Luxury Hostels Archives - BudgetTraveller https://budgettraveller.org/category/luxury-hostels-of-europe-and-world/ Travel in style, on a budget. Discover the best hostels across Europe and the World with my guide to Luxury Hostels Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:44:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 27906162 Kosta Hostel Review, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia || Hostel Reviews https://budgettraveller.org/best-hostel-seminyak-bali-kosta-review/ https://budgettraveller.org/best-hostel-seminyak-bali-kosta-review/#respond Fri, 03 Jul 2020 14:35:59 +0000 https://budgettraveller.org/?p=13912 Far from Kuta’s party beaches and high rise hotels, tucked away on a comparatively peaceful sidestreet, you’ll find Kosta Hostel. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some tranquility, a bit of a contradictory concept in the happening town of Seminyak, Bali.

First impressions..

When you first walk onto the grounds, you might mistake it for a hotel. The atmosphere is calm and mellow, with guests lounging by the pool or eating a smoothie bowl at the cafe. There are dogs sitting on the steps, drinking out of the fountain, or jumping on your leg to excitedly greet you. The hostel is small, with all rooms visible from the pool deck. Right away, it feels inviting. 

Design

Kosta Hostel has done a lovely job matching the decor to the hostel’s vibe. Bright blues, steel greys, whites, and earth tones dominate the design. There’s a lot of concrete framed by a giant collection of cozy green plants. Comfy cushions, lounge chairs, and bamboo furniture are scattered about the property.

The Rooms

The rooms at Kosta Hostel are large for a hostel and don’t feel crowded at all. Each room has either 3 or 4 beds, so there’s no need to worry about massive groups of people in your room. You can book a single bed or book out an entire room if you wish. All of the dorms are equipped with medium-sized lockers to store your valuables. There is also free luggage storage available at the front desk.

Some of the rooms have shared bathrooms and others that have their own enormous ensuite bathrooms (and all of them have good water pressure, a true luxury in Southeast Asia.) The beds are clean and comfortable, and all rooms have a view of the pool. 

The story so far…

Kosta Hostel is fairly new, having first opened in 2017. With the slogan “Beds for Nomads,” it attracts long term travelers who have come to Bali for an authentic experience. The owner and founder, Feby Jabrik, has created a wonderful concept around the hostel:

“The name ‘Kosta’ was inspired by the word ‘coast,’ actually, as all our properties are very close to the coastline in Seminyak, including the upcoming one near Berawa Beach in Canggu. Kosta is a lifestyle hostel and is a home away from home for all the nomads just as our tag line ‘Beds For Nomads’ implies. The hostel is specifically tailored to those who appreciate nice esthetics and comfortable spaces.”

Location

Although located in a fairly out-of-the-way area, Kosta Hostel is still in an accessible location. The center of Seminyak with its cafes, bars, and nightlife is only about 20 minutes on foot. If you don’t mind walking a little further, Legian Beach is 30 minutes away. Otherwise, renting a scooter is possible right across the street. 

Facilities

Since there’s no kitchen available for guests to use, it’s great to know that Kosta Hostel has plenty of dining options nearby. The Good Mantra Cafe is right on the property and serves up great breakfast and healthy lunch options. Since neither breakfast or tea/coffee is included in a stay at the hostel, it’s fantastic to have a cafe right next door. In addition, the cafe is a great place to work on your laptop as a digital nomad (with strong wifi included!) The picnic table and lounge chairs around the pool can also serve as a great office for a nomad.

Unlike so many of its neighbors, Kosta Hostel is not a party hostel at all. There are very few organized events on-site or big happenings near the property, but that’s kind of the point. It’s stirring up the assumption that Kuta is exclusively about the food and the nightlife, and showing that there is peace and quiet to be found nearby. Ultimately, Kosta Hostel is perfect for those who want a hotel vibe on a backpacker budget. 

Essentials

Address: Jalan Dewi Saraswati III, No.77 Kunti 2, Seminyak, Bali, Kuta, Indonesia

Phone: +62 361 9347500

Mobile: +62 812-4650-9698

Email: hello@kostahostel.com

Website: http://www.kostahostel.com/ 

Prices: Dorms from 9€, privates from 35€

 

How to reach Kosta Hostel

From the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, you’ll need to take a taxi to Kosta Hostel. You can catch a ride right at the airport or you can order a Grab or Gojek (similar to Uber in Europe) for a cheaper price. The hostel also offers an airport pickup at an additional price. The ride will take about half an hour depending on traffic. 

 

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Backpacking Germany? Consider the moun10 hostel in Garmisch Partenkirchen https://budgettraveller.org/backpacking-germany-moun10-hostel-garmisch-partenkirchen/ https://budgettraveller.org/backpacking-germany-moun10-hostel-garmisch-partenkirchen/#respond Mon, 21 Oct 2019 14:52:07 +0000 https://budgettraveller.org/?p=13207 Our epic 2 week backpacking Germany trip early this summer took us from the northern extremity of the country to the southern most tip during which we were privileged to experience some of the country’s most unique and unusual hostels.

From the island of Wangerooge to the fantastic all inclusive hostel-meets-resort concept in Neuharlingsiel , to the beautiful treehouse hostels of Panarbora in the Bergisches Land and to the final stop of our trip: the stunning dreamy Bavarian ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen where we about to encounter our 4th and final #DJHExtraordinary hostel.

Sabrina photographing some classic idyllic Bavarian countryside porn

Nestled at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain Zugspitz, the train station of Garmisch must count as one of the most scenic train stations in Europe.

The 90 minutes train journey from Munich set the tone as we skimmed past the southern fringe of Lake Starnberg which set against the awe inspiring beauty of the Alps in the distance, really takes your breath away.more classic idyllic Bavarian countryside porn coupled with lots of more misty moody mountains kept our eyes glued to the windows as the train snakes through the valley in between. The presence of these mountains, silent and sage like have an instant calming effect on you. By the time I walk out of the station towards our hostel, I already feel like I’m in a deep zen like meditative state of bliss.

Why you should stay at the moun10 Jugendherberge Hostel Garmisch Partenkirchen

If you are a backpacker that likes combination of natural beauty, lots of hiking trails and an affordable yet stylish base with great facilities , the moun10 hostel is the perfect hostel for you and an ideal base to enjoy the charms of Garmisch Partenkirchen.

The hostel has a very clean minimalist design with a very cosy bar/lounge area where you can order yourself local beers or enjoy a cocktail. Or there’s a nice outdoor terrace for enjoying the views of the mountains. There is a large comfy sofa with lots of pillows, rugs to give you the feeling of almost chilling at home. There’s plenty of books and also great selection of board games to enjoy with the kids.. Natural light floods the interiors via the floor to ceiling windows to give a feeling of being at one with the surrounding nature. Besides the lounge is the breakfast area where as is standard with all Jugendherberge’s, they serve a very filling buffet breakfast.

The rooms are a mix of privates, 4 bed and 6 bed dorms. There are also some family friendly rooms with doubles and also bunk beds-perfect if you are bringing the kids or sharing with friends. All rooms are ensuite and showers are fantastic here. Bed linen is included but there is a €5 fee for towels.

Some rooms have wide windows nooks with big fat cushions to laze on -just grab a book like I did or simply gaze at wonder through the panoramic windows and enjoy the view of the majestic mountain peaks-  ‘Zugspitze’, ‘Alpspitze’ and Waxenstein. I loved this feature of the room and how you observe the change in weather moods plus the constant ebb and flow of trains pulling in and out of the station just below the hostel- perfect hostel for train geeks.

The other standout feature of the hostel is the gym and sauna on the 4th floor-perfect after a day on the slopes or hiking the mountains. The fitness area is small- for all the fitness geeks out there they have a Unica Evolution power trainer, Synchro Forma cross trainer, the Bike Forma Ergometer and the Skillrow rowing machine. It is not a bad setup and gyms are such a rarity in hostels so we really took advantage of this during our stay and also the next door sauna which was a fantastic place to relax. As with the lounge area and also with some of the rooms-you can drink in those unforgettable panoramic views of all the 3 major mountain peaks. Hence they call it the Panorama Sauna. The sauna area has lots of reclining chairs to relax in and enjoy the views. There is a fireplace to warm up plus two fountain showers and two classic showers to cool your body after a sauna sitting. The sauna is free to use as long as you bring your own towels.

I loved all 4 of the hostels we visited as part of our #DJHExtraordinary tour but in terms of design, style, comfort and facilities-this was my favourite hostel. I would put this up alongside the Superbude in Hamburg as my favourite design luxury hostel in Germany.

The great thing about the #DJHExtraordinary roadtrip was how we visited some parts of Germany that are not so necessarily popular with tourists outside of the country.

Garmisch is a dreamy little town and we loved wondering its picture postcard pretty streets. Everything is within short walking distance so you can get everywhere by foot.

First few days of the trip it was pretty wet so we were kinda of hostel bound for a bit. However, even in the gloomy weather, the town and the mountains looked magnificent. Here’s a few pictures of a more moody looking Garmisch.

Schloderer Bierstuberl

Top tip: Schloderer Bierstuberl

 

Schloderer Bierstuberl is the perfect bar to enjoy more of that rustic laid-back Bavarian charm and meet a few local characters. The beer was fantastic. The interiors of the bar lined with beer mugs and glorious vintage posters that recall the golden era of skiing in the area keep your eyes busy as you sup on the delicious local Tegernsee Hell beer-must visit bar if you are in the area.

We had a day of decent weather to pack in the sights: first on our agenda was to visit the awe inspiring Partnach Gorge, a deep gorge cut deep by the thunderous Partnach mountain stream. 

It is a good 2 hour hike through the gorge on a path carved into the mountains. In parts awe inspiring and in parts terrifying to observe the sheer force of nature, coming here is definitely an experience and not for the faint hearted. I felt a bit overwhelmed with the narrow path and it was crowded in parts so I turned back after awhile. Sabrina loved it on the other hand-you’ll see parts of the gorge featured in the our video of the hostel and Garmisch Partenkirchen. It was no surprise to learn later that the gorge featured as a film location for the 1979 film Nosferatu the Vampyre.

Unworldly beautiful Eibsee

The highlight of our trip was visiting the unworldly Eibsee.

I don’t think I’ve seen a lake quite as beautiful as Eibsee. It is quite a sight standing by the lake and then looking upto the magnificent Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain. Hard to describe in words this place. Just when you think you’ve seen it all. I’m glad the weather gods smiled on us on our last day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen after 4 days of constant rain, although I’m sure even in the rain & mist, this lake must look beautiful. We were pleasantly surprised to find the lack of tourists – could have been the bad weather keeping people away. Either way, another epic highlight of our #DJHExtraordinary trip.

If you’re backpacking Germany or maybe backpacking Europe, you have to put this city and the Moun10 hostel on your itinerary

So. That’s the end of our #DJHExtraordinary series of posts and videos-we hoped you enjoyed our trip as much as we did. We’re already thinking of another themed hostel trip next year: what could we do next? 🙂

 

Essentials for visiting the moun10 Jugendherberge Hostel 

Booking directly via the Moun10 hostel website, room rates start from €19.90 per night in a dorm, €69 for a single room, €89 for a double room and €169 for a family room ( sleeps 4- double bed for the adults and 2 bed bunk for the kids ) Breakfast is included in the room rates.

With visitor tax you pay as part of your stay at the Moun10 hostel, you get a free GaPaCard which offers you some very cool benefits like free use of local buses , free entry to the local Alpspitz-Wellenbad wave pool plus discounts to some key local attractions like Partnachklamm. More details of all the benefits can be found here.

Visiting Partnachklamm, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Opening Hours to Partnachklamm can vary according to season and also the weather. Please note that the last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. From May to October: 8:00an – 18:00pm , June-September: 6:00am – 22:00pm and from November-April: 9:00am – 18:00pm

Cost of admission is €5 while Kids (aged 6-16) pay just €2. Don’t forget with the GaPaCard you get a €1 discount.

From Garmisch Partenkirchen main train station ( Bus stop is to left when you exit the station and right across the road) take the #1 or #2 bus and get off at Skistadion. From the Skistadion is a very pleasant 2km 30 minute stroll to the entrance of the gorge-you’ll find signs everywhere.

Visiting Eibsee

There is a frequent service between Garmisch and Eibsee. Keep an eye out for the blue EIBSEE bus (commutes between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau and Eibsee) – the bus stop is 100 meters from the lake. Bus is free with your GaPaCard.

Disclaimer

I visited moun10 hostel Garmisch Partenkirchen as part of my #DJHExtraordinary trip with the Jugendherberge aka German Youth Hostel Association. The mission was simple- the challenge to seek some of Germany’s most unusual hostels in some of the country’s not so well known places. You can see more pictures and short videos from the trip on Instagram or Twitter- search for the #DJHExtraordinary. Plus if you are looking for more hostel inspiration from Germany, do checkout our last year’s guide to Castle Hostels across Germany.

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10 Best Budget Hostels and Hotels in Copenhagen https://budgettraveller.org/best-cheap-hostels-hotels-copenhagen/ https://budgettraveller.org/best-cheap-hostels-hotels-copenhagen/#respond Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:40:56 +0000 https://budgettraveller.org/?p=12745 Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most liveable and also one of its most expensive cities. The Danish capital benefits from unparalleled urban planning and is one of the world’s greenest and tidiest cities- commuting is a breeze here. The Danes also excel at superior architecture and building. Therefore, it is not surprising that the city is home to some of the most stylish and coolest hostels and hotels out there. Here is our 10 best cheap hostels and hotels in Copenhagen that you should checkout. PS If you are travelling with family, worth checking our earlier guide to Copenhagen on a Budget for families , my brand new cheap eats guide to Copenhagen , my review of Next House Copenhagen– the hottest new luxury hostel in town.

Cheap Copenhagen Hostels

1. Steel House Copenhagen

Dining area Steel House Copenhagen

Location

Steel House Copenhagen is located in Vesterbro, near Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station of Copenhagen is located just a 5 minute walk away. Vesterbro is Copenhagen’s most hipster area. The steel-clad building, once housing the Danish Union of Metalworkers is now home to this stylish design hostel. Tivoli Gardens, The City Square Hall and the famous pedestrianized shopping street Stroget, are all nearby.

Rooms and Bathrooms

When you envision the Steel House Copenhagen dorm rooms think futuristic pod-style cabins, built with a mix of steel, dark wood and white washed walls. Each pod style bed comes equipped with a personal light and power socket. Dorm rooms also have personal lockers. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and sometimes a private terrace.

10 best cheap hostels hotels Copenhagen

Facilities

Steel House Hostel, Copenhagen

The Steel House Copenhagen, lives up to its name and has an industrial vibe with its cool, Nordic design. Great location plus the facilities are top notch: swimming pool, gym and inhouse cinema

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, lives up to its name and has an industrial vibe with its cool, Nordic design. The 253 rooms lay emphasis on using raw and rustic elements – wrought iron columns, exposed pipes, concrete and brick. The open plan layout encourages social interaction. Leather Chesterfield sofas, game boards and an on-site bar are conducive to that end. Grab and Go breakfast bags are available with tea or Fairtrade coffee from 6am to 11am. The basement lounge sometimes converts to an event venue for karaoke nights or for local acts.

Factbox

Rates start from €30 per night for a dorm, €130 for a double

Address

Herholdtsgade 6, c/o Arp-Hansen Hotel Group A/S, 1605 Copenhagen, Denmark.

Steel House Hostel, Copenhagen

The Steel House Copenhagen, lives up to its name and has an industrial vibe with its cool, Nordic design. Great location plus the facilities are top notch: swimming pool, gym and inhouse cinema

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

2. Generator Copenhagen

super stylish generator copenhagen

Location

Generator Copenhagen is located in the city centre near Kongens Nytorv Square.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The Generator has an elegant, minimalist Danish design. Tim Bjorn illustrations and intricate lighting characterize the rooms. Choose from private rooms or shared rooms. Private rooms are Premium Doubles that sleep 2 persons, Twin Room (sleeps 2), Quad Room (sleeps 4), Double Room (sleeps 2), Family Room (sleeps 4) and 6 Bed. Shared rooms consist of the Small Shared Room that sleeps up to 6 people, Female Shared (sleeps 6) and Large Shared (sleeps 8). Premium Double Rooms have little luxuries like a desk and chair, ensuite bathroom, large mirror, clothes-hanging unit, bedside lamps, fluffy towels and power sockets. A dorm room has bunk beds with privacy boards, dressing tables, mirrors, hair-dryers, lock-up storage, power sockets and attached bathrooms.

Facilities

The facilities at Generator Copenhagen are outstanding. There are multiple chill-out areas an alfresco terrace and even a pétanque bar.

Factbox

Booking via Hostelworld.com rates start from €24 for a dorm, €117 for a double

Address: Adelgade 5-7, 1304 Copenhagen, Denmark.

3. Meininger Urban House

rooms-meininger-urban-house-copenhagen-cheap-hostels

Location

The Meininger Urban House is a fab location, situated right behind the main train station.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The Meininger Urban House has a whopping 228 rooms including 879 beds, spread over 5 floors. The private rooms have an attached bathroom with shower and the convenience of a hair dryer and toiletries. Rooms are well heated and have fantastic free Wi-Fi. Rooms are light and airy with parquet floors, arched windows that nearly stretch from ceiling to floor, fresh linens and interesting decor elements on the walls. Most rooms have tall mirrors and a place to hang up clothes. Rooms are clean, spartan and comfortable.

Facilities

The public zones in the Meininger Urban House include a bar and restaurant, a game zone, a lounge, lobby and even a swanky cinema room. The guest kitchen is modestly outfitted with everything needed to rustle up a self-catered meal. The Urban Bar has happy hour from 7 to 9 pm each night. Colorful leather sofas, wooden bookshelf’s and brick walls provide a cool, modern design to this classy hostel.

Factbox

Booked via Hostelworld.com, rates start from €27 for a room in a 10 bed dorm, €30 for a room in a 6 bed female dorm and €110 for a double

Address

Colbjornsensgade 11, 1652 Copenhagen, Denmark.

4. Copenhagen Downtown Hostel

Lounge area of Copenhagen Downtown Hostel

Location

Copenhagen Downtown Hostel is located in the heart of the historic city centre, just a ten minute walk from the Central Station. Major sights about town are just around the corner.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel include single, twin and double private rooms and 4,6,8 and 10 bed rooms. Linens are included along with the provision of a reading light next to the bed. Rooms have universal power adaptors. Bathrooms have hot showers. A washing machine means you can do your own laundry in the hostel.

Facilities

Copenhagen Downtown Hostel provides a number of facilities that will ensure you have a comfortable stay. There’s free Wi-Fi in all public areas and even iPads for borrowing from hostel staff. An all you can eat breakfast, costing about 10 euros, should set you up for the day. There’s an on site cafe and restaurant to satisfy all those hunger pangs, along with a bar that stays open well into the night (actually morning- 5 am!). If you are looking for social activities a billiard table beckons. Play a board game with new found friends and family, or even participate in a game of foosball.

Factbox

Booked via Hostelworld.com , rates start from €100 for a double, €31 for a bed in a 12 bed dorm and €38 for a bed in a 4 bed female dorm.

Address

Vandkunsten 5, 1467 Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

5. Woodah Hostel

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Location

The Woodah Hostel is located in the centre of town, in the upbeat and happening Vesterbro locality.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The Woodah has 30 custom made wooden bunk bed cabins, which are designed to ensure extra privacy. Cabins come with a privacy curtain, a personal reading light and a locker to secure personal items. The beds are made with crisp white bed linen. Bathrooms and toilets are shared and come with comforts like mirrors and hair dryers.

Facilities

Even though the Woodah is a relatively small accommodation, the aim is to create a cozy, welcoming yet urban environment. The hostel has an on site Woodah cafe and bar serving delicious Danish food and drinks. All the food is organic and produced locally. The Woodah focuses on the well being of guests. Outdoor yoga classes are offered in the grassy backyard and the hostel has tie-ups with local yoga schools.

Factbox

Booked via Hostelworld.com rates start from €37 for a dorm, €75 for a double bed in a mixed dorm

Address

Abel Cathrines Gade 1, 1654 Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

6. Annex Hotel Copenhagen

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Location

The Annex Copenhagen is just a two-minute walk away from Copenhagen Central Station and hence is perfect if you are coming into the city by train.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The hotel has private rooms painted in bold, bright colours and bathrooms that have been renovated in 2017. If you book one of the private rooms with ensuite toilet and shower, (the Annex+1 or the Annex+2) the price includes the cost of breakfast. You can also choose from 1-2-3 or 4 bed per room occupancy.

Facilities

One of the best things about the Annex Copenhagen is it’s unbeatable location near the Central Station. The Meatpacking District with trendy bars and restaurants is just a block away along with lots of nearby nightlife. The Lakes and a running trail of 7 km are just around the corner, as are the Town Hall, Tivoli and Stroget. Once you stay in the hotel, it provides an unbeatable location with many things to do within walking distance. Apart from the fact that the hotel is fresh, bright and the bathrooms newly renovated, there’s free high speed Wi-Fi and a common kitchen that enables you to self-cater. Luggage storage is possible in the luggage room next to reception along with provision to store valuables in the hotel safe. There’s an iron and ironing board located in the ironing room and currency exchange facility in the reception. Bikes can be rented in the reception too to explore the city like a native.

Factbox

Booked via Hostelworld, rates start from €58 for a double.

Address

Helgolandsgade 15, 1653 Copenhagen, Denmark.

7. Wake Up Copenhagen

bedrooms at Wakeup-Copenhagen-B

Location

Wake Up Copenhagen-Bernstorffsgade is conveniently located in Copenhagen City Centre. The property is located just 600m away from Tivoli Gardens.

Rooms and Bathrooms

Guest rooms at Wake Up Copenhagen have flat screen TVs with cable channels. Rooms have a desk to work from. Each room has a private bathroom. Choose from the Standard Room, Sky Room and Heaven Room (all sleeping 2 persons) and the Triple Room.

Facilities

The hotel has free Wi-Fi and a comfortable guest lounge. The ample buffet style continental breakfast features bread, butter, cheeses, cold meat, fresh fruit, jam and cereal. Choose from beverages like tea, coffee or fruit juice. Other food and drink facilities provided by the hotel include an on-site coffee house, fruits, chocolates and cookies, a snack bar and a mini-market on the premises.

Factbox

Booked via Booking.com, rates start from €106 for a double

Address

Bernstorffsgade 35, 1577 Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

facade-hotel-danmark-copenhagen

These last 3 options are not so budget friendly but I’ve included them for those who were happy to push the boat out a bit more….

8. Hotel Danmark

Location

A centrally located Copenhagen hotel between the National Museum of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen City Hall Square.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms of the Hotel Danmark are located in two separate buildings. One of the buildings dates back to 1792 and is a protected listing. Special features of the rooms in the Hotel Danmark include a writing desk, large windows that  stream light in and cable TV. There are a number of room types to choose from: small single, small double, superior double or twin (sleeps 3), junior suite (sleeps 3), family room or three bedroom suite (sleeps 6), two bedroom suite (sleeps 4).

Facilities

A complimentary wine hour is offered to all guests between 5 and 6 in the evening at the hotel lobby bar. Hotel guests will also benefit from the organic breakfast in the morning. The rooftop terrace provides sweeping views of the city, so definitely have your camera at the ready. The hotel has its own lush urban garden where guests can relax after a long day. Restaurant Tivolihallen has delectable Danish sandwiches on offer. Alternatively choose from the a la carte menu. The hotel is conveniently located nearby pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Factbox

Book via Booking.com -rates start from €145 for a double

Address

Vester Voldgade 89, Copenhagen, Denmark.

fitness area Axel Guldsmeden hotel

9. Axel Guldsmeden

Location

The Axel Guldsmeden is located on a narrow street in the upbeat Vesterbro area. The hotel is just a minute’s walk away from Trommesalen Bus Station.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The Axel Guldsmeden has 212 rooms with 4 spectacular penthouse suites, with private rooftop terrace and hot-tub. Rooms have been inspired by Balinese decor. They have free Wi-Fi, roomy four poster beds, flat screen TVs, minifridges and designer toiletries. Family rooms include bunk beds.

Facilities

Axel Guldsmeden is found in a lovely turn of the century building. The hotel’s focus is on eco-consciousness and sustainability-oriented media. The hotel has Green Globe certification and the green key. The hotel has a relaxing Axel Spa- perfect for some relaxation and rejuvenation in the hot tub and sauna. The hotel lounge and courtyard are also perfect places to relax. The Cafe Nord is the stylish restaurant at the Axel Guldsmeden. Exposed brickwork, large windows and recessed lighting create a wonderful ambience to feast on the culinary delights on offer. A plush lounge and a garden with sofas add to the perks of this delightful hotel.

Factbox

Via Booking.com rates start from €118 for a double

Address: Colbjornsensgade 14, 1652 Copenhagen, Denmark.

elegant bedrooms Ibsens Hotel Copenhage

10. Ibsens Hotel

Location

Ibsens Hotel is located in the Nansensgade area in Copenhagen’s city centre- a 5 minute walk away from Norreport metro station.

Rooms and Bathrooms

All rooms at the Ibsens Hotel are welcoming and pleasant. The rooms have provision to hang up clothes and with space under the bed to store suitcases. The non-smoking rooms have free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a desk, phone and an en-suite bathroom. Choose from Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and Junior Suites equipped with comfortable Jensen beds.

Facilities: 

Ibsens Hotel is a boutique hotel with a home like atmosphere. The hotel is attractively decorated with art pieces from local and international artists. Ibsens provides a breakfast (DKK 155 for adults and DKK 75 for kids up to 17 years). Grab and Go breakfast bags are also available on request. Food is mostly organic and locally sourced. The culinary bend of the food is based on the principles of New Nordic Cuisine. The bar at Ibsens is open to hotel guests as well as outsiders. You can enjoy good coffee (sourced from ‘Original Beans’), beer from Norrebro Bryghus, several organic wines and gin and tonics made with Herno Gin.

Factbox

The not so budget friendly option in this list – Via Booking.com, rates start from €169 for a double

Address

Vendersgade 23, 1363 Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

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Room007 Chueca Madrid Hostel Review https://budgettraveller.org/room007-chueca-best-hostels-madrid/ https://budgettraveller.org/room007-chueca-best-hostels-madrid/#respond Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:09:53 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=10933 Lively. Vibrant. Colourful. Room007 Chueca is one of the best hostels in Madrid. The hostel is very much a reflection of its neighbourhood. The rooms are minimalistic and have been tastefully designed by renowned Spanish design group Requena & Plaza. The hostel feels very much like a boutique hotel not like a hostel. Plus it is home to a fantastic restaurant, Saporem which is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Location

is in the triangle of Gran Vía, Malasaña and Chueca close to the most popular attractions and monuments of the Madrid. You are a 4-minute walk from the Sevilla metro station,  9 minutes from the Museo del Prado (art museum) and a 11 minute walk from the Plaza Mayor (city square). You are surrounded by fashionable boutiques, historic tabernas and rooftop bars, great clubs ( fabulous jazz club Bogui is just around the corner on Calle del Barquillo ) plus a host of great places to eat.

Room007 Chueca Hostel Madrid

Rooms and bathrooms

has 32 rooms divided into doubles or dorms of 4 to 11 beds. The coolest dorms here are the spacious duplex rooms with ceiling windows. Every guest has a storage locker that can be opened and closed with your own keycard. Plus as is standard with all good hostel dorms, you have a reading light and power point by the bed.

All rooms here are en-suite. Bathroom have power showers. Towels and linen are included in the price for all guests.

best hostels in madrid

Facilities

Besides the clean and minimalistic design of the hostel, the other key feature of this place is the roof top terrace. The terrace is adjoined to a fully equipped kitchen and also a chillout lounge area with TV. There are lots of beanbags scattered around to relax on,  read a book or if you are feeling more energetic, there is a foosball table where you enact the bitter Madrid derby: Real Vs Atletico. It is a good place to meet fellow guests. If its a sunny day which is highly likely in Madrid, you can sit on the outdoor terrace with an ice cold beer or enjoy your breakfast in the morning.

The hostel also has a full lineup of daily events : this include daily walking tour and pub crawls, flamenco workshops, roller skating, cycling and tapas tasting. Some of these arefree.

The hostel’s staff is a mix of local and international travellers who all speak English and a number of languages so you should have no issues. I found them to friendly and very helpful in terms of tips. I couldn’t find the time to do either their walking and pub tours but heard positive things about these tours from fellow guests.

Other key things to note. The hostel provides super fast, free Wi-Fi of upto 300 Mbps in all rooms of the hostel. For a small fee of €3, the hostel  provides guests with a simple but classic Madrid breakfast of churros, bread and coffee or milk.

The hostel has an excellent in-house restaurant called Saporem. If you want a break from Spanish food and looking for something modern but varied , this is a good place to visit. Start your meal with one of their excellent mojitos. They do stone baked pizzas and delicious pastas. I enjoyed their chicken curry while my friend had their steak tartar which he really enjoyed. Great value, great service and a nice ambience-highly recommend.

Why is this a luxury hostel?

The design and style makes this one of the best hostels in Madrid. It has an outstanding location in one of Madrid’s coolest neighbourhoods plus features like the rooftop terrace and the in-house Saporem restaurant add to the fun factor.

Factbox

Booking via

, a bed in their mixed dorms starts from €15.50 while the doubles are around €75 mark. Prices may be cheaper or higher according to season. 

Calle Hortaleza 74, 280004 Madrid

Video

Here’s a behind the scenes look at the hostel for those of you planning to visit this hostel. For more videos of Luxury Hostels, please subscribe to my Youtube channel

More Madrid inspiration?

24 Hours in Madrid

Cheap Eats Guide to Madrid

TOC Hostel Madrid Madrid’s finest design hostel

 

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18 Luxury Hostels to checkout in 2025 https://budgettraveller.org/18-luxury-hostels-to-checkout-in-2018/ https://budgettraveller.org/18-luxury-hostels-to-checkout-in-2018/#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:11:58 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=10903 Another year is over. Where did the time go?

While its a great time time to reflect and look back at the year that was it is also a pretty good time to anticipate, start planning ahead and visualise all those potential amazing adventures that await you in 2020. To help give you some ideas of where to go in 2020, I’ve put together ( with the help of the fantastic Midori Patterson ) a list of new luxury hostels you should checkout.

If you know of any new luxury hostels opening soon, please comment below or tweet me @BudgetTraveller Thank you!

Native Hostel

Location: Austin, TX, USA

With a dark and stormy atmosphere representative of Austin’s western charm, the Native Hostel boasts an eclectic array of activities ranging from yoga classes to bar crawls, from tarot readings to DJs. Native puts tremendous effort into cultivating their culture – which, according to their website, is one of “fuck yes” – and is the perfect place for the curious and creative traveler.

 

Freehand Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Placed in a historic building in downtown Los Angeles, Freehand Los Angeles strives to create a comfortable respite without losing any of the city’s vibrance. While their location and events at their rooftop pool might scream downtown LA, this hostel’s laidback environment, warm décor, and onsite florist are more welcoming in contrast with the overwhelmingness of the city.

 

 

Option BE Cordoba

Location: Cordoba, Spain

Option Be in Cordoba is the perfect place to soak up the Andalusian sun, whether that be on the rooftop pool or near the open central atrium. The immaculate all-white interior design is an inspiring setting to plan your adventures – or you can just leave the planning to the friendly English speaking staff and join one of their daily activities.

 

Steel House

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Steel House is aptly named as this industrial chic aesthetic is reflected everywhere, from its shiny pod-like bunks to its “turbo dishwasher”. They have everything the trendy urbanite could need: pool, café, bar, and even a gym where the staff arrange weekly workout sessions. But don’t be fooled – despite its modern feel, Steel House still strives to deliver the famous Danish “hygge” and you can experience it firsthand cozied up next to their fireplace.

 

Book and Bed Hostel

Location: Tokyo, Japan

The noise, color, and crowds of Tokyo can be overwhelming, and tourists may find themselves wanting to just curl up somewhere cozy with a good book. Well, why not just curl up in a bookshelf itself? At Tokyo’s Book and Bed Hostel, guests sleep in bunks that are located within the hostels bookshelf. Be warned though – this place values experience above comfort. Though they admit on their website that “the perfect setting for a good night’s sleep is not what you will find here” they offer in exchange “the finest moment of sleep” dozing off obliviously during your treasured pastime – reading.

 

Long Story Short Olomouc

Location: Olomouc, Czech Republic

Long Story Short make you feel like you’re in a cloud. Combine that with climbing up sleek large stairs to the lofted beds in the dorm rooms (this hostel “doesn’t believe in bunks” – you’ll only find them in the 10-person dorms) and you’re sure to feel like you’re in a dream. The historic building also features an in house café that serves delicious Moravian food and baked goods, local wine, beer and coffee. Additionally, downstairs is home to Vault42, an equally beautiful co-working space.

 

Ho36

Location: Les Menuires, France

Affordable, stylish accommodation for in a French ski town is no longer a thing of daydreams. The established French hostel company opened a new location in Les Menuires, just a few meters away from the Croisette. It features two bars and a restaurant, all adorned with wood furnishings that give that cozy ski lodge feel with a contemporary twist.

 

LetsBunk Poshtel

Location:  New Delhi

Backpacking in Asia is now as classy as anywhere else. Welcome to LetsBunk Poshtel India’s first luxury hostel, encapsulating a blend of old and new, of relaxation and collaboration. While the inside is clean and modern, one needs only to venture to the sunny deck to overlook the forest and for views of 13th century buildings. They also feature a gourmet café that transitions into a coworking space that makes it the perfect environment for creative travellers and nomadic businessmen/women.

 

Sputnik Hostel and Personal Space

Location: Moscow

“Personal Space” doesn’t necessarily mean seclusion at this centrally located Moscow hostel. While you can certainly retreat to a private room or the privacy curtains of your bunk, Sputnik’s owners designed the open-aired common room and kitchen area to be a collaborative, intimate space. With its small size, visa support service, and complementary pair of slippers, you’re sure to feel personally welcomed. Additionally, Sputnik has the unique feature of double-bunk beds, so you and your partner can share a space without splurging on a private.

 

Hostel ROOM

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

The recently refurbished Hostel ROOM exudes energy and fun. If their 17 colourful themed rooms, open mic ( fantastic quiz nights too ) nights, and happy hours aren’t enough to keep you entertained, then certainly their bike rentals and free walking tours will. If you’re looking for something a little more private (and unique!), Hostel ROOM offers an apartment inside their clock tower with its own kitchenette and a beautiful all-white interior. The tower’s round windows provide amazing views of the rooftops of Rotterdam. Regardless of where you sleep, be sure to get a free hug from their four-legged resident Lexie.

 

The Common Room Project

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Designed by travellers for travellers, The Common Room Project‘s goal is to defeat that mysterious “incompleteness” that occasionally plagues solo tourists or anyone in a city as large and overwhelming as Saigon. TCRP’s social nights out, community dinners, and beautiful shared spaces such as their lush garden, rooftop bar, and exposed-brick common areas make it easy to meet like-minded explorers and creatives.

 

Hostel Café Koti

Location: Koti, Finland

Hostel Café Koti has everything you’d expect from a Scandavian boutique hostel – including an authentic Finnish sauna. Though the design is undeniably modern, pockets of color and light wood elements add a cozy twist. Be sure to check out their café serving healthy local dishes and the rooftop terrace which features dance lessons, live music, movie nights, and more.

 

We Crocifieri

Location: Venice, Italy

Built inside a renovated 12th century monastery, this hostel features stunning functional design in the Cannaregio district of Venice. You can enjoy a drink in the spacious courtyard, in the hostel’s gorgeous bar, or venture out from the water taxi station located just two minutes away.

 

Ostello Bello Lake Como

Location: Lake Como

Luxury at Lake Como is no longer reserved for George Clooney and the like. Ostello Bello Lake Como offers stylish accomodations with funky furnishings at a backpacker’s price. The courtyard hammocks and secret garden give a feel of elegance, but with additional friendly features such as a free welcome drink (a proper pint of glass of wine) and an all-day breakfast buffet.

 

Rebel Rebel Hostel

Location: Groningen, Netherlands

Rebel Rebel Hostel, as the name suggests, is the perfect place for counter cultural trailblazers. Perfectly located for Paradigm and EM2 music festival’s attendees, guests will spend the night in furnished and themed shipping containers. The commune-like grounds also have a focus on sustainability: the site has its own vegetable garden and the water from the showers is used to flush the toilets.

 

The RomeHello

Location: Rome, Italy

The RomeHello is Rome’s newest, and most central design hostel. Located within the central station district you’ll find the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps all within a 20-minute walking radius. But if the highlights of Rome don’t inspire your creativity, the walls of the hostel are lined with colourful murals painted by local Romans, and artists from all over the world.

When it’s time to rest, The RomeHello provides a mix of spacious dorm and private rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. On the ground floor, you’ll find the guest kitchen and cosy lounge, complete with a PlayStation and sofas to sink into with one of our travel guides from the bookshelf. Prefer to chill with a beer? Socialise with guests and locals in the hostel’s bar, The Barrel, where you can hear live music from the best of the Roman and international music scene.

 

Yim Yam Hostel & Garden

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Yim Yam, means “warm smile” and you definitely experience the warmth and famous hospitality of Thailand staying at this hostel. I love the ambience of the Yim Yam Hostel & Garden : it has a very stylish interior with the roof of the lounge adorned with a multitude of colourful lamps. There is a strong emphasis on preserving the unique heritage of the building: historical facets of the original building have been preserved, especially the retro stone flooring of the lobby.  The walls have been painted a special “Thai blue” to symbolize the Land of Smiles.

Hostel offers a range of daily activities to entertain guests : from free yoga classes once a week to film nights and also BBQ’s where you can enjoy free food for the price of a beer. The hostel offers a mix of private, semi-private, and dorm rooms all with the added bonus of a pretty generous free breakfast. Overall, fantastic value, fab staff and also the added feature of an indoor courtyard/coworking space makes this the perfect hostel to kickoff your adventure in SE Asia and Thailand.

 

 

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TOC Hostel : Madrid’s finest design hostel https://budgettraveller.org/toc-hostel-madrids-finest-design-hostel/ https://budgettraveller.org/toc-hostel-madrids-finest-design-hostel/#respond Mon, 09 Oct 2017 18:20:12 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=10502 Located near Puerta del Sol, this hostel is situated in a beautifully preserved heritage building dating from the 19th century. The mixture of classical and modern design definitely gives the hostel the edge.

6 bed dorm TOC Hostel

Rooms and bathrooms

This hostel offer a choice of rooms based on your needs and budget. If you are on a budget, then their 6 bed dorms are great value. Very stylish and comfortable, each bunk bed comes with their own plug point and reading light. Plus guests here have large storage lockers for storing their belongings. If you are in a group of 4 friends or a family and need some privacy, then their 4 beds rooms are a good choice. I stayed in one of their ensuite double rooms. Bed was queen sized with a really nice mattress. There was a plug point and reading light beside the bed. Room had air-conditioning which was a relief given that it was May and already pretty hot in Madrid. Had a peaceful nights sleep. Huge balcony is a nice bonus. There is a separate bathroom and shower cubicle. An opaque glass door separates them from the room so unless you know your travelling partner really well, it can be awkward. The rooms come with free toiletries , toothbrush and toothpaste. In terms of style and looks, it feels much more boutique hotel than hostel.

Facilities

The hostel has a really cool onsite bar and lounge. During the day, it is a nice place to have a  coffee from the bar and read a book or catch up with friends on Facebook. At night, place becomes a lot more livelier.  Besides beers, wine and soft drinks  they have a nice range of cocktails here on offer. The other aspect I love about the bar lounge area is that original fresco paintings on the ceiling have been preserved giving the place a very regal touch. There is also a pool table in the games room adjoining the bar. Besides the bar & restaurant, you have access to a kitchen and a nice communal lounge with TV. There’s a mini-market on site to buy your essential needs as well as a vending machine for snacks and drinks. Hostel also offer a very generous breakfast buffet at only €5 per person. Other facilities of note: Towels, bicycles and hair dryers can be rented directly at the hostel.

My only quibble with this hostel was the lack of atmosphere. It feels more hotel and less hostel. If they can work on this aspect more, them I think it has the ability to be one of the best hostels in Europe.

What makes this a luxury hostel ?

The location, the design and cleanliness are some of the top features of the hostel. Love the amazing location in Puerta del Sol. The heritage of the building combined with friendly staff make this a great choice for exploring Madrid.

 

 

Top tip

Plaza Mayor Square is only 250 m away. This area is packed with bars for tapas and restaurants. It’s a good spot to see and be seen. It is a nice introduction to the Spanish atmosphere.

Fact Box

Booking via Hostelworld.com , a dorm bed starts at 18,50€ and a double room start at 78€.

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Ostello Bello Grande Milan Hostel-reviewed https://budgettraveller.org/ostello-bello-grande-milan-hostel-reviewed/ https://budgettraveller.org/ostello-bello-grande-milan-hostel-reviewed/#respond Mon, 02 Oct 2017 16:03:41 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=10510 ‘We welcome guests to our hostel as if they visiting our home.’ This is the key philosophy that defines the experience of staying at Ostello Bello Grande and makes this one of my favourite luxury hostels in Europe.

The location

Ostello Bello Grande, sister hostel to Ostello Bello is just a stone’s throw away from Central Train Station where you are likely to arrive if taking the Airport shuttles from Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo airport or the train from all key italian cities. Milan’s Corso Buenos Aires shopping street is just a 2-minute walk from the property.

 

The Duomo square is easily reachable by 3 subway stops or by a nice 20 minute walk through the main city attractions.

Rooms and bathrooms

All the rooms at Ostello Bello Grande are en suite. There is a choice of rooms for every type of traveller-from 4 and 6 bed female dorms to doubles and single rooms.  Rooms are clean and the bedding very comfortable. Each dorm comes up with a private reading light and plug point. Another key feature is that both dorms and private rooms are separate to the common areas, so you are guaranteed a great nights sleep. Dorms also have sizeable lockers-just don’t forget to bring your own lock.

Facilities

In terms of facilities, what they offer is astonishing.

The moment you arrive they offer a free welcome drink, which includes a choice of prosecco, beer, wine or soft drinks. I wish all hostels would offer this.

Breakfast is served all morning and is very filling. You have your choice of cereals, muesli, fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, fruit jams, nutella, bread, juices and milk to kickstart your day. Filter coffee is ok but definitely worth paying the euro and ordering an expresso from the bar.

 

Just as in sister hostel on Via Medici, they offer a simple but very nice aperitivo in the evenings between 7 and 9pm. Oh, that’s free too.

If you are peckish between breakfast and dinner, they have free pasta in tupperware boxes in their 24-hour guest kitchen. Just pop it into the microwave and you have a meal.

List of other free things they offer include free shampoos & soaps, free earplugs, free hairdryer, free ironing board, free safe deposit box at the reception, free luggage storage plus free linen and yes even free towels!

Wait. They also offer free mobile Wi-Fi devices with data so if you need to Instagram on the move or call your friends on Skype from the Duomo-Ostello Bello Grande make it possible. Plus also they offer free iPads and laptops for hire. Plus free maps.

What’s the catch I asked the owner of Ostello Bello Grande.

‘Our aim is to make our guests feel at home. It is very simple as that.’

Talking about feeling at home, you have lot of rooms to relax in and escape. You have on the third floor two open-air terraces with hammocks to relax in, complete with a vegetable garden and an attached kitchen if you need some parsley for your pasta. The downstairs common room is the main hub of activity where you will find guests on their laptops or maybe strumming on the guitars hanging on the wall or playing the piano. Music lovers please note that the hostel often organises live music nights plus there is karaoke!

There is a pleasant courtyard where you can enjoy your aperitivo plus a ping-pong table. Wait. I am not finished yet. There is also an additional downstairs lounge with a football table and a big flatscreen TV to watch movies, football or play the Wii or PS3.

What makes this a luxury hostel 

The central location, friendly multilingual staff, the list of endless free amazing stuff, clean and comfortable rooms plus the fabulous open air terrace with hammocks make this a dream abode for backpackers. It really does feel like home staying here. Your only regret will be not having booked to stay a week here instead of 2 days. A wonderful experience and a great sequel to the original Ostello Bello on Via Medici.

Fact box

Booking Via Hostelworld.com, a bed in a 4 bed dorm starts at around €35 while a double room cost you around €100 a night.

]]> https://budgettraveller.org/ostello-bello-grande-milan-hostel-reviewed/feed/ 0 10510 Die Wohngemeinschaft: Cologne’s hippest hostel https://budgettraveller.org/die-wohngemeinschaft-colognes-best-hostel/ https://budgettraveller.org/die-wohngemeinschaft-colognes-best-hostel/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:10:05 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=10212 Ever known a bar where it felt so cozy, you end up spending so much time that it almost became an invisible extension of your living room? So cozy that you never wanted to leave. Maybe they had a few rooms, which you could share with the other like-minded patrons of the bar? That’s how the Die Wohngemeinschaft bar became a hostel. ‘Wohngemeinschaft’ translates as ‘flatshare’. The owners after a number of flatshare requests from customers felt the natural progression was to open a hostel which has now become Cologne’s best hostel.

The location 

Customers at first glance are often dismayed by how far the hostel is from the city centre. Then they arrive and realise (like I did) that they are slap bang in the heart of Cologne’s hippest neighbourhood, the Belgian Quarter. You are on the doorstep of some of the city’s most authentic and cheapest places to eat. There is great artisan coffee, amazing gelato, great burgers cool bars and a few impressive street art murals- it is a lovely place to call home for a few days.  The Dom: Cologne’s world-famous cathedral and the city’s many impressive museums are a 10-15 minute walk away.  Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft is a 2-minute walk from Moltkestraße Underground Station and a 4-minute walk from Rudolfplatz Underground Station. Cologne Main Station can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot.

Rooms and bathrooms at Die Wohngemeinschaft

All of the 11 rooms at die Wohngemeinschaft Cologne are individually decorated on a unique theme.

I stayed in Tom’s room. Every room in Die Wohngemeinschaft hostel, bar and theatre has a unique story. For example ‘Tom’ apparently used to be an art director but moved to Canada on the death of his great aunt. He lived in her log cabin in Lake Tagish and sailed across the Lake on her boat. On returning to Europe, he decided to make a bed from the boat. He comes and stays in the winter months apparently. Till then his boat bed is yours if you visit Cologne.

My other favourite amongst their themed rooms is the fabulous ‘Compagnie de Résisdanse’. Sadly guys this is a female only dorm. Girls will love the ballroom inspired cozy interiors of this room. There are 6 beds in this dorm. At 1.40 meters wide, this is one of the biggest dorm beds I have seen on my travels. Each bunk is completely separated from the other so you have your own privacy plus a curtain. In addition, each bed has its own reading lamp, plug socket and a shelf to keep your loose change.

The rooms at Die Wohngemeinschaft are not en-suite. However, there are bathrooms and toilets on each floor.  They are inspected and cleaned regularly.

Facilities

The Wohngemeinschaft isn`t just a hostel.

They also have a very popular cafe-bar with outside terrace where locals congregate.

During the day you can enjoy delicious coffee and wonderful pastries and in the evening the bar becomes packed with locals and is a fantastic place to hang out and meet people.

The other cool feature of the hostel is their own theatre space, which seats upto 70 people. The theatre is a versatile space hosting everything from local to international bands, book readings, plays and films.

In the hostel itself, guests can relax in the nice common lounge which has a cool retro chic vibe. For a fee of €5.50 guests can enjoy an organic buffet breakfast in the lounge from 8-11am.

Most of the breakfast items like cheese, eggs, yoghurt, tea, and juices are organic. Bread is sourced from a local cologne bakery. All cold meats are sourced from a local organic farmer.

Free coffee and tea are provided, as well as DVDs and books. Bicycles and skateboards can also be rented at reception.

Why is Die Wohngemeinschaft a luxury hostel

In terms of character, Die Wohngemeinschaft is one of the most exciting hostels in the world. If you are looking for an experience, stay here. I love the themed rooms, their amazing bar and also the fact they have their own cultural space. Staying here, I really felt like I connected with the people and spirit of Cologne.

Factbox

Booking via Hostelworld.com, a bed in the 6 female only Compagnie de Résisdance dorm starts form just €20 while a night in Tom’s adventurous boat bed is around €45 a night.

Richard-Wagner-Straße 39, 50674 Köln, Germany.

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Croatia’s finest boutique hostel? Boutique Hostel Forum Zadar https://budgettraveller.org/best-hostel-to-stay-in-zadar/ https://budgettraveller.org/best-hostel-to-stay-in-zadar/#comments Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:35:21 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=10145 A room with THE VIEW. Right in the heart of the old town. ( The best area to stay in Zadar ) A place to chat. Excellent free Wi-Fi to do it online. Plus they will treat you to pancakes and insider tips about Zadar. Welcome to the Boutique Hostel Forum in Zadar, the best hostel to stay in Zadar.

 

Location

The location of this hostel is fantastic. You are overlooking the ancient Roman Forum, which is right in the heart of the old town. Nikola Basic’s fabulous ‘singing sea organ’ by the quay is just a short walk away.

Rooms and bathrooms

The hostel colours of blue and orange figure prominently in the design of this hostel.‘Zadar blue’ as it is called reflects the cobalt blue sky above and the crystal clear sea below. The Orange colour reflects the colour of the sunset here, referred to as the most beautiful in the world by Hitchcock.

Boutique Hostel Forum has rooms for all types of guests. They have excellent 4-bed dormitories with a private shower and toilet. The dorms are in the style of the Japanese capsule rooms. With pull down blinds you pretty much have your own space in your own pod. With two plug points, reading lights and a mirror (a new feature for me)-these some of the nicest bunk beds you will find on your travels.

If you are travelling with loved ones, you have the choice of the more intimate private twin rooms. The private rooms on the top floor have amazing panoramic views of the forum and the sprawling Adriatic sea in the distance. All rooms have air conditioning, linen and fresh towels included in the cost. Private twins include a mini bar, safe, telephone and a TV.  Besides the eye catching design the other wonderful feature of the rooms are the amazing views onto the Roman Forum. 3000 years of history, from the Romans to the Venetians, right in front of your eyes.

If I was to make a quibble about the rooms is that they are on the compact side. There’s not a great deal of space in the room for keeping your luggage.

Facilities

The hostel has a nice common area where you can watch movies or checkout the latest sports on the plasma screen TV sitting in the grandstand auditorium.There is also a billiards table to play on.

There is also a nice sized kitchen which is available for guests to use. Plus there is a nice outdoor terrace where you can chill with a book.

Another star feature of the hostel is their breakfast. Guests who choose the four bed dormitory receive a free breakfast packed to go. Breakfast is delivered to the rooms early in the morning. Breakfast in bed-I don’t know many hostel that offers this. I stayed in their private twin room and enjoyed their all you can eat breakfast buffet. With a great selections of meats, cheeses, breads, burek, juices, yoghurts and coffee- this is a breakfast not worth missing.

Special mention must go to Martina and her team here: they were helpful, friendly, and accommodating. They all speak excellent English and will also give you an excellent crash course in Croatian phrases, things to do, etc. Plus they had some excellent recommendations for places to eat and drink locally. Reception is open 24 hours.

Other key things to share with you. Wi-Fi is free and works well throughout the hostel The hostel has 2 parking places which they charge  € 10 per day. The parking lot is located 100m from the hostel. There is also the possibility of doing your laundry here for a small fee. Power adapters can be loaned from reception when needed.

Why is this a luxury hostel

Of all the cities I visited in Croatia, Zadar was a big surprise. The hostel was a big surprise too. I loved the colours. The design and style of the rooms are up there with the best luxury hostels in this book. Beds were comfortable, very clean. The hostel is very secure too. Staff here are really welcoming and made us feel at home. Plus in terms of location, this hostel is unbeatable. Loved getting up early and going for a walk in the old town when it was completely empty. Plus in terms of hostel rooms with a view, few can beat the view you will get here. Visit soon.

Factbox

Booking via Hostelworld.com prices in a 4 bed dorm start from €21 a night or €40 for a double. These can vary according to season so always try and book in advance to get the best possible price.

 

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Welcome to Yellow Rome, the greatest party hostel on earth https://budgettraveller.org/yellow-rome-the-greatest-party-hostel-on-earth/ https://budgettraveller.org/yellow-rome-the-greatest-party-hostel-on-earth/#comments Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:39:18 +0000 http://budgettraveller.org/?p=9922 Welcome to The Yellow, possibly the greatest party hostel in Rome and possibly Planet Earth. This hostel has been designed with the idea of you having the wildest night of your life. There are lot of cool spaces where you can easily meet your fellow guests. Greatest of which is the Yellow Bar. However it would be a huge mistake to label the Yellow just as a party hostel. The Yellow is a bold concept in hospitality where guests can eat, party, sleep and work in one space. Hostel is no longer just a place to rest your head with dorms. The Yellow is the personification of the modern breed of hostels which are flexible and with multiple identities. You can catch a local band in actions. Go on a food tour of Rome with a local or enjoy a cooking class preparing something typically Roman like a pasta guanciale. If you are travelling for work you catch up with work in their brand new co-working space. Even get your hair cut in their soon to be launched hairdresser. There are plans for even an escape room. Yellow is a very exciting fun space. Prepare to be amazed.

 

Rooms and bathrooms

The Yellow caters to all types of travellers. If you are travelling solo and want to meet people, party in Rome then the ensuite dorms are perfect here. (They non ensuite dorms available too) Equipped with reading light, power outlet lockers- they are comfortable and clean. Plus most importantly in summer the ensuite dorms have air conditioning.

If you are looking for something more peaceful , relaxed their private rooms in the newly launched Yellow Hotel across the road are great. They are equipped with a private en suite bathroom, direct-dial phone, independent Air Con, heating, a safety deposit box, hair dryer, mini fridge and wired Internet access. If I was to nitpick, the private room I was in looked a little dated but there are in the process of upgrading all these rooms.

Facilities

Great features of this hostel: they have free and working wifi,  free iPad hire (30 min/day) plus a free drink when you follow the hostel on Google+,

The Yellow Bar across the road is where all the action happens. With some of the cheapest drinks in town, a regular programme of events that includes great local bands and DJ nights in their basement nightclub, Arcade. The cherry on the cake is the downright bizarre yet entertaining Tonika -a kind of x-rated fitness live video is one way of describing it. I shall say no more. You will have to see it for yourself. Bartenders at some point go around offering free shots of Jager which leads to even more wild gyrating on stage from hostel guests. If that doesn’t whet your appetite you can sign up for a fee and grab a seat on the ‘Rollin Bar’: a magical mystery tour of Rome by night. Imagine a van with strobing lights, half crazed backpackers knocking down unlimited booze on offer accompanied by the surreal beautiful view of Rome at night. Plus there is a pole fitted somewhere if memory serves me correctly. Crazy eh.

Breakfast which is served at the bar is often a sobering affair where you start piecing the previous night together with the help of hostel guests.

The hostel serves a la carte breakfast available from €2.50 and up. Plus most importantly, they have a proper coffee machine here. There is an all day menu where you can help yourself from burgers to salads. Pretty decent fare for a hostel. My preference would be to dine at Mamma Angela’s Trattoria across the road. Great selection of antipasti, fab bruschetta and amongst many other dishes they serve a fantastic Roman classic: cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper)

Hostel offers a variety of great walking tours and organises cooking classes in the new basement kitchen of the hotel area. Kitchen is available for use by all hostel guests.

In the new hotel building, there is also a ‘movie garden’- a hidden inner courtyard where you can watch classic movies or just relax with a book during the day and chill.

In terms of other key facilities, the hostel has a laundry service. For a small fee they will take care of your dirty clothes.

Why is this a luxury hostel?

Crazy, sexy and fun are the words I would use to describe the Yellow experience. If you feel young at heart and party like its still 1999, then you will love the Yellow forever. If you are not the partying, social type and looking for something placid then look elsewhere. Yellow is so much more than just a party palace. They’ve got a ton of exciting plans for the place: barber shop, coworking space, escape room and a 2nd bar. Btw the staff are great too: very friendly & helpful. Staying at the Yellow was an experience that will stay with me for years to come.

Fact box

Booking via Hostelworld.com, doubles start around the €50 mark while a bed in a 10-bed mixed dorm costs €15 EUR. The hostel also offers 6-bed mixed dorms for just €21 en-suite as well as female only 6-beds dorms for €23 en-suite.

Via Palestro, 51, 00185 Roma, Italy

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