We all have those horror stories from our backpacking and travelling days. Staying in large dormitories often means getting woken up at all hours of the night as fellow roomies come and go. There is no privacy and often the bathrooms are shared with multiple other people.
But did you know that luxury hostels are a thing – and they take the hostel game to the next level?
Think beyond the basics of bunk beds, 20-bed dorms, and communal bathrooms. These luxury hostels are bound to get the travel juices flowing and treat you to some luxury on your worldly explorations.
The list goes on – and on! Luckily for you, I’ve done some extensive research and compiled this post for your reading pleasure and travelling convenience.
In no particular order, I present to you the best luxury hostels the world has to offer.
Freehand, Los Angeles, USA
We begin our best luxury hostel journey in none other than the USA. The Freehand Hostel, located in downtown Los Angeles, was designed by Roman and Williams so you know you’re in for a treat. The rooms are spacious, artsy, and come with all the bells and whistles.
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The hostel itself features a rooftop bar and pool, retail shop, restaurant, and a fully-equipped fitness center. The convenient location of The Freehand Hostel adds to its credentials – it is within walking distance from major attractions and the downtown vibe of LA.
A pretty cool way to experience Hollywood, so to speak, is by exploring the hills outside the city on horseback. You’ll enjoy a full 360-degree view of the city and get to see the famous Hollywood sign during the two-hour tour.
Generator Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
The Generator Hostels can be found throughout Europe, but for this article, I’ll focus on the Stockholm hostel. Located in the heart of the city, this designer hostel is walking distance from the central station and conveniently located near the airport bus service.
Generator Stockholm also offers a free walking tour every day which takes you through the famous sights in the city. The knowledgeable guides will talk you through the attractions throughout the three-hour walk. It’s a great way to see the city and get a feel for the local vibe. Alternatively, if you find yourself in the city during the winter months, a kayak tour of the archipelago is a must!
The rooms, whether the dormitories or the privates, are en suite and come equipped with all the necessary fixtures. The Bar Hilma serves up mouth-watering drinks on the daily and the restaurant serves delicious meals too.
Casa Gracia, Barcelona, Spain
Casa Gracia is one of the best luxury hostels in the world and its five-star status was no accident. It is located in the center of Barcelona where two important avenues meet – Passeig de Gracia and Diagonal. This area is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city and the surrounding boulevard is both grand and picturesque.
The ethos of Casa Gracia is to create a homely environment for its guests to enjoy on their travels. It’s a great base to experience the local culture and has an amazing terrace and relaxation areas. There are some amazing local neighborhood restaurants to choose from that serve delicious tapas, and sangrias are a plenty!
Barcelona has so many amazing places to explore and the Gaudi buildings cannot be missed. The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous attractions in the city and definitely should be on every traveler’s bucketlist. Barceloneta Beach is amazing in the summer and you can hire a SUP at the local surf shop. Avid surfers can even catch a wave there during the winter months.
If you’re looking for more Barcelona hostels, I got you covered in my epic Barcelona hostel guide!
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Grand Ferdinand, Vienna, Austria
The Grand Ferdinand Hotel in Vienna not only has superior suites and private rooms available but dorm rooms too. The polished Mahogany gives the feeling of being on the Orient Express for the duration of your stay.
The Grand Ferdinand also has its own restaurant that serves up none other than Vienna’s famous dish, the Wiener Schnitzel. This is one of the not-to-be-missed dishes when visiting the city and the restaurant cooks it to crispy, golden perfection.
Along with the amazing restaurant, you’ll find an exercise room to pump some iron and a rooftop pool to cool off on those hot summer days. Another fantastic feature that the hotel offers is E-Vespa tours for exploring the Ring in Vienna.
Kos One Hostel, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
The Kos One Hostel can be found in Canggu on the Island of the Gods in Indonesia. It is one of the newest boutique hostels on the island and has no shortage of epic features. The main attraction at the hostel is Alternative Beach – a Mediterranean-inspired beach pool. However, this is no standard beach pool and it is equipped with a white sand beach, a diving board, and a bar.
Kos One also has some other cool amenities including a restaurant offering fresh and delicious local and international dishes, two Jacuzzis, and a boutique store. The rooms are designed with raw, minimalist interiors that mirror the beach and surf lifestyle that Bali is famously known for. The dormitories have large single beds and shared bathroom facilities, with options available for female-only rooms.
Bali is known as the surfing Mecca and many passionate surfers flock to the island to make their pilgrimage at least once in their life. Many backpackers and travelers alike also head to the island to learn to surf on some of the more playful waves. It’s easy to book a surf lesson and let an experienced coach show you the ropes.
Dream Hostel, Tampere, Finland
The Dream Hostel, located in the city of Tampere in southern Finland, is owned and run by a family who loves to travel. The hostel is laid back and the design follows the Finnish minimalistic approach that you’ll see throughout the country. There are various rooms on offer ranging from smaller, private suites to larger-format dormitories. While the rooms differ in size and configuration, modern comforts are standard throughout.
Dream Hostel is close to many of the bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Tampere. There is also a grocery store, shops, and a railway station within a short walk from the hostel.
There are many things to see in Tampere and one of the best ways to see a city (in my humble opinion) is on foot. This walking tour takes you through all the corners of Tampere. The local guides are extremely knowledgeable and are there to make your experience an unforgettable one.
The Spindrift Hostel, Weligama, Sri Lanka
The Spindrift Hostel is the best luxury hostel you can find while backpacking Sri Lanka – it is by backpackers, for backpackers. It is a stone’s throw from the beautiful Weligama beach, where you can tan, swim, and surf. The hostel is clean, modern, and relaxed, providing all that a traveler needs.
It offers a couple of different room types, from doubles for couples or comfort, to dormitories for those on a budget. The hostel creates a sense of community with its inclusive daily activities. There are social dinners, nights out, group surfs, and sunset sessions arranged on a daily basis. This is a great way to socialize and meet new people, especially as a solo traveler.
Weligama is another great surfing destination for both seasoned pros and beginners. The latter can book in for a surf lesson and shred the waves in the warm Sri Lankan waters.
Final Words About the World’s Best Hostels
That brings to a close my list of the best luxury hostels on earth. There is something for everyone here and I hope that my recommendations will come in handy one day when you find yourself in one of these countries. You no longer have to settle for mediocrity and you can enjoy the comforts and amenities of a hotel at hostel rates!
Happy travels!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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