It’s a common scenario: You’ve made a resolution to travel more in 2018, but while booking your trip, you’re frozen in a state of disbelief at how quickly costs can add up. Though some expenses like airfare and meals can’t be avoided, there are ways for you save on where you stay. Regular hotels can be pricey, and while Airbnb can be a more economical option, if you don’t feel up to sharing a home or communicating with a foreign host, you may want to consider a hostel.
Before you say there’s no way you’re staying in a room with 16 prison-esque bunk beds filled with rowdy travelers and a public bathroom, you should know that hostels have come a long way in the last decade in terms of design and atmosphere. Most even offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, so you’ll get the solitude of a hotel with the perks of having local, knowledgeable staff and plenty of chances for social interactions with other guests — should you desire that.
Based on thousands of real travelers’ reviews, Hostelworld.com has announced its 2018 Hoscar (yes, that’s a thing) winners. The top hostels all got high marks for staff, cleanliness, and location, but we’ve rounded up 12 that are even better than hotels thanks to their affordability and uniqueness. (Note: Prices have been converted to dollars and may change depending on season).
=Piece Hostel Sanjo, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan These will run you about $25 a night, private family rooms with an ensuite bathroom. They sleep four to six and go for less than $300.
+Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel, Antigua, Guatemala a dorm (about $15 per night) private room (about $75 per night),
+El Rio Hostel, Buritaca, Santa Marta, Columbia, a hammock ($9 per night) private cabana with a queen size bed (about $40 per night).
=Freehand Chicago, Chicago, Illinois less than $30 a night, include only four beds, as well as an ensuite bathroom. $90 can get you a private room with a queen size bed and private bathroom, or, if you’re traveling with a group, you may want to look into the two-story penthouse, which is $1,500 a night and looks to be worth every penny. Freehandhotels.com
+Soul Kitchen, St. Petersburg, Russia eight-person dorms is less than $20 a night, while a luxury room (with private bathroom and fireplace!) is about $85.
+Cheers Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey private suite with a double bed runs about $90 per night, while a bed in a 10-person dorm is about $18.
+The Madhouse, Prague, Czech Republic 8-person dorm (running about $25),
+Chili Kiwi Lakefront, Pucon, Chile “Hobbity Hollow” room with garden views for about $65 per night, and a stay in their treehouse is just a few bucks more.
=Lucky Lake Hostel, Vinkeveen, Amsterdam, Netherlands $30 to $60 a night and range from private, single-person caravans to six-person cabins with an ensuite bathroom. During 2018, they also offer “Wonderful Wednesdays” when all rooms booked in advance are only $25. Luckylake.nl
=Loft HI Hostel, Reykjavík, Iceland 8-person dorm is about $55 per night, while a private double bed and ensuite bathroom is closer to $300. Lofthostel.is
+Equity Point Marrakech, Mouassine, Marrakech, Morocco private rooms for around $80 a night and dorms for about $20,
+Stone City Hostel, Pazar, Gjirokaster, Albania A private double room is only $34 per night, and a bed in a 10-person dorm is $13.