TOP 5 REMARKABLE NEW HOSTELS IN EUROPE

Ghent, Belgium

The Backstay Hostel was where the socialist newspaper Vooruit was run in the 1930s. The hostel sports a media spin with newspaper theme-based rooms. The favorite is the Guardian-based dormitory. In fact, the well-appointed conversion does retain the best of the old charm in the reception area, stairwells and bedrooms with contemporary fittings. The dormitories may be a little funky, but the simple private rooms are cool as well as tasteful.

Bonn, Germany

The concept may be a little bizarre, but it is strangely beautiful. The Basecamp Hostel is essentially a huge warehouse where you can stay in vintage caravans. The erstwhile storage facility gives you the feeling of a Truman show stage with its sky-blue background and neatly arranged mobile homes consisting of VW transporters and decommissioned sleeper trains and classic Airstream caravans. Each caravan has its own outdoor area having retro furniture.

Madrid, Spain

The Hat which was opened last year is one of the most elegant hostels of the new generation. The delicately designed hostel welcomes travelers into an accommodation, including a geometric tiled bar, built in concrete and decorated with low-slung filament bulbs and contemporary furniture. For mingling and chilling out, there is the rooftop terrace. The Cave is the common venue where exhibitions and DJ nights are held. The Hat does offer private suites, but the dormitories themselves are well lit and spacious and a league away from the dingy hostel rooms you have hitherto seen.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Ecomama is the sister concern of the Cocomama hotel in Amsterdam. The eco-friendly hostel is close to the red light district and just a short walk away from Rembrandt Museum and the main railway station. The green credentials of the hostel include the green roof, cradle-to-cradle building materials and water saving system. However, it provides an overall modern feel with Eames-style chairs, exposed pipes and Smeg fridge. There are a mix of dormitories, including a female-only dormitory furnished with fuscia chiffon, a family room and private doubles suites. Ecomama entertains a cross-section of travelers interested in socializing during dinner, movie nights, and brewery visits.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

The hostel that opened in September last year in Saas-Fee, a mountain village, makes available spa-style accommodation for budget travelers. WellnessHostel with its hot tubs, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, hydro-massage facilities and herbal steam baths is thronged by skiers and hikers who want to ease out after a day of outdoor activities. This is the first 5-storey hostel in Switzerland to be built using timber. The eco-conscious abode features a lounge and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink beside the open fire and a view of Alpine tapas.

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