Table of Contents
Budget doesn’t have to mean bland.
Like Jill McElroy, Student universe Travel expert reveals.
Here he shares his five quirkiest European hostels, from a converted Boeing 747 to a former military prison where you can stay dirt cheap.
Jill also reveals an incredible cave-style property in Santorini and a hostel in Portugal with wine barrel-shaped beds.
Scroll down for the full list.
Karosta prison, Latvia
The Karosta Prison Hotel (above) advertises itself as the only former military prison open to tourists.
LEFT: A corridor leading to the accommodation rooms at Karosta Prison. RIGHT: One of the prison’s dormitories
Jill says: “Have you ever imagined living the experience as if it were your last night of freedom? Well, the prison hotel in Latvia will make you feel like it really is.”
‘As it is the only (former) military prison open to tourists, this stay is truly unique, with the hotel integrated into the prison itself.
‘This hotel gives extra points because the staff is instructed to treat guests as if they were real prisoners, stripping them of their belongings and punishing “bad behavior.”‘
Beds cost from €15 (£12.70/$13.72) for a wooden bench in a cell or €30 (£25.39/$32.40) for a single cell. Visit: karosta.lv.
Jumbo Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Located just 20 metres from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, travellers will feel like part of the action at Jumbo Hostel (above)
The cabin has been converted into a cozy living room (left) and the main cabin has been transformed into a gathering space (right).
Jill comments: ‘This hostel features a refurbished Boeing 747 jumbo jet! With the cockpit converted into a cozy cabin and the cabin itself featuring spacious bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a hangout space, this stay will feel a far cry from the 33 inches of legroom we’re used to in the sky.’
The hostel is located 20 metres from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport and travellers can enjoy views of operational aircraft speeding across the runway.
Beds cost from 450 SEK (£33.58/$42.83). Visit: jumbostay.com/rooms.
Clink Noord, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Clink Noord, just a few minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, is located within a former Shell laboratory that retains features of the original 1920s building.
Beds at Clink Noord start at €40.50 (£40.50/$43.74). Pictured right: ZincBar, where “DJs set the mood”
Describing her Dutch hostel of choice, Jill comments: ‘Clink Noord is located just a few minutes from Amsterdam Central Station and next to one of the city’s most iconic canals, so you won’t find a better place in the city.’
The hostel is located within a former Shell laboratory and the features of the original 1920s building have been enhanced.
Jill adds: “DJs create a special atmosphere in the ZincBar and the plant-filled atrium is a great place to relax after a yoga session – all included in your stay.” There is also a café, restaurant, library, cinema, self-service kitchen and disco.
Beds cost from €40.50 (£40.50/$43.74). Visit: clinkhostels.com/clinknoord.
Caveland Hostel, Santorini
Above: The luxury Caveland Hostel in Santorini, which features rooms that “feel like contemporary caves”
Caveland’s ‘expansive pool’
Caveland Hostel is located on the popular Greek island of Santorini.
Jill comments: ‘Caveland feels luxurious, with a spacious pool, contemporary cave-like rooms and an extensive events programme, including movie nights, Greek tasting dinners, yoga and more.
‘Caveland also undertakes numerous green initiatives aimed at limiting the property’s environmental impact, including a complete ban on single-use plastics, waste composting, paperless administration and sustainable water management.
‘Embodying Greek island life, this affordable hostel is ideal for those who want to feel like they’re staying in a traditional home.’
Beds cost from €31.50 (£26.51/$34.45) per night. Visit: cave-land.com.
Sandeman House, Porto, Portugal
At The House of Sandeman the beds are shaped like wine barrels.
It is located in the Sandeman cellars, one of the most emblematic buildings in Porto.
This hostel is located in the Sandeman cellars, inside one of the most emblematic buildings in Porto, Portugal.
And each bed is shaped like a wine barrel, to make things even more interesting.
Jill says: ‘Expect individualised sleeping pods, spacious rooms, an outdoor bar and nightly Portuguese family dinners with complimentary wine.
‘Just five minutes from Porto’s popular historic centre, the Sandeman could not be better located, overlooking the Douro River.’
Beds cost from €31.50 (£26.60/$34). Visit: thehouseofmenande.pt.