From a 19th-century castle in France to beach bungalows in Thailand, you can pitch up for the night in some truly breathtaking locations – and you won’t be short of parties and good company either. Here’s our list of some of the best cheap stays in the world, and there are lots more where these came from.
Best for: Pure luxury:
We’d forgive you for mistaking Equity Point in Morocco for a five-star luxury spa hotel. A sanctuary in the historic centre of capital city Marrakech with stunning views of the market square and the Atlas Mountains, the hostel is made up of white-washed courtyards decked out with sumptuous Moroccon fabrics, cushions and billowy green plants. There’s also a traditional spa with decently-priced treatments and the luxury of an authentic Moroccon hammam.
The outdoor pool in an open courtyard is surrounded by sun loungers and fountains and can be used year-round. And then there arethe rooms: luxuriously adorned with blankets, drapes and huge cushions that will have you dreaming of royal reclining, as your footboy hand-feeds you grapes by harp music.
On the top floor you will find the bar, complete with dramatic views of the city and lit-up by fire throwers and Moroccan lanterns. You can get single dorms,but the shared rooms are extremely spacious, and come at bargain basement prices.
You can also take cooking classes at the hostel and trips to pretty much anywhere in Morocco can be arranged on site, for those days when you’re not basking in the summer sun by the pool. Breakfast is includedin the price and for those of you who can’t live without your home life luxuries, there is cable TV in the rooms. Dorms cost £8 a night, with private double rooms going for up to £60.
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Best for: Partying
There are thousands of hostels that are good for this, but with complimentary beer during your stay, it’s impossible not to get in the celebratory mood at The Adventure Brew Hostel in La Paz, Bolivia. Plus, the altitude makes it go right to your head. Part brewery, part hostel, this fine establishment also has rooftop hot tubs, and they even offer beer baths if that’s something you’ve always dreamed of. Dorms start at £5.30.
Best for: Beach Bums
You can’t get closer to beach bum heaven than these wooden bungalows on the wind sands of Saithong Resort in Koh Tah Island in Thailand. With lush coconut groves on one side and dazzling turqoise water on the other, you may have just hit paradise. The bunglows all come with fans, which we’re telling you, is a God-send. There’s also scuba and snorkelling rental and a seafood restaurant near the near the bungalows. Rooms start at £12 a night.
Best for: City Escapes
Generator Hostels offers great cheap sleeps in city-break locations across Europe, and its hostels are all equipped to the max. The hip hostel in Barcelona for example is slap bang in the middle of the vibrant city and includes a trendy communal lounge and bar decorated with fresh urban art. The city hostels in Venice, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg and London are also all incredibly located and well designed, with rooms coming in at £10 a night.
Best for: Living like a Royal
lf you’re scoping out budget hostels, chances are you’re not living like a king– but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. For the bargain basement price of £12 a night you can shack up in a magnicent 19th-century chateau atop a hill, overlooking Marseille. The hostel also offers volley ball, football, cycling and tennis, and nearby you can go kayaking or sailing. The hostel is set in eight hectares of park and the bedrooms are huge with high ceilings and wrought-iron balconies.