Unique accommodation for the dollar conscious traveller

YHA Australia has trawled its network of more than 4000 hostels across the world to find the top ten unique and unusual accommodation options for the dollar-conscious traveller. From tree houses in Norway to castles in Scotland, YHA is proving that backpackers’ hostels are half the fun of travel.

YHA has been accommodating young travellers for almost a century and has a knack for nabbing the most interesting properties. A YHA membership also gives worldwide discounts on accommodation throughout all YHA and Hostelling International hostels, as well as at thousands of restaurants, cafes, retail shops, attractions and other travel hot spots.

Top ten YHA unusual and unique and hostels:

1. Sleep in the tree tops at Brumund hostel in Norway. The cosy tree house cabin sits high up in a 200 year old pine tree, overlooking magnificent bushland. It’s the perfect nature escape for rest and relaxation. Prices start at AU$69 per night.

2. Live like royalty in a real highland castle at Scotland’s Carbisdale Castle. Originally built for the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, it has since been home to various wealthy and influential people, and once served as a royal refuge. The Castle even has a ghost! Set in an area of natural Scottish beauty overlooking the river Kyle, Carbisdale is fit for a king. Prices start at AU$26 per night.

3. Australia’s own Railway Square in Sydney offers a unique experience in railway carriage dorms on Central Station’s former platform Zero. The adjacent main building is also an historic 1904 warehouse, which is now converted into contemporary modern accommodation. Prices start at AU$29.50 per night.

4. Stay in a famous Swedish landmark at the af Chapman hostel (part of the af Chapman & Skeppsholmen hostel) in Stockholm; a tall sailing ship overlooking the Gamla Stan (the Old Town) and the Royal Palace. Prices will start at AU$32 per night.

5. For a nautical inspired night, Point Montara Lighthouse hostel lies on the rugged Californian coast of the USA. Built in 1875, the historic fog signal station and lighthouse has been preserved and restored to give backpackers an authentic beachside experience. Prices start at AU$25 per night.

6. Experience a classic Chinese row house community at The Qixian hostel in Xi'an, China, which gives a real insight into China’s historical architecture. The original site dates back to the TANG dynasty (618AD) and has previously been a command post Prices start at AU$6 per night.

7. Get up close and personal with nature at the Magnetic Island YHA in Australia’s Queensland. An onsite wildlife secretary allows visitors hands-on encounters with koalas and crocodiles. With access to six and a half acres of tropical surrounds and individual A-frame bungalows, it’s a real island retreat. The hostel also boasts Advanced Eco Tourism accreditation. Prices start at AU$22 per night.

8. Sentence yourself to gaol at the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada. The hostel is located in a former prison that operated for over 100 years. Visitors to the Victorian-era architectural relic can sleep in the former gaol cells, the prison hospital or the governor’s quarters. Prices start at AU$30 per night.

9. Vuillermin Castle in Finale Ligure, Italy, offers a Mediterranean fairytale experience. Situated on the region’s spectacular coastline, this towering dream castle gives a taste of royalty on the Italian Riviera. Prices start at AU$26 per night.

10. Experience an historic German landmark at the Colditz hostel in Germany, Set in the beautiful valley of the Zwickauer Mulde River, The famous castle was originally a POW camp in World War II and escape tunnels still exist allowing visitors to capture an unforgettable glimpse of the past, Prices start at AU$22 per night.

For more information visit Yha.com.au.