Orange Village Hostel, San Francisco

Top Boutique Hostels Around the World

Hostels are hot on the heels of budget hotels. Frequently throwing in a free breakfast, Wi-Fi, contemporary room designs and central locations, hostels offer travellers an appealing package that is no longer targeted solely at the budget backpacker.

The greatest choice is to be found in major cities where you can find stunning examples of this new breed of top boutique hostels around the world.

Orange Village Hostel, San Francisco
This is one of America’s coolest cities and it certainly packs a punch with a lively nightlife, arts and cultural scene. So it is only right that you book yourself some worthy accommodation. Orange Village Hostel is relatively new on the hostel scene but is certainly the best choice for couples or smaller groups looking for a more low-key atmosphere. Rooms are tastefully furnished and the communal areas feel more like a homely apartment than a city centre hostel. It's not a party hostel with events happening left, right and centre, but staff make an effort at the end of the week to host a Friday wine evening. Very civilised. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free and guests have access to self-catering facilities. Search for more San Francisco hostels.

Cocomama, Amsterdam
The Dutch are hot on design and it seems budget accommodation is no exception. The beautiful and individually styled rooms at Cocomama reflect what this hostel is all about: providing a personal and caring service to guests with a keen eye for detail. Staff are on hand to offer advice about local eateries, nearby watering holes and things to do in the city. Back at the hostel, guests can use the iMac and internet or relax in the pretty garden. If you want to look for more boutique apartments and hostels Amsterdam has plenty of stylish accommodation.

Urban Oasis, New York
If you have ever fancied staying in a New York loft-style apartment, then Urban Oasis ticks all the boxes. The place is a bright and spacious conversion with high ceilings, a quirky kitchen and colourful communal areas. A number of rooms are available to suit every budget including standard and basic or superior and deluxe. Some rooms boast views of the Empire State Building or the historic buildings of 5th Avenue. It’s a short walk from the galleries of Chelsea, the nightlife in the Meatpacking district and also Grand Central Station. To search for more boutique hostels in New York try looking in the up and coming Williamsburg district in Brooklyn.

AWA Barcelona Central Hostel, Barcelona
A short walk from Plaça Catalunya, the AWA Barcelona Central Hostel is housed in a beautiful mansion in the Eixample neighbourhood. Not only does it offer travellers fun and quirky design, the hostel also provides a fantastic social scene with a spacious dining room, games room and fabulous terrace. Staff will help you scratch way beyond the surface of the Barcelona and suggest plenty of cultural curiosities and local goings on. If you are looking for a youth hostel Barcelona offers budget accommodation all over the city including around the Barceloneta beach neighbourhood.

La Controra Hostel, Rome
Housed in a smart 18th century building, La Controra Hostel is the product of artists and designers injecting colour and flair into budget accommodation. Everywhere is spotless. Bright and airy dorms sleep up to five and the lounge areas are dotted with cosy bean bags. With the Villa Borghese on one side and the Spanish Steps on the other, travellers will be staying in the very heart of Rome for a fraction of the price. When you are searching for youth hostels Rome offers accommodation on both sides of the river Tiber so you can opt to stay close to one of Rome’s most important attractions, the Vatican.

Advertising by Cheryl Clarke - HostelBookers

Photo: HostelBookers (all 4)