Luxury Hostels in Europe That Redefine Backpacking

Think hostels are just about budget bunk beds and shared bathrooms? Think again.

Across Europe, a new wave of luxury hostels is rewriting the rules, offering boutique vibes, state-of-the-art amenities, and unforgettable experiences.

From historic buildings turned design marvels to wellness-focused retreats nestled in the mountains, these hostels are perfect for travelers who want comfort and character in equal measure.

Whether you’re soaking in a rooftop view, unwinding in a spa, or sleeping in an artist-designed room, these stays prove that backpacking can be as comfortable and polished as it is adventurous.

How to Find Luxury, Posh, and Boutique Hostels

If you’re looking for specific destinations that we haven’t mentioned on our list, here is how to find a boutique or luxury hostel on your own:

• Use Hostelz.com: This platform compares prices across major booking sites like Booking.com and Hostelworld, ensuring you get the best deal.
• Filter for ‘Boutique Hostels’: On Hostelz.com, use the ‘Boutique Hostels’ filter to instantly narrow your search to the most beautiful and upscale options.
• Search by Destination: Enter your travel destination, and browse listings that meet your luxury criteria—think rooftop terraces, spa facilities, or chic interiors.

Check out: ADVANCED Travel Tips (NOT for Beginners & but Experts)

Luxury Hostels in Switzerland:

Wellness Hostel 4000, Saas-Fee

Wellness Hostel 4000 redefines alpine accommodation, offering luxury-level amenities in the heart of Saas-Fee’s stunning mountain scenery. After hitting the slopes or exploring hiking trails, travelers can unwind in the state-of-the-art spa, complete with a sauna, steam room, and indoor pool with panoramic views. The dorms and private rooms are sleek and comfortable, with large windows that let the mountain majesty pour in. Located just a short walk from the cable cars, it’s the perfect base for outdoor adventures wrapped in Swiss comfort.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Wellness Hostel 3000, Laax

Wellness Hostel 3000 in Laax combines cutting-edge design with a focus on rejuvenation, making it ideal for travelers craving both action and relaxation. The on-site spa features an infinity pool overlooking the mountains, a bio sauna, and relaxation zones that feel more like a boutique retreat than a hostel. Rooms are modern and minimalist, offering cozy spaces to recharge after a day of skiing or biking. Situated near Laax’s renowned slopes and trails, it’s an upscale yet approachable hub for embracing the alpine lifestyle.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostels in Spain:

Piulet Hostel, Barcelona

Piulet Hostel offers a fresh, minimalist take on hostel living. Its dorms and private rooms are sleek, clean, and packed with smart features like individual lighting and ample storage space. The communal areas, including a sun-soaked terrace, are perfect for chilling out after a day of exploring Barcelona’s architectural wonders.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The Hat, Madrid

The Hat Madrid makes an impression from the moment you step in, with its chic industrial interiors and a vibe that feels effortlessly cool. The rooftop terrace is a game-changer, offering killer sunset views over Madrid while you mingle over local wine or craft cocktails. Rooms are polished yet unpretentious, with smart designs like curtain-lined bunks and eco-friendly touches that elevate the experience. Sitting steps from Plaza Mayor, this is the kind of spot where the city’s energy blends seamlessly with laid-back social charm.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostel in Andorra:

Mountain Hostel Tarter, El Tarter

Located in the picturesque Pyrenees, Mountain Hostel Tarter redefines luxury in the hostel world with its rustic charm and modern amenities. The beautifully restored stone house offers cozy dorms and private rooms with plush bedding, underfloor heating, and stunning mountain views.

Travelers can unwind in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the slopes or relax by the fireplace in the chic communal lounge. Its prime location near Grandvalira ski resort makes it a haven for ski enthusiasts, while the hostel’s high-end facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen and a barbecue terrace, add to its boutique charm.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostels in France:

The People - Paris Marais, Paris

Staying at The People - Paris Marais feels like discovering Paris from the inside out. This modern hostel redefines backpacking with luxe dorms and private rooms that feel more like a boutique hotel—privacy curtains, custom lighting, and plush finishes included. The rooftop bar steals the show, serving up drinks with a view of the iconic Paris skyline. Perfectly placed in the Marais, it’s steps from cobblestone streets, buzzing markets, and the Seine, making it the ultimate mix of style and location.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Les Chouettes Hostel, Rennes

Les Chouettes Hostel is set in a beautifully restored building and features dorms and private rooms with warm wooden accents and a minimalist aesthetic. Here, travelers can relax in the garden or terrace, and enjoy a vegetarian breakfast or snacks from the on-site bar.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostel in Croatia:

Boutique Hostel Forum, Zadar

Boutique Hostel Forum brings a modern edge to the heart of Zadar’s old town, offering a polished yet relaxed stay for travelers. Shared dorms and private suites feature clean, minimalist designs, soundproofing, and views of either the Adriatic Sea or the historic Roman Forum. With thoughtful touches like rainfall showers, soft linens, and a hearty breakfast included, it’s a step above the typical hostel experience. Located just steps from Zadar’s top spots, it’s the perfect base for backpackers who want a bit of luxury while exploring Croatia’s coastline.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostels in Germany:

Hostel & Garten Eden, Leipzig

Hostel & Garten Eden is a creative haven in Leipzig, perfect for travelers who love eclectic design and a touch of the unconventional. Each room is uniquely decorated by local artists, ranging from colorful murals to avant-garde installations, making every stay a new experience. The garden terrace offers a nice escape, complete with quirky furniture and a relaxed vibe that invites travelers to linger. Located in Leipzig’s up-and-coming west, it’s surrounded by indie galleries, bars, and cultural hotspots that reflect the city’s dynamic energy.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Die Wohngemeinschaft, Cologne

Die Wohngemeinschaft in Cologne feels more like stepping into a hip designer’s dream home than a hostel. With themed rooms ranging from a retro camper van to a theater stage, it’s all about character and creativity. The café-bar downstairs is a buzzing spot where locals and travelers mix over craft beers and live music.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostel in Slovenia:

Hostel Celica, Ljubljana

Hostel Celica is where history and creativity collide—once a military prison, now an art-driven sanctuary for the curious traveler. Each former cell has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind room, designed by artists who left their unique mark on the space. The hostel’s communal areas buzz with energy, from the cool café serving Slovenian treats to the cultural events hosted regularly in this edgy Metelkova neighborhood.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luxury Hostels in Greece:

Caveland, Karterados, Santorini

Caveland offers a one-of-a-kind luxury hostel experience, tucked away in a historic 18th-century winery in Santorini. Travelers sleep in spacious cave-style dorms and private rooms, blending rustic charm with modern comforts like air conditioning and dreamy beds. The sprawling grounds feature a lush courtyard, a pool, and jaw-dropping views that set the scene for pure relaxation. Just a short stroll from Fira, it’s an ideal base to soak up the island’s iconic sunsets and laid-back vibe without breaking the bank.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

City Circus Athens, Athens

City Circus Athens isn’t just a hostel—it’s a creative playground in the heart of the city. With its funky murals, vintage-meets-modern decor, and an effortlessly cool rooftop terrace, it feels more like a boutique hideout. Downstairs, the bistro serves up Greek-inspired meals that rival the neighborhood’s best. Steps from the buzzing Psirri district, this spot is perfect for travelers who want to mix history, art, and nightlife with a splash of Athenian flair.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Iceland

Heradsskolinn Guesthouse, Laugarvatn

This former school-turned boutique guesthouse feels like stepping into a Nordic dream, where vintage charm meets modern comfort. Heradsskolinn’s interiors are a harmonious blend of Art Deco details and Icelandic minimalism, with high ceilings, soft lighting, and lake views that seem to stretch forever. Whether you’re warming up with coffee in the quirky on-site café or unwinding in the nearby geothermal baths, the experience feels refreshingly authentic. Its prime spot on the Golden Circle makes it a refined yet welcoming base for chasing waterfalls, geysers, and glaciers.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Portugal

The Passenger Hostel, Porto

Sleeping in The Passenger Hostel feels like stepping into a living work of art, right inside Porto’s stunning São Bento train station. Its towering ceilings, wooden accents, and original azulejos tiles make every corner Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in the lounge or watching the city lights through grand station windows, this place radiates a sense of history blended with modern sophistication. Best of all, Porto’s cobbled streets and riverside charm are waiting just outside the door.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The House of Sandeman, Miragaia

The House of Sandeman offers a hostel experience as rich and smooth as the port wine it’s famous for. You’ll sleep in custom-designed dorms or suites that channel a chic wine cellar vibe, complete with cozy nooks and velvet curtains. The riverfront terrace is the crown jewel—grab a glass of Sandeman and soak in views of the Douro.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Gallery Hostel, Porto

Gallery Hostel redefines boutique, mixing Porto’s artistic soul with heartfelt hospitality. Each room and common area bursts with character, from vintage furnishings to rotating art exhibitions curated by local talent. Tucked away in the heart of the arts district, you’re just a short stroll from Porto’s top galleries and hidden gems.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Italy

YellowSquare Florence, Florence

YellowSquare Florence offers a dynamic blend of creativity and community, making it much more than a typical hostel. With dorms and private rooms designed with bold, artistic flair, it’s a space that feels both unique and inspiring. By day, take part in rooftop yoga or hands-on cooking workshops, and by night, the rooftop terrace and bar come alive with live music and curated events.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Anda Venice Hostel, Venice

Anda Venice Hostel blends urban chic with laid-back vibes, offering a refreshing take on Venetian accommodation. Its dorms and private rooms are modern, spacious, and filled with thoughtful touches like USB ports and personal storage. The courtyard bar is the social heart of the hostel, where travelers can swap stories over spritzes before exploring Venice’s iconic canals. Located near Mestre station, Anda Venice is perfect for those looking for an affordable, cool stay with easy access to the city’s wonders.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Combo Venezia, Venice

Combo Venezia doesn’t just offer a stay—it’s an experience steeped in Venetian history. The former monastery’s timeless architecture is paired with a minimalist, design-forward aesthetic that feels like stepping into a high-end gallery. Sip a cappuccino in the serene courtyard or explore Cannaregio’s authentic canals, which are far from the tourist-heavy zones. Its in-house radio station and creative spaces make it a hotspot for local artists, ensuring you’ll leave Venice inspired in more ways than one.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Netherlands

Green Elephant Hostel & Spa, Maastricht

[pic:Green Elephant Hostel & Spa]

The Green Elephant Hostel & Spa is the perfect blend of eco-consciousness and indulgent relaxation. This forward-thinking hostel offers pod-style sleeping arrangements for privacy, a tranquil spa complete with a sauna and relaxation room, and even co-living spaces for longer stays. The design is a refreshing mix of sustainable materials and sleek, modern touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Bunk Hotel, Amsterdam

Bunk Hotel Amsterdam transforms a century-old church into a unique space that mixes quirky design with a boutique vibe. The rooms range from ultra-modern pods to hotel-level private rooms, all offering high-end comfort and clever storage solutions. The in-house restaurant and bar serve up locally sourced meals and a creative cocktail menu, perfect for unwinding after a day in the city. It's a unique escape from the tourist hustle, located in Amsterdam Noord, just a ferry ride from the center.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

ClinkMama, Amsterdam

ClinkMama captures the energy of Amsterdam with its bold industrial interiors and lively social spaces. Housed in a former laboratory, this hostel keeps things dynamic with events like live music, art workshops, and communal dinners. The dorms and private rooms are thoughtfully designed for comfort and privacy, and the spacious atrium is perfect for swapping stories over a beer or coffee. Situated near Centraal Station, it’s ideal for travelers who want to stay connected to the city’s iconic canals and nightlife.

• Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Check out: How Much are Hostels in Europe?

About the author: Undercover Phoenician

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