and a packed calendar of events. Join Sunday Brunch or Saturday Morning Detox Yoga, then enjoy creative dishes at 27 Restaurant or handcrafted cocktails at Broken Shaker.
You’ll find built-in privacy screens in the Super 8 shared dorms, twin-sized bunk beds in the Bungalow and a mini bar and refrigerator in the King. Couples will appreciate the King Suite’s separate living room area, king-size bed and flat-screen TV.
6. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – Interlaken, Switzerland
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof boasts mixed dorms and private rooms housed in a traditional alpine chalet. While its biggest allure is the stunning Interlaken views, the hotel wins travellers over with its outdoor swimming pool, private lockers, self-catering kitchen and travel discounts.
Take advantage of the hostel’s free local bus pass, 24-hour laundry facilities and exclusive deals with three nearby restaurants. Intrepid backpackers can sign up for paragliding, sky diving or a train ride up to Jungfraujoch. The hostel is also environmentally friendly with solar panels and an automatic airing system.
7. Plus Berlin – Berlin, Germany
Plus Berlin offers private and shared rooms for budget travellers 10 minutes’ walk from the East Side Gallery. Accommodation comprises Twin, Double and Triple Deluxe rooms, which include TVs, air conditioning and private bathrooms, so no awkward run-ins late at night with fellow travellers.
Start your day with a hearty all-you-can-eat breakfast, then tuck into Italian and German cuisine at Opera Bar & Restaurant for dinner. At night, the bar’s signature cocktails are the perfect garnish for some socialising. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s also an outdoor pool and sauna.
8. Freehand Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California, USA
Freehand Los Angeles is housed in a historic Commercial Exchange building in downtown Los Angeles. It doesn’t matter if you’re solo or hanging with the crew, you’ll find spacious suites, premium hotel rooms and shared dorms to suit your needs.
We wouldn’t blame you if you came for the food. We’re talking Nicaraguan coffee at Cafe Integral, Latin cuisine at The Exchange Restaurant and the rooftop oasis and bar, Broken Shaker. Sip on tea-infused cocktails at Rudolph’s Bar & Tea, sunbathe at the rooftop pool or catch a Los Angeles Lakers game five minutes away at Staples Center.
9. TOC Barcelona – Barcelona, Spain
The hi-tech rooms at TOC Barcelona feature fingerprint room access, private safes and security cameras, which is perfect since you’ll be spending a lot of time at the outdoor pool. Couples will appreciate the queen-size bed and adjustable air conditioning in the Private Room.
Sip a refreshing mojito poolside or on the terrace, whip up a meal in the shared kitchen or cheers with a glass of bubbly at the bar, which features signature cocktails, live music and a dance floor. If you’re a fan of Gaudi’s work, stroll by the nearby Casa Batlló.
10. Sunset Destination Hostel – Lisbon, Portugal
Located in the heart of Lisbon, Sunset Destination Hostel boasts stunning views of the Tagus River. A spacious outdoor terrace and rooftop swimming pool is surrounded by sunflowers and an urban garden, while a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area ensures you can save money by cooking your own meals. After a long day, chill out at Zebra Bar with some local beer.
Mixed Dorms are custom-designed with noise reducing features, reading lights and private lockers, while Private Dorms can be accessed by a key and padlock and feature views of Lisbon’s bustling streets. Travelling with the kids? Stay in the Family Room with two bunk beds.
11. The B.I.G Backpackers in Green Point – Cape Town, South Africa
A 20-minute walk from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, The B.I.G Backpackers in Green Point is also a few kilometres from the pristine beaches of Camps Bay & Clifton Beach. Luxury perks include an outdoor pool, three fully-equipped kitchens, a library and two game rooms with big-screen TVs. There’s even an outdoor braai (barbecue) serving traditional South African cuisine.
The on-site travel desk can help organise your tours and adventures, while daily room-cleaning and laundry services are available. Double rooms include queen-size beds, while Triples have three twin-size beds, but if you need extra space, the Family room has a bunk and king-size bed.
12. Generator Copenhagen – Copenhagen, Denmark
Generator Copenhagen sits right in the heart of Copenhagen’s city centre near Kong’s Nytorv Square. This colourful hostel boasts a chilled-out terrace and pétanque court perfect for meeting like-minded travellers. There’s also the largest shuffleboard centre in Copenhagen and an on-site restaurant serving signature hard shakes (which are boozy milkshake concoctions) and tasty burgers.
At night, head to the trendy bar for a cocktail with your travel buddies and unwind in one of the shared or private rooms. Along with specialised female dorms with hairdryers and full-length mirrors, you’ll find private Twin and Quad rooms with storage space, complimentary Wi-Fi and city views.
13. Wellnesshostel4000 – Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Wellnesshostel4000 is located in Saas-Fee, famous for its winter and summer sports, glacier safaris and sunny hiking trails. Sitting on a plateau surrounded by mountains, this hostel wows with a wellness pool, an indoor pool with a water slide, trendy on-site restaurant and spa with a hot tub and sauna.
Dorms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, while private rooms include ensuites. There’s a daily breakfast buffet and a free ski bus travel pass to help reduce costs. After hitting the slopes, catch up with fellow adrenaline junkies over drinks at the trendy lounge.
14. Generator Stockholm – Stockholm, Sweden
Generator Stockholm makes exploring this traditionally expensive city affordable, offering the city’s best restaurants, museum, designer shops and nightlife at your doorstep. Discover twin, double, private or shared rooms, all with complimentary Wi-Fi, luggage storage, privacy boards and full-length mirrors. Upgrade to the Premium Double for a late checkout and double bed.
The Scandic-Cool cafe serves snacks and coffee, while digital nomads can work at the rentable meeting rooms. Bar Hilma comes to life in the evening with live DJs and signature cocktails. The hostel is also a 10-minute walk from Stockholm Central Station.
15. Onas Hostel & Suites – Cordoba, Argentina
Located in the heart of Cerro de las Rosas, Onas Hostel & Suites boasts a movie room, grill room, outdoor pool and reading lounge. Step inside to discover an Art Nouveau-inspired door, Art Deco table and Starck chairs, then indulge in thematic cocktails, happy-hour specials and live music at the Bar & Pub.
In addition to a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff and luggage storage room, there’s a delightful array of shared and private rooms to choose. Standard four, six and eight-bed dorms are available, as well as a Dreams Suite with a canopy bed, air conditioning and cable TV. Need extra space? The posh Onas Suite adds a separate sitting area.
16. Kosta Hostel – Seminyak, Indonesia
Experience the magic of Bali’s tropical landscapes at Kosta Hostel, a vibrant hostel with stylish mixed-gender dorms. Each one features comfy beds, private lockers, 24-hour security and high-powered air conditioning to beat that Bali heat. Travelling with friends? Choose the Private Quad Room for direct access to the pool.
You won’t have to venture far to find great food, as the on-site Cafe serves healthy favourites, such as fresh salads, smoothies and pressed juices as well as burgers and tacos. Sample signature Mantra Mojitos from the poolside bar or 10-minute drive to Seminyak Beach.
17. Dream Hostel & Hotel – Tampere, Finland
Located north of Helsinki, Dream Hostel & Hotel is a five-minute walk from Tampere’s iconic Moomin Museum. A hostel run by travellers, it features complimentary coffee and tea in the chic common room, board games, books and magazines for chilling out and free popcorn on Fridays.
Solo travellers can enjoy peace and quiet in the Single Room, which includes an ensuite, towels, sheets and access to the daily continental breakfast. Twin and Double rooms are ideal for friends and couples, while certain rooms can be connected to create a Family room.
18. Pajamas Koh Chang – Koh Chang, Thailand
Looking for a budget-friendly beach getaway? Pajamas Koh Chang is a cosy boutique hostel one minute’s walk to Klong Prao Beach in Koh Chang. You can also sunbathe at the outdoor pool or sample seafood specialties at Nong Bua Seafood Koh Chang restaurant.
The Deluxe Double Room with Garden View offers a king-size bed, flat-screen TV and work desk, while the shared dorms include privacy curtains, ceiling fans and reading lights. All guests have access to the on-site bar, laundry facilities, shared kitchen, pool table and Theatre Zone.
19. Generator Venice – Venice, Italy
Generator Venice boasts a waterfront location on the island of Giudecca, one stop away on the Vaporetto from Piazza San Marco. Inside, you’ll be greeted with charming mosaic floors, a glass chandelier and stone fireplace. You’ll find open-plan areas to hang out as well as an on-site bar and cafe.
Each of the rooms features views of the gardens, Lido, Grand Canal or San Marco, along with privacy boards, full-length mirrors and storage spaces. Need a break from traditional dorm rooms? Book the private Sky Suite for a double bed, ornate Venetian design and city views.
20. Rodamon Riad Marrakech – Marrakesh, Morocco
Nestled near the traditional shops in the historic Medina district, Rodamon Riad Marrakech is best-known for its ornately-tiled courtyard with an Instagram-worthy outdoor pool. This 19th-century traditional Riad offers you a chance to feast on local delicacies at the on-site restaurant, sip flavoured mint tea by the pool and gaze at Marrakech’s bustling laneways on its rooftop terrace.
Make friends in the Shared Room, which includes private lockers and electronic key cards, or stay in the Superior Double for your own privacy. You can stretch out in the Superior Suite’s separate living area, while kids are welcome in the Superior Family.
21. Ximen WOW Hostel – Taipei City, Taiwan
Ximen WOW Hostel is set in Taiwan’s bustling Ximending district, a two-minute walk from the Ximen subway station. Mixed and Female-Only dorms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, linens and private lockers. Need your beauty sleep? Rest easy with in-room air conditioning, privacy curtains and memory foam mattresses.
Kick back and relax on the plush leather sofas in the hostel’s industrial-chic lounge with a good book or watch a movie in the common room before swapping recipes with fellow travellers in the shared communal kitchen. Don’t miss the spacious balcony, which is perfect for socialising or admiring stunning city views.
22. We Bologna – Bologna, Italy
We Bologna is a central hostel in Bologna, 10 minutes’ walk from the Bologna Centrale train station. Budget-savvy travellers can choose from two or four-bed mixed dorm rooms with ensuites and air-conditioning or upgrade to a private room for a mini fridge.
The 24-hour reception can help book tourist attractions, while the hearty daily breakfast will keep you energized until you decide on your next bowl of Tagliatelle pasta from one of the nearby restaurants. There’s also a communal kitchen, common room with comfy seating and a spacious outdoor garden that hosts live concerts and DJs.
