Gone are the days when hostel rooms have merely a bunk bend and a side lamp. These are some of the best-designed hostel offerings around the world, bound to get your fancy tickled.
Hostels are always a toss-up for backpackers who are in search of budget accommodation on their travels. They can be a great option for budget accommodation but come with their own set of issues.
I’ve stayed in some pretty epic places in my time but I’ve also stayed in some pretty grim places too. I’m talking dirty bedding, constant noise, and worst of all, bed bugs! The dirty bedding and the noise I can handle but the bed bugs are an absolute no-go.
Luckily for you, I’ve put in the time and have the experiences to help you out. There are some pretty epic hostels around the world that rival some of the nicest hotels. They provide amazing amenities but are also a great way to meet like-minded travelers and even make new friends.
The traveler mentality is often shared amongst those who choose to broaden their horizons and hostels can be the perfect meeting place. Let’s take a look at some of the best-designed hostel options from around the world that will certainly get any backpacker excited!
Steel House, Copenhagen
- Address: Herholdtsgade 6, DK-1605 København V
- Price: Beds starting at $18
- Contact: [email protected]
Kicking off the list, we begin in Scandinavia with Steel House in the city of Copenhagen. This is a forerunner for the best-designed hostel of all time. Steel House is one of the coolest and most futuristic hostels in the Vesterbro area of the city. The four or six-bed dorms have been designed based on the idea of “industrial chic”, staying true to the Scandinavian approach of powerfully minimalistic. Think raw element design with rustic touches.
The hostel is equipped with a bar, cinema, pool, and games room as well as a gym, lounge, and SoMe garden oasis. You’ll also be able to live like a true Copenhagen and explore the city by bicycle. Copenhagen, along with the Netherlands, makes up the most cycled trips in the world. The hostel offers bicycle rental but Donkey Republic is also a great way to hop on and off a bike, using their easy-to-navigate app.
The Wired, Tokyo
- Address: 2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Price: Beds from $18
- Contact: [email protected]
The Wired Hotel in Tokyo is a hybrid hotel/hostel located in the Asakusa District of the city. It boasts rooms designed by a US-based company called OMFGCO. The hotel/hostel hybrid was a collaboration with a Japanese-based Café Company, so you know the restaurant is going to be good.
Speaking of the food, Zakbaran Café is based on the second floor and serves up some pretty epic Japanese cuisine, drinks, and coffee. The rooms at the Wired are divided into three categories – superior class, standard class, and dormitory class. This epitomizes the hybrid aspect of the hostel/hotel and there’s something to suit every budget.
The hostel is conveniently located within walking distance of local sights and transport services, has laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Some worthwhile things to visit in the surrounding area include the Sensoji Temple and the Hanayashiki Amusement Park.
Downtown Beds, Mexico City
- Address: Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
- Price: Beds from $20
- Contact: [email protected]
Downtown Beds, located in Mexico City, is the perfect combination of old and new. It is centrally located and is housed in an old 17th-century palace. The amenities and rooms, however, are beautifully modern and make your stay both comfortable and memorable.
Given its convenient location, Downtown Beds is a mere stroll from Zocalo, the Interactive Museum of Economics, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. There are also some pretty epic features at the hostel such as a pool terrace, a beer patio, and the cinema a la carte.
A really fun way to explore the city is to book for the historic center food tour. It’s a great way to explore the oldest part of the city on foot and try some of the Mexican culinary delights at the same time. You’ll get to try amazing food and drinks and also visit a traditional Aztec market – a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Les Piaules, Paris
- Address: 59 Boulevard de Belleville, Paris, France
- Price: Beds from $40
- Contact: Email via the Booker Form
The very name of this hostel, Les Piaules, is translated to “the people” – an indication that it is designed to bring about a sense of community and togetherness. Les Piaules was started by three Parisian friends who had a passion for traveling and, of course, people.
The hostel is located in the hip and happening Belleville neighborhood in beautiful Paris and is housed in an old art deco building that has been newly renovated. There is a selection of room types, from dormitory rooms to private en suite offerings, with a superior option too.
The surrounding neighborhood itself is vibey and there are some amazing bars and restaurants on offer that the locals enjoy frequenting. A really cool way to discover the historical center and surroundings are by means of the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. You can get a 1, 2, or 3-day ticket and discover “the city of love”.
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The Freehand, Miami Beach
- Address: 2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
- Price: Beds from $54
- Contact: Email via the booking form
The Freehand Hostel in Miami Beach, Florida is a mere stone’s throw from the beach – one of the biggest attractions in the state. The Freehand is also a short walk from the buzzing nightlife scene of South Beach. There are an array of bars, restaurants, and cafes with people spilling over onto the sidewalks. It’s a really vibey part of the city!
The hostel itself offers mixed dorms with en suites as well as an array of other facilities. There’s a pool, 2 bars, and a restaurant to keep the bellies full.
Miami Beach has no shortage of things to do; the beach and the nightlife are the most popular. However, an epic combo tour that combines a few of the other popular attractions is the Miami Combo. You’ll get to explore the Everglades, go on a tour of the bay by boat, and explore the city with a panoramic bus tour.
Los Patios, Medellin
- Address: Cra. 43E #11 – 40, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Price: Beds from $21
- Contact: [email protected]
Los Patios was voted the Best Large Hostel in the world in 2020 and it’s easy to see why. It is one of the most authentic hostel experiences as it is run by Colombians.
Aside from the dormitory options, there are also a host of other room offerings, from twin rooms to double rooms, and even deluxe king bedrooms.
It’s no surprise that Los Patios was voted the best hostel in Colombia, with its vast offering of facilities. There is a rooftop pool, a gym, and co-working spaces for those digital nomads. It is also considered to be the best-designed hostel in Colombia and again, it’s easy to see why.
There is also a pretty epic city tour that is arranged by the hostel together with Capture Colombia Tours. It’s a great way to explore the city with a local guide and your fellow backpackers from the hostel.
The Central House Marrakech Medina, Marrakech
- Address: Amssafah 32? 40000, Morocco
- Price: Beds from $31
- Contact: Email via the contact form
The final contender for the best-designed hostel is The Central House Marrakech Medina located in Marrakesh, Morocco. The hostel boasts unparalleled views of the Atlas Mountains from its rooftop terrace and bar area.
The hostel also has a central courtyard with a swimming pool to cool off after those busy summer days exploring. There are a variety of dorm and private room offerings and they also have female-only dorms as an added safety mechanism for solo female travelers.
There are many shops and restaurants a short walk away from the hostel as well as Jamal El Fna Square. One of Morocco’s most popular activities is surfing – the country boasts some world-class waves. I highly recommend a trip down to the coast as a beginner for surf lessons or as a competent surfer chasing perfect waves.
Alternatively, going skiing in the Atlas Mountains is an awesome activity. You can arrange a ski pass and transport from Marrakech for a day of shredding the slopes.
Final Words
That brings us to the end of the list of the best-designed hostel offerings from around the world. I would highly recommend a visit to any of the hostels that I’ve mentioned in this article as you navigate the world as a backpacker or digital nomad.
They all have their own list of offerings and charm, and should you find yourself traveling to one of the countries they’re in, be sure to check them out.
Stay safe and happy travels!
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