THANKS to bargain private rooms, rooftop pools, and welcome drinks, hostels are taking Europe by storm – and not just for backpackers.
The low-cost accommodation option was first introduced into the travel market in 1912 by Richard Schirrmann.
The German teacher opened a hostel in Altena Castle in the 1910s.
Despite being invented 50 years earlier, hostels weren’t widely used by backpackers until the 1960s and 1970s.
Hostels are generally known for their shared dormitories, bargain prices, and sociable common rooms.
However, this means they have appealed more to backpackers looking for a bargain rather than holidaymakers wanting a relaxing holiday.
But in the years following the 2008 financial crash, more holidaymakers have been turning to hostels as a budget-friendly accommodation option.
While the move away from upmarket hotels and cosy Airbnbs may be surprising to some Brits, there’s a good reason for the change.
Hostel chains across Europe, and other holiday hotspots around the globe, are providing guests with plenty of perks, including rooftop pools and cheap drinks.
According to Euronews Travel, hostel chains have given themselves an overhaul to appeal to a wider scope of tourists.
One woman said her hostel felt “more like a resort” as it was quiet and had amazing amenities.
One of those places is the Grand Ferdinand in Vienna.
While the Grand Ferdinand appears to be a luxury five-star hotel in the heart of the Austrian capital, it actually houses hostel dorms.
The beds and chandeliers are made from polished mahogany, with bed prices starting from €50 per bunk.
In addition to its high-end rooms, the luxury hostel has other jaw-dropping features like a heated rooftop pool and Vespa tours.
Holidaymakers have been raving about the budget-friendly accommodation option in recent users.
TikTok user Monica, who is known as monicaroams on the social media platform, posted a video all about hostels.
A caption over the video read: “Why hostels are the ultimate travel hack.”
She explained that hostels can save holidaymakers money on travel accommodation, and they provide travellers with a “good social environment”.
Other perks included access to a kitchen to cook meals, and having excursions organised by the hostel.
Meanwhile, TikTok user Alea, also explained why hostels were better than hotels.
She added: “Hostels are a community built for travellers, so get ready to share the kitchen, the bathroom, the dorm, and whatever chill space they have in there.
“This means it’s going to be really easy to make friends with the other travellers, who are probably traveling solo like you.”
Generator is another hostel chain that’s changing the face of hostel accommodation throughout Europe.
They have accommodation throughout Europe, including in London, Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, Madrid, Stockholm, Rome, Copenhagen, Venice and Hamburg.
They claim to offer unique experiences for both tourists and the people living in the cities where they offer accommodation.
They website claims: “Generator isn’t like any other hostel or boutique hotel – we combine affordable luxury rooms with unique social events for the travellers and locals of Europe’s coolest cities.
“If you’re looking for an experience you’re sure to remember in Europe and want somewhere to stay in the best locations, with the ultimate cool factor, we’ve got plenty to show you.”
Generator’s CEO Alastair Thomann told the Irish Times: “Given the cost-of-living crisis matched with the ongoing appetite for family travel to top city-centre locations, families are one of our fastest growing segments, especially as more traditional hotels become increasingly unaffordable.
“Families can book en-suite rooms with four, six or eight beds exclusively to themselves and end up paying 50 per cent of what they would pay in a traditional three or four-star hotel.”
According to Euronews Travel, Berlin-based hostel chain a&o Hotels and Hostels announced a 47 per cent increase in year-on-year sales for the first half of 2023.
Earlier this year, Generator announced the launch of 50 cutting-edge “Sleeping Pods” at two of Europe‘s most-visited cities.
The pods can be booked in Amsterdam and Berlin, offering travellers an affordable and private way to stay right in the city centres.
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