Luxury Hostels offer stylish surroundings at bargain prices

A swimming pool, spa and sauna, in-house bar, private ensuite bedroom, flat screen TV all with a convenient city centre location – these words conjure up thoughts of your typical modern hotel.

However, what it is in fact describing is an emerging phenomenon in the budget accommodation world – the luxury hostel or “poshtel”.

Hostels have moved with the times and evolved so they are now able to offer much more than the just a budget bed for the night.

Hostels have adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of the travel market and whilst they still, and always will, cater for the discerning “backpacker” many hostels have broadened their offering to appeal to those looking for luxury on a budget.
 
So for those of us who are watching the pennies but who don’t want to compromise on style, Hostelworld.com have picked their most popular luxurious and boutique hostels from around the world.
 
Ulisse Deluxe Sorrento, Italy
Located in the centre of Sorrento Ulisse Deluxe is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas such as Capri, Pompei and the Almalfi Coast.  The elegant and modern structure has the appearance of a lavish hotel but with the budget to suit the most discerning of customers. It successfully combines stylish interiors, elegant traditional décor, and modern comfort. However their most impressive feature is the new wellness center where you can find an indoor heated pool, thermae & beauty centre, with very professional staff, and a fully equipped gym.
Private accommodation from £31.62/night
 
Space Hotel, Melbourne, Australia
Set in the heart of Melbourne, this hostel has been recently renovated and offers guests the chance to stay in luxury for a fraction of the price. It offers a range of high quality rooms from dorm rooms right up to the executive queen room and everything in between including family rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. However, what really makes this property stand out is the additional facilities they offer. Their health centre offers top of the range fitness equipment for guests to work out on while the private cinema offers 24 reclining theatre seats and surround sound – all that stands is for the guests to bring the popcorn!
Private accommodation from £27.86pp/pn
 
The Fort Boutique Hostel, York, UK
The Fort is York’s first boutique hostel, nestled off the medieval Stonegate in the heart of York. Each room has been individually crafted by young designers from around the UK creating a wonderfully unique ambience. Whether deciding to stay in the ‘Country Living meets City Buzz’ room or ‘Historic York revisited’, each individually decorated to match their name, guests will enjoy comfy beds, flat-screen TVs and en-suite wet rooms. Kennedy’s Bar is conveniently located beneath the hostel and provides high quality food and beverage. Furthermore, there are three luxurious apartments which make the perfect base for a short break in one of Britain’s popular tourist destinations.
Accommodation from £20 pp/pn
 
The Backpack and Africa Travel Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
With all the facilities the discerning travel could hope for, this is one of Africa’s most luxurious hostels. With a location right on the edge of the city centre, it offers stunning views of Table Mountain and Cape Town bay. Voted the number one hostel in Africa at the 2011 Hostelworld.com’s Hoscars awards ceremony, the highlight of this hostel is the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool giving guests the chance to enjoy the sunshine while sipping on a cocktail from the in-house cafe and bar. Rooms range from luxury dorms to en-suite singles, all kitted out to provide a relaxing experience for travellers looking for beautiful surrounds on a budget.
Accommodation from £13.68 pp/pn
 
Hostel Inn Iguazu Falls, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
For guests that are looking for a hostel that exceeds expectation combined with a never ending party atmosphere, Hostel Inn Iguazu is the perfect place to stay while visiting the incredible Iguazu Falls. Offering the feel of a tropical resort, the hostel facilities include a swimming pool complete with palm trees and hammocks, football and volleyball pitches for the more active guests along with a bar for those that want to party the night away.
Accommodation from £15.55 pp/pn
 
Travellers House, Lisbon, Portugal
Travellers House has been voted the best hostel in the world by Hostelworld.com customers at their annual Hoscars awards for the last three consecutive years. Boasting an amazing location in the most historical and central area of Lisbon, this hostel is located inside a beautiful 250 year old building within walking distance to all of Lisbon’s major attractions.
The hostel boasts its own music lounge, TV/DVD room, book library, reading lounge and uber fast internet. Owned and managed by travellers, the hostel’s owners will go above and beyond to ensure your stay in Lisbon is one to remember.  In addition to the Travellers House, the hostel has recently renovated an apartment in the same building, “The Little Travellers House” with three charming bedrooms, colourful kitchen and cosy living room.
Accommodation from £12.96 pp/pn

For more information and reservations, visit: hostelworld.com