5 top-notch hostels in Europe

For as long as people have dreamed about quitting their jobs to travel the world, there have been hostels there to provide affordable and comfortable accommodations for them. As you well know, hostels exist as a cheaper alternative to hotels where you get a more communal experience. Plus, hostels offer more flexibility in scheduling and the levels of privacy you need and/or want. If you are cool with bunking with 15 strangers, then choosing a hostel will save you a ton of money over booking hotels every night you are away from home. If you want a private room, it’s a little more expensive, but still drastically less expensive than a hotel room.

Just like with any kind of accommodation, there are horror stories about hostels with bugs and dirty sheets and no running water, but those are few and far between. Plus, if you do the research online before you book you can usually avoid establishments that aren’t up to par. What about that elusive luxury hostel? Do they exist? Is it just a dream? Well, thankfully for you, we’ve put together the top 5 most luxurious, unique and frankly awesome hostels in Europe for travellers.

Oops! Boutique Hostel – Paris, France

Oops is located in the middle of three villages – Moufftard, Chinatown and the Latin Quarter. Metro lines from nearby Place d’ Italie and Les Gobelins connect direct to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, the Louvre and, the Marais and Montmartre. Essentially, when you choose Oops, you are choosing well and once you get inside, you won’t be disappointed. The team at Oops will great you with a complimentary drink of your choice and then you will be shown to your sleek, bright and modern room (where a majority of the rooms sleep 4 people maximum!). You can also count on Oops’ team to be a superb resource for learning tips and secrets about Paris that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook.

Circus Hostel Berlin – Berlin, Germany

Ever thought about running away to join the circus? The Circus Hostel Berlin makes us seriously consider it. With sharp, modern graphics throughout the clean and open space, and an incredible assortment of amenities and accommodations, you’ll be hard pressed to find a single thing wrong with this Circus. There are iPads, laptops and more available for use to catch up on email and social media plus a bar/café/lounge called Katz & Maus that is open all day and night long to fulfil your every craving. Plus, if you ever feel like leaving the hostel—which, granted, may take some time—you’ll walk out the front door and see the U-Bahn…talk about an unbeatable location.

Madrid U Hostel – Madrid, Spain

The Madrid U Hostel has modern, fun design down pat. This young, hip hostel has pink bathrooms, modern common areas, and pops of bright colours on all their walls and dorm rooms. With a clean and upbeat atmosphere, your stay with Madrid U will feel more like staying in a hotel than a hostel (while still getting the great social benefits of a hostel). Then, when you emerge from the hostel you’ll find yourself smack dab in the middle of the best of Madrid’s nightlife.

Clink78 – London, England

Clink78 combines 200 years of history with an utterly cool interior and modern facilities right in the heart of Kings Cross neighbourhood. This new hostel was built in a former courthouse (where The Clash went on trial) and they offer updated and great amenities like high-tech pod beds equipped with reading lights and a personal safe, a brand new kitchen and secure key-card access to every room. If you’re feeling homesick, shoot off a couple emails from the free Internet Courtroom, or if you’re feeling sociable meet up in the bar or relax in the Courtroom Lounge.

The Independent Hostel – Lisbon, Portugal

The newly opened Independent Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal, takes vintage architectural design to a new level for hostels. Lisbon itself is a superb city for budget travellers, and this hostel is no exception. Located in the former Swiss Ambassador’s home, the hostel is run by three brothers who created the space as a “meeting point where travellers as well as locals can come together.” As noted, there are elements of the original architecture to complement the 11 dorm rooms they provide. In addition, you can dine in the hostel at their restaurant, called Decadente, where you can get a fixed price lunch and dinner for unbeatable prices (think 7 euro meals)

Even if you weren’t planning to visit the countries listed about, after reading about these incredible hostels, we bet you want to visit them now. When you make your travel plans, remember how important travel insurance can be for protecting your holiday, your investments and your health. You’ll be able to live in the lap of luxury without a worry when you have a policy in your back pocket.