Upscale hostels even business travelers can appreciate
Hostels are no longer just for penniless backpackers or the subject of abusurd horror films. Now, more hostels are beginning to cater to families, couples and even business travelers — especially those wanting to stay connected while also interacting with others and experiencing the destination. But, not all hostels are created equal. Here are some upscale hostels that meet all the needs of a business traveler:
1. Generator Paris (Paris, France): Home to nine hostels across eight cities, the design-centric Generator Hostels brand takes a boutique hotel concept, and incorporates cultural touches and like involving local musicians, artists and designers. The newest and largest property is in Paris, featuring high speed Wi-Fi, a lounge with flatscreen television, tons of outlets (the dorms even have USB plugs built into the beds) and automatic lighting that follows your feet so you don’t wake others coming in from the onsite club. The private rooms are especially sexy, featuring bathrooms with showers and full tubs, and a deck with stairs leading up to the soon-to-open rooftop, offering views of Montmatre and Sacré-Cœur. Rates start at $28 for dorms and $56 for privates.
2. U Hostels (Madrid, Spain): Equipped with free Wi-Fi, communal computers, private meeting rooms, a library, dry-cleaning services, 24-hour front desk assistance, onsite transportation booking, free breakfast and a coffee shop, business travelers will have no trouble staying organized and plugged in throughout the hostel or in their private balcony-equipped suite (where even your headboard has an outlet and reading lamp). This resorted 19th century palace adds a cultural touch, as do daily activities like complimentary walking tours, free game and sangria nights, and live flamenco shows. Rates start at $14 for dorms and $28 for privates.
3. HOSTEL 64 Osaka (Osaka, Japan): While the building dates back to 1964, the amenities are surprisingly modern — in addition to standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, this hostel also has free iPad rentals upon request and a high tech showering seat that gives the sensation you’re taking a bath. The hostel makes it easy to pack just a carry-on as it supply toiletries and towels, while a library, plush leather furniture and private rooms make it easy to get things done (and the massage chair is a nice way to decompress). Rates start at $29 for dorms and $50 for privates.
4. The Bowery House (New York, NY). While amenities like 300-thread-count sheets, central air, Italian marble bathrooms with heated floors and rain showers, and a landscaped rooftop garden may sound like their reserved for a luxury hotel, they actually describe the hip Bowery House hostel and hotel in NYC. The Bowery House offers private rooms (typically with shared bathroom) for a budget-friendly $79+ per night. Business travelers can head to the third floor Living Room that features mahogany furniture, leather couches, newspapers and local artwork to make use of the property’s free Wi-Fi.
5. El Diablo Tranquilo (Punta del Diablo, Uruguay): You might think a hostel located in a remote fishing village would be a great place to disconnect. However, the big screen television, communal computers and netbooks, SlingBox for US television streaming, strong property-wide Wi-Fi, and international outlets keep you plugged in at El Diablo Tranquilo (although the beachfront, festive El Diablo Tranquilo Bar, and onsite cultural activities should also occupy your time). An interesting hostel feature is the SA Trails integration, allowing guests to interact with staff and other travelers via Wi-Fi, whether planning meetups or requesting an extended stay. Equipped with ocean view dorms and private suites with hammock-adorned balconies, in-room fireplaces, soft robes and breakfast in bed, you can add a bit of relaxed luxury to your stay. Dorms and suites start at $14 and $50, respectively.
6. Safestay(Holland Park, West London): Opening August 2015, Safestay has a rich history, housed in a Jacobean mansion dating back to 1605 and even once housing Lord Byron. While business travelers will appreciate an internet room, free Wi-Fi in the common areas and touch keys (for some advanced roomkey technology), they can relax on the rooftop terrace, shoot pool in the game room, or wander the trails and gardens in the onsite Holland Park. Private en-suite rooms come equipped with 40” plasma TVs and in-room coffee/tea stations — although the pod-style dorm bunk beds also allow for privacy. Surprisingly, rates start at about $31 per bed per night and about $93 for a private room — almost unheard of given its proximity to High Street Kensington and Portobello Road.
What's your favorite upscale hostel?
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.