Home > Plan Your Trip > Graffiti Wall

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?

I want to add my comments! 

Hotel in Rome
I heartily recommend the Hotel Lancelot in Rome. It's about 6 blocks from the Colleseum. It's a vintage but very well cared for building and the staff are first rate. They went out of their way to be helpful and gave us very useful hints. A continental breakfast is includeed and it really is a big step above the typical coffee, juice and rolls. If you book there, request a room wiht a balcony - very quaint and nice views of the city.
Cliff Heise <email>
Milwaukee, WI  USA   06/30/2009

Hostel 99 is really great in Cesky Krumlof
Per your books' advice, I decided to stay in Hostel 99 during my weekend trip to Cesky Krumlof. It was my first time staying in a hostel, and I must say I loved it! The manager James is really helpful, everything is really clean, and the hostel restaurant serves up some of the best food in town. Plus I met some great people, and its only a 5 minute walk to the main square. I came by myself and stayed in a 3 bed room, and I felt totally safe. Stay here!
Tory
Austin, TX  USA   06/29/2009

the best and worst hostel
If you’re in Rome I recommend staying at the best western hotel Canada.
liam
boise, ID  USA   06/03/2009

Hotel Cervia Roma
Hotel Cervia Roma was great. Our middle school class travled to Italy, and our first stop was Rome. The hotel was clean orginized and well put together.
Heather Ray
Boise, Idaho  USA   06/03/2009

Amsterdam Hostel
I recently stayed at Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark in A'dam, NL. I highly recommend it. Others in my 20 bed dorm were respectful of the quiet-time rules, breakfasts were great, transportation and museums conveniently close. This was my first experience traveling alone but it turned out great!
Bev <email>
Yorba Linda, CA  USA   05/24/2009

Krakow Hostel
Greg Tom Hostel in Krakow was a fantastic place to stay. It is beside the train station and right outside the old town wall. They offer free breakfast, free dinner, free laundry and free wifi. Friendly staff that offer great advise, and the place is clean. When I was there, there were people from all ages and everyone felt welcome.
Kate
Canada   05/17/2009

Hostel U Melounu in Prague
This was a terrific hostel located on the south side of town. It is in a quiet neighborhood on a cobblestone street. The staff was very friendly and helpful (24 hour reception). Breakfast was standard fare of breads, cereal, juice, and coffee. We were in a private room (10 B) that was very nice, but the other room (10 A) was small with just enough room for two twin beds and space for a suitcase. There was a nice courtyard in the middle of the complex where one could sit and relax. We really liked lodging away from the busyness of Prague; so pleasant to return home in the evening to a peaceful place. The metro was a 6-7 minute walk away but we rarely took the metro, choosing instead to walk everywhere. We were probably about 25 minutes to Old Town and we did walk home from the castle - about 45 minutes. We stayed six nights and met people from all over the world. We would stay here again!
Linda
Battle Creek, MI  USA   05/11/2009

The Blades Hotel in London
Good location. Walking distance from Pimlico Station and the bus station. Nice neighborhood. Kevin was very resourceful (and witty).
Nick and Jessica Chavez
Grand Prairie, TX  USA   04/27/2009

Danyhouse, Florence - Amazing!!
Hey all, i have just arrived back in the uk from visiting friends in florence and I stayed at a fab hostel called 'danyhouse' (altho no-one seemed to know why it was called this!). The guy who runs the place is an amazing cook , he cooks everynight for the guests and it's 'delizioso!!!'. It's a party hostel so not for those who like a cup of tea and an early night, but felt compelled to write something here cos i had such a blast with the guys there and am defo going back in the summer hols! it's cheap and basic and a little far from the centre (took me about 15 mins to walk to the centre) but if your on a budget like me then i cant recommend this place enough!
Jules Mc
Liverpool, UK   04/17/2009

The Castle Steps Hotel Prague
The Castle Steps is a great place. Right in the very centre near, surprise surprise, Prague castle. We went as a backpacking journey around Poland, Hungary and the other usual suspects and we booked a room with a shared bathroom as it was better value for money. When we turned up they had upgraded us and we got an apartment for all four of us with all the trimmings including a kitchen. The weather was great, the staff were mainly from the states and breakfast was included for us every morning. If you look hard enough you find these gems.
Lynette Zelesky <email>
San Diego, CA  USA   04/15/2009

Eurohostel in Glasgow, Scotland
EuroHostel in Glasgow: I stayed in Euro Hostel in Glasgow, Scotland. It was clean. The price was really reasonable. It was right in the middle of the town centre and close to public transportation. There is a club on the first floor so it is rather loud at night.
Kelly
Grays, Essex  UK   04/13/2009

The Circus in Berlin
I highly recommend The Circus hostel in Berlin. It's in the heart of the city, right around the corner from a subway station, and very clean and chic.
Bethany
USA   04/06/2009

Spend a little time doing research!
Hello all, I've stayed in hostels often enough to say research is key. Get as much info as you can. Using google images search will get you interesting pictures of hostels you want to go. Compare prices also when booking online! I use hostelsclub.com cause they're cheaper than hostelworld and they give away free nights in Venice. Check out blogs too. The best reference is from someone that has the same interests as you.
Mel <email>
Montreal, Canada   04/01/2009

Old Prague Hostel
We stayed at the Old Prague Hostel for 5 days at the end of July and beginning of August 08. There were 5 of us in a "family" room, my husband, 78 my cousin 72, hush, she lies about her age, my Slovak daughter-in-law, grandson 11 and myself 74. The location was great, we had a large room to ourselves with our own bathroom, lockers and bunk beds. All clean.

But the noise was terrible. The street noise was loud, shouting rang through the night into the small hours of morning. And then the rubbish collection began. What a clatter they made, it seems they need to collect every morning about 4:30. However nothing could keep us from enjoying that wonderful city, and I'd never opt to stay outside of the center. [My grandson was disappointed because there was cigarette smoking everywhere, except the hostel.]

In twenty five years of traveling this is the only time your suggestions have not been right on. Oh, if anyone is going to Budapest they should not mess the New Your Cafe. Thanks, I'm sure I'll be in to pick your collective brains again. Marie
Marie Monlux <email>
Hansville, WA  USA   03/18/2009

Apartment in Berlin
My brother and I stayed in Berlin at Friedi's Bed and Breakfast. The owner, Beate Richter, has two locations. One is a guest room in her own apartment (staying with her family), and the other is an entirely private apartment. We stayed in the private apartment..it was amazing! It has a full kitchen, a huge bathroom, and a large living room/bedroom with two twin beds. It was so nice to have all that space after sharing a tiny room in London. It's incredibly clean and modern as well. It's in a residential area only a 5 minute walk to the the train station, and has a grocery store and a few restaurants and shops close by. It was nice to have the fridge handy for the groceries we bought.

I highly recommend Friedi's Bed and Breakfast. It's very affordable and a nice treat on a tiring holiday.
Celeste
CANADA   02/20/2009

Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Budapest
Berlin: The Circus (at Rosenthaler Platz, Mitte) - U-bahn station and tram stop just outside the hostel - clean hostel and great beds - take the free Berlin walking tour!

Krakow: Mama's Hostel - located right in Old Town just off the Main Square - showers were slightly below average though - popular and a great place to meet other backpackers - Internet was free but slow computer/access

Prague: Czech Inn - location not the best but also not too bad (~10 min walk to Metro, tram stops closer but why wait and not walk?) - possibly the best showers (huge shower heads that pour water but need to push the button every time) - possibly the nicest and most stylish hostel (along with Miss Sophies) - great bar that also serves some pretty good food

Budapest: Homemade - like many other hostels in Budapest (also stayed at Art Hostel), it was small and essentially just a flat in the city which also gave it a very homely feel - no bar, of course, but go to Szimpla Gardens! - great laundry service and your clean clothes are returned in a cool suitcase at your bedside nicely folded - cool interior design - free Internet (only 1 desktop and 1 laptop)

Note: My trip was from late April to June 2008.
Calvin <email>
Los Angeles, CA  USA   02/11/2009

Hostel Miguel
Hostel Miguel, Nerja Spain. They were amazing.Priced very fair.My girlfriend and I went in october and stumbled across this place by accident.The english couple that run it are extremely helpful and personable.Great location also.Extra thanks for charging my camera battery.
Lisa
Mukilteo, Wa  USA   01/23/2009

Hostel in Finale Ligura
The castle hostel in Finale Ligura is wonderful. Great view, very comfortable, great food, lovely town and beach.
Kathy <email>
Canby, OR  USA   01/21/2009

The best hostel I ever stay in was HOSTEL ELF in Prague..The rooms are spacious, easygoing staff, incredible cheap and there was always someone to talk to..I met really interesting people there and the commom room is always full of travellers..They have open beer garden and sell beer for less than 1 Euro..Definitelly party hostel which fits to me..:-))
Mitcha <email>
Toronto,  01/18/2009

Porto - Guest House Douro
Guest House Douro is a place with style and uniqueness. I was the first guest to stay in this place and I had to say this place provided me with the most memorable experience in my Portugal trip.

Unlike other European hotels which are usually old and outdated, Guest House Douro is modern and posh and yet blends in very well with its neighborhood. this place also has its characters and you can feel that from its design, furniture, witty use of colours and lightings, owners put their heart and soul to it and I just totally fell in love with this place. Situated along the river front forming part of the 17th century architecture, Guest House Douro was converted from an old 17th century building, the room I stayed has a small balcony and a gorgeous river view, it is tastefully decorated with classic modern furniture, bed is very comfortable with very nice bed sheets. The curtain in my room is purple violet in colour hanging in front of the white wooden window frame. I had such a romantic time staying in the room enjoying the quietness and overseeing the river at night.

Owner is a very sweet friendly couple from Canada. I had such a wonderful dinner with them on the 1st night (they brought me to a very secretive place of good value - go check with them for dinner places !!!) and during my stay, they had made a lot of good recommendations to me on places to visit and wine cellar tour. Breakfast was a great surprise to me, the dining room though small is very posh and uniquely decorated (owner Carmen has a very good eye), Joao her husband served me with a very delicious fruit plate and a plate of parma ham and cheese (it came with both strong and mild taste cheese) !!!

I have to say, if you are looking for some elements in your trip which is more than just sightseeing, if you are looking for a bit of personal touch in the place you stay, this Guest House Douro which is of excellent value is the place to be.
Elizabeth Liu <email>
HK   01/13/2009

Edinburgh Hostel
Edinburgh

Stayed at the Budget Backpackers.. Great value for money-nice beds, great breakfast & full kitchen to cook. Located well in the sight of the Royal Mile for one to roam in Edinburgh. ONe tip however - if you are not travelling light and coming via bus, maybe take a cab - or ask for perfect directions.
Niraj Shah <email>
Bombay, India   01/10/2009

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 <email>
Minneapolis, USA   12/31/2005