Best (and Worst) European Hostels
Europe's cheapest beds are in hostels! There are more than 2,000 hostels all over Europe and many are destinations in themselves. You can sleep in a castle (Britain or Germany), on a cutter ship (Stockholm), or in an Alpine chalet (Switzerland). Except in Germany's Bavaria region, most hostels welcome travelers of all ages. English is widely spoken by staff and guests and it can be a great way to meet people from around the world.
Which are your favorite European hostels and why? And which were not so great and why?
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hostels
Thank you for all the great ideas. I lived in Germany many years ago (usaf) but have never stayed in a hostel. My daughter and I are going next summer after her graduation and this helps much. Thanks again.
Amanda
Prescott, AZ USA 12/29/2012
hotel 4 dauphins aix en provence
hotel 4 dauphins in aix en provence is in a great location i would not recommend it if you want fresh air in your room and can sleep through street noise at all hours.
carol emmerth
allentown, pa USA 10/08/2012
Balestrand Hostel, Norway
The Balestrand Hostel that Rick recommended in his book was wonderful. Beautiful location and a private bathroom in our 4-bed room made it feel like a hotel. Great for families too, as it has two kitchens and large community areas. The best hostel we've ever stayed in!
Becky K
Savage, MN USA 08/07/2012
Hotel Los Tilos Granada, Spain
Hotel Los Tilos in Granada Spain.
I took the advice from this message board and booked the hotel for two days the end of Feb, 2012.
This hotel was great! Very basic hostal for a very low price. The room was spotlessly clean, the bathroom fairly new, plenty of hot water, excellent wifi in 4th floor room 404. Small, but adequate sized room and bed for one person. Breakfast buffet was basic, but a wide assortment to fill any breakfast appetite. The manager honored the "Rick Steves show travel book for free breakfast" even though I had lost the book a few days before in Madrid. I did have to make it clear to him I had the book, but had lost it a few days before visiting Granada, but he did grant me the free breakfast. Hotel is centrally located in the old town, just a few minutes walk to anything you need. Hotel very quiet as it is located on a pedestrian plaza. I highly reccomend this hotel.
David Parsell
Branford, CT USA 03/08/2012
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof - Interlaken Switzerland
I can't say enough good things about this hostel. It was perfect for our family of 3 (incl a 4 yr old). The facility and rooms were new, clean and efficient. They provide tokens to use the coffee machine and washer/dryer. There are private family dorms, with en suite WC/shower are available. The sleep quarters are very quiet, but common areas are open and friendly. The beds are very comfortable, and best of all.. they have a toy room! We stayed in several nice hostels in Switzerland on our trip, but this one was the most family friendly by far. Also, Interlaken is a nice jumping off point for the Berner Oberland.We hope to stay there again.
Allison
Saint Paul, MN USA 03/03/2012
Hotel La Roseraie Chenonceau
This was a very pleasant, comfortable hotel just a stone's throw from Chateau de Chenonceau. The hoteliers were very kind and helpful in providing information regarding touring in the Loire Valley and in Paris. The restaurant at the hotel served great dinners although we found better places for breakfast.
USA 01/18/2012
I am a fan of hostels
I traveled around europe for almost 3 months last year almost 100% in hostels. The best I thought were Ostello Gallo D'Oroin in Florence, Hostel Brikette in Positano. Residence Santa Croce in Venice- right across the Grand Canal from the train station .Jetpak Hostel in Berlin- great location in East Berlin and new. STF Fridhemsplan in Stockholm. Shelter Jordan in Amsterdam was dirty but great staff and a very safe place to stay. Youth & Family Guesthouse in Salzburg has a great location but way to many children and horrible dorm rooms. I found most places on hostelworld.com. Great Website.
Heather
Minneapolis, USA 12/31/2005