Weird and Wonderful Hostels


Many people around the world have quite a closed mind when it comes to hostels. Present them with the word and they conjure up images of bland buildings full of an eclectic bunch that do nothing but eat cornflakes all day and wait for their long locks to transform into dreadlocks. But many people thought Mike Tyson would knock out his last opponent, that putting air in sneakers was a passing fad and that 'Friends' would never actually end.

Today's hostel is a melting pot of cultures from all around the world. Sit down with a cup of tea in a common room and you will find yourself getting whirled into a conversation with travelers from all around the world.

Over recent years, some hostels have really branched out and more and more 'themed hostels' have started to pop up. Some dedicate themselves to nature, others to rock and roll stars, and others even dare to recreate the sensation of sleeping in a prison cell.

If you are planning on embarking on a trip around the world and are wondering where to find some of the world's more weird and wonderful hostels, here are ten of the best

Kadir's Tree House

Olympos, Turkey

Kadir's gives every traveler the opportunity to live their childhood dream and sleep over in a real tree house. There are over 45 to choose from and to get to them you must climb up ladders before resting for the evening. If you don't feel like resting you will enjoy a night out in one of hostel's three bars, or two nightclubs!

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Hedonisia Hawaii

Pahoa (Big Island), Hawaii, USA

Hedonisia Hawaii is a hostel set in the wild, lush, tropical rainforests of the Puna Region of Hawaii. On the grounds of the hostel guests will discover a gigantic volcanic crater and there is even a mini-jungle to explore. Travelers who do decide to stay there can do so in dormitory-style accommodation in 'The Barn', the hostels indoor tent space.

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Naval Hill Backpackers

Bloemfontein, South Africa

Located in an old water pump station built in 1896, and bordered by a nature reserve, this hostel impresses both from inside and out. While you can view the local wildlife in their natural environment during the day, you can overlook the city lights at night as Naval Hill is ideally located in a nature reserve which lies close to the city centre.

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The Beagle Houseboat

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you've ever planned on visiting Mother Earth's ultimate city of sin, you probably never thought you'd get the chance to call a boat your home for the duration of your trip. Thanks to this 2-storey houseboat just 3 minutes from Centraal Station which caters for the budget traveler, you now can.

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Slane Farm Hostel

Co Meath, Ireland

This is an old farm that has had its coach house and stables refurbished and converted into a hostel with all amenities. Fascinatingly, it is still a working farm with cows, sheep and some horses. Located in the Boyne Valley area on Ireland's east coast, staying here will give you an insight into rural life in Ireland.

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Gram's Place B & B/Hostel

Tampa, Florida

Some hostels are built for 'people on the move', but this hostel/guesthouse in Tampa, Florida brings a whole new meaning to the phrase. Gram's Place is a simulated railroad station depot and one of their rooms is an original sleeper car, and the 1920s music which can be heard playing in the background adds to the experience of living in yesteryear.

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Seashell Cove Resort

Nadi, Fiji

Located right on the water, Seashell Cove Resort offers a pleasant alternative to dormitory accommodation (it has that too by the way), in the form of traditional Fijian 'bures'. So if you fancy your own wooden cabin on the beach with a multitude of attractions and activities close by, you'll see why this particular hostel is a must if you travel to Nadi.

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Hostel Celica

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Housed in a former prison, Hostel Celica in the Slovenian capital not only becomes a 'home away from home' for travelers from all over the world, it also doubles as an art gallery. The uniquely designed bedrooms on the first floor, which were previously prison cells, are works of art in their own right.

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HI - Ottawa Jail Hostel

Ottawa, Canada

Also located in a former prison, this was hostel site of Canada's last public hanging. Your bed for the night will be in one of the cells used for prisoners through the centuries. Listen out for fellow prisoners going bump in the night or visit death row and the gallows, but be sure to abide by the hostel rules - or they might end up throwing away the key!

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ZicZac Rock-Hotel

Zurich, Switzerland

Set right in the heart of Zurich's city centre, this place regards itself as the 'hottest rock-shack' in the city - and in truth, it probably is. With over fifty rooms, all of which are uniquely decorated according to the rock star to which it is dedicated, you can take your pick. Will it be the Pink Floyd Bedroom or the Led Zeppelin Suite? You decide…

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