Afraid of hostels? Don’t be. These days, some are plenty luxe and actually look a lot like boutique hotels while still being relatively affordable. Forget dingy hallways, subpar food and sketchy characters. Instead, think handcrafted cocktails by the pool, yoga classes, concerts and plenty of hotel-like amenities. In other words, hostels are really kicking things up a notch.
Freehand LA
The Freehand LA sure is something special. Not only because but it has a James Beard Award finalist rooftop bar with 360-degree views of L.A., but also because it has four dining options, interior design by Roman & Williams and room service. You’ll find it in the repurposed Commerical Exchange building, where it's easy to be social with loads of gathering spaces including a rooftop pool, fitness center and specialty coffee bar. You’ll even have amenities like a valet, a retail shop, daily housekeeping and a bellman that you might not expect at a hostel. It’s also conveniently close to the metro, LA’s fashion and financial district, LA Live, loads of nightlife, and the freshly-revived DTLA.
Onas Hostel & Suites – Cordoba, Argentina
For the adventurous traveler who also likes comfort, good customer service and oodles of style, it’s pretty hard to beat Onas Hotel & Suites. From the Art Nouveau-inspired front door to a gorgeous glass hallway to the Art Deco lobby (complete with Starck chairs), it’s Instagram worthy, indeed. Take your pick from 3 private suites and six dorms, all are spacious with private bathrooms, TVs, reading lamps and lockers. Get to know fellow travelers at the bar in the front yard, while dancing around the pool (there’s a DJ booth), in the movie room or by the grill.
Native Hostel Austin – Austin, Texas
Located in Austin’s artsy East Side and downtown entertainment district, this stylish hostel puts you in the center of all the action. The two-story, 19th-century limestone building has loads of character. Outside, it’s has a stone exterior with wood and wrought irons accents. Inside, there’s a bar, kitchen and coffee shop with cozy seating. With velvet and leather sofas, plenty of artwork, custom light fixtures and a copper-topped espresso bar, it’s easy to see the owners did not skimp on design one bit. Beyond the decor, Native really takes the social aspect of a hostel to the next level with its 3,400-square-foot communal space that hosts film screenings, music mixers and daytime retreats.
The Bivvi Hostel, Breckenridge, Colorado
Spend any amount of time in this famous ski town and you’ll likely agree, things just seem better in Breckenridge. Book yourself a shared room with four or six bunk beds or a private room with a king-sized bed, private bathroom and balcony. For a splurge: Choose the hot-tub suite, which has a fireplace and balcony with sweeping forest views. If you can’t snag that room, don’t worry, there’s a 10-person outdoor hot tub that overlooks the Ten Mile Mountain Range. After a fun day on the slopes, The Bivvi is a welcomed respite.
In the morning, breakfast is included. We’re talking fresh fruit, homemade granola, greek yogurt, orange juice, bagels and hot-breakfast options. Beyond the obvious skiing and snowboarding thrills, you’ll have quick access to all things outdoorsy. You name it, ice climbing, rock climbing, sailing, dog sledding, yoga, snowmobiling, rafting and golf. And for another bonus: You won’t need a car. The Bivvi is located on the Breckenridge Free Ride bus route, which makes it super easy to get around. And it’s about a 10 minute walk to get to Main Street.
Generator Venice
Located on the island of Giudecca, Generator Venice is molto Italiano. The exterior exudes the charm of yesteryear (it’s located inside a 19th-century grain house). Beyond the front door are original wooden beams, worn metals and cozy seating. Bask in live music, art shows and an antique stone fireplace from Verona, and at the cafe you can munch on Venetian- style tapas and pastas. Choose from dorm-style rooms that can sleep five, eight, ten or posh private twins, triplets and quads.
The Wayfarer — Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California
In January 2020, the 156-room Wayfarer DTLA will open its doors. With a rooftop bar, communal kitchen, cafe and basement social club, it will wow you from the get-go. Located in downtown L.A.'s historic Broadway Corridor, it is a walk away from microbreweries, art walks and the historic downtown neighborhood. Some rooms will house bunk beds for four and an in-suite bathroom. Others are private rooms with king-sized beds. All have rainfall showers, stand-up workstations and free WiFi. And the hostel is pet-friendly to boot.
If you’re more in the mood for a swanky Santa Barbara escape, the Wayfarer has a hostel there, too. And it’s not just for celeb-style budgets. Located smack-dab in the artsy Funk Zone and Urban Wine Trail, home to more than 20 wine-tasting rooms, it features complimentary Sunday sunrise yoga lessons and sunset bike tours. Plus, you’ll have access to the community kitchen, library and pool. The hostel is within walking distance of shops and is also near the beach. Private rooms and shared rooms are available. All room types include a full en-suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, 42" HDTV and individual lockers.
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