10 Hostels that are Cooler than Hotels

If you're one of those people who always think hostels are death wishes, read on! These accommodation alternatives have proven over the years to be one of the best budget travelers' choices. Everyone loves a bit of pampering now and then at a beautiful hotel, but sometimes hostels will have an even more magical experience.

Why dish out your life savings for an isolated space and "free wifi in the lobby" when you could pay $10 to linger in an immersed atmosphere with plenty of free amenities? Check out these ten exclusive hostels that will beat staying in a hotel every day.

1. Drop Bear Hostel (Santa Marta, Colombia)

On the outside, Drop Bear Hostel looks like every other high-quality hostel: inexpensive but comfortable quarters, welcoming common areas, a pool, and a spacious kitchen. Additionally, we all know that often there is more than meets the eye, and this hostel is no different. One of the largest Colombian drug cartels of the 1980s (Pablo Escobar even stayed here!) used to own this mansion. It is packed with secret hiding places, cryptic codes engraved on the walls, two underground tunnels, and a private basement used to hide whiskey. If you ask nicely, the hostel owner will give you a tour and teach you all about the history of the drug trade in Colombia.

2. Caveland Hostel (Santorini, Greece)

Caveland Hostel (shown above) is a beautiful hostel, suitably named for its cave-like rooms that used to be home to an 18th-century winery. Located on the picturesque Greek island of Santorini, this hostel captures the island's essence: stunning views of the sea, a light and airy atmosphere, flower-covered terraces, and even a swimming pool. When you can get the real Santorini experience here, why pay triple to stay in a hotel?

3. Kadir's Tree House (Olympos, Turkey)

This pretty much sounds like what it is: a treehouse hostel. Ideal for adventure lovers and not afraid of heights, Kadir's will have you reliving your playful youth immediately. Several options for rock climbing, swimming, and scuba diving close by, located on the Mediterranean coast, and the on-site nightclub make this hostel a clear winner. Remember to check out the ruins of the nearby Lost City as well!

4. Fauzi Azar Inn (Nazareth, Israel)

An Arab mansion constructed in stone over 200 years ago, the Fauzi Azar Inn is without question one of the world's most beautiful hostels. Owned by the Azar family, recognized as one of Galilee's wealthiest families, this mansion features beautiful hand-painted ceilings, Turkish marble floors, a limestone arch-filled courtyard, and stunning panoramic views. Located in Nazareth's Old City, tourists will feel fully integrated into the city's rich history and culture. A place of this caliber should be tough on the wallet, but rejoice to know that it is incredibly inexpensive, especially with the endless supply of free Arabic coffee, herbal teas, and homemade baked goods!

5. Jumbo Stay (Stockholm, Sweden)

Do you notice yourself unable to sleep on planes? The Jumbo Stay hostel has fixed your problem! It's made from a real jumbo jet right at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, so tourists can spend the night watching the planes take off from the front row. This hostel promises you a seat with a window, plenty of legroom, and no annoying kids kicking your chair back.

6. Gyreum Ecolodge (Corlisheen, Ireland)

This hostel brings a whole new meaning to "down under." Located 34 steps below ground, Radeka Downunder offers tourists an accurate image of what life is like in Coober Pedy, where 60 percent of the residents live underground. They are housed in a former opal mine and live up to their "warm in winter, cool in summer" motto. In addition to their unique atmosphere, they also provide tours of the mines and surrounding area.

7. The Jugglers Rest (Picton, New Zealand)

The Jugglers Rest is a part of the complete relaxation hostel's circus section that helps you get in sync with your childhood. This hostel is the dream of everyone who wants to be a star, complete with juggling and unicycle lessons, circus toys on hand to play with and LED juggling shows at night. If you don't feel like participating in the circus act, kick back on some homemade bread and jam in one of their many hammocks, nom and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

8. Ostel (Berlin, Germany)

The East German-style Ostel Hostel is definitely for you if you want to take a trip back in time and encounter what it was like to live in the GDR. This hostel has everything you'd find in a museum: Stasi suits, vintage furniture and décor, GDR-Mark chocolate coins, and many other unusual additions. When you can experience it in your sleeping quarters, why pay for a museum entrance? And while you're there.

9. Radeka Downunder (Coober Pedy, Australia)

This hostel brings a whole new meaning to "down under." Located 34 steps below ground, Radeka Downunder offers tourists an accurate image of what life is like in Coober Pedy, where 60 percent of the residents live underground. They are housed in a former opal mine and live up to their "warm in winter, cool in summer" motto. In addition to their unique atmosphere, they also provide tours of the mines and surrounding area.

10. Hostel Celica (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Without having to deal with the legal consequences, do you want to feel like a badass? Hostel Celica is a converted military prison where you can sleep behind bars without a record of your detention. This hostel also features many forms of art, complete with live music, art shows, and parties showcasing local talent, in addition to having a dark past. Forget selfies; while you're here, take a mugshot!

10 Hostels that are Cooler than Hotels

Discover the Best Road Trips in the World

Top 18 Backpacking Destinations for the Ultimate Adventure

13 Most Romantic Places in the World

Want to teach English abroad? Here’s how to get your certification

40 Holiday Photos Gone Wrong

Related Posts

Discover the Best Road Trips in the World

Top 18 Backpacking Destinations for the Ultimate Adventure

13 Most Romantic Places in the World

28 Most Beautiful Travel Attractions in Indonesia You Have to See

7 Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions on Earth

5 Tourist Destinations That No Longer Exist

40 Holiday Photos Gone Wrong

10 Hostels that are Cooler than Hotels

Recommended Post

Want to teach English abroad? Here’s how to get your certification

40 Holiday Photos Gone Wrong

Related Posts