Travel expert at StudentUniverse shares a guide for the go-to European accommodation, whether you’re looking for budget, blow-out, or just plain quirky.
Thinking about a European adventure this year? Whether it’s a weekend, fortnight, or a few months travelling, we all want to stay somewhere stand out, without draining the bank – a common concern particularly amongst students on placements abroad (75%)*.
Jill McElroy, StudentUniverse’s travel expert, says: “Hostels in 2024 are a thing far removed from their past image. Often located right in the city centre with uber-stylish fittings and a range of on-site venues to provide social hangouts for solo travellers, hostels are an inexpensive way to stay in style.
“Where you stay has the ability to impact the overall holiday experience, so finding the right place is key and can transform how you see a city. We recommend avoiding traditional hotels and opting for something a bit different. No big chains here, just the real deal.”
Find Jill’s top recommendations for 2024 accommodation across Europe below.
For something truly unique – Prison Hotel, Karosta, Latvia
Ever fancied living it up like it was your last night of freedom? Well, the Prison Hotel in Latvia will have you feeling like it genuinely is. As the only military prison open to tourists, this stay is truly one-of-a-kind, with the hotel embedded into the functioning prison itself.
Bonus points are awarded to this hotel as the staff are instructed to treat you as they would a real prisoner, stripping you of your belongings, and punishing ‘misbehaviour’. It’ll provide an overnight stay you certainly won’t forget. Go on, get your mugshot…
For something cool – Jumbo Hostel, Stockholm, Sweden
Feeling fly? At this hostel, you no doubt will, because it features a refitted Boeing 747 jumbo jet! With the cockpit converted into a cosy cabin, and the cabin itself with spacious bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a hang out space, this stay will feel far removed from the 33-inches of legroom we are used to in the sky.
Located only 20 meters from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, travellers will feel a part of the action for the duration of their stay, with prime views of (actual operational) planes speeding down the runway. Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay for carry-on luggage here.
For the best value – Clink Noord, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Born in the 1990’s out of the desire to create a space based on community, and bringing a range of cultures together, the Clink Hostels brand has certainly made a splash in recent years, operating some of Europe’s very best value hostels.
Clink Noord is located only moments from Amsterdam Centraal Station, and along one of the city’s iconic canals, so you won’t find a better spot in the city. Features from the original 1920’s building have been enhanced, DJ’s create a vibe at ZincBar, and the plant-filled atrium serves as a great spot to rest after some yoga – all included in your stay!
For luxury on a budget – Les Piaules, Paris
Luxury and hostel aren’t often two terms that are heard next to one another, however, with Les Piaules, the term fits. Inhabiting an art deco building in the ever-popular Belleville area, Les Piaules stands above the typical standard of hostel in Paris, which is often sub-par to its European neighbours.
This does not mean it will break the bank however, with dorms starting at 25 EUR, and a glass of wine costing as little as 3 EUR at the onsite bar. Run by a group of friends, this hostel is ideal for those keen on meeting new people, as they have struck the chord perfectly between class, and fun. Who said luxury had to be expensive and boring?
For the best amenities around – The House of Sandeman, Porto, Portugal
Located on top of the Sandeman wine cellars, and inside one of Porto’s most iconic buildings, this quirky hostel has it all. Expect individualised pods for sleeping (ensuring maximum privacy), spacious rooms, an open-air bar and nightly Portuguese family dinners with free wine – why not?
Only five minutes from Porto’s ever-popular historic centre, the Sandeman couldn’t be better located, with views overlooking the river Douro. Did we mention that each bed is shaped like a wine barrel? Wine lovers assemble.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
The survey that generated the data that features throughout the report was run through the Attest consumer research platform, and went out to 18-25-year olds in full time education. There were 6,000 respondents in total, divided evenly between the four countries in which StudentUniverse operates: the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. Each data point shown in the report is averaged from those countries; if you are interested in seeing country-specific data, please contact the PR team below. For more information and to read the full report, visit: https://indd.adobe.com/view/3dafa77f-ec4f-495a-98b0-5f689bd05a22
For further press information, please contact:
Elsa Findlay | Peter Gregory
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: [email protected]
www.rooster.co.uk
About StudentUniverse:
Launched in 2000, StudentUniverse is a Boston-based tech company that operates the world’s largest student and youth travel marketplace. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers exclusive pricing and terms for its members.
With operations in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and the Philippines, StudentUniverse empowers students and youth to travel more. Acquired in 2015, StudentUniverse is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. For more updates, follow our corporate blog and LinkedIn.
For more information about StudentUniverse, visit: www.studentuniverse.co.uk
