Europe’s Best Hostels, Part I

It wasn’t that long ago that staying in a hostel meant staying in the worst parts of the city, giving up on quality and even facing lights-out at 11:00. Those days are long-gone thanks to the new breed of hostels that have been cropping up all over the world over the last couple of decades. Now you can concentrate on all the great things about hostels, like meeting travel companions in a communal atmosphere, taking advantage of a variety of activities… and of course the economical rates. Here are the first five of ten European hostels that are worth a look.

Maverick Hostel, Budapest

When you think of a hostel, you don’t generally think of a palace, but Budapest’s Maverick Hostel is looking to change that by putting you up for the night in a former royal mansion dating back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This place retains many of the original features including the romantic fireplaces and secluded courtyard, making it a step above your average hostel. Just moments from the Danube, the Maverick puts you in a central location. As for amenities, you get a fully-equipped kitchen on every floor and a wide variety of rooms, ranging from dorms to en suite double rooms. You also get a 24-hour reception desk, free coffee and tea, free wireless Internet access, an airport pick-up service, security lockers, a bicycle rental, an organized tour service and a library.

Pink Palace Beach Resort, Achilleio, Corfu

Some hostels already boast world fame status, so this is probably not the first time you’ve heard of Corfu’s Pink Palace. What this two-star hotel (and yes, it really is pink) provides that the others don’t is the kind of old-fashioned Greek hospitality that comes with a family-owned accommodation. Set right on the beach, the hostel is just 15 minutes from the centre of the city, nestled at the foot of a dramatic range of coastal hills covered in pine and olive trees. Sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters complete the scene. Your rate includes a cooked breakfast and a three-course home cooked dinner every night. Here’s a brief sampling of the available activities: Boat Trips and Booze Cruise, Kayak Safari and Rental, Four-Wheeler Quad Safari and Rental, Hiking and Trailwalking. When the sun goes down the fun begins, as the famous Pink Palace nightclub is just three minutes away and is free for guests.

Hostel of the Sun, Naples

Conveniently close to the central station, the super-friendly, laid-back Hostel of the Sun has a habit of getting recommended by all the major travel guides, with its friendly and able staff consistently rated amongst the best in Europe. The port and bus terminal are also nearby, making it easy to take day trips to land-locked landmarks like Pompeii or sea-bound sites like the island of Capri. The hostel is also close to all of the city’s historical landmarks and some of the most famous pizzerias and inexpensive trattorias in Naples. You can also enjoy a cheap cocktail at the in-house bar, as well as free wireless Internet access everywhere. There are accommodations to fit every budget, from comfortable dorm beds to luxury en-suite double rooms with TVs and DVD players, along with the DVD library to stock them. At mealtime you can choose between the take-away menu and the guest kitchen, and you can come and go as you please, thanks to the 24-hour reception desk.

Czech Inn, Prague

Voted one of the ‘Top 10 hostels in the world’ by the Guardian Unlimited. Named one of the ‘Five Best: Chic Hostels’ by the Independent. Voted one of the ‘Top 12 hostels worldwide’ by Washington Post. The Czech Inn must be doing something right. For starters, this centrally located residence specializes in presenting hotel-quality facilities and services at hostel prices, accommodating both backpackers and comfort seekers and providing everything from dorm rooms to private apartments. Set in a beautifully restored 19th century building, the Czech in fits right in with its neighbors. The living room-like Czech Inn Cafe and Bar offers a large breakfast buffet, afternoon specials, gourmet coffee, and a selection of Czech beers, wines and liquors. Don’t miss the 20 CZK Budvar happy hour from 6:00 to 800 every night. The staff can provide information on booking plane and train tickets and other hostels, free of charge, and wired Internet access, wireless Internet access, low rate international calling and more.

Friendly Fun Frank’s, Riga

Traveling on a budget shouldn’t keep you from sleeping within the walls of the medieval castle of old Riga. That’s what Friendly Fun Frank thinks anyway. So welcome to the heart of the lively Latvian capital! An easy bus ride from Riga Airport, the hostel provides fun in the form of a front desk that never closes and more importantly a bar that never closes. Entirely newly renovated, Friendly Fun Frank’s offers picturesque views of the Daugava River, along with a communal kitchen and a communal living area with four, count ‘em four plasma screen TVs. Again, accommodations range from dorms to private rooms, and the staff, a mix of Australians, Britons and Latvians, provides friendly assistance with a wide world view. There are many interesting tours heading out to Riga’s cultural and historical landmarks, most of which are in easy walking distance. Of special note are the winter bob-sledding tour and the AK47 tour, which allows you to fire one of the world’s most famous firearms.