On Your Next Trip, Stay at a "Poshtel"
Wondering how to have a hip and stylish stay when you're traveling on a budget? These posh hostels deliver comfort and design without big hotel price tags.
Looking for an affordable place to stay on your next city adventure? How about a hostel? But first, erase all thoughts of low-frills, low-thrills, old-school youth hostels from your mind. Instead, think “poshtels,” the latest trend in offering increased style to travelers who are on a low budget. These accommodations offer a variety of room configurations, including multiple-person rooms with shared bathrooms where you can get a single bed for the night, large group rooms for friends, and even inexpensive, small, private rooms—all with an emphasis on comfort and style and the added bonus of free WiFi.
Poshtels totally reimagine the way that you stay, but they do keep the best parts of the hostel experience intact—the ability to meet other like-minded travelers—by creating hip lounge areas and fun commons rooms, and adding great cafes and bars that draw locals, as well as travelers. Oh, and these posh new budget digs are all located right in the center of the action—no trekking to the furthest reaches of the city. And you get all this for less than you’d pay at the most budget fleabag in the least appealing part of town. So load up your travel pack, fill up your silicone bottle set with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and get ready to experience the coolest travel trend for stylish travelers. Here’s a selection of a few favorites.
In Europe, the Generator chain of “design-led,” affordable-but-luxurious poshtels draws rave reviews for their cutting-edge design and prime locations in normally expensive cities such as Berlin, Paris, and Stockholm. For example, the Venice property is located on charming Giuducca Island, directly across the canal from the bustling San Marco Square. On one side of the mile-long island is Belmond Cipriani, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and on the other side is the expensive Hilton Molino Stuckey. And in the middle? You'll find this super-stylish hostel, with prices starting around $15 per night for a bed in a room with 16 people with shared bath or around $55 per night for a private room and bath. Stay tuned: Generator is getting ready to expand their 12 European offerings with spots in the United States in 2017.
In the United States, Miami and Chicago both boast funky and fun Freehand properties, with shared quads or “Super 8” rooms where you can get a bed for about $30 per night. Upgrade to a private, king-sized bed with a private bathroom for around $100 per night. Perks include free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a shared lounge space where you can chill in style: a Broken Shaker mixology bar that draws local crowds. Keep an eye out for properties in New York City and Los Angeles that are slated to open soon.
In California, bring your surfboard to The Wayfarer in Santa Barbara’s “Funk Zone,” which has 27 private rooms (all with pull-down Murphy beds so you can squeeze in some additional friends) and 4 hostel rooms with en-suite bathrooms (all same sex). Not only does the property offer upscale style, but also a heated pool, free WiFi, and free breakfast in the communal kitchen. Plus, you're walking distance to East Beach. You’ll never want to stay anywhere but here after you’ve tried poshtel living.
But whenever you're sharing a space, you need to take extra precautions to stay safe. Always use a TSA travel lock on your bag to deter thieves.
Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog):
6 Best Budget-Friendly Accommodations in New Zealand
