Budget doesn’t have to mean bland.
As Jill McElroy, StudentUniverse’s travel expert, reveals.
Here she shares her top five quirkiest European hostels, from a converted Boeing 747 to a former military prison that’s so cheap to stay in it’s criminal.
Jill also reveals an amazing cave-style property in Santorini and a hostel in Portugal with wine-barrel-shaped beds.
Scroll down for the full list.
Karosta Prison, Latvia
Karosta Prison hotel (above) is billed as the only former military prison open to tourists
LEFT: A hallway leading to accommodation rooms at Karosta Prison. RIGHT: One of the prison bedrooms
Jill says: ‘Ever fancied living it up like it was your last night of freedom? Well, the Prison Hotel in Latvia will leave you feeling like it genuinely is.
‘As the only [former] military prison open to tourists, this stay is truly one-of-a-kind, with the hotel embedded into the functioning prison itself.
‘Bonus points are awarded to this hotel as the staff are instructed to treat you as they would a real prisoner, stripping you of your belongings, and punishing “misbehaviour”.’
Beds cost from €15 (£12.70/$13.72) for a wooden bench in a cell or €30 (£25.39/$32.40) for a single cell. Visit: karosta.lv.
Jumbo Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Located only 20 metres from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, travellers will feel a part of the action at Jumbo Hostel (above)
The cockpit has been converted into a cosy room (left) and the main cabin transformed into a hang-out space (right)
Jill says: ‘This hostel features a refitted Boeing 747 jumbo jet! With the cockpit converted into a cosy cabin, and the cabin itself with spacious bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a hang out space, this stay will feel far removed from the 33 inches of legroom we are used to in the sky.’
The hostel is positioned 20 metres from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport and travellers will enjoy views of operational planes speeding down the runway.
Beds cost from 450SEK (£33.58/$42.83). Visit: jumbostay.com/rooms.
Clink Noord, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Clink Noord, moments from Amsterdam Centraal Station, is inside a former Shell laboratory complete with features from the original 1920’s building
Beds at Clink Noord cost from €40.50 (£40.50/$43.74). Pictured right – ZincBar, where ‘DJ’s create a vibe’
Describing the Netherlands hostel of her choice, Jill remarks: ‘Clink Noord is located only moments from Amsterdam Centraal Station, and along one of the city’s iconic canals, so you won’t find a better spot in the city.’
The hostel is inside a former Shell laboratory and features from the original 1920’s building have been enhanced.
Jill adds: ‘DJ’s create a vibe at ZincBar, and the plant-filled atrium serves as a great spot to rest after some yoga – all included in your stay.’ There’s a cafe, restaurant, library, cinema, self-service kitchen and nightclub, too.
Beds cost from €40.50 (£40.50/$43.74). Visit: clinkhostels.com/clinknoord.
Caveland Hostel, Santorini
Above – ‘upmarket’ Caveland Hostel on Santorini, which features rooms that ‘feel like contemporary caves’
Caveland’s ‘expansive pool’
Caveland Hostel is located on the popular Greek island of Santorini.
Jill comments: ‘The Caveland feels upmarket, with an expansive pool, rooms that feel like contemporary caves, and an extensive events program, featuring movie nights, Grecian sampling dinners, yoga and more.
‘Caveland also happens to run numerous green initiatives, aimed at limiting the environmental impact of the property such as a complete ban on single-use plastics, waste composting, paperless admin, and sustainable water management.
‘Embodying Grecian island life, this affordable hostel is ideal for those wanting to feel as if they are staying in a traditional homestead.’
Beds cost from €31.50 (£26.51/$34.45) per night. Visit: cave-land.com.
The House of Sandeman, Porto, Portugal
At The House of Sandeman beds are shaped like wine barrels
It’s located at the Sandeman wine cellars – one of Porto’s most iconic buildings
This hostel is located at the Sandeman wine cellars inside one of the most iconic buildings in Porto, Portugal.
And each bed is shaped like a wine barrel, to make matters extra corking.
Jill says: ‘Expect individualised pods for sleeping, spacious rooms, an open-air bar and nightly Portuguese family dinners with free wine.
‘Only five minutes from Porto’s ever-popular historic centre, the Sandeman couldn’t be better located, with views overlooking the river Douro.’
Beds cost from €31.50 (£26.60/$34). Visit: thehouseofsandeman.pt.