Hostels are usually preferred by backpackers traveling the world on a budget, but this concept has now evolved into including luxury options. Travelers seeking the comforts of luxury hotels in the more affordable hostel format can be treated to an increasing number of high-end choices worldwide.
The five most expensive hostels in the world can be found in South Africa at Monzi Safaris, in Austria at the Grand Ferdinand, in France at Generator Paris, in Switzerland at the WellnessHostel4000, and in Italy’s Ostello Bello. Guests will enjoy more than just an increase in quality.
If you’re interested in a luxury hostel experience, take a look at what the five most expensive hostels in the world can offer you.
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How Expensive Are Hostels Compared to Hotels?
Expensive hostels still tend to be more affordable than the equivalent expensive hotels, but they will be pricier than standard hotel rooms. The price/quality ratio still tends to be more of a win for hostels. You can opt for a luxury experience at one of them while still spending much less than you would at a high-quality hotel.
The usual standard in picking one over the other remains the same: hostels are best for people traveling alone, while hotels can be better for couples, groups, and extended stays. You should always research all the offers available if you have a location in mind and then decide where the best option will be.
What Makes the Below List of Hostels Expensive?
The below list of hostels is more expensive than what you would usually spend on this type of accommodation for the following principal reasons:
- The quality: As you’d expect, the price increase brings a leap in quality, and the expensive hostels will strive to offer the highest level of comfort.
- The experience: The hostels below offer unique experiences to their guests that aren’t as easy to emulate in other locations.
- The packages: Expensive hostels will frequently include add-ons for your trip. From spa treatments to massages, to getting cooking lessons from decorated chefs, you’ll experience unique activities as part of your stay. Expensive hostels will also have more partnerships with nearby businesses that you will benefit from in the long run.
What Is the Most Expensive Hostel in the World?
The most expensive hostel in the world is the Kex Hostel in Reykjavic, Iceland. You’ll find Kex right in the heart of Iceland’s capital, in a converted biscuit factory that the hostel is named after. There are affordable budget options to be found at Kex, but there are also luxury and unique choices that will increase the costs.
There are various types of lodgings available at Kex: the bunk beds in shared dorm rooms are the cheapest and start at 28$ per night for the 6-bed all-female dorm and at $31 for the 8-bed mixed-gender dorm. There are also single rooms, double rooms, and twin rooms for those looking to spend a bit more for extra privacy.
Rates for the twin rooms start at $83, and for the double rooms at $141. There is the option to book the ‘tiny room’ starting at $118. This room is cozy but bigger than a single, and suits people traveling solo or close couples well. The tiny room has its private toilet and shower access, and it provides a unique and memorable experience.
Other options include the 4-bed family room, starting at $141, the 6-bed family room starting at $157, and the double plus room starting at $198. The Kex is known not only for its high quality but also for the fantastic trips it organizes, the heated outdoor terrace, and the in-house restaurant and bar.
The 5 Most Expensive Hostels in the World
The 5 most expensive hostels in the world provide luxury experiences for hostel lovers that are hard to forget. No matter which location you pick, you’ll be able to enjoy the finest of what hostels have to offer in this top tier. Let’s see what these choices have to tempt you.
1. Monzi Safari Backpackers, South Africa
The Monzi Safari is a self-catering luxurious property on South Africa’s Elephant Coast. This location has the look of a resort and seems to lean heavily into the glamping aspect of spending time outdoors.
While there, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself into the South Africa atmosphere. It can fit 20 guests across ten rooms that can be found in high-end dome tents. These include twin single beds, charging stations, a locker, a reading light, and a fan to help with the heat.
The tents are kept safe by being placed on top of a building that’s covered with waterproof materials. There are also double tents with double beds, as well as dorms available, one for women and one for men. The entertainment area is a huge draw because it provides access to a remarkable pool with plenty of seating.
Outdoors, if you follow the deck at Monzi Safaris, you’ll be able to find the BBQ area next to the entrance to the large kitchen. You can book once-in-a-lifetime tours from the front desk, such as safari tours, whale watching tours, and boat cruises.
If you prefer to cook while you’re at Monzi Safaris, you can make use of the fully-equipped kitchen and then leave the dishes for the staff. The staff has to remain on the premises until after 9 pm, and they will usually deal with that sort of clean-up.
If you’d rather avoid the complication of cooking, you can treat yourself to offerings from the nearest restaurants and bars that surround the property. There is plenty to do and see in the area, but you may become so enamored by the beauty of the resort that you will rather remain on the premises.
2. Grand Ferdinand, Austria
The Grand Ferdinand can be found on Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse, and it is not just the location that is luxurious, though it is a big plus. You would be within walking distance of the Vienna State Opera and the Hofburg Palace. In the rooms, you will find luxuries that aren’t usually associated with backpacker hostels.
These include, among others, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and even minibars. On the rooftop, you will find a pool with an amazing skyline view, a sight that you will not easily encounter in Vienna. The trendy contemporary design is pleasing, and you will find not one but three restaurants on the premises, each with a members-only area.
The Grand Ferdinand has suites, single and double rooms spread across seven floors, and eight-bed dorm rooms designed with mahogany and marble. If you want to enjoy a relaxing walk, you can spend some time in the tropical courtyard and then retreat to your chosen type of room to enjoy some time under the waterfall shower.
This stylish option will make you feel that you’re getting a full 5-star experience at an affordable price, no matter which type of room you get. You will also have easy access to the Stadtpark, the Vienna Museum, and the Johann Strauss Memorial.
3. Generator Paris, France
Generator operates a network of hostels across Europe, but this is one of their most luxurious options. Situated only in the 10th Arrondissement, a short walk away from the Gare du Nord, Generator Paris offers travelers access to its hip rooftop terrace, its trendy restaurant, and the live music events that take place in the basement.
There are laundry facilities, but breakfast costs extra if you feel like treating yourself, especially if you’d rather test the luxurious way of spending time in hostels. There are mixed gender and female-only dorms, as well as private rooms. Depending on the type of room you get, you may have an ensuite or shared bathroom.
You’ll find a café on the ground floor of Generator Paris, as well as a conservatory with garden views. Speaking of views, if you go to spend time on the terrace, you should look for the Sacré-Coeur. If the view is indispensable to you, you could even pay extra to enjoy the luxury of a premium terrace twin room.
These premium rooms include access to an open terrace that lets you bask in the feeling of being in Paris.
4. WellnessHostel4000, Switzerland
You’ll find the WellnessHostel4000 in the Swiss Alps, near the Italian border. Towering peaks surround this resort village, and it’s within proximity of a glacier. There are numerous activities to be done here, from long hikes to mountain tours, to adrenaline-filled sports done on the slopes.
The hostel includes a wellness center, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. The restaurant and the bistro included on the premises are frequently praised for their high quality. The greatest thing about this location is that it is as great as others in that country but for far less cost.
The rooms have a minimalistic design, and you’ll find various options for them, from shared rooms to singles, doubles, and family rooms. The gondola is also only a short walk away; if you get tired of only seeing mountains around you, you can always go somewhere else for some fresh perspective.
Other 5-star features here include the excellent food, the quiet rooms, the whirlpool, the Finnish sauna, and the soft sauna. It also includes free WiFi and laundry service, as well as a general opulent experience in the heart of the Alps.
5. Ostello Bello, Italy
This Milanese hostel is only ten minutes away from the Duomo and enjoys an amazing location that puts you right in the middle of everything happening in the city. It gives excellent access to nightlife, and it has been voted the Best Italian Hostel numerous times by now.
In a rare turn of events, the founders of Ostello Belo decided to try and make it appeal to locals and international travelers. The staff speaks several languages and are known for going out of their way to be helpful.
Milan is an expensive city, but a luxurious night spent in Ostello Bello can make you feel like you can afford anything. There are musical instruments in the lounge, along with a bookcrossing corner and a lot of inspiration to be found.
Amenities at Ostello also include free cultural activities, free linen, earplugs, and locks. The main principles driving Ostello are cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere. Locks and lockers are provided to guests, and you can also ask for a small deposit box that is even safer.
Outro
If the traditional hostel experience isn’t giving you what you want anymore, you can always try to invest more money to enjoy a luxurious experience that is still cheaper, pound-for-pound, than a hotel. There are numerous choices that can help with this endeavor, but some stand above the rest in all the luxury they can offer. Hostels are often preferred to save some money along with the above expensive hostel list you might want to take a look at best hostels in the world list we have.