As someone who has stayed in over 50 hostels, I have a pretty good idea of what makes one good. They can sound scary if you’ve never stayed in one but if you are on a budget or solo travelling hostels are the way to go. My idea of what makes a good hostel is the room layout, comfy beds, a social vibe without heavy partying, and some good amenities such as food, tours, and activities. Whatever your preference, I feel confident you will enjoy these picks.
Sunrock – Corfu, Greece
This place has a patio with a STUNNING view of the ocean and is right next to a beach. It’s family-run and they make the most delicious food, including amazing homemade dinners and free breakfast, being some of the best food I had in Greece. Having a car on the island makes staying here a little easier but they do offer airport pick-up and drop-off.
Chief Mau – Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
The staff here are what makes this hostel stand out. They are some of the friendliest staff I’ve ever encountered and they knew all our names by day two. The rooms are large, with full staircases to get up to the top bunks so you don’t have to fear for your life on the generally terrifying ladders most bunks have. The upstairs deck is a cool place to hang out and they keep a running tab for you so you don’t have to pay every time you order drinks or food.
Old Town Hostel – Kotor, Montenegro
This is an ideal place to meet friends as they have planned activities every day such as boat parties, sunset BBQs, nights out on the town, and more. The location is prime right in the old town which is super walkable with plenty of cute shops and restaurants around.
Stamps Backpackers – Chiang Mai, Thailand
The rooms here are so unique as you are still in a dorm but have a single bed inside of 3 walls with a curtain for the fourth. You don’t necessarily have a ton of space but you have privacy and no bunks which is a sweet sweet thing. They also have plenty of tours you can book with them including elephant sanctuaries, temple visits, and nightlife (eg. Muay Thai fights). They also coordinate transport to nearby attractions such as the Sticky Waterfalls and Grand Canyon. In the evening people hang out downstairs and enjoy some drinks.
Stone City Hostel – Gjirokaster, Albania
This hostel is so charming with its stone walls and old character. The staff are also unreal, the owners are there all the time and when you check in they give you the most helpful information. They also run their walking tours, etc, and will help you with pretty much whatever you need. Maybe I was just lucky but I felt like the coolest people stayed here. Also, the breakfast spread is so so good. Seriously, if you go to Albania go to Gjirokaster just to stay at this hostel.
Honourable Mentions
Puri Garden Hotel and Hostel – Ubud, Bali: Nicest pool and large comfy beds with free breakfast, yoga, manicures/pedicures, and massages
Midgard Base Camp – Iceland: Rooftop hot tub and sauna with views
Fuse Old Town – Hoi An, Vietnam: Great location and social
Ostello Bello – Genova, Italy: Good price, social, and the kitchen has plenty of free items you can use including eggs and vegetables
Hostel Hikers Den – Durmitor National Park, Montenegro: Perfect for nature lovers, the brothers that own this hostel will recommend hikes/walks for all levels and even provide hiking shoes and outerwear
For my party people, I recommend My Mates Place (Gili T, Bali), Revolution (Koh Tao, Thailand), Base Ao Nang Beachfront Backpackers (Ao Nang, Thailand), Clandestino Hostel (Canggu, Bali), Outpost Beach Hostel (El Nido, Philippines). I can vouch for all of these being fun and clean enough.