Chic hostels that might surprise you

Searching for fabulous hostels can be a bit of a hit and miss affair. You want a great location, clean and spacious rooms and onsite facilities that make your backpacking experience comfortable. But, is it too much to ask for a little style to be thrown in without blowing the budget? Absolutely not! We’ve found these 'chic' hostels that combine all your needs with ultra-cool surroundings.

The Gallery Hostel

Porto, Portugal: Perfect for art fanatics, The Gallery Hostel is located smack bang in the middle of the art district and the nightlife of Miguel Bombarda Street in Porto. With restaurants, modern bars, vintage shops and galleries in easy walking distance, you’ll have everything at your fingertips for an exciting stay.

Set in a 19th-century building, the hostel boasts its own art gallery and holds regular exhibitions and cultural concerts. The rooms are modern with funky bunk beds, art-covered walls, air-conditioning, free linen and city views. 6-bed dorm rooms start from 22€ per night.

Safestay Hostel

Elephant and Castle, London: You can’t go past purple curtained bunk beds and a bar featuring lime green and dark pink furnishings for a funky place to lay your pack down for the night! The Safestay Hostel is located in the old Labour Party Headquarters, a 5-minute walk to the tube to get to all of London’s famous landmarks.

Featuring artwork from up-and-coming British artists throughout the hostel, a heated outdoor garden, free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, the hostel provides all the practical things you need with a splash of quirky style. Check their website for up to date prices from the link above.

The Boutike Hostel

Seville, Spain: Bright and cheery with a vintage twist on furnishings, The Boutike Hostel is located in the heart of Seville’s old town. For health fanatics, a stay at the hostel includes access to a fitness centre only 2 minutes’ walk away.

Breakfast includes delicious homemade crepes and waffles. Private double rooms are available, as well as dorms. They’re decorated in fresh designs with white, florals and wooden furniture, complete with air-conditioning and a TV. Visit their website for up to date prices.

The Seven Hostel

Sorrento, Italy: Not many hostels have panoramic terraces with chic lounge bars like The Seven Hostel in Sorrento. The renovated 19th-century hostel is located in the village of San’Angnello, close to Sorrento Town and the Circumvesuviana Station.

The design is brand new and minimalist, with red, grey and mustard highlights throughout. There’s a reading room, a high-tech room with computers and TV and Napoli’s kitchen for snacks. Click on the link above for the latest rates.

Goli and Bosi Hostel

Split, Croatia: As if it’s not enough to be located within the walls of an ancient Roman palace, Goli and Bosi Hostel, in the heart of Split’s old town, is entirely decorated in yellow, black and white, giving it a futuristic yet retro vibe. The story of Split is written all over the walls, so you even get free history lessons with your stay.

Each bed in the dorm rooms is in its own private capsule with a reading light and power socket, modelled from Japanese pill hotels. Reception is open 24-hours, there’s free breakfast, Wi-Fi and towels. Check on their website for seasonal rates.

Caveland Hostel

Santorini, Greece: Yep, you get to stay in a cave, individually decorated with handmade furniture in the middle of an old vineyard. Sound good? It gets better. Caveland Hostel, in the middle of Santorini, also has a swimming pool with a bar, tennis courts, BBQ’s and cosy hidden gardens with lemon, pomegranate and orange trees.

You can choose from private rooms to 6-bed dorm rooms, some with ocean views, private bathrooms and mini kitchens. If that’s not enough, prices start from only 16€ per night.

Maverick Hostel

Budapest, Hungary: How about a hostel in a renovated royal mansion for chic budget accommodation? If you can manage to leave the grand entrance hall, you’ll find stylish, modern furnishings combined with the historical elements of the building, in the middle of the city of Budapest.

Choose to stay in a private room or dorm rooms with up to 5 beds. And guess what? No bunk beds! The Maverick Hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen and common areas, free tea and coffee all day and free lockers. Check their website for seasonal prices.

Mosiac House

Prague, Czech Republic: Eco friendly with live music and DJ sets in the La Loca Music Bar and Lounge, Mosiac House is the place to be for party animals. Just 10 minutes’ walk from Charles Bridge, the hostel’s sleek, modern design and focus on music is just what you need for an exciting Prague adventure.

Private rooms and dorm beds are available, all with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hostel also offers 24-hour reception, Segway rental and a terrace garden to chill out on. Check their website for up to date rates.

Hostel Celica

Ljubljana, Slovenia: Fancy spending the night behind bars? Luckily, the cells at Hostel Celica, in the lively Metelkova City, are artistically designed, complete with everything you need for a good time in jail. An old military barracks, the hostel has won numerous awards for its remarkable innovation.

20 old cells have been converted into individually designed rooms with shared bathrooms. You can also choose from rooms or dorms with up to 7 beds. The onsite restaurant is the lively hub where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Beds start from 18€.

PLUS Hostel

Florence, Italy: The facilities at PLUS Hostel are more suited to a resort than a hostel. 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence, the hostel offers indoor and outdoor pools, a disco, travel desk, sauna, Turkish bath and a rooftop bar with 360-degree views over Florence.

The rooms have up to eight beds and they all come with their own bathrooms. With air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private lockers and free use of fitness equipment as well, you may never want to leave! Check their website for up to date prices.