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).

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.

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.