59 of the World’s Best Hostels

Freehand Miami bills itself as “a hostel for a new generation of travelers.” Indeed, a visit here confirms that it’s very far from the stereotypical dingy hostel. In fact, were it not for the shared rooms, the Freehand would likely fall into the “boutique hotel” category. Room decor includes vividly colorful modern art and Mexican blankets, and free Wi-Fi is available. There are also private rooms that come with work desks and flat-screen TVs. The complimentary breakfast is popular with guests and includes Cuban pastries and locally roasted Panther coffee. Evenings are well-spent at the hostel’s on-site bar, the Broken Shaker, which in 2014 was listed #22 on Drinks International’s World’s 50 Best Bars list. It specializes in inventive “garden-to-glass” cocktails, which blend familiar spirits with unique homemade bitters and ingredients that aren’t usually found in cocktails, such as green bean juice.

we didnt stay at KEX hostel but we went there twice for burgers and coffee and cool people watching. The interior is an instagrammers dream and the abbreviated menu is a good mix of American heartiness (cheeseburgers) and delicious Scando fare (various smorrebrod).

Hike up to El Arenal’s gray volcanic cone for a magnificent view of La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated destinations. Locals and expats alike are mad for the area’s hot springs, fun locavore restaurants, irresistible bakeries (don’t miss testing the local favorite, a very volcanic chocolate cake), chic spas (volcanic mud treatments are the obvious choice), boutiques, galleries, and other delights. Excursions to surrounding places like Lake Arenal or the lush Botanical Garden, or to the famed hanging bridges through the region’s rain forests, merit a multiday stopover in this ecotourism hub. El Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Though there hasn’t been any serious volcanic activity since 2010, the volcano regularly musters some steamy fumarole action.

Known as the greenest hostel in North America, it’s also one of the most unique hostel stays I’ve had. Planet Traveler is a smorgasboard of everything a traveler would want in an accommodation:

• -comfortable and roomy beds
• -clean rooms with plenty of plugs for your lap top
• -social and funky common area
• -free popcorn
• -incredible rooftop patio with great views of the city’s skyline
• -located near the best neighborhood and market in Toronto, Kensington Market
• -green-friendly initiatives
• -affordable whether you’re looking for a dorm room or a private room

I would stay here again, even as a local!

What’s not to like? Modern buildings, central locations, variety of rooms, great nightlife and cheap dining options. Honestly, it doesn’t get better than that. The hostel is handily located between two of the city’s busiest subway station – Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport‎, on a quiet side street, and yet just steps away from the gorgeous Roseborg Palace Gardens. The hostel is uber modern, spacious and well decorated throughout, with funky pieces of local art here and there. The rooms are spread over 5 floors, with the first floor dedicated to all things bar, wifi, tv and hanging out, with a GIGANTIC common room that overlooks a nice terrace for the warmer months. Many activities are organised throughout the week. For instance: Hangover Sunday, where popcorn is served free of charge and a movie is on in the common room. Sunday evening looking fine, if you ask me. While I love hostel life, inexpensive rates and a fun atmosphere, I value my privacy to no end. And luckily, Generator fits the bill quite nicely on both ends.

I heard about Polebridge from an Australian-Indonesian man named Wayne. He’s the owner of the Backpacker’s Hostel in Bozeman, Montana. “There are only two hostels in the world that I rave about,” he said, gushing. “The Hostel in the Forest in Georgia, and the North Fork Hostel in Polebridge.” He went on to share more about this tiny Western town at the North Fork entrance to Glacier National Park: it’s never been on the electric grid and now runs on solar power and backup generators; there are only a handful of establishments in town, including a saloon and an old mercantile. My boyfriend and I looked at each other with unstated agreement. We were going to Polebridge. We drove about an hour and a half north from Whitefish; most of the route was on a well-maintained dirt road. We admired old ranches and hay stacks rolled up like giant cinnamon rolls along the way. When we arrived in Polebridge, the sun had just set. We walked into the North Fork Hostel, following the smell of sauteed vegetables and the sound of friendly chatter into the kitchen. Under light from a hanging kerosene lantern, we met the night’s crew. http://nfhostel.com/

Florida City is the gateway to the Florida Everglades, where many people fuel up and get their gear together before wandering into the forest. The Everglades International Hostel is one such place to recharge before days of activity. Tucked into a neighborhood, the hostel grounds surprise you with a waterfall and treehouse, as well as tents of guests who want to connect with nature. The hostel also has private rooms for families and those who are looking for a different kind of atmosphere. And best of all, the hostel leads tours of the surrounding parks for a great price, or you can rent bikes and canoes to explore on your own. There’s 24 hour reception, access to a full kitchen, free WiFi and computer access and a free pancake breakfast daily. It doesn’t get much better than this.

You’d be forgiven for passing straight through “downtown” Palomino without giving it a second look, but slow down to discover a real-life paradise between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and amazing, almost deserted, palm-tree-lined beaches on the other side. Nestled between its namesake Palomino River and the San Salvador River, the region is home to some fascinating wildlife. The most fun way to observe the animals is from an inner tube floating down the Palomino toward the Caribbean (you have to earn your leisurely journey, though, with a 20-minute uphill walk first). A word of warning: The sea in this area has strong, unpredictable currents that make swimming a challenge—if not downright dangerous; serious safety precautions are recommended.

There is no place in the whole of Australia more laid back than Byron Bay, a once sleepy town on the New South Wales coast that now hosts yearly blues festivals. Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge is an extension of the vibe found throughout the town. Tucked behind the main drag on a long unpaved road, I was warned that I should bring mosquito spray, which I was soon glad to have. The backpacker haven is one of the most unique hostels you’ll find, as there are dozens of types of rooms, including tents, teepees, and even your standard dorm bunks. Amenities include a pool, courtesy shuttle, free yoga classes, laundry, kitchen and a cafe.