Six of the World’s Finest Flashpacking Hostels
Last month we featured a whole bunch of some of the world’s best cheap hostels. So we thought we’d balance it out this month with a few more upmarket places… a few flashpackers’ hostels. (For more on what exactly flashpacking is, see our separate Flashpacking: A Quick Explanation article)
There are a couple of things that all of the below hostels have in common: Whether they’re out in the countryside, on a boat, in the heart of a bustling metropolis or set in the serenity of a spa, they’re smarter, snazzier, and more stylish than your average hostel.
Welcome to travel in the 21st century. Welcome to the world of flashpacking.
Probably the artiest hostel in the world… The Boutique Hostel:
Every room in this self-styled ‘Independent Travelers’ Hotel’ has been designed by a different local artist. Perfect for traveling couples looking for something a bit different, the Daddy Long Legs is inspiring, challenging and exciting in equal measures.
A guest writes: ”The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Also, the design of the hostel with its arty ethos and low key vibe was wicked!!!” (Posted on 24th August)
Check prices at the Daddy Long Legs
Baxpax: One for the techno-traveler
Berlin, Baxpax and state of the art just seem to go together so effortlessly. Its bright colored bedrooms, hip, ultramodern feel and a consideration for all of the needs of the modern backpacker mark Baxpax out as a techno-traveler’s dream.
Among the gadgets, gizmos and funky facilities there’s internet (of course), big-screen movies and sports screenings, and a lavish roof terrace with a dipping pool and a sauna. Baxpax isn’t so much a hostel as a sort of lavish, futuristic backpacking dream.
A guest writes: ”It was a big hostel so there was so much stuff available. The staff were very helpful and approachable. The location was great, very central and easy to reach. Oh, and the luggage room actually had lockers, finally I could leave my laptop somewhere safe!” (Posted on 15th September)
Check prices at Baxpax Downtown Hostel Hotel
Champagne accommodation on a beer budget
The Romantic Getaway Hostel:
Don’t let the Orwellian name put you off: Animal Farm is warm, comfortable and perfect for a romantic retreat. It’s got all the facilities you could possibly need (internet, big screen cinema), along with its cozy rooms and camp fire!
There’s a pleasingly homemade feel to its design and atmosphere so you’ll feel perfectly at home tucking up in front of the fire with a good book. And the best thing? With beds starting at 12 Euros a night, this is real champagne accommodation on a beer budget!
A guest writes: ”You just can’t find a hostel like this in a big city. It felt like a home because it was very calm, had lots of personality and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Beautiful bike paths, campfire at night, food cooked by the owner, car ride from the train station and back, free internet, happy animals, cozy rooms to sit down in and enjoy a book or the calmness of the countryside… and staying here was very affordable too.” (Posted on 31st August)
Check prices at Animal Farm
Rustic chic at the Centre Ecologic Ilmena
The Eco Hostel:
Away from the unceasing activity of Barcelona, rural Catalunya is absolutely stunning. Also just a stone’s throw from Gerona, ecotravelers and the environmentally-minded will definitely be interested in the perma-cultural experiments going on at this hostelling Eden.
The hiking in the surrounding area is absolutely fantastic, and after a hard day in the great outdoors, lush bedrooms and delicious, home cooked organic meals await.
A guest writes: ”The friendliness of the staff, the ecological environment, the swimming-pool, the food (homemade and fresh), the well water, the medieval type of building, the mosquito nets, the free internet…” (Posted on 19th September)
Check prices at the Centre Ecologic Ilemena
‘A life on the ocean wave’ in Stockholm The Cruise Ship Hostel:
Fancy spending a night on a cruise ship but without any of the seasickness and terrible entertainment? Then the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel is just the place. Naturally, being in Stockholm, there’s hardly a cheesy, cabaret-style club in sight, just cutting edge design and über-cool nightlife.
A fantastic boat hostel, the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel is a genuine one-off. Its luxurious top deck bar boasts views across Lake Mälaren while, below deck, cozy cabins with free WiFi make it almost as self-contained as being at sea!
A guest writes: ”Its atmosphere is unique! If you use your imagination just a little bit, you can think you’re on a sea cruise.” (Posted on 20th September)
Check prices at the Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel
Tsuruya Ryokan – Hostelling doesn’t get much better than this!
The Luxury Spa Hostel:
Japan may not be the cheapest travel destination in the world, but what it does so well is peace, calm, more than just a little luxury… And wonderfully relaxing hot springs!
With its Japanese-style rooms, fusing traditional architecture with an achingly chic, modernist feel, the Tsuruya Ryokan guesthouse is one of the very flashest of flashpacking hostels. Then there are the hot springs and the nearby temples to explore… Hostelling really doesn’t get much better than this.
This property is new to the site and is yet to receive a guest review.
Check prices at the Tsuruya Ryokan
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