Hostels were once overcrowded and not-so-clean havens for budget travelers. Staying with a few strangers is stressful in itself for many tourists, and the situation was made worse by sheets of dubious freshness, antique furniture, dirty bathrooms and other sacrifices made to save money.
With such a bad reputation for hostels, it's understandable why there is a trend towards chic, comfortable hostels - or luxury hostels.
Introducing the top10 luxury hostels in Europe selected by The Guardian based on the popular Budget Traveler guide.
10. Les Piaules, Paris
One seat costs from 25 euros, two - from 90 euros.
Parisian hostels are pretty mediocre, but Les Piaules, decorated in an art deco style and located next to the trendy Belleville quarter, compares favorably with its "brothers". There are curtains between the beds, Wi-Fi is free, and sunbathers can do it on the rooftop terrace.
9. Generator, Venice
One seat costs from 16 euros, two - from 38 euros.
This is the most expensive hostel of the Generator chain, but it is very competitive in price compared to hotel prices in the center of Venice. Inside the hostel, tourists will find beautiful mosaic floors, Murano glass chandeliers and lots of velvet.
8. ClinkNoord, Amsterdam
One seat costs from 12 euros, two - from 81 euros.
This hostel is a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Although the rooms are quite small (what else to expect from a 750-room establishment), they are quite comfortable, with soft beds and bathrooms that you don't want to wash up again after visiting.
7. Circus Hostel, Berlin
One seat costs from 19 euros, two - from 75 euros.
If you are a fan of actor David Hasselhoff and love to travel, then this hostel is a must. It houses the Hasselhoff Museum. There is also a brewery, bike rentals, free walking tours, yoga courses and a host of other services.
6. LaBanda Rooftop, Seville
One seat starts from 23 euros.
LaBanda Rooftop is one of the best hostels in Spain with a beautiful rooftop terrace, great views of Seville Cathedral, affordable food and comfortable rooms. All rooms have handmade wooden beds. There are no private rooms, only dorms for four, six or eight guests.
5. Soul Kitchen Junior, St. Petersburg
One seat costs from 15 euros, two - from 56 euros.
So the Russian hostel entered the rating of the best European hostels in the luxury segment. Brick walls, vintage furniture, low hanging lamps and kitsch wall decorations create a sense of security and safety. Those looking for maximum comfort can book a suite with a huge wooden bed and a fireplace.
4. Sir Toby's, Prague
One seat costs from 10 euros, two - from 32 euros.
The tourist favorite Prague boasts a very cozy hostel located in an old house in the Holesovice district. It features a large pub in the basement, a beautiful garden, spacious rooms with wood floors and retro furnishings.
3. Tattva Design, Porto
One seat costs from 15 euros, two - from 47 euros.
Occupying two historic buildings in Porto, it is the largest luxury hostel in the city.It has rooms for both several people and individual couples. All rooms are equipped with bathrooms, as well as a restaurant and a bar with a terrace in the luxury hostel.
2. Celica Hostel, Ljubljana
One seat costs from 18 euros, two - from 24 euros.
It took over a decade of effort to transform the prison, which closed in 2001 and was nearly destroyed by the authorities, into a popular hotel. More than 80 artists from all over the world worked on the decoration of the rooms. However, Celica Hostel lacks the standard hostel attributes such as food and social space.
1. The Yellow, Rome
One place costs from 15 euros, two - from 50 euros.
Ideal for young travelers who love an atmosphere of carefree and controlled chaos. The hostel has a bar, a club, a rooftop terrace, a mini - cinema with a projector, everything so as not to feel bored.