Forget everything you know about youth hostels -- the squeaky bunks, the communal baths, the dude from Poughkeepsie who's been backpacking for two weeks but has totally seen the world, man, and U.S. imperialism has, like, got to be stopped.
Sure, 10-to-a-room, all-bunk-bed, is-that-Danish-dude-really-gonna-listen-to-techno-all-night hostels still exist. And there are at least 18 reasons why you should never stay in one again. But times have also changed, and today's sexy new class of luxe hostel pimps concierge service, airport shuttles, and rooftop pools. Essentially, they offer swanky accommodation without the swanky price.
Some, we dare say, are nicer than staying in your average hotel. Like these 10.
Jumbo Stay
Stockholm, Sweden
Cool factor: Bringing a whole new meaning to the term "jetsetting", Jumbo Stay is a hostel located inside an actual decommissioned 747-200 jetliner at the entrance of the Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. For just $54 a night, you can watch flights take off from one of 27 sleekly designed rooms complete with flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Want an upgrade? The cockpit suite on the upper deck has the only private shower and bathroom with panoramic views of the runway. Take a full tour of the plane, right here.
Plus Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Cool factor: If not for the dorm-style rooms, you'd have no idea this place was even a hostel! An on-site restaurant, indoor pool, yoga classes, sauna, garden, and laundry facilities sound more like amenities offered at a five-star hotel, but are available to all guests starting at $13/night. If you're looking for a little more privacy, there are even en suite rooms available in the "hotel" wing of the hostel.
Hlemmur Square
Reykjavik, Iceland
Cool factor: Duvet covers, quality linens, and food service sound more like the makings of an upscale hotel rather than a hostel, right? Reykjavik's Hlemmur Square provides all of that in their comfortable and stylish dormitory-style rooms, plus added traveler-bonding bonuses like free concerts, tix to art gallery installations, guest kitchens, and communal lounges -- all for $108/night.
The Bowery House
New York, New York
Cool factor: The Bowery Hotel is known for its high-end accommodations and celebrity clientele, so budget-friendly prices don't typically come to mind. But, the Bowery House offers cabins and bunk rooms starting at $69/night for those discerning (and in-the-know) travelers looking for the benefits of luxury hotel; think rooftop garden, mahogany bars, and a prime location -- all for a fraction of the cost. The one trade off? You'll be sleeping in a closet-sized room.
Hostel Equity Point
Marrakech, Morocco
Cool factor: Situated in the heart of Marrakech, this hostel takes great care to incorporate the exotic aesthetic of the area into its décor. Large white arches and bright tiles surround the central pool while the rooms (which start at $11) offer full bathrooms, fine furnishings, sofas, and custom art. If you're looking to relax after a long day of lowballing vendors in the bazaar, a spa offering a traditional Hammam and massages are waiting.
Follow Thrillist on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Thrillist
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.