Hostels broke the mould with cheap, friendly, down to earth accommodation. Perfect for solo travel or even group and couple travel. Hostels are no longer the dodgy looking budget stays they once were. Now they have pool tables, swimming pools, roof tops and more. Hostels are no longer situated in dodgy apartment buildings that feel like they may break if you close the door too hard. They are in castles and yurts and boats and more. The best thing is that they are still budget friendly compared to most hotels.
Unique Hostels in Europe
Europe, the melting pot of culture, history and creativity. Surely there are many hostels built into castles and beds that have been slept in my famous poets, painters and writers. Europe is the perfect place to search for hotels as it is not quite as cheap as Asia and is a tourism go to for solo travellers. On top of that, you are bound to meet people from all over the world and plenty from Europe, meaning you can make friends with locals of your next destination. If you have questions about Europe you can also head over to our forums and find out everything you need to know about Europe.
Med-evil Castle in England
YHA St Briavels Castle
Sleep in a castle! Where better to sleep in a castle then the image of med-evil times itself – England! The castle is over 800 years old, with bags of character and remarkably well-preserved features throughout.
Photo from www.yha.org.uk/
The castle is a Grade I listed ancient monument, a rich piece of history and an inspiring location. Be transported back in time to Medieval world of King John and the Magna Carta within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Gypsy Caravans, Irish Farmhouses and mountains in Ireland
ShipLake Mountain Hostel
Stay ing an Irish Farmhouse or a barrel-top Gypsy Caravan! This fantastic and social hostel won’t break your bank with opens of camping and staying in the option filled unique hostel options. Prices start from $10 for camping and $16 for dorms or $20 for the gypsy caravans and upwards. With amazing locations, nestled in a superb setting on the foothills of the Sheehy Mountains. Just 30km from the south-west coast, this hostel is a true paradise for walkers, cyclists, and other lovers of the great outdoors.
Photo by booking.com
Gyreum Eco Lodge will provide a very unique hostel experience.
Stay inside a mountain! The Gyreum Eco Lodge is disguised into a mountain. A very cool space. The design is all circular and has the feel of staying inside a mountain. This giant yurt shaped timber framed building has some amazing views
photo credit https://www.uniqhotels.com/gyreum
River boats in Germany
Eastern Comfort hostel boat in Berlin
Stay on a boat! Staying on a boat is cool enough but with that boat being one of the best locations in Berlin! Sure, it may seem a little cold in the winter but It’s worth it! You are staying on the river Spree in the heart of Berlin. Sitting amid the vibrant Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg districts, just 10 m from the remains of the Berlin Wall. You have to go through the creatively decorated Berlin wall to get to your hostel. There is also a bar onboard for you to socialise and make friends to go out and party in this crazy, awesome city.
photo by booking.com
Bank in Slovenia
Hostel Tresor
Sleep in a bank! Situated in the centre of Ljubljana this historical building from the beginning of the 20th Century has been changed from a serious banking hub to a fun, experience filled hostel. Drop the suits for the casual clothes and backpacks in this former bank.
photo by booking.com
Pop art museum in Serbia
Pop Art Hostel, Belgrade, Serbia
Sleep in a pop art hostel! Retro! Modern! Unique! This quirky and cool hostel based in Serbia is really cool. It is a hostel and a pop art museum. The artworks are done by local artist. Some of these paintings are from Jimi Hendrix and Jessica Lang. Each bedroom is dedicated to a different large figure of pop culture.
Barabas Jail house
Sleep in a prison! I wonder how many money launderers and theives have sleep in the same cells as you would be. This 19th century Jail still remains true to form with several touches still intact. Not only can you sleep in a prison, but you can also party in one. Strichpunky shares the same space within the buildings and opens on weekends as a nightclub.
Biscuit factory in Iceland
Kex Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland
Once an old biscuit factory in downtown Reykjavik, it now serves as a full-time hostel, hence where the word “Kex” comes from (it means biscuit in Icelandic). All of the furniture inside is reused materials that have been found around from various places, giving the hostel a unique feeling. Kex can house 142 guests and has a cafe, bar, lounge, heated patio, laundry, old school gym, kitchens, and more.
Crash out in an Airplane in Sweden
Jumbo Stay
Stay on a jumbo jet! This is the perfect place to stayif you have an early or late flight from the airport. Set in a former Boeing 747 jumbo jet, right next to Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport. It offers free airport bus transfer, free WiFi and breakfast from 03:00.
What better way to finish or start your journey to Sweden then by sleeping in an airplane.
Caves and Tree houses in Turkey
A trip to Cappadocia wouldn’t be complete without a cave hostel
Sleep in a cave! There are several places in Goreme that have budget hostels in a cave. However, this doesn’t make the experience less amazing. It just means you have options. Do you want views over Goreme on a terrace? Perhaps cool off in the heat with a swimming pool? Either way, you’ll be sleeping in a cave and will get that awesome experience!
Caveland, Winery and hostel in Greece
This fantastic hostel was once a winery in the late 18th century. In 1984 it was transformed into a hostel. Caveland offers dorms, privates, each with their own unique story. Hand-made futniture and typical traditional Santorinian architecture designs. The large swimming pool (second largest in the Island), (professional sized) tennis court and yoga classes are sure to give you the best stay, and a dis-belief that this is a hostel.
Unique Hostels throughout the USA
Light house in California
HI-Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
Sleep in a lighthouse! This historic 1875 lighthouse is actually a hostel. Point Montara Lighthouse is the perfect space to take in the scenery at your very own secluded beach cove. Prices start from $40 a night for a single bed in a dorm. With great views, wifi, big clean kitchens and everything you need to enjoy your stay. This lighthouse has great common spaces to meet other travellers. Enjoy a bonfire with ocean views, this magical moment is sure to create bonds and friendships. Use the BBQ facilities to enjoy a meal with your new found friends, followed by taking a stroll to your own private beach. You will need a car to get to this lighthouse. But the amazing views along the coast, the fantastic staff and the fact that you can claim having slept in a lighthouse, all make this place a wonderful hidden gem!
2 Comments
I have a unique hostel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa. African huts with a life size chess set.
I’m also a solo traveler and love going to other awesome hostels
They look really cool Tracey. Looks like a great place to stay