Selina Is Now Socialtel – Here Are Their Top Hostels!

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Who is Selina, and where did she go? You might have stumbled upon this post trying to Google your favourite Selina for your next trip… Only to find a load of broken links and pages leading to seemingly nowhere. I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this, bro, but she’s long gone…

Well, not really.

In August 2024, Collective Hospitality, owning Socialtel and other hostel brands, bought Selina in an attempt to revive the concept of these boutique digital-nomad-based hostels. The Selina-Socialtel handover is in its everything-happening-behind-the-scenes phases at the moment. This means no one really knows what happens in the future for the Selina hostels that are seemingly off-grid at the moment.

Some may get taken over by Socialtel, or by independent owners under the Selina name or otherwise. I’m going to assume that many underperforming Selinas will meet a fate of staying in the hostel graveyard forever… But that’s the thing at this stage, a lot of it is hearsay.

We don’t really know what the future looks like for these locations and what an expanding Socialtel portfolio will look like in the coming years. At the time of writing, out of the 100 properties that Selina had under its belt, 9 have now been rebranded under Socialtel. 11 are still operating under Selina, and an unknown number are now operating independently.

I’m no good at math, but that seems like a lot of hostels that have bitten the dust!

Honestly? Not a whole lot. The same stylishly designed dorms, co-working spaces and social vibes that Selina was known and loved for still ring true in these new Socialtel properties. Sure, the ‘Co-live’ concept pioneered by Selina is long gone. But that’s not to say that these spaces won’t be aptly equipped for digital nomads on the road looking for a good balance of productivity and letting loose.

Collective Hospitality has claimed that their strategy for rebranding the Selina hostels will be somewhat of a repositioning from the usual hostel concept. With more emphasis on food and beverage, way less with the flashpacker in mind and more on a boutique social-hotel kind of concept.

On a practical level, from what I can see from these newly emerging Socialtel hostels, all still have shared dorms. This, plus the co-working spaces with the usual standard of amenities you’d expect from a flashpacker hostel.

Sure, there might not be much of an emphasis on co-working, but I can imagine they’ll be pretty well equipped for digital nomads. As more hostels emerge under the Socialtel brand, even if digital nomads aren’t the main focus, where there is a will, there is a way. Heck, if I can work in a sketchy hostel without AC or Wi-Fi, I think you’ll be pretty okay in these new Socialtel hostels.

So I’ve given you the 411 on the whole Selina/Socialtel sitch. Now let’s get into the best Socialtel hostels worldwide for you to get your teeth into.

SocialTel Samui, Chaweng Beach

Starting up with the first property under the Socialtel brand, its Koh Samui branch, and, let me say, what a high bar it set. This place reminds me of a love island/barbie villa on crack, with pink sand, flamingos and a HUGE pop art mural of David Bowie. I’m not complaining, though, it did feel like Mr Bowie did watch me get into some questionable states during the pool parties.

As this is an OG Socialtel property, there is less of a focus on co-working here. This being said, the ‘living room’ has ample space and comfort for you to crack on with whatever work you’ve brought with you.

The real focus here, instead, is on the ultimate flashpacker experience, essentially a hotel with dorm rooms, and a real social vibe. The dorms themselves are hands down the nicest I’ve stayed in Southeast Asia (aside from Tribal Bali, obvi). The pods genuinely feel like a whole ass room to yourself once you’re in them.

Socialtel Samui has two restaurants, a swim-up bar and even a hidden speakeasy that you have to figure out how to enter. Cool right? Pool parties, bar crawls and themed nightly events are all on the agenda here.

If you want to go a lil more wholesome, they have morning yoga, breathwork sessions and a weekly ‘coffee and crawl’ event. If you want to forget your backpacker roots for a couple of nights but don’t want to compromise on sociability, this Socialtel is a good shout.

Socialtel Antigua

Tucked between candy-coloured buildings, pink jacarandas and dead-on views of Volcano Agua… The dreamy Socialtel Antigua drops you right into the middle of the good stuff in Guatemala.

The on-site restaurant serves up everything from classic Guatemalan eats to more modern twists. Everything is made with local ingredients, so if you’re not in the mood to wander, you don’t really need to; the best is right here.

They’ve got dorms ranging from four to 14 beds, some bougie suites if you’re feeling flush, and even tents for that semi-outdoorsy vibe. Whether you’re scraping the bottom of your travel fund or splashing out a bit, you’ll find something that fits.

The co-working space is solid too—soundproof booths for calls and enough peace to actually get stuff done. If you’d rather stare into the distance than a laptop screen, grab a hammock and soak up the view of this UNESCO-listed city.

What makes this place stand out is the extras: there’s a pool, a gym, and solid wellness options. After one too many nights on rock-hard hostel beds, the massages here might just put your spine back where it belongs.

It’s not exactly buzzing with backpacker chaos, but maybe that’s a good thing, especially if you’ve got to get through some work while travelling. If you’re chasing reliable Wi-Fi, good food, and a solid night’s sleep in a genuinely beautiful spot, Socialtel Antigua does the trick.

Socialtel Atitlan

Still kicking it in Guatemala, Socialtel Atitlán makes a strong case for being one of the better digs in Panajachel. It’s got the style, the views, and all the practical stuff sorted—especially if you’re working on the road or just over the usual grim hostel setups.

You’re surrounded by volcanic peaks, hammocks, and actual peace. Mornings can start with yoga, looking out over Lake Atitlán, then roll into a gorgeous walking tour. Azul Maya Museum and Casa Cakchiquel are both five minutes away if you’re feeling vaguely cultural.

The co-working spaces have the perfect tropical background whilst being decked out with air conditioning and ergonomic chairs. Plus, the number of nomads that frequent this Socialtel means it’s super easy to chat and connect with other like-minded travellers. It’s easy to meet people and unwind, but it’s also perfect if you want a chill day by the pool!

There’s a bar, a restaurant, a pool, even a movie room for when you need to rot indoors. It’s not a party hostel pumping out reggaeton till three am—but there’s enough going on if you fancy dipping in and out.

Socialtel Granada

Socialtel Granada delivers on the good stuff: strong coffee, local culture, and rooftop views that actually live up to the hype. It’s planted right across from Parque Central, with front-row views of Granada’s iconic cathedral. Ten minutes on foot gets you to Lake Nicaragua, or you can hit up the front desk to book a trip out to Mombacho Volcano or the Nebliselva cloud forest.

Start the day with rooftop yoga and a local brew, then wander off on the free walking tour. Or hop on a boat to explore Las Isletas—300 tiny islands that are a must-do. The restaurant dishes out decent scran, there’s a pool for lazy afternoons, and the library is impressively stocked too.

Come sundown, there’s a solid chance to catch lava glowing from Mombacho (yep, actual lava!). Then you head back for weekend parties, live tunes, and an easy mix of locals and travellers who’ve clearly been around the block.

Coworking’s sorted—bright, clean, and quiet enough to get through your to-do list. And if your brain’s fried, the games room and wellness centre are there to spice things up a bit.

Socialtel Lapa Rio de Janeiro

Of all the Socialtel hostels on this list, this location in Rio de Janeiro might be the grandest. From its huge tiled lobby to the sprawling rooftop area and luxury sun deck, choosing this spot means entering a world of elegance.

The location is also pretty amazing, too. It’s set in the trendy Lapa district, along a tree-lined street just steps from Selaron’s mosaic stairs.

There’s a lot going on here – an in-house radio station that supports up-and-coming local musicians and a landmark coworking space playing to Rio’s start-up scene. Then there’s the art museum and graffiti wall for yet more local creativity.

Socialtel La Candelaria Bogota

This boutique hostel is set in a beautiful old building just a short stumble from Bogotá’s main square. This means you’re sorted for both exploring and getting shit done. Whether you’re deep-diving into local tours or trying to smash out some work deadlines, this place sorts you out.

It’s got all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Selina-style setup—hotel-level comfort without the soulless vibe. There’s always something going on: pop-up markets, live music, the odd spontaneous dancefloor. It’s a good mix of chilled, inspiring, and easy to ease into.

Room-wise, you’ve got options, as in different types of rooms. Private pads for those splurge days, or shared dorms that are spacious enough for you to actually unpack a lil bit. Thick duvets, clean layouts, and the bathrooms are stocked with toiletries—no need to ration your sad little shampoo sachet anymore.

When you’re not roaming, there’s always a spot to sink into. You can shoot some pool, catch up with fellow travellers, or hit the co-working space with reliable Wi-Fi that won’t make work a headache.

These are the best Selina hostels still kicking around the world…I just wouldn’t expect them to stay Selinas forever. If a big Socialtel handover is taking place, they may change management in the coming years, so watch this space.

I’ve also included a couple of ex-Selina hostels that still have all the charm you’d expect from the brand, just now under independent management.

Selina Secret Garden Lisbon

Selina Secret Garden in Lisbon has the location bang on—right in Cais do Sodré, one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. You’re within walking distance of Bairro Alto, Alfama, and enough bars, cafés, and markets to keep yourself occupied. I love staying somewhere accessible without needing to hop on a tram every five minutes.

Tucked just far enough off the main tourist throngs to feel like a bit of a retreat, it’s got everything you need. There’s a solid coworking space with free Wi-Fi, a rooftop bar that’s perfect for a sundowner or a casual chat. Then there’s a chilled patio and pool area to zone out between sightseeing or work stints.

The coworking setup is one of the comfiest in the city, and there’s always something on. Weekly events like dance classes, wellness sessions, and low-key nomad meetups make it easy to find your people without the forced small talk. Dorms and privates are both surprisingly roomy, which is rare in Lisbon, and the whole place has a relaxed, creative feel that Selina is known for.

The vibe is social but never pushy like you’ll find in other hostels in their attempts at organised fun. You’ll meet plenty of people at the bar, especially when the DJ kicks in at night. This being said, it still feels like you can come and go without being dragged into a huge night. And honestly, the staff bring the whole place together—warm, welcoming, and always down for a chat.

Selina Serenity Rawai Phuket

Selina Serenity Rawai Phuket hits that sweet middle ground—laid-back but never dull. It’s the kind of place where solo travellers turn into a makeshift travel gang within days. With spontaneous trips, long chats over drinks, and that easy flow that makes it hard to leave. The space itself is stunning—open, breezy, and perfect for a reset if the travel burnout is starting to set in.

The cabanas are lush, the food is banging, and the staff are easily one of the best parts of the whole experience. They’ve got this way of making everyone feel at home, pulling people together without it ever feeling forced. You might show up thinking you’ll keep to yourself—next thing you know, you’re off on a random island mission with people you met that morning.

It’s a world away from the madness of Bangla Road, which honestly works in its favour. You still get great local spots nearby for food and coffee, but without the crowds or noise. Plus, there’s a solid gym, a proper pool, and plenty of space to just do your own thing. If you’re after a more mellow side of Phuket, this is where it’s at.

NAIA Miraflores Lima, formerly Selina Miraflores

This place found new life with independent owners because it was too good to just shut down. It used to be Selina Miraflores, but the vibe was strong enough to keep rolling in Lima.

The essentials haven’t changed much. The buildings, a bit rough around the edges from the 70s, hold a mix of suites and shared rooms with a restaurant and a cocktail bar. There’s a coworking space and a chill playground area decked out with local art and furniture that’s been patched up and given a fresh spin.

NAIA Miraflores Lima feels more like a low-key mini resort than a traditional hostel. The beds are solid, with weighted blankets that help you sleep properly, and massages are on offer if you want to treat yourself. If you’re after somewhere to switch off and take a breath, this fits the bill.

There’s a bar and a breakfast buffet that’s reliable and filling. It’s not a party joint by any means — more a place to unwind. The staff are welcoming, friendly, and make you feel like you’re not just another guest.

The breakfast is amazing every time (not to mention free), the location is great, and you’ll always feel safe in this neighbourhood. Plus, having a grocery store right next door means you’re never far from snacks or a cheap meal.

KIM, formerly Selina Cartagena

This former Selina is another spot too good to be axed, which seems like a happy enough ending for me. Set in a classic Colombian mansion overlooking the Caribbean Sea, KIM is an ideal base for backpackers and digital nomads alike. Here you’ll get to take part in daily activities, yoga classes, work at the coworking space or just chill out by the rooftop pool. There’s plenty on offer.

Dorms here are bright and modern, while the private rooms come with their own balconies and desks (perfect if coworking space isn’t your jam). In the evening, the rooftop terrace comes alive with its bar and views out over the Cartagena skyline.

You’ll find this Colombian version of Selina along a cobbled street in the Gethsemane district – ideal for getting around. 

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

No matter which Socieltel hostel you decide to stay in, good travel insurance could be your lifesaver. The difference between your ass being saved or your budget getting drained ASAP Rocky if something goes wrong.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Turns out Selina isn’t really gone – it’s just shifting shape. The name might be different, but the spirit’s still kicking around in new forms across the world, with Socialtel just picking up where Selina left off.

Socialtel hostels still offer the same setup people loved Selina for—coworking spaces, community vibe, and a solid mix of comfort and style. For digital nomads, it’s still a dependable go-to. Different name, same kind of energy.

If you’re looking for a property to dip your toes into the Sociteltel waters, then I’d deff check out Socialtel Atitlan. The vibe here is chill but social, and the views from the pool are just insane.

If there are any other rebranded Socialtel spots I should be keeping an eye on, drop them in the comments. I’m always keen to know what should be on my radar to check out!