Hostel Reviews: Honest Opinions on the Best Hostels Around the World

Introduction: The Appeal of Hostels

Hostels are the perfect choice for travelers seeking affordable accommodation without sacrificing the social and cultural experiences that make travel so enriching. From cozy boutique hostels in historic cities to lively party hostels in tropical paradises, these budget-friendly options are ideal for solo adventurers, backpackers, and anyone looking to meet fellow travelers.

While hostels vary in style and atmosphere, many offer private rooms, organized events, and unique amenities that rival some hotels. To help you find the best spots, we’ve compiled honest reviews of some of the top-rated hostels around the world. Whether you’re after a quiet retreat or a social hotspot, these hostels provide an excellent blend of comfort, affordability, and atmosphere.

1. The Circus Hostel – Berlin, Germany: Modern and Trendy

The Circus Hostel in Berlin is one of the city’s most popular spots for travelers. Located in the vibrant Mitte district, this stylish hostel is a great base for exploring Berlin’s iconic sites, like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Museum Island. The hostel offers a mix of dorms and private rooms, all clean and modern, with quirky design touches.

What makes The Circus stand out is its cool atmosphere, friendly staff, and onsite amenities, including a café, bar, and even a microbrewery. The hostel also offers walking tours, bike rentals, and events, making it easy to socialize and explore the city.

Pros:

• Central location in Mitte, close to major attractions
• Clean, modern rooms with stylish décor
• Great social spaces, including a café, bar, and brewery
• Free walking tours and events for guests

Cons:

• Can be noisy at night due to its social atmosphere
• Dorms can fill up quickly during peak seasons

Best For: Travelers who want a stylish, social hostel in the heart of Berlin.

2. Milhouse Hostel – Buenos Aires, Argentina: A Backpacker’s Party Paradise

If you’re looking for a lively party hostel in South America, Milhouse Hostel in Buenos Aires is a top choice. This popular hostel, with two locations in the city, is known for its vibrant social scene, frequent parties, and organized activities like pub crawls and tango lessons.

Despite its party reputation, Milhouse also provides comfortable, spacious dorms and private rooms. The staff are welcoming, and the atmosphere is incredibly sociable, making it perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new people. The hostel is located in the heart of Buenos Aires, near major landmarks like Plaza de Mayo and the Obelisk.

Pros:

• Legendary party atmosphere with nightly events and activities
• Spacious dorms and private rooms
• Central location close to top Buenos Aires attractions
• Friendly, helpful staff

Cons:

• Not ideal for travelers seeking a quiet, relaxed environment
• Some noise late at night due to parties and socializing

Best For: Party-loving backpackers and solo travelers looking for a lively social scene.

3. Mad Monkey Hostel – Siem Reap, Cambodia: Fun, Social, and Relaxing

Mad Monkey Hostel in Siem Reap is a favorite among backpackers visiting Cambodia, offering a perfect mix of social vibes and relaxing spaces. Located near the famous Angkor Wat temples, this hostel provides clean dorms and private rooms, a large pool, and a rooftop bar where you can unwind with fellow travelers.

Mad Monkey is known for its friendly staff and organized tours, which include temple visits, pub crawls, and cooking classes. The social atmosphere is welcoming but not overwhelming, making it a great spot for travelers who want to relax by the pool during the day and socialize in the evenings.

Pros:

• Relaxed, social atmosphere with a pool and rooftop bar
• Friendly staff and organized tours to Angkor Wat and beyond
• Clean and comfortable rooms
• Great location near the temples and nightlife in Siem Reap

Cons:

• Can get noisy during events and pub crawls
• Limited availability of private rooms during peak season

Best For: Social backpackers looking for a fun, laid-back stay near Angkor Wat.

4. Wake Up! Sydney – Sydney, Australia: A Premium Hostel Experience

For travelers looking for a premium hostel experience in Sydney, Wake Up! Sydney delivers. Located in the heart of the city, this award-winning hostel offers modern facilities, spacious dorms, and private rooms with hotel-like amenities. It’s perfect for those who want the social atmosphere of a hostel without compromising on comfort.

Wake Up! Sydney features a large bar, café, and communal spaces, making it easy to meet other travelers. The hostel also organizes daily activities like walking tours, beach trips, and pub crawls, ensuring you’ll have plenty to do. It’s ideally located near Sydney’s Central Station, making it easy to explore the city’s top attractions.

Pros:

• Premium facilities with spacious, clean rooms
• Great social spaces and organized activities
• Prime location near Central Station and top Sydney landmarks
• Onsite bar and café with lively events

Cons:

• Slightly pricier than other hostels in the area
• Large size can make it feel less intimate

Best For: Travelers who want a premium, social hostel experience in the heart of Sydney.

5. Kex Hostel – Reykjavik, Iceland: Stylish and Cozy

Kex Hostel in Reykjavik combines Icelandic charm with industrial-chic design, making it one of the trendiest hostels in the city. Housed in a former biscuit factory, this hostel features eclectic décor, a cozy lounge, and an onsite bar that’s popular with both locals and travelers.

Kex Hostel offers a variety of dorms and private rooms, all with a warm and stylish vibe. The hostel also organizes events like live music and movie nights, adding to its social appeal. Located just a short walk from Reykjavik’s main attractions, including the waterfront and Hallgrímskirkja Church, Kex is a great base for exploring Iceland’s capital.

Pros:

• Stylish design and cozy atmosphere
• Popular bar and lounge, great for meeting locals and travelers
• Central location in Reykjavik, close to major attractions
• Regular events, including live music and movie nights

Cons:

• Limited bathroom facilities for dorms
• Can be noisy during events or busy weekends

Best For: Style-conscious travelers looking for a trendy, social hostel in Reykjavik.

6. Selina – Medellín, Colombia: Digital Nomad Haven

Selina hostels are known for catering to digital nomads, and the Medellín location is no exception. With its coworking spaces, modern design, and social atmosphere, Selina Medellín is perfect for travelers who want to balance work and play. The hostel is located in the vibrant El Poblado neighborhood, a hotspot for dining, nightlife, and shopping.

Selina offers a variety of accommodations, including dorms, private rooms, and suites, with amenities like yoga classes, workshops, and tours of the city’s famous street art. The hostel’s common areas are stylish and spacious, providing plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers or get some work done.

Pros:

• Great coworking spaces for digital nomads
• Stylish, modern design with plenty of common areas
• Social atmosphere with events, workshops, and tours
• Prime location in El Poblado, Medellín’s most popular area

Cons:

• Can be pricey compared to other hostels in Medellín
• Not ideal for travelers seeking a quiet or purely social environment

Best For: Digital nomads and travelers who want to mix work with exploring Medellín’s vibrant culture.

7. Hostel One – Barcelona, Spain: A Social Backpacker’s Dream

Hostel One in Barcelona is known for its community-focused, social atmosphere. This hostel offers free dinners every night, followed by group activities like bar crawls and walking tours, making it one of the best places to meet fellow backpackers. The staff are friendly and go out of their way to help guests feel at home.

Located in the city center, Hostel One is close to Barcelona’s famous landmarks like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter. The hostel itself is clean, cozy, and has a relaxed vibe during the day—perfect for recharging before heading out for a night on the town.

Pros:

• Free dinners and group activities every night
• Super social atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers
• Clean, comfortable dorms and common areas
• Central location, close to Barcelona’s top attractions

Cons:

• Not ideal for travelers who want a quiet stay
• Smaller than other hostels, so it fills up quickly

Best For: Solo travelers and backpackers looking to meet people and enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife.

Conclusion: Find the Perfect Hostel for Your Travel Style

Whether you’re looking for a stylish escape in Reykjavik, a party hostel in Buenos Aires, or a laid-back retreat near Angkor Wat, hostels offer an unbeatable mix of affordability, comfort, and social interaction. These top hostels around the world cater to a wide range of travel styles, ensuring you can find the perfect place to stay while making new friends and creating lasting memories.

Choose the hostel that fits your vibe, and get ready for an unforgettable travel experience.