15 hip Hostels worth ditching the Hotel for.

Hostels get a bad rap (see: the 2005 horror film, Hostel). They are often associated with being dirty, uncomfortable, and generally not very fun to stay in, unless you are a perpetually drunk 22 year old. With more and more travelers looking to combine authentic experiences with affordable travel, hostels have started to change their image. There are still the party/ youth hostels for those who want that vibe but there are also several unique hostels cropping up that would surprise many. If you are interested in saving money and staying somewhere that isn't compromising comfort and class, these 15 hostels might be worth trading in the hotel room.

Hostels can be a great way to get an accelerated experience of a culture. You interact with the locals and other travelers much more and can make lasting connections.

London calling? The Generator London will answer. This cosmopolitan hostel offers chic style and convenient location next to Covent Garden, Regents Park and the British Museum. They have an in-house pub, restaurant, cinema room, and regular events for guests to participate in. They offer stylish and spacious, private, twin, and shared rooms at reasonable prices.

 https://generatorhostels.com/destinations/london

Live like a royal without the price tag of one. The Maverick hostel is a royal mansion built by the Hapsburg dynasty turned into a modern day hostel. This accommodation is part of the Europe's Famous Hostels line. All of their properties are selected based on quality, cool factor, and ideal location. The Maverick is no exception.

http://mavericklodges.com/hostel-budapest/

Admit it. You've always wanted to sleep in a wooden UFO that is resting on the Irish countryside. This hostel overlooks castle Baldwin and has major "eco-cred". The food served is harvested from their local garden, and they use geothermal and sunlight heating systems, as well as recycled rainwater shower facilities. Guests have unparalleled access to the nature surrounding them. You can rent a room, or pitch a tent inside.

http://www.gyreum.com/

Gym & Tonic (yes, that's a thing) is Kex's multifunctional hall, where you can watch movies, hold board meetings, and private parties. It's decorated to look like an old school boxing gym and even has a punching bag that you can let all your pent up energy out on. In true Icelandic style, the rest of the hostel is cozy, minimalist, and super clean! They have private rooms that sleep up to six people, ideal for families. Plus, you'll be in freaking Iceland!

http://www.kexhostel.is/

Set in an old Riad, Equity Point will fulfill all of your Moroccan dreams. You'll fell like you are stepping back in time while staying in the heart of Marrakech. Take a dip in the pool or sip a cocktail on the rooftop, while overlooking the city. Rumor has it that the cook, Rachida make some of the best local cuisine! This is another exemplar hostel in the Europe's Famous Hostels line.

http://www.famoushostels.com/hostels/marrakech-equity-point-hostel/#overview

The Freehand Chicago treads somewhere between a hostel and a hotel with theatrical touches. They have quad rooms for those who want to bunk with others, but they also have a penthouse. Say it with me, a PENTHOUSE. The rooms are undeniably posh and the building itself was constructed in 1927. The old-timey vibe will make you and your friends feel like you've stepped back into a prohibition-era gem. Have a night cap at the bar, the Broken Shaker or some grub at the hostel's restaurant, Café Integral. Friday through Saturday they turn Integral into Tacoteqa a late night taco shop. We're sold.

https://freehandhotels.com/chicago/

We want to go to Ecuador, just so we can stay in this adorable, boutique hostel. Every aspect of the hostel is designed with comfort and style in mind. The rooms have sweeping views of the countryside and quirky artwork throughout the facility. Cuddle up by the fireplace after a long day exploring the city of Quito. Go ahead, you deserve it.

http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/BoutiQuito-Design-Hostel/Quito/83075

Walking distance to Milan's shopping districts and nightlife, what more could you ask for? You want to stay somewhere cool too? Ostello Bello will let you check that off your list. The hostel is only 500 meters from Duomo Square, they have hammocks you can chill in, AND they serve afternoon “aperitivos”. Oh, and brunch on the weekends. So yeah, you're covered.

http://www.famoushostels.com/hostels/milan-ostello-bello-hostel/

You might as well zen it up while in Kyoto. It is after all, one of the most idyllic places in the world and being zen is the main mojo there. The Piece Hostel has all the mojo you'll need. It's Japanese modernism at its best with clean architectural lines, and natural elements. It makes you feel you've slipped into a sexy suit that is also 100% organic cotton. This hostel puts most hotels to shame with how gorgeous the architecture is!

http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Piece-Hostel-Sanjo/Kyoto/94563

Say hi to your new favorite place to stay in San Francisco. Hi Hostel is a 1920's boutique hotel renovated with 21st century amenities, while keeping the vintage vibe. They also care about sustainability and have several staff and community building initiatives in place. It's also located on the edge of the Tenderloin district, so you'll be close to the city center.

http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/HI-San-Francisco-City-Center/San-Francisco/1827

Create lasting memories (cheezy, we know) at Memory Hostel. But seriously, there is a lot to love about this place. It has a rooftop deck where you can gaze out over the city, a local bartender who makes handcrafted cocktails, and they'll set you up with a motorbike so you can scoot around like a pro. The hostel also has an onsite tour operator to help you plan your journey to the Danang Mountains or to go on a fishing tour.

http://memoryhostel.com/

According their website, “'Onas is the perfect spot for those adventurous travelers who seek comfort, good service, style and the chance to experience special moments in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. You won’t believe it’s a hostel."
We agree on this one! Their private suites have marbled bathrooms that are comparable to a top notch Vegas hotel. If that's not enough to draw you in, how about their movie room with 80 inch screen and free popcorn?

http://www.onashostel.com/en/

Stay in adorable, renovated camper homes each decorated with a unique style! The facility is situated on Lucky Lake and about 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam central. They hold yoga classes by the lake in the mornings and you can book an in-house massage if all the yoga and nature weren't relaxing enough.

https://www.luckylake.nl/

This Andalusian gem ain't no mirage! It's an oasis! You'll find yourself close to the heart of it all, with access to tapas bars, flamenco dancing, and more. The avant-garde decor and hanging garden add to the fun!

http://www.famoushostels.com/hostels/sevilla-oasis-palace-backpackers-hostel/

This is possibly the cutest hostel ever! And SOOOOOO instagrammable. Designed by three friends who wanted to create something sophisticated for the city, the hostel takes the concept of "nesting" to the next level. The decor is all locally sourced and reminiscent of a traditional Thai home with a modern twist. The hostel prides itself on being a source of information for hidden, local spots, and culture based excursions.

http://www.happynesthostel.com/en/