Updated: March 6, 2021
This Past Year I Stayed at 70 Hostels, Let’s Rank Them
Everyone loves a good ranking, so I’ve obliged and compiled a list of the Best 25 Hostels I visited this past year. Hostels aren’t for everyone, but I’m a bit obsessed with hostel life. I know hostels inside and out and, other than bed bugs which I’ve somehow avoided up to this point, I’ve experienced it all. Over the past year, I visited 70 hostels scattered across 4 continents and 16 countries.
Hostel Ranking Criteria
I book my hostels through HostelWorld.com, Bookings.com, or directly via email. Because I almost always reserve one of the top ranked hostels available on a booking site, my ranking includes only the best of the best. I have assessed the quality of each hostel based on the following parameters: value for money, security, location, facilities, staff, atmosphere, and cleanliness. No doubt, the people I met in each hostel, the experiences I shared, and the nearby sites, activities, and culture have heavily influenced my ranking.
#1 Bassetto Guesthouse (Certaldo, Italy)
Located among the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany, in the idyllic town of Certaldo, Bassetto Guesthouse tops my list as the #1 hostel that I have visited in the world.
It is a magical place that will capture your heart and leave you spellbound the moment you set foot on its premises. It’s extremely rare to visit a hostel and discover that all the other guests have been either staying for weeks on end or are visiting for their 3rd or 4th time: the sign of a truly exceptional hostel. Whether you wish to spend lazy days eating figs, drinking wine, and playing backgammon poolside, or if you prefer to rent a bike and pedal to the most famous gelateria in the world, it’s impossible to go astray when bunking at Bassetto Guesthouse.
Hostel Highlights
- Rustic villa housing with outdoor terraces
- Pool and hammocks
- 6 EUR bottles of wine available at reception
- On-site pasta-making class
- Bicycles for hire
- Fantastic hostel manager – Jo
—> Book your stay at the Bassetto Guesthouse
—> Read about my time exploring Italy and my stay at Bassetto Guesthouse
# 2 Youth Hostel Plakias (Plakias, Greece)
Far away from Crete’s touristy towns in the north, Youth Hostel Plakias, is nestled on Crete’s southern shore in the tiny beach town of Plakias, and undoubtedly deserves the #2 ranking on this list.
Youth Hostel Plakias has a commune vibe where everyone wants to: spend time together, share food, play card games, read in hammocks, jump off rock cliffs into the Mediterranean, and go on nature walks. Other than Bassetto Guesthouse, this is the only hostel I visited that frequently has long-term guests and repeat visitors. Youth Hostel Plakias is the only hostel I have ever visited which offers an outdoor sleeping option; you can sleep on a real bed ontop of the roof and fall asleep while gazing upon the stars. Does it get any better?
Hostel Highlights
- Commune vibe
- Outdoor kitchen
- Beds on the roof under the stars!
- Hammocks surrounded by olive and lemon trees
- 5 minute walk to the beach and other trails
- 5 minute walk to Joe’s, the town’s famous dive bar
—> Book your stay at Youth Hostel Plakias
—> Read about my time visiting Greece and my stay at Youth Hostel Plakias
#3 Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 (Bariloche, Argentina)
The only penthouse apartment hostel I’m aware of, Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 offers one of the best hostel views in the world and secures the #3 spot on my list of best hostels in the world.
I arrived in Bariloche exhausted from weeks of hiking in southern Patagonia. Hospedaje Penthouse proved to be the perfect place to relax and catch my breath. I spent a few days reading and journaling while taking in the magnificent views offered by this penthouse hostel. The view from Hospedaje Penthouse’s terrace is spectacular; during my visit, travelers staying at nearby hotels stopped by to take in the sweeping views of Lago Nuhael Huapi.
Hostel Highlights
- Outdoor terrace with epic Patagonia views
- Hotel-quality facilities include spotless bathrooms, cozy common space, and terrific kitchen
- Affable and super knowledgeable staff eager to assist
- Breakfast included
—> Book your stay at the Hospedaje Penthouse 1004
—> Read about my time in Patagonia and my stay at Hospedaje Penthouse 1004
#4 Hoi An LoveLy Hostel (Hoi An, Vietnam)
Hoi An LoveLy Hostel is my favorite hostel in all of Southeast Asia. The young and spunky owner, Ly, and the family dinner that Ly and her mother cook every other evening, are the main drivers behind this hostel’s sky-high ranking. Ly is one of the only hostel owners I have met who is willing to take you out and show you her city. Ly and her mother are skilled cooks, and the family dinners are fantastic opportunities to talk with Ly, learn about Vietnamese culture, and make new travel friends.
Hostel Highlights
- Family meals every other night (can volunteer to help cook!)
- Hostel owner, Ly, will reveal Hoi An’s secrets
- Comfy and homey vibe
- Breakfast included and cooked to order
- Motorbike rentals available onsite
—> Book your stay at the Hoi An LoveLy Hostel
#5 Mad Monkey Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang, Laos)
I am a super fan of Mad Monkey Luang Prabang. Mad Monkey is a hostel chain and it is typically recognized as a “party hostel,” two categories of hostels I tend to shy away from. This hostel is different; it is a party hostel, but because of a government imposed city curfew, the party shuts down at 11:30 pm. It is the cheapest hostel I have every stayed at, yet it has some of the nicest hostel facilities. Party hostel but chill? Cheap but fancy? It is no wonder Mad Monkey Luang Prabang sneaks into my top 5 best hostels in the world.
Hostel Highlights
- Incredible value, most inexpensive hostel I visited in the world
- Free open bar every evening
- Hostel activities daily (trivia, pool party, etc.)
- Comfy mattresses and well maintained facilities
- Party hostel, but government curfew quiets things down at 11:30 pm
- Pool
—> Book your stay at Mad Monkey Luang Prabang
—> Read about my adventures in Luang Prabang
#6 Onederz Hostel Siem Reap (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
I once met a traveler so obsessed with Onederz Hostel Siem Reap, he told me that other than take a one day tour, he wasn’t sure he left the hostel compound once over the span of four days. While I think my friend erred by missing out on all that the city of Siem Reap has to offer, I can see where he is coming from. Onederz Hostel Siem Reap is one of the best hostels in the world for making new friends, and the hostel’s restaurant, bar, common area, and rooftop pool, make it hard to leave.
Hostel Highlights
- Provides great tours and activities daily
- Cleaned constantly to the point it feels like a hotel
- Hundreds of guests, so easy to meet people
- Rooftop pool with sweeping views of the city
- Bar and tasty restaurant on premise
- Fantastic layout of common room promotes both work and mingling
—> Book your stay at Onderz Siem Reap
—> Read about my visit to Angkor
#7 Erratic Rock Hostel (Puerto Natales, Chile)
Erratic Rock Hostel is the place to stay in Puerto Natales both pre and post hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. At the time of my visit, I had very limited trekking experience, and Erratic Rock hostel made me feel at home, prepped me, and rented out the few pieces of trekking equipment I was missing. Additionally Erratic Rock was the perfect cozy refuge to rest my weary bones after the strenuous 5-day trek.
Hostel Highlights
- Cozy cabin feel
- Ability to rent cheap quality gear for treks
- Locker storage for items to leave behind during hike
- Fresh homemade bread provided daily
- Super knowledgeable and friendly owner
—> Book your stay at Erratic Rock Hostel
—> Read about my time in Puerto Natales and hiking Torres del Paine
#8 Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem (Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia)
Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem, located on the white sandy beaches of a tiny roadless Cambodian island, is so dreamy, I had to frequently remind myself I wasn’t staying at a 5-star beach resort.
Hostel Highlights
- Front porch is on the beach!
- Incredible open courtyard in the back of the hostel (deck for lounging, pool table, bar, bench and free weights)
- Offers daily activities and tours (e.g. swim with bioluminescent plankton)
—> Book your stay at Onederz Koh Rong Sanloem
#9 Piha Beachstay (Piha, New Zealand)
When I visited Piha, the hostel was empty and the weather was gloomy, but this beach-town hostel is so beautifully designed and well-maintained, I didn’t want to leave.
Hostel Highlights
- Unbelievable facilities and amenities, everything looks brand new
- Backyard with decks and gardens
- Comfy and cozy common area with tons of games
- Top-line dorms with quality mattresses and solid bunks
—> Book your stay at Piha Beachstay
#10 Barnyard Backpackers Te Anau (Te Anau, New Zealand)
I was a bit tired of tourists, so I visited Barnyard Backpackers hostel, which is situated off the beaten path, on a farm in Te Anau, New Zealand. The farm setting was idyllic and the hostel was so cozy, that I kept extending my stay. This hostel is the ideal place to stay if you are visiting the famous Milford Sound or doing one of New Zealand’s Great Walks in the area (Kepler Track or Milford Track).
Hostel Highlights
- Located on an idyllic farm
- Incredible sunset views
- Cozy cabin hostel dorm rooms
- Fantastic spacious kitchen
- Great common area located in the “barn” with a pool table
—> Book your stay at Barnyard Backpackers
#11 Bled Hostel (Bled, Slovenia)
Bled Hostel is the spot to stay when visiting fairy tale Lake Bled. The hostel has great energy and it’s easy to pick up new friends. The staff goes out of their way to accommodate its guests: the owner let me check-in early and even stopped at the train station to pick up my ticket. What is this, the Four Seasons concierge? The top feature of Bled Hostel is the hostel pub which is always jam-packed with backpackers sharing ice-cold inexpensive pints of Laško beer. (Tip: Don’t visit Lake Bled in July or August, the heart of the busy season)
Hostel Highlights
- Attracts adventurous guests down for hiking, canyoning, rafting, etc.
- Popular hostel pub offers cheap pints (foosball table)
- Friendly and accommodating staff
- Great atmosphere, easy to make friends
—> Book your stay at Bled Hostel
—> Read about my Top 5 Bled Adventures and where to get the best view of Lake Bled
#12 Refugio Grey (Torres del Paine, Chile)
Not your traditional hostel, this “refugio” or camping cabin is located on the W Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park. Refugio Grey was my favorite refugio that I stayed at while trekking and witnessing the ineffable natural beauty at Torres del Paine Park.
Hostel Highlights
- Cozy cabin ambiance
- Newly constructed buildings
- Solid bunks and comfortable mattresses
- Wood burning stove and hot showers saved the day after a long day of trekking in the bone-chilling Patagonian wind
—> Book your stay at Refugio Grey
—> Read about my experience in Torres del Paine
#13 Adventure Q2 Hostel (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Adventure Q2 Hostel is one of the most thoughtfully organized and well-run hostels in the world. From the Where’s Waldo printouts in the bathrooms to squeak-free bunks and perfectly placed towel hooks, no detail is overlooked. It comes at no surprise that this hostel is always the first to sell out in Queenstown, so book in advance!
Hostel Highlights
- Bunks are 5-star mini apartments (no squeaking, plush mattresses, full-length curtains, built-in shelving, personal reading light, and electrical outlet)
- Bathrooms are sparkling and don’t get me started on the showers (the water pressure and heat is barre none)
- Impeccably designed kitchen (divided into cooking stations with olive oil, knives, pans, and cooking utensils available at each station) and an outside patio with a grill
- The following items are FREE to borrow at reception: bicycles, go-pros, frisbees for frolf
—> Book your stay at Adventure Q2 Hostel
#14 Hostel Angelina – Old Town Dubrovnik – Southern (Dubrovnik, Croatia)
Hostel Angelina is a first-rate hostel in Dubrovnik’s Old Town (A.K.A. King’s Landing). The hostel is housed in a cute skinny old building with narrow staircases, multiple levels, and a lovely patio. Hostel Angelina regularly offers sunset tours and pub crawls. The hostel has a sister hostel in Old Town, and the guests from the two hostels link up each evening, so its the perfect way to meet friends to join you in exploring Dubrovnik’s ancient limestone-paved streets.
Hostel Highlights
- Cute old cozy building with patio
- Ideal location within the city walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town
- Offers a fantastic sunset walk and pub crawl
—> Book your stay at Hostel Angelina
#15 Hack Farm (Golden Bay, New Zealand)
Located 45 minutes south of Wharariki Beach and 1:15 hour north of the Abel Tasman Track, Hack Farm is the perfect spot to settle down for a few days while exploring some of the must-see sites on New Zealand’s South Island. Hack Farm offers different accommodation options: cozy farmhouse dorm rooms, campervan parking, and tent sites. Additionally, you can sign up for a horseback ride or walk down to the beach for a swim. The owner is a lovely, kind-hearted woman, who doesn’t want you to miss out on any of New Zealand’s secrets.
Hostel Highlights
- Horseback rides available with beach, mountain, and river trail options. I even a saw an advertisement for gymnastics on horseback.. say what?!
- Super cozy farmhouse
- Free homemade bread and breakfast provided daily (if you choose to stay in the farmhouse)
- One of the kindest hostel owners I have ever met
- Has a tire swing over a lake and the beach is only a 15 minute walk from the farmhouse
—> Book your stay at Hack Farm
#16 Nosara Beach Hosel (Nosara, Costa Rica)
Located on the beach and only a ten minute walk from the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort. I’ll never forget my week staying at Nosara Beach Hostel. My days consisted of surfing, yoga, surfing, and yoga. The amenities at this hostel aren’t anything special, but its a fantastic beach hostel.
Hostel Highlights
- Surfer bro vibe consistent with Costa Rica beach bum mentality
- Ideal location next to the beach and a short walk to the yoga studio
- Lots of outdoor chill space on a wrap-around deck
- Great common open common area
—> Book your stay at Nosara Beach Hostel
—> Read about surfing and yoga in Nosara
#17 Cocoon City Hostel (Chania, Greece)
Cocoon City Hostel is a stylishly designed hostel located in the ideal location in Chania, Crete. As soon as you arrive, you can join a WhatsApp hostel group, which makes its super easy to make new friends. It’s the perfect hostel for the solo traveler. There are lots of sites, hikes, and beaches, to visit near Chania, and the hostel organizes great day tours. To top it off, the staff is super friendly; when I arrived, the hostel owner asked if I wanted to grab a drink and slice of pizza: a great way to arrive in a new city.
Hostel Highlights
- Stylish hostel with modern features and amenities
- Offers daily tours and excursions
- WhatsApp hostel group is fantastic for meeting new people
- Amicable and knowledgeable owner
—> Book your stay at Cocoon City Hostel
#18 Ventana Sur Hostal (Santiago, Chile)
Ventana Sur Hostal is a cute, hip hostel located in the Barrio Italia neighborhood in Santiago. The hostel has a nice swimming pool, backyard, and cozy common room. Ventana Sur Hostal differentiates itself with a terrific owner who loves to join in on the party and won’t refuse a 1 am bottle of wine, deep conversation, or jam-fest. Also, the Ventana Sur Hostal family barbecue tops the charts as the best hostel barbecue of all time. Comment below if you believe you have had better!
Hostel Highlights
- Perfect location, Barrio Italia, is my favorite neighborhood in Santiago
- Spectacular family barbecue offered multiple evenings each week
- Great owner, Ivan, gets involved in hostel activities
- Free breakfast
—> Book your stay at Ventana Sur Hostal
#19 The Cliff Hostel (Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia)
The Cliff Hostel has the best hostel view of any hostel I have visited world-wide and it only costs 5 USD a night! The Cliff Hostel is located at M’Pay Bay, my favorite bay on Koh Rong Sanloem island. I won’t lie, the dorm at The Cliff Hostel is a bit bizarre; beds are lined up in a porch-like, open-air, roofed, structure. But, no one pays much attention to the unique sleeping quarters. Instead, the guests spend their time lounging on the hostel common area deck, which overlooks the ocean, or snorkeling in the warm clear waters below.
Hostel Highlights
- Best hostel view in the world
- Solid restaurant on premise
- Incredible cliff-side deck for lounging
- Access to snorkeling (1 USD to rent a snorkel)
—> Book your stay at The Cliff Hostel
#20 Montenegro Hostel 4U (Kotor, Montenegro)
Montenegro Hostel 4U is one of the best hostels in the world if want to party and aren’t planning to catch up on sleep. Typically, I avoid party hostels, but I was in the mood to throw down and Montenegro Hostel 4U didn’t disappoint. At our 11 am check-in, we were handed a shot of rakija and advised to buy two liters of beer for the evening activities. Beer games, clubbing in the Old Town of Kotor, and swimming at 3 am…. need I say more?
Hostel Highlights
- Ideal location next to the Bay of Kotor
- Outgoing and friendly staff is ready to throw down, organize the party, and invigorate the guests
- Hostel offers exciting day trips and activities (i.e. boat tour and kayaks for rent)
- Staff will give you expert tips for exploring the Bay of Kotor and Kotor’s Old Town
—> Book your stay at Montenegro Hostel 4U
—> Read about my late night in Montenegro
# 21 City Circus Athens (Athens, Greece)
I’ll be honest, Athens is not one of my favorite cities in Europe, making it all the more impressive that City Circus is ranked so high on my list. Set in a non-touristy section of Athens, City Circus is housed in a lovely historic building that has been tastefully renovated and decorated. The hostel shares space with Zampanó, a hip Greek bistro and wine bar, so breakfast, wine-tastings, and restaurant discounts are all part of the deal!
Hostel Highlights
- Enormous comfy common area is perfect for reading, planning, and journaling
- Cute rooftop terrace
- Free wine tasting in the evening, sponsored by “in-house” restaurant
- Free made-to-order breakfast if you book your stay directly through the website
—> Book your stay at City Circus
#22 YHA Lake Tekapo (Lake Tekapo, New Zealand)
If you enjoy star-gazing and New Zealand is on your bucket list, don’t miss out on the YHA Lake Tekapo. This brand new hostel is located on the edge of the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and is only a 5 minute walk from the Dark Sky Project Center, the starting point for stargazing tours. To top it off, the hostel kitchen is so incredible you will feel as though you are competing on Top Chef.
Hostel Highlights
- Ideal location on the edge of Lake Tekapo
- 5-minute walk to the starting point for stargazing tours
- Exceptional kitchen with modern appliances and well-designed cooking stations
- Brand new hostel with quality bunks and top-of-the-line furniture
—> Book your stay at YHA Lake Tekapo
#23 Benita Hostel (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
When you are selecting a hostel in a large metropolis, like Buenos Aires, it is important to choose a hostel that attracts the type of backpacker you are looking for. Often, I am in search of hostels that attract backpackers wishing to immerse themselves in the culture. The Benita Hostel drew like-minded backpackers; nomads in search of the next unforgettable experience, not travelers content with watching Netflix in their bunks every day and clubbing every single night.
Hostel Highlights
- Charming old building, recently renovated
- Ideal location in the heart of Buenos Aires, near to the Palermo neighborhood
- Attracts backpackers wishing to immerse in culture
- Free breakfast
—> Book your stay at Benita Hostel
#24 Rancho Grande Hostel (El Chaltén, Argentina)
Over 100 trekkers rest their weary over-hiked limbs at Rancho Grande Hostel every evening. The hostel won’t wow its guests with state-of-the-art facilities, but its got all the ingredients necessary to make a Patagonian hiker happy. Best of all, its got great energy and its 24-hour restaurant / pub is ideal for making new friends.
Hostel Highlights
- Great energy, feels like a campsite
- Attracts trekkers itching to hit the trails and willing to wake up at the crack of dawn
- Large restaurant / pub common area is open 24/7
- Helpful staff will educate you on El Chaltén’s numerous trails and other adventure offerings
—> Book your stay at Rancho Grande Hostel
—> Read about my time in El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy Hike
#25 Hostal Po (Valparaíso, Chile)
Hostal Po, with its colorfully painted plastered walls, tastefully exudes the bohemian vibe of Valparaíso. The hostel attracts travelers willing to step outside of their comfort zone, meet knew people, and explore the unknown. Safely tucked away, yet only a short walk from bustling clubs, Hostal Po is the place to stay when visiting Valparaíso.
Hostel Highlights
- Hip yet cozy vibe
- Chill rooftop area
- Friendly staff makes you feel at home
- Attracts adventurous travelers
jtcombi
November 8 at 10:40 amPlease comment below with hostel recommendations!