Unique and Unusual Hostels

  • Looking for something that little bit 'different'? Check out some of our more unique and unusual hostels...

    Gyreum, Sligo, Ireland


    Stuck at the end of the plateau of Moytura in Ireland's Co. Sligo, 'Gyreum' is a hugely spacious, hobbit-like building that has been dug into the hillside. The 100ft structure is aligned to the dawns and dusks of both the summer and winter solstices when beams of sunlight light up the central hall. Guests can stay in dorms circling the 'round hall' which is perfect for yoga and meditation.

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    Praakli Farm, Saaremaa, West Estonia, Estonia


    This farmhouse, built from natural wood and flagstone, is steeped in 400 years of history. It enjoys a beautiful location in a peaceful place surrounded by organic fields and a forest. On the hostel's farm are sheep, chickens, cats, dogs and bees. Guests can stay in their main guestroom, a separate 'barn house' or a 'sauna cottage'.

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    Sumpter Stockade & Hostel, Sumpter, Oregon, USA


    This hostel was built by the owners' own hands in the spirit of the way things were done so long ago! Once inside the stockade, you will find yourself immersed in the old west, with a military fort setting, complete with military barracks, saloon and mercantile! Guests stay in old-style 'cots' in the upstairs of the barracks which, even though is modeled on how things were done years ago, is still equipped with a modern bathroom, shower, and even laundry facilities.

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    Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel, Carbisdale, Scotland


    Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel was built for the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland. Since then it has housed wealthy and influential people, and even served as a royal refuge. The castle has a large art collection and a collection of Italian marble statues on display in a main gallery. Staying here is an amazing experience not to be missed.

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    Skalkaho Poor Farm, Hamilton, Ohio, USA


    The Skalkaho Poor Farm is nestled in the Bitteroot Valley near Hamilton, Montana. Originally built in 1910, this Skalkaho ('Land of the Beaver') homestead was one of the original farms on the east side of the valley. Over the years its orchard has produced apples, pears, apricots and plums. They also raise and train Arabian horses here. Lodging consists of one dormitory style room with four beds as well as an authentic-style crow tipi for camping with an awe-inspiring view of the Bitteroot and Sapphire Mts.

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    Villa Rivercat, North Goa, India


    Nestling behind the sand dunes of the sleepy Goan fishing village of Mandrem you will find the Villa Rivercat, situated in between ocean and river. The vision of Rinoo Sehgal, a creative mind, traveler and friend of animals, all that lay before him when he found the site in 1991 was a beautiful river creek flowing into the Arabian Sea. Inspired by the surrounding nature, he began to design and build a spacious retreat from local stone and wood. Guests will enjoy a close relationship with the tropical environment as exotic trees, shrubs and creepers line the garden which merges with the lush creek beyond.

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    Sepilok Jungle Resort, Sandakan, Malaysia


    The Sepilok Jungle Resort, enclosed inside a tropical virgin rainforest, will take you back in time when humans were closer to nature. It is set amidst beautiful landscape gardens and thousands of acres of tropical rainforest. The Sepilok Jungle Resort is truly the perfect getaway for a rejuvenating experience.

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    Shiplake Mountain Hostel, Dunmanway, Cork, Ireland


    In this hostel in West Cork guests can stay in a charming, stone-built, traditional farmhouse or in one of the gypsy barrel-top caravans. Both enjoy amazing locations, nestled in a superb setting on the foothills of the Sheehy Mountains. Just 30km from the south-west coast, this hostel is a true paradise for walkers, cyclists, and other lovers of the great outdoors.

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    Bali Homestay Program, Tabanan, Indonesia


    Bali Homestay Program is located in a beautiful Balinese village near the mountains and surrounded by rice fields. But what is most intriguing about this hostel is that it is dedicated to help improve the education of the village children and protect the village environment. Guests can sign up for programs that include a lesson in Balinese culture, giving an English lesson to the local children and hiking to the west and east village.

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    HI-Point Montara Lighthouse, Montara, USA


    On the rugged California coast, just 25 miles south of San Francisco, sits the Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station. Established in 1875, the historic lighthouse and turn-of-the-century buildings have been preserved and restored by HI-AYH and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard.

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