That’s right, we used “luxurious” and “hostels” in the same headline. There’s no better travel deal than an upscale hostel! The best ones have the look and feel of a hotel (we’re talking spas, balconies and pools), with much (much!) lower price points. Here are our five favorites:
The Island
Bali, Indonesia
Part hotel, part hostel this property’s dorm rooms are anything but dorm-y. Each bunk bed has a comfy mattress, soft white sheets (changed daily) and a curtain to seal off light and noise. Rooms surround a chic pool and there’s even a spa! Add that to the delicious cafe, and there’s nothing this hostel doesn’t have — except a hefty price tag. Shared rooms start at $19 per night.
Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Cairns, Australia
The fact that this hostel calls itself a five-star backpacker resort says enough. It’s the size of a sprawling hotel with a pool and its own nightclub. But the best part is the swanky rooms. They’re carpeted and many have large closets and terraces or patios. There’s also an upscale TV room on every floor (with a flat screen) and brand new shared kitchens. Finally, like any fancy hotel, there’s a concierge in the lobby that will plan all your excursions to the nearby Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Dorms can be found for $20 per night.
Fauzi Azar Inn
Nazareth, Israel
This 200-year-old Arab mansion-turned-hostel still retains all its former glory. The rooms are light and airy with big windows and the attention to detail is stunning (think limestone columns and arches everywhere). There’s even a hand-painted ceiling. It’s more old world than new, but by that we mean Ottoman Empire-esque. Oh, and did we mention the sumptuous breakfast buffet that rivals the spreads found at any five-star hotel? Rooms start at $23 per night.
K’s House Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
This repeated “best hostel” winner doesn’t have the most flashy of accommodations but the shared rooms – especially the Japanese Tatami ones – are awesome in a different way: They’re simple but authentic, incredibly clean and flooded with light. The stylish lounges, backyard patios and roof-top terraces are added bonuses — and as any backpacker knows, a laundry room is always a plus. Prices start at $20 per night.
Maverick Hostel & Ensuites
Budapest, Hungary
Another mansion-turned-hostel, this ex-royal property features mosaic windows, stunning staircases, marble bathrooms and a glass-roofed atrium. The shared rooms are simple yet chic but it’s the common areas that make this hostel a must-stay. Ten-bedroom dorms are approximately $15 per night.
(Main image: Looking Glass)
