Eco-Friendly Hostels

  • Hostels are growing increasingly aware of the immediate need for conservation and changes in our gluttonous habits towards the Earth's limited resources. As a result, there are more and eco-friendly hostels emerging around the world. Check out some of our hostels doing their bit to save the planet...

    Sleepzone Connemara, Connemara (Co. Galway), Ireland


    Located deep in the heart of Ireland's famous Connemara region in the west of Ireland, Sleepzone Connemara is one of Ireland's most environmentally-friendly hostels. Following an environmental audit by Sustainable Energy Ireland, and as part of an environmental policy which will include Sleepzone's other hostels in Galway City and in a part of Ireland known as The Burren, their Connemara hostel has begun installing solar panels. The hostel itself is a hunting lodge dating back to the 1800's which overlooks The Killary (Ireland's only fjord) and now provides private and dorm-style rooms, all ensuite. Plans are also in place to convert to the use of biomass fuels and to update water conservation methods. Each Sleepzone hostel has also incorporated compact fluorescent efficient lighting, recycling systems and more.
    Book Sleepzone Connemara

    Hedonisia Hawaii, Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii, USA


    For those wishing to enjoy an affordable stay on the tropical island of Hawaii and do their bit to help the environment at the same time, Hedonisia Hawaii is the perfect place. Located in Pahoa on Hawaii's 'Big Island', rather than use new materials, the hostel was made from donated and free materials. Most of the products which are used are also recyclable and renewable products such as bamboo. But by far the most interesting feature of Hedonisia Hawaii is their eco-friendly toilet which looks out over the jungle. As Mojo, the hostel's manager describes it, 'it's an eco-friendly toilet with a view!'
    Book Hedonisia Hawaii

    Hostel One66, Singapore, Singapore


    Deep in the heart of Singapore, one of South-East Asia's most popular cities with travellers, Hostel One66 has decorated its hostel with uniquely recycled materials. The signboard at the entrance is made from a discarded PVC door and children play mat, the lamp is an unwanted Keorsense lamp converted into an electric lamp, while the table holding their computer is a recycled sewing-machine table so you can exercise your legs while on the internet making it the healthiest way to surf the net! The local newspapers have called it "The Karung guni Hostel", 'Karung guni' meaning rag and bone men who pay you a small fee for your unwanted stuff.
    Book Hostel One66

    Gyreum, Sligo, Ireland


    Direct from Middle-Earth and nestled snugly in the Irish countryside, this solar and wind powered eco-lodge is constructed from renewable resources, including sheep wool insulation and a 'living roof'. Designed with a reverence to the natural world, the structure aligns to the dawns and dusks of the summer and winter solstices when beams of light enter into the great central hall.
    Book Gyreum

    Hostelling International Boston Downtown, Boston, USA


    Located at the birthplace of the American Revolution in Boston's Back Bay, H.I. Boston is at the forefront of another uprising - the movement towards environmentally conscious lifestyles in bustling urban jungles. This hostel not only provides guided tours of the Freedom Trail and kayak trips down the Charles River, but also an eco-program that pushes both staff and patrons to be stewards of the earth by offering recycling stations, energy efficient lighting and appliances, recyclable carpet and low-flow plumbing.
    Book Hostelling International Boston Downtown

    Grampians YHA Eco-Hostel, Grampians, Australia


    Situated in Grampians National Park, the YHA Eco Hostel is the epitome of eco-friendly living, utilizing solar hot water and state-of-the-art energy and water conservation techniques to reduce consumption to approximately 50 percent of the standard hostel. Free-range eggs are available from the resident chickens and seasonal organically grown herbs, vegetables and fruit tantalize the senses. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, Grampians offers its guests park tours, camping and fishing expeditions and, not for the faint of heart, rock climbing and rappelling excursions. For those who prefer serenity to adrenaline, there are wine tastings and constant views of the native wildlife meandering through the hostel's landscaped gardens. At dusk, kangaroos congregate to eat on the hostel lawn.
    Book Grampians YHA Eco-Hostel

    Reykjavik City Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland


    Iceland is a country steeped in natural beauty, from tremendous icecaps and explosive geysers to steaming solfataras and magnificent waterfalls. Reykjavik City Hostel, one of the capital's top hostels, has received awards for both its responsible treatment of nature and its excellence in service and quality. Located next to one of the great geothermal swimming holes in the city, this hostel promotes energy monitoring, erosion control and extensive recycling services, while offering its pampered guests high-speed internet access, laundry service and fully equipped kitchens.
    Book Reykjavik City Hostel

    Enigmata Treehouse Ecolodge, Camiguin, Philippines


    Channel your inner Swiss Family Robinson with a stay in this state-of-the-art treehouse, overlooking the ocean and surrounded by white beaches, soaring waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. Operated by a vibrant artist and environmental protection group known as the Enigmata Creative Circle, the treehouse's existence and operation is a testament to environmental awareness, offering biodiversity workshops and conservation seminars. Visitors can dine in the outdoor garden among the blooming rain trees or spend an evening in the treetop bar and lounge, gazing at the stars. Those seeking personal reflection can retire to the poolside poets' nook or the meditation corner perched atop the treehouse.
    Book Enigmata Treehouse Ecolodge

    Hostelling International, Washington DC, USA


    This hostel, just eight blocks from the White House, is one of the greenest hostels in North America and is committed to being a positive force on environmental issues. Each floor has its own recycling centre, where they promote the recycling of aluminum, glass, paper and plastic. But that's not all…the paper used at reception is 100% recycled; compact fluorescent light bulbs are used throughout the city and the soap used in the kitchen is environmentally friendly. They even show documentaries on environmental topics once a month. If you feel the people at the White House aren't doing their bit to help the environment but you want to help when you are in town, make sure to stay here.
    Book Hostelling International

    Omagh Hostel, Omagh, Northern Ireland


    This small remote family run hostel offers visitors the warmest of welcomes along with the greenest of accommodations evidenced when they became the worthy recipient of the prestigious EU Flower Ecolabel in the tourist accommodation category. From their extensive recycling, composting and green purchasing policy to the use of low energy lighting and even environmentally friendly reed beds makes this hostel as green as the country it is part of!
    Book Omagh Hostel

    Liverpool International Inn, Liverpool, England


    Housed in former a Victorian warehouse the International Inn is committed to Green Tourism and promoting eco friendly policies at every opportunity. With a choice of shared or private rooms, all with their own "green guide", the hostel offers modern facilities combined with a tremendous character. Holding the Silver award for Green Tourism the Liverpool International Inn's philosophy is Reduce Reuse Recycle!
    Book Liverpool International Inn

    Botanical Villas Campground: St. John, US Virgin Islands


    Channel your inner Swiss Family Robinson with a stay at the Botanical Villas, home to environmentally friendly tree houses that overlook the ocean and pristine St. John beaches. Guests can also chose from a variety of ecotents that allow for greater privacy but provide the natural feeling of being outdoors. Those seeking more traditional accommodations can enjoy the quietness and seclusion of Peters Bay in one of the campground's cabins. All options are geared to environmentally-conscious travelers that want to experience the natural beauty of the islands while reducing their eco-footprint.
    Book Botanical Villas Campground

    HI-Montréal, Montréal, Canada


    Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, this environmentally-focused hostel uses new ecological and biodegradable cleaning products and low energy-consuming light bulbs. Making various ecological alternatives available to all guests, the hostel provides information on public transportation and car-pooling, as well as reusable grocery bags and equitably and biologically produced coffee. However, their eco-conscious attitude does not stop at the hostel's front door. HI-Montreal uses suppliers sensitive to environmental causes, ensuring their impact on the environment is minimal.
    Book HI-Montréal

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