Europe's Best Hostels

Europe's Best Hostels

by E Cho

European travelers know that the best hostels are found throughout this amazing continent. Many tourism organizations and magazines will list eighteen hostels as being the best in Europe. The criteria used to judge these hostels include:

* Cleanliness * European Charm * Guest Satisfaction * Price * Safety

Bernard Shaw went to school in the building that now houses the Avalon House in Dublin, Ireland. The hostel offers internet access, safety deposit box rentals, a currency exchange desk, cell phone charging stations, and a tour desk for purchasing tickets to area attractions. A security guard is always on site for added protection. Please be aware that this is a "green" hostel, so recycling is mandatory.

Balmer's Herberge in Interlacken, Switzerland is the oldest hostel in the country. Room prices include bed linens and breakfast. A tour desk is located in the main lobby, and there is a game room and restaurant. Movie rentals are available.

Bruges' Bauhaus International is located in Belgium. Unlike other hostels, linen is free and beds are already made by the hotel staff. Breakfasts are free. Bauhaus offers bike rentals, an on-site laundromat, safety deposit box rentals, and an on-site bar and restaurant. There is also a cyber-café for those who need internet access.

Cardiff Backpacker Hostel in Cardiff, Ireland is located a short walk from the city center. Guests must be at least eighteen years of age. Bed linens are included in your room rate, but towels must be rented. A continental breakfast is included. The hostel also offers internet access, luggage storage, and a kitchen for guests to use.

Located in Mitte, the historic center of Berlin, Germany, the Circus Hostel offers comfortable accommodations in a historic building. The on-site bar and café provide guests with meals and beverages. A shared luggage room is free for guests to use, and a travel desk within the hostel offers ticket sales to area attractions and bicycle rentals. There is no curfew at the Circus Hostel and all guests receive a discount card accepted at many area restaurants and bars.

Euro Youth Hostel in Bad Gastein, Austria is close to the ski-lifts in the Austrian Alps. All guest rooms have private baths and mountain views. There is also an on-site bar and restaurant. Breakfasts are included in the room price. The hostel also offers bike rentals, ski rentals, storage lockers, free internet, and a fully-equipped game room. Another location in Munich, Germany offers the same amenities and friendly staff.

Riga, Friendly Fun Frank's Hostel is tucked into a historic Latvian castle. There are no curfews and the on-site bar is open 24/7. Free coffee and tea is offered throughout the day. Internet access, storage lockers, safe deposit boxes, bed linens, and towels are all free.

Amsterdam's The Flying Pig is in the heart of Amsterdam. With free internet, free breakfasts, no curfews, and free linens, there are many reasons why travelers love this establishment. The Flying Pig does have a set age limit, however. Guests must be at least 18 and under 40.

Home Youth Hostel in Valencia, Spain is one of the only hostels around that does not use bunk beds. Steps from the city market, guests will find many area bars and restaurants within a few feet of the hostel. Towels and bed linens are included in the price. A television room is open to all guests. There is also a small library for those who enjoy reading.

Kabul Youth Hostel in Barcelona, Spain is newly renovated. In the center of the hostel is a large room where guests can chat, surf the internet for free, or enjoy the bar in the evening hours. Kabul Youth Hostel is in Plaza Real making it within easy reach of Barcelona's biggest attractions. Breakfasts are free. There is a charge for your linens and phone calls.

Minutes from the shores of Loch Ness, Morag's Lodge Hostel is a modern building surrounded by woods for hiking. Live music is played in the on-site bar. Breakfast and dinner is available for an additional price.

Pink Palace Hostel in Corfu is a gorgeous pink palace with amazing island views. A private beach is available to all guests and there are lounge chairs that you can borrow. Pink Palace Hostel offers free transportation to and from the ferry. The hostel price includes a breakfast and three-course dinner.

Saint Christopher's Inn in Edinburgh, Scotland or London, England offer locations central to the heart of these popular cities. Breakfasts are free, as are bed linens. The hostels also offer luggage storage, 24/7 reception desks, fax machines (surcharge), no curfews, and internet.

Villa Saint Exupery in Nice, France is in the heart of the French Riviera. The hostel arranges SCUBA tours, surfing, and skiing. Guests receive free breakfasts, free internet access, free bed linens, free towels, free parking, and airport shuttles. There are no age restrictions. Laundry service and a bar are within the hostel.

Yoho International in Salzburg, Austria does not have curfews. Because it caters more to the young adult crowd, there is an on-site bar and restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered throughout the day (surcharge).