My Favourite Hostels

What makes an excellent hostel? It could be the brand new modern facilities, the incredibly comfy beds, central location or the vibrant atmosphere. I have taken into consideration all the above and put together a list of my favourite hostels from all over the world. (this list is in no particular order.)

1. U Hostel – Madrid, Spain

This hostel was amazing! I was super impressed with the excellent facilities, nice breakfast selections and the overly comfy beds! As I am a female traveller I was pleased to see the male and female bedroom and bathroom floors separate. The modern bathrooms were huge with hairdryers and mirrors for each sink. The rooms were spacious and every bed had its own power points and headlight (a huge plus when staying at a hostel).

I really adored the cute hallways that were lined with fake grass and plants and had chair swings hanging from the roof. It really gave a nice feel to the place.

2. Tribu Hostel – Isla Holbox, Mexico

Tribu was an all-round fantastic hostel. The owners go far and beyond to make this hostel one of the best and make sure that all guest are satisfied. I really loved the social events (pop quiz, jam-sesh, salsa dancing, etc.) on each day to get travellers to mingle with each other.

The layout was definitely my favourite! It was almost like a colourful tree house, with tall spiral wooden staircases leading you up to each room. The hammocks in the garden were also a huge treat after a long day at the beach and the location couldn’t get any better, being only one block back from the ocean and 200 metres away from the main part of town.

3. Samesun Hostel – Kelowna, Canada

Unfortunately I only got to stay at this beautifully renovated hostel for 1 night but I will definitely be back! It’s large kitchen, extremely clean bathrooms and warm cozy beds were a huge highlight for me. They also have events on each night and a huge outdoor drinking area which is great for guests who want to engage with each other.

The hostel is in a great location in the middle of the town and close to everything you need like groceries, bars, restaurants, banks, etc. The Wi-Fi was also extremely fast for those who need the Internet.

4. The White Rabbit – Hvar Island, Croatia

The White Rabbit was a very pleasant hostel to stay at with its brightly coloured spacious rooms and new facilities. It vibrant atmosphere brought travellers together to drink at the roof top bar or tag along to the hostel pub-crawl. It’s location couldn’t be more perfect, being within walking distance to the ferry port and the main town. The only downfall was the cost being way out of our price range but I guess you get what you pay for.

5. Hostel Catedral – Merida, Mexico

I loved this stunning hostel! It’s location was great, being centred right in the middle of the action in the main city square. I was really amazed by the spectacular five-star spacious bathrooms; the marble-stone bench tops made you feel like you were staying in an expensive hotel. The free breakfast choices were also very nice ranging from scrambled eggs and sandwiches to a variety of granola and fruit.

6. Hostel Quetzal – Cancun, Mexico

Now this hostel wasn’t all that nice and modern like the rest of the hostels I have listed on here. You would only go to this hostel for its vibrant, party atmosphere. I loved how the hostel staff members were all young travellers like us and really pushed for everyone to be social. They also provide you with free breakfast and dinner on a long outdoor table where you get to mingle with other travellers. Don’t expect some gourmet meals, they are small and simple but you cant really complain when it’s free food!

7. Nomads Hostel – Byron Bay, Australia

I have stayed at Nomads numerous times over the years as it’s close to my hometown and I would still say its one of the nicest hostels I have stayed in. Its modern facilities, spacious outdoor drinking area and games room are a huge highlight. The location couldn’t get any better, being smack bang in the middle of town and within walking distance to the famous Byron Bay main beach.

8. The Flying Pig (Downtown) – Amsterdam, Netherlands

This pricey hostel situated in the heart of Amsterdam was not a disappointment. The huge equipped kitchen, lively bar and indoor smoking area made it worth the money. The staff members were all super friendly and the high level of security made you feel completely safe.