I just got back from a month in Italy and after living and traveling through SE Asia for so long I kind of forgot what it was like to actually stay in a hostel since I usually stay in guesthouses. Because accommodation is so relatively cheap there aren’t many hostels since the hostel crowd can actually afford to stay in their own private room wherever they go. In fact, the last time I stayed in hostels was several years ago traveling through Europe. During that time I stayed in a couple beautiful places…and a couple dumps.
This time I lucked out with picking hostels that were reasonable price-wise but still paid attention to the little details that make a stay more comfortable and welcoming. Better yet, they’re both part of two different hostel chains with properties across Europe. When I make it back to the area I’ll be sure to check out their locations first.
PLUS Hostels
PLUS Hostels has locations in Berlin, Prague and Florence as well as some camping sites around Italy. I stayed a few nights at the Florence property after first arriving in Italy and was particularly surprised at what a great value it offered especially compared to other accommodations rates and throughout Italy. Traveling alone, I really had a rough time trying to find accommodation I could afford or that was worth paying for. Starting out at PLUS Hostel I thought I would be able to find similar options throughout the country but didn’t. The hostel not only had a range of private and dorm rooms, but a dining and bar area, patio, pool, sauna, steam room….certainly more facilities than you would expect in your average hostel.
The Florence location was also in a great spot, within walking distance (about 15 minutes) from the train station, and was (understandably) popular with groups and even families.
Generator
Generator has its hipster-y hostels dotted throughout Europe in Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London and Venice. I stayed at the Venice location and it was probably the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed in – at least in the top 3. Beds were clean and comfy (more so than my stay at a ‘real’ hotel a few nights later) and the fresh, funky decor continued throughout the property – from the bar to the bedroom. While the property didn’t have all the amenities Plus Florence did, it certainly made up for it in atmosphere.
Venice was definitely more expensive than other places throughout the country, and rooms at the hostel didn’t come cheap – I paid around $60 ($60!!) for a 10-bed female dorm – but it was still some of the cheapest, and most stylish, accommodation available. However, keep in mind that to get to Generator Venice from the train station you have to take the vaporetto (water taxi) as the hostel located of the main section of land. Buy a pass at the beginning of your stay to save money and hassle.
What hostels have you stayed in Europe that you would recommend? Any other chains to check out?
Note: I was a guest of PLUS Florence but all opinions and recommendations are my own.