Posted on 28. Jan, 2014 by Marie-Eve Vallieres in Europe Travel, Travel Tips

While few things make me happier than falling asleep in Egyptian-thread sheets and bathing in L’Occitane toiletries, I do appreciate a good hostel as well.

My friend and fellow blogger Kash recently published the Bible of luxury hostels in Europe, which focuses on hostels with high standards, stylish private rooms and affordable prices. I strongly urge budget-strapped-visitors-with-luxurious-taste to check it out. But for now, here is my own selection of stylish hostels in Europe — not necessarily luxury, but all-around awesome.

I like good value, regardless of what price I actually pay. I absolutely love splurging on a 5* hotel room every now and then, and I expect impeccable service, marble floors and 50″ TV screen when I do. Just as I expect trendy decor and welcoming staff in a luxury hostel. I like knowing my money is smartly spent, and these hostels provide exactly that: modern decor, good location, top-notch facilities and competitive prices.

Best Hostels in Europe: My Favorites

Plus Hostel Berlin

Any hostel that lists “indoor pool” among its facilities is a hit, in my book. And the reasons why Plus Hostel Berlin is awesome doesn’t stop there: aptly categorized as hotel/hostel, this property, which is hands-down my favourite hostel in all of Europe, gives budget-conscious travellers ample bang for their buck by offering private, spacious and tastefully designed en-suite rooms (complete with mini-fridge and TV).

Other freebies include yoga classes, reliable WiFi, sauna, inner courtyard and an relaxed atmosphere in a fun neighbourhood. I particularly liked the Opera Restaurant on site, which in addition to being fairly large by hostel standards, offers a delicious buffet breakfast as well as evening meals for less than €6 per person.

Rates start at €60 for a private en-suite room.

Singer 109 Berlin

My other favourite hostel in Berlin is Singer 109, which is located minutes away from the iconic Fernsehturm and busy Alexanderplatz. One of my favourite things about this apartment-hostel is not only its extensive list of on-site activities, but its strong character; indeed, the hostel is located in a historic red brick building that dates back to the early 1900s and features a massive atrium in the centre, filled with luxuriant plants and archive photos of the building’s previous lives. A feature more often seen in private residences rather than budget hostels! Singer 101 is not as luxurious as Plus Hostel, but is a good option nonetheless.

Rates start €80 for a two-bed apartment that comes fully equipped cable TV, a small kitchenette and en-suite bathroom.

Generator Hostel Copenhagen

As if this great Norse city wasn’t perfect enough as it is! Generator Hostel in Copenhagen is definitely one of the best hostels in Europe, thanks to its stylish furniture (this is Scandinavia, after all), a very hygge ambiance and plenty of on-site facilities (Screening room! Bar! Free, fast wi-fi throughout! Outdoor patio!) , in addition to a killer location next to Rosenborg Castle and bustling Kongens Nytorv. Bonus brownie points for the private rooms on the top floor, which, thanks to room-wide windows, offer incredible views of the neighbourhood and make for a fine sunset-watching spot.

Despite being in the heart of one of the costliest cities in the world, Generator Copenhagen offers top value to travellers with a 5 star taste and a hostel budget. Make sure to order a sweet, delicious Somersby apple cider at the bar, one of the most popular drinks in Denmark.

Rates start at DKK 243 (€33) for a private en-suite room.

Generator Hostel Dublin

As you can probably tell by now, I am particularly fond of the Generator Hostels. Booking hostels and hotels is always a risky business, because it’s quite difficult to really know what you’re getting yourself into until you actually set foot in the property. However, one of the main advantages of staying in a chain hostel is knowing precisely what to expect in terms of standards and facilities, thus avoiding disappointment.

A lot of people steer clear of chains because they prefer accommodation with a distinct personality, but Generator Dublin is nothing if not full of character (as are all other Generators I have stayed in, including the Hamburg location). And by this I of course mean the gigantic Jameson-whiskey bottle chandelier in the common room and the unique frescoes in every room.

Rates start at €50 for a single en-suite room (minimum of two nights).

St. Christopher’s Paris

I stayed at St. Christopher’s Paris well before I even thought of having a blog, back when I was just a regular backpacker will a small budget and big expectations. I wasn’t as in love with Paris then as I am now, and this hostel, thanks to its fantastic canal-side location, helped soothe my Paris wounds. Purpose-built in 2008, it’s one of the most modern hostels in Paris and comes fully equipped with the latest technology (pod beds, ample charging stations and tasteful decor).

Rates start at €85 for a private en-suite room for two with breakfast included.

Jaeger’s Hostel Munich

I stayed at Jaegers during my Christmas Markets stint last December, and the private room provided exactly what I needed: ample covers, efficient heater and fast wifi! It was a wee bit cold outside during my visit (slight understatement, it was freezing cold) and I couldn’t have been more thankful for my warm abode next to München Hauptbahnhof. The rooms are far more modern than the common areas on the ground floor and come fully equipped with ample storage, cable TV, power shower and hairdryer.

Rates start at €45 for a single room with welcome drinks included.

Smart City Hostel, Edinburgh

One of the main selling points of Smart City Hostel is its location - right off the bustling and historic Royal Mile, therefore within walking distance of pretty much all of Edinburgh’s attractions. While the rooms are quite basic, the bar/restaurant area is the main reason why I keep going back to this hostel. Indie music, large armchairs, free wifi and inexpensive cocktails make for an enjoyable place to spend a couple of hours, or, in my case, to get work done. The breakfasts are also quite legendary: nowhere else in Edinburgh can you get a fully cooked Scottish buffet breakfast (which includes sausages, eggs, potatoes and HAGGIS) for just £5.

Rates start at £87 for a private en-suite room for two with breakfast included.

Best Hostels in Europe: Other Recommendations

Honorable mentions to hostels I’ve never visited but that generally receive good reviews from fellow travelers:

Gallery Hostel, Porto

Porto The Flying Pig, Amsterdam

Amsterdam SafeStay Hostel , London

, London Casa Gracia , Barcelona

, Barcelona U Hostels , Madrid

, Madrid Kex Hostel, Reykjavik

Have you got a favorite hostel in Europe? What makes it so special? Do you like the concept of luxury hostelling?

Disclaimer: I have received free accommodation in some of those hostels, but rest assured that I only included the best of the best in this list. As always, all opinions are my own.