The Traveller's Magazine
For savvy travellers on a budget, hostels are the way to go when it comes to booking cheap accommodation – and there are some pretty amazing options out there! Hammocks, rooftop bars, outdoor swimming pools…who said hostels can’t equal luxury?!
In the past, staying in a hostel used to conjure up images of packed out dorms, dirty kitchens and a total lack of amenities. Not any more! With so many great hostels out there and demand higher than ever, there are some truly unique and amazing places to stay. From South Africa to Iceland, these are 7 of the coolest hostels in the world.
Generator Hostels, across Europe
OK, we cheated: this is actually a hostel brand with hostels in cities across Europe.such as Venice, Paris and Amsterdam. But with so many great locations to choose from, it’s no surprise that Generator features on our list! With a boutique hotel aesthetic and a variety of social events on offer, each Generator hostel is designed with comfort and style in mind. Their Amsterdam hostel is located in what used to be a zoological university building; the Venice hostel looks out over the canal towards the iconic San Marco; the branch in Copenhagen comes with a large terrace and pétanque bar. Yep, these really are some of the coolest hostels around.
Lavender Circus Hostel, Budapest
Specialising in private rooms, ensuites and apartments, this charming vintage style hostel in Budapest is a quirky, artistic space to relax. Each room features a bespoke design and hand drawn art by everyone from graphic designers and painters to the hostel’s owner! Free Wi-Fi, tea, coffee and a guest kitchen are all available. 
Kex Hostel, Reykjavik
Billing itself as a social hostel in downtown Reykjavik, Kex is set in an old biscuit factory and its design is edgy and welcoming. Salvaged materials and mismatched furniture offer a cool and eclectic vibe in this hostel with space for up to 215 guests. It also features a restaurant, bar, gym and heated outdoor patio – what more could you want?! 
Casa Elemento, Colombia
We’d visit this hostel in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range for the hammock alone – it’s the world’s largest and the perfect place to watch the sunset with new friends and a drink in hand. A nightly campfire, social atmosphere and focus on locally sourced produce make this a stunning place to stay in Colombia.
Makuto Hostel, Granada
This relaxed hostel in Granada, Spain is the perfect place to escape from it all in a beautiful location. An outdoor bar and treehouse offer great spaces to unwind; there’s an emphasis on a friendly atmosphere and breakfast is included in the price – something which those on a budget can truly appreciate! There are also free daily walking tours of Albaicin and Sacromonte as well as activities from yoga to flamenco dancing. 
The B.I.G., Cape Town
Free breakfast, clean and modern facilities, and an outdoor swimming pool make this hostel in Cape Town a shoe in for this list. With a 9.8 rating on Hostelworld, it was also voted the best hostel in South Africa at the website’s 2016 ‘Hoscars’! Accommodation ranges from double ensuites to five bed dorms; guests can enjoy a braai in the garden or fresh pizza from the hostel’s very own pizza oven for a taste of true South African hospitality. 
Equity Point, Marrakech
To escape the hustle and bustle of vibrant Marrakech, Equity Point is the place to go. Located in the centre of the action in one of the tallest buildings in the city’s Medina, the hostel’s rooftop terrace and bar afford some beautiful views over Marrakech toward the Atlas Mountains. Relax in the riad’s inner courtyard and take a dip in the pool beside a traditional Moroccan fountain.
