The 10 most spectacular hostels

Cheap nights in incredible settings

With over 4000 hostels in more that 80 countries, Hostelling International – the worldwide association that runs the UK’s YHA – is massive. In 2009, it’s celebrating its centenary, and how better to do that than to show people that hostels aren’t just about bunkbeds and shared kitchens: this top ten list of extraordinary places to stay is just the beginning.

1. TREEHOUSE IN NORWAY

Sleep in the treetops at Brumund hostel in Norway: a cosy treehouse cabin that sits high up in a 200-year old pine tree, overlooking magnificent woodland. It’s the perfect natural escape for rest and relaxation.

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Brumund-042130.en.htm

2. HIGHLAND CASTLE

Live like royalty in a real highland castle at Scotland’s Carbisdale Castle: once home to the wealthy and influential, the castle also served as a royal refuge for King Haakon VII of Norway during WW2. There is a large art collection and Italian marble statues, and of course, a resident Scots spook.

http://www.syha.org.uk/hostels/highlands/carbisdale_castle.aspx

3. SYDNEY TRAIN CARRIAGE

The Australian Railway Square hostel in Sydney offers a unique experience: sleeping in railway carriage dorms on Central Station’s former platform Zero.  The adjacent main building is also an historic 1904 warehouse, which is converted into contemporary modern accommodation. 

http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=215

4. SWEDISH SAILBOAT

Stay in a famous Swedish landmark at the af Chapman hostel in Stockholm; a tall sailing ship overlooking the Old Town and the Royal Palace.  Built in England in 1888, the af Chapman has travelled the world carrying goods, operated as a training ship in the Swedish Navy and provided Navy accommodation before opening as a hostel in 1949. 

http://www.svenskaturistforeningen.se/en/Discover-Sweden/Facilities-and-activities/Stockholm/Vandrarhem/STF-Hostel-af-Chapman--Skeppsholmen/

5. CALIFORNIAN LIGHTHOUSE

Point Montara Lighthouse hostel lies on the rugged Californian coast of the USA.  Built in 1875, the historic fog signal station and lighthouse has been preserved and restored to give an authentic experience. Visitors can watch the gray whale migration and see live video feeds from a sea bird colony located directly below Devil's Slide. 

http://www.norcalhostels.org/montara/

6. ANCIENT CHINESE FORT

Experience a classic Chinese row house community at the Qixian hostel in Xi'an, China, which gives a real insight into China’s historical architecture. The original site dates back to the TANG dynasty (618AD) and has previously been a command post for Red Army troops.

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Xi-an---Qixian----sages--YH-024618.en.htm

7. INDIAN JUNGLES

Go face to face with the jungle at Corbett Park Hostel in India. Set in an 11-acre site on the edge of the famous Corbett National Park, the hostel is surrounded by thick jungle on one side and the river Kosi on the other. A variety of adventure activities and safaris are offered from the hostel - including tiger spotting from an elephant’s back.

http://www.yhaindia.org/files/corbettwilds.htm

8. CANADIAN JAILHOUSE

Sentence yourself to a night at the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada.  The hostel is located in a former prison that operated for over 100 years. Visitors to the Victorian-era architectural relic can sleep in the former jail cells, the prison hospital or the governor’s quarters.  The un-renovated eighth floor gives an insight into life as an inmate. 

http://www.hihostels.ca/OntarioEast/en/index.aspx?sortcode=2.0

9. MEDIEVAL ABBEY

Find peace and quiet at Cadouin in France and discover what life as a monk could be like. The Cistercian abbey dates back to the 11th century and this unique outstanding architectural site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The hostel itself is located within the convent buildings of the abbey. 

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Cadouin-020073.en.htm

10. ESCAPE TO COLDITZ

Experience an historic German landmark at the Colditz hostel. Set in the beautiful valley of the Zwickauer Mulde River, the famous castle was originally a POW camp in World War II and escape tunnels still exist, allowing visitors to capture an unforgettable glimpse of the past. 

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Colditz-022641.en.htm

All of Hostelling International’s 4000+ hostels are presented on www.hihostels.com