Here at Hostels.com we appreciate the fact that our customers are a vast and varied lot, which is exactly why our accommodation takes on the same guise. Gone are the days when hostel accommodation could only be found in a faceless building lined wall to wall with as many bunk beds and as little luxury as the powers that be could get by on.
This is precisely why we have trawled through our database to come with some of our favourite alternative places to stay. Of course if you know of others we would love to hear about them so feel free to drop us a line and we'll be sure to check them out.
Fortuna Botel, Budapest | | Chill out in a boat in Budapest in this unique 46-roomed botel - the only of its kind in Europe. Anchored on the Pest side of the Danube, just a few minutes from the Parliament buildings, its location gives guests the best views of this remarkable city. Each room is named after a famous sailor, traveller or pirate adding to its originality and it also boasts a full bar and restaurant. |  |
Foulksrath Castle, Kilkenny | | Located in a 15th century Norman Tower House this is Ireland's oldest, and certainly one of its most memorable, hostels. Boasting many medieval features which add greatly to the atmosphere, the location of the hostel is also pretty impressive. With many nearby activities including archery, fishing, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting, why not move yourself up a class or two and assume an air of nobility for a while. |
Waipara Sleepers, Waipara, New Zealand |  | Sleepers is a unique backpacker and holiday park in North Canterbury where the accommodation is located in historic railway wagons. Yes, you read it correctly. The wagons were part of the New Zealand rail rolling stock and have been converted into these fantastic units and placed in a country garden setting making for a pretty interesting and relaxing stay. |
HI - Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa | | One of the Hostelling International chain of hostels, this is another one you won't forget in a hurry. Located in a former prison, which was also the site of Canada's last public hanging, your bed for the night will be in one of the cells used for prisoners through the centuries. Listen out for fellow prisoners going bump in the night or visit death row and the gallows but be sure to abide the hostel rules - or they might end up throwing away the key. |
Refuge in Lupkow | | If you fancy taking a trip to the farm, then this is definitely one place you will want to check out. Biesczada's pioneer farms have been in existence since the 1950's but Refuge in Lupkow is one of the remaining farms which still accepts guests like you to help out in return for shelter. |  |
Naval Hill Backpackers, Bloemfontein | | Located in an old water pump station built in 1896, and bordered by a nature reserve this hostel impresses both inside and out. While you can view the local wildlife in their natural environment during the day you can overlook the city lights at night as Naval Hill is ideally located in a nature reserve which lies close to the city centre so you really do get the best of both worlds. |
ZicZac Rock-Hotel, Zurich |  | Set right in the heart of Zurich's nightlife, this place regards itself as the 'hottest rock-shack' in the city - and in truth, it probably is. With over fifty rooms, all of which are uniquely decorated according to the rock star to which it is dedicated, you can take your pick. Will it be the Bryan Adams Bedroom or the Led Zeppelin Suite? You decide... |
Camping Michelangelo, Florence | | Overlooking the entire city, this is a campsite unlike any you've ever seen before. With 'housetents' where you'll be sleeping in real beds, Camping Michelangelo provides a refreshing alternative to more conventional hostel accommodation. And as well as the tents, you will find a bar, supermarket, restaurant and much more on the site for those of you too lazy to make the short journey into Florence. |
International House of Travelers, Phuket | | Located in the heart of Phuket Island, this is one for those of you who like to treat yourselves every now and again. Surrounded by a tropical garden and banana fields and with its very own herbal sauna room and traditional massages in a 100-year old original Thai teak house, only the prices offer any indication that this fits into the budget accommodation category. |  |
Seashell Cove Resort, Nadi | | Located right on the water, Seashell Cove Resort offers a pleasant alternative to dormitory accommodation (it has that too by the way), in the form of traditional Fijian 'bures'. So if you fancy your own wooden cabin on the beach with a multitude of attractions and activities close by you'll see why this particular hostel simply had to be included. |
All these hostels are listed on Hostels.com and can be booked online using our secure reservations system where you see the red 'reserve now' button. |
