Saturday, August 17, 2013

Designer Hostels


If you're anything like me, I travel on a budget but hostels aren't exactly my first choice of a place to stay when I go on vacation. They can have somewhat of a negative connotation when they're thought of. Dirty, cramped, dangerous. These are just a few of the thoughts that come to mind. But Hostelbookers is changing the name of the game with their selection of design hostels. Traveling is expensive already, not to mention the cost of hotels. With these hostels, you get high end, clean, modern rooms at a fraction of the cost!

--------------------

If you like the idea of staying in a luxury hotel but don’t like paying the hefty price tag, consider the new designer hotels and hostels from Hostelbookers where you can Stay in Style for a fraction of cost while having a blast! Check out these cheap-chic, budget-boutique accommodations where classy comfort is just the beginning!
 The Cat’s Pajamas Hostel – Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s playful sense of humor pervades this “alternative hostel experience” where the halls – intentionally painted in eye-popping graffiti -- lead to sunny rooms outfitted with designer furniture. Spacious ensuite facilities including make-up stations framed with lighted mirrors and equipped with hair dryers. The helpful staff takes immaculate care of the well-equipped, expansive communal kitchen with big tables that encourage patrons to dine together and get acquainted. Located in Berlin’s multi-cultural Kreuzkoelln district on a tree-lined boulevard, the neighborhood’s dining experiences run the gambit -- from Katie’s Blue Cat British bakery to Paleolithic cuisine at the Sauvage restaurant. Walk to Hermannplatz to catch a train to Berlin’s historic city center or experience Karstadt, Germany’s favorite department store that carries everything from tools to groceries to furs.
Sleepbox Hotel -Moscow, Russia
Despite the rather intimidating futuristic layout, the “sleepboxes” in this designer hotel offer a level of comfort and privacy hitherto unknown at such affordable prices. Available with single or double beds dressed in luxury sheets, the “sleepboxes” are soundproofed, well-ventilated and have a compact “nano” layout that includes a closet, shelves, hooks, sockets, an LED TV and, of course, free Wi-Fi. Each floor has spacious, clean communal bathrooms (a towel set is provided) and there’s a laundry and bicycle rental desk. Dine out at the neighborhood Botanika restaurant, a local favorite featuring a homey atmosphere and fresh Asian cuisine, then kick up your heels at the Help! Bar, famous for award-winning cocktails but renowned for a strict security policy discouraging coarse behavior. Walk to the nearby Belorusskiy station to catch aero express trains to the Sheremetyevo airport or ride the Paveletskiy Train to access the Domodedovo Airport.
Tattva Design Hostel – Porto, Portugal
Some claim staying at this hostel is practically a spiritual experience, which seems to be what the designers had in mind when they incorporated the power of the five elements (earth, water, air, fire and sky) in every aspect of their facility. The result is a harmonious blend of public and private spaces dressed up in chakra-spinning colors and mind-soothing contours. The building is a World Heritage site with a commanding view of Porto from the outdoor terrace and the bedrooms’ windows and balconies. Breakfast is free at the spacious restaurant and there’s a fully-equipped communal kitchen for self-prepared meals. Relax in the reading room or dive into the Aquarium Lounge (yes, there are fish tanks) for refreshing cocktails. The tour desk organizes fun events like pub crawls and walking tours to the impressive Porto Cathedral and across the Douro River on the pedestrian deck above the Dom Luís Bridge.
Interlaken Youth Hostel – Interlaken, Switzerland
The keystone of this sparkling new facility is the cozy lounge that invites guests to mingle around a welcoming fireplace. Precisely arranged bedrooms are hygienically clean and maximize space with auto lockers big enough for backpacks. Their in-house restaurant serves up free breakfasts, healthy meals and supplies snacks to take into the game room to enjoy during a round of pool or internet surfing. Right next door to the Interlaken-Ost Railway Station, the hostel sits at the base of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, site of one of the most spectacular sightseeing trains in the world and a playground for hikers, skiers and nature lovers.

**This is a sponsored post but all opinions stated are my own