Why hostels are great for couples

If you think hostels for couples are not really a thing, think again! All the reasons you love staying in hostels on solo trips or with your friends – the fun vibes, the budget-friendly prices, the cool/interesting/quirky style – makes them great for couples as well. You can have all the privacy you need in a private room, take part in cool events like pub crawls and free walking tours and get to know other like-minded people.

Yup, being in a relationship doesn’t have to mean you’re suddenly all boring and missing out on exciting (and inexpensive) adventures. So here are three couples who love hostels – plus six great reasons why you should book a hostel for your next weekend away with the one you love!

💘 Couples who love hostels: Jennifer & Jim (English couple)

Jennifer & Jim in Lisbon 📷: @jenkg05

Why do you choose to stay in hostels as a couple?

We stay in hostels as a couple because we get bored of each other’s company! I joke, I joke… but staying in a hostel really is the best of both worlds as we get to enjoy time alone, but we can also be sociable. We’re not at a stage yet where we want to jet away on some blissful lover’s retreat so by staying in hostels we keep active and involved in everything which the destination has to offer.

In your experience, what do hostels have that make them better than hotels for couples?

Hostels are a hub of entertainment and activities – I think we’d massively miss out on squeezing the most out of a destination if we stayed in hotels. When you arrive at a hostel, you’re instantly given a wealth of info and activities so it’s way more personal and inclusive than staying in a hotel (which I think can sometimes feel a little sterile!).

Any tips for staying in a hostel as a couple?

Book a private room and don’t attempt to double up in a single bunk bed! It’s obviously a great way to save money but it’s also a great way to instantly lose those friends you’ve just made in the bar.

Which hostel was the best one you’ve stayed in as a couple?

The Lost and Found Hostel in Panama was incredible and perfect for adventure lovers! It’s located inside Fortuna Nature Reserve, so you can explore many amazing trails during the day and relax in a hammock at night. They also offer tours, treasure hunts and hiking trips, perfect for you to meet other travellers before heading to the bar for happy hour after a day of adventures– what’s not to love?!

Hostel highlights:

• Located inside a nature reserve
• Hostel bar
• Parking
• Games room
• Mini supermarket inside the hostel

 Address: Km 42, Via Changuinola, Vale de Hornito, Panama

 Neighbourhood: Vale de Hornito

😻 Reason #1: Hostels are sexier than a private rental

If no one has let you in on the secret yet, then here it is: hostels have private rooms and they’re amazing! Yup, we’re talking big comfy beds just made for two and a stylish space that’s all your own. If you’ve ever booked a private rental as a couple,  you may have discovered that it’s not always such a great idea for a sexy weekend away…. Maybe the bedding was a bit crappy? Or the bathroom was kinda icky? Or it just wasn’t as glam as you were expecting your precious time together to be? Nothing puts a dampener on the excitement of travelling together than discovering your pad doesn’t meet the mark. Instead, turn up the heat on your weekend away (or round-the-world trip) with a private room you won’t actually want to leave. Check out these seriously ‘Do Not Disturb’ hostel rooms below.

Ooooh La La! You’ll never want to leave your room at Lisbon Calling Hostel

Cocomama Amsterdam will make you want to swing from the chandelier!

Did someone say chic city break? It’s hard not to fall in love with TOC Hostel Barcelona!

🍻 Reason #2: You’ll never get bored of each other

Travelling as a couple means you get to spend A LOT of quality time together. Sometimes, a little too much! Staying at hostels gives you opportunities to hang with other people so you can mix things up a little (and even make some new friends). Social spaces, such as bars, cafes and lounges, mean you’ll never have to stay just in your room. Plus, you can join in one of the tours, activities or parties organised by your hostel.

Making new friends in Nicaragua with Naked Tiger hostel 📷: @nakedtigerhostel

Always someone to hang with at La Brisa Loca hostel in Colombia’s Santa Marta

💘 Couples who love hostels: Zoey & Mari (English & American couple)

Zoey & Mari in Sri Lanka 📷: @lezwandertheworld 

Why do you choose to stay in hostels as a couple?

We stay in hostels to meet other people and make new friends. As a couple, you sometimes get stuck doing your own thing, so it’s sometimes nice to stay at a place where you know you’ll meet new people! We also love the fact that most hostels offer private rooms so if we want to get away and just be together, we can. Not to mention, hostels are always cheaper than hotels, and we’re all about budget traveling.

In your experience, what do hostels have that make them better than hotels for couples? 

We absolutely love that hostels always have a community environment. You can walk into a hostel and you’ll immediately feel like you’re part of a family. Also, we met at a hostel in Thailand, so hostels always give us wonderful feelings of nostalgia. It’s that hostel environment that brought us together. Hostels give you seclusion and a give you a home away from home.

Any tips for staying in a hostel as a couple? 

If you’re staying in a dorm room and get lonely at night, you can squeeze into one bed and take advantage of the extreme cuddles! We all love extreme cuddles. If you’re not into extreme cuddles, book a private room but give the cuddles a try. Also, bring earplugs.

Which hostel was the best one you’ve stayed in as a couple?

At Base Hostel in Melbourne, the party never stops, literally. The Red Eye Bar has events happening every day like foam parties, silent discos and comedy nights! They also serve amazing food in case you’re feeling too hungover to leave the hostel. Ah, you’ll also like to know that you’re going to have free pancakes every day at breakfast!

Hostel highlights:

• Hostel bar
• Free pancakes for breakfast
• Nightly events

 Address: 17 Carlisle St, St Kilda , Melbourne, Australia

 Neighbourhood: St Kilda

➡ Follow all of Zoey & Mari’s adventures on their blog at www.lezwandertheworld.com

💰 Reason #3: Hostels are better for your budget

If you’re travelling on a budget, then hostels are a no-brainer. Keep your costs low by staying in a dorm for a few nights and then you can #treatyoself to a private room every once in a while too – without leaving the premises! Plus, hostels have so many features to help you save your pennies on the road: we’re talking free breakfasts, free tours and activities, Happy Hour and kitchens so you can cook your own food!

Bunking up at 91 Loop Boutique Hostel Cape Town 📷: @91loop

Cook up a storm in this beautiful kitchen at Wombat’s City Hostel London.

👜 Reason #4: Hostels have serious style

Have you heard the word ‘poshtel’ recently. Well, they’re talking about us! Yes, hostels are design-led and super swanky these days – with spaces you’ll actually want to hang out in. From chic bedrooms to cool lounges and bars, hostels are what all your (or your partners) Instagram dreams are made of! Check out these amazingly stylish hostels below.

From Russia with love. The Hoscar award-winning Soul Kitchen in St Petersburg.

Put the ROMancE into Rome with this stylish stay: Generator Rome.

What a cosy colour scheme at United Backpackers in Melbourne 📷: @paulabzo

💘 Couples who love hostels: Felipe & Lorenzo (Brazilian couple)

Felipe & Loreenzo in Stockholm 📷 @felipesauer_

Why do you choose to stay in hostels as a couple?

The hostel vibe allows us to broaden our possibilities while travelling. Just as we can dine in a restaurant, we can also cook our own food with local ingredients for a good price. Go out to a bar and get to know the city’s nightlife is great, but buying a bottle of wine and drink it comfortably in the hostel living room after a long walking day is also incredible. And, of course, there’s always the advantage of hostels being the cheapest option while travelling.

In your experience, what do hostels have that make them better than hotels for couples?

We love that hostels have a sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect to share experiences and get to know new people. Want to discover the charming coffee shop that sells the best cinnamon roll in town? This and other precious tips can always come up while talking to other hostels guests.

Any tips for staying in a hostel as a couple?

Private rooms are always the best option for a smooth night. If the hostel doesn’t have that option, search for the possibility of staying in a double bed in a shared room. If the room is shared with your friends, that’s even better.

Which hostel was the best one you’ve stayed in as a couple?

Castanea Old Town Hostel because of its intimate vibe and private rooms. They have a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook your meals and sit around one of the wooden dining tables with other backpackers. On top of everything, it´s located in the heart of Stockholm, which makes it possible to explore the whole city by foot (our favourite activity while travelling).

Hostel highlights:

• Located in the city centre
• Luggage storage
• Book exchange
• Bike rent

 Address: Kindstugatan 1, Old Town , Stockholm, Sweden

 Neighbourhood: Old Town

Closest Station: Gamla Stan

👀 #Reason #5: Hostels are awesome and unusual places to stay

If you’re a couple who love to stay somewhere a little more quirky or interesting than a hotel, then hostels are exactly what you need! From a treehouse in Turkey to Hobbit house in Chile, you’ll discover a world of amazing places to stay with hostels. Plus, once you start Instagramming that cool and unusual places you stay on your travels, everyone will have serious #relationshipgoals envy.

Did someone say mile high club? Jumbo Stay Stockholm 📷: @filipshobot

Your own little Hobbit house for two at Chili Kiwi Lakefront in Pucon, Chile 📷: @chili.kiwi.lakefront

Live it up in former Colombian Cartel Mansion, Calle 11. Hostel in Santa Marta 📷: @ashkatehunter

🍹 Reason #6: Hostels are more fun than hotels

Hotel bars…. they’re renowned for being the last place anyone would actually want to hang out. Hostel bars, on the other hand, are all about FUN. From in-house cocktail gurus in Tokyo to rooftop DJs in Paris, you’re guaranteed a good time at your hostel bar. Plus, hostels are not all about the bars. Yes, we have pools too! Plus, you can play shuffleboard and petanque in Copenhagen, hang in a giant hammock in Colombia, and jump in a ball pit in Lisbon.

Party time at Casa Gracia hostel in Barcelona 📷: @isaespimo 

Feel like a real baller in Hub New Lisbon hostel’s ball pit!

💘 Couples who love hostels: Laura & Stephen (Brazilian & Irish couple)

Laura & Stephen in Lisbon 📷: @astaclivo

Why do you choose to stay in hostels as a couple?

We always choose to stay in a hostel because you can feel super comfortable while travelling on a budget. Even if we normally stay in private rooms, it’s great to have a social space where we can meet other people. Our favourite part: getting tips from the hostel staff. We definitely feel that staying in a hostel is a more authentic experience and you’ll return home full of stories to tell, which would never happen if you stayed somewhere else.

In your experience, what do hostels have that make them better than hotels for couples?

When we travel as a couple, we’re still looking for meaningful travel experiences where we can meet people from different cultures and learn new things. In the social areas of the hostel we can always meet new people and have an interesting conversation. When you stay in a hotel you limit your travel experience and don’t really live everything the city has to offer. Traveling is all about opening yourself to new experiences and staying in a hostel where people have the same mind-set definitely helps you to do that!

Any tips for staying in a hostel as a couple?

We’ve stayed in private rooms and shared rooms in hostels together. It’s important not to limit the opportunities to get to know other people and explore the city in a different way while travelling as a couple. You can still have super meaningful experiences that belong only to two while still being open to new travel experiences.

Which hostel was the best one you’ve stayed in as a couple?

Kilronan Hostel staff are really helpful and friendly, and will give you all the tips on what to do around the island. It’s also super close to the island’s main pubs, where you can have a drink and get to know the locals. The hostel has a great social vibe during summer!

Hostel highlights:

• Views of the Kilronan Harbour
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free breakfast
• Full equipped kitchen

 Address: Inis Mor, Galway , Aran Islands, Ireland

 Neighbourhood: Aran Island

Other amazing hostels for couples

The Search House Beachfront Hostel, Florianópolis, Brazil

This beautiful hostel is located in the backpacker hub of Florianópolis and it’s the perfect paradise for you and your loved one. You’ll be surrounded by lush green gardens, will have access to a private beach and will be only a few steps away from the beautiful Barra da Lagoa Beach. They have a meditation space, a swimming pool, hammocks and offer free breakfast. Feeling adventurous? No worries, you can surf, do stand-up paddle, snorkel, cycle or test your skills in their own skate park. There won’t be a moment of boredom here!

If you’re feeling like having some moments just for you two, this hostel has beautiful private rooms as well.

Hostel highlights:

• Free breakfast
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Beautiful location
• Skate park

Address:  Rua Professor Ademir Francisco, 201, Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis  

Neighbourhood: Lagoa da Conceição

Kadir’s Tree House, Olympos, Turkey

We don’t know about you, but the idea of being in a tree house on the Turkish coastline with the backpacker you love seems just too good to be true. At Kadir’s Tree House you can be REALLY adventurous, as they offer activities like trekking to the Lost City, sea kayaking along the Mediterranean crystal clear waters, scuba diving, rock climbing, fishing, daily boat trips, canyoning, rafting, mountain biking, Jeep safaris and tours to Chimera (The Eternal Flame) to relax on Olympos’ beautiful beach.

After a day of exploring, you can meet other travellers at the hostel night club as well as its three bars! Don’t worry about sorting your meals, as they offer free breakfast and dinner with your reservation.

Hostel highlights:

• Free breakfast and dinner
• Hostel nightclub and three bars
• Beautiful location on the Turkish coast
• Daily activities

 Address:  Olympos, Antalya , Olympos, Turkey

 Neighbourhood: Antalya

Oki Doki Hostel Warsaw, Poland

Who said you need to do a wine tour in an expensive region in Italy to have a romantic adventure? We think learning how to cook dumplings in a quirky hostel in Warsaw is way cooler!

Oki Doki Hostel has beautifully decorated double rooms, is in the heart of downtown Warsaw and offers walking tours, affordable breakfast, karaoke sessions and pub crawls. The staff are super friendly and will make sure to get to know you and recommend amazing things to do in the city.

Hostel highlights:

• Cooking classes
• Great location
• Quirky decoration
• Karaoke

 Address:  Plac (Square) Dabrowskiego 3, Corner of Marszalkowska and Swietokrzyska

 Neighbourhood: Downtown Warsaw

Closest station: Warszawa Centralna

Snooze, Yogayakarta, Indonesia

📷@astaclivo

This small, family-owned hostel will make you fall in love. They have a very cute garden for you to sit and relax and a common area where you can enjoy a book after a day of exploring the beautiful Yogyakarta. The hostel staff are amazing and will make you a homemade healthy breakfast every day. If you are going on an early adventure, like watching the sunrise in the Borobudur Temple, they’ll make you a special breakfast bag, how nice is that?

The calm and relaxed vibe make Snooze the perfect hub for couples to stay while exploring the city.

Hostel highlights:

• Delicious free breakfast
• Garden
• Juice bar
• Tour service

 Address:  Jalan Mangunnegaran Kulon No.9, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta

 Neighbourhood: Kraton

Bet El Kerem Guesthouse, Aswan, Egypt

📷@astaclivo

Staying in the middle of a Nubian Village facing the Nile sounds pretty romantic, right? We can tell you it only gets better! The hostel owner Abdel will go above and beyond to make you feel at home by organising tours, making dinner and breakfast to show you Egyptian cuisine and even taking you to have coffee with his friends. They have private rooms with A/C, which is VERY important if you are visiting Egypt during summer, and a super cool roof terrace with breathtaking views. This is the kind of place that makes you look around, take a deep breath and think about how lucky you are for living this. Are you clicking the “book” button now? Because we are seriously thinking about it.

Hostel highlights:

• Free breakfast
• Roof terrace
• A/C

 Address:  Nagh el Kuba, Aswan

 Art Beat Rooms, Lisbon, Portugal

If you are an art-loving couple, this will be the perfect hostel for your Lisbon trip. Each room has a design based on artists like Basquiat, Francis Bacon and Van Gogh, all created by a local artist. You’ll also have your own balcony to have breakfast and drinks overlooking Lisbon’s city centre.

Free breakfast is included at any time of day, which means your lazy mornings in bed are sorted!

Hostel highlights:

• Free breakfast
• Private balcony
• Cool decoration

 Address:  Rua So Nicolau 23, 3rd floor , Lisbon, Portugal

Neighbourhood: Baixo-chiado

Closest station: Baixo-chiado

Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbour has an amazing rooftop with views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, where you can enjoy a drink with your other half after a day exploring Sydney. They also have a big kitchen where you can cook your meals, communal areas and an on-site grocery store. If you’re feeling romantic, every Monday you can enjoy movie night and get cosy with your partner!

All rooms have A/C and they have daily activities on their tour desk, so you don’t need to worry about planning your trip in advance.

Hostel highlights:

• Rooms with A/C
• Rooftop
• Film nights
• Tour desk

 Address:  110 Cumberland St, The Rocks , Sydney, Australia

Neighbourhood: The Rocks

Closest station: Wynyard Station

The Dreamer, Santa Marta, Colombia

Is learning Spanish together on the Caribbean coast of Colombia romantic enough for you? What about spending the day in a swimming pool, relaxing in hammocks and having dinner in the hostel on-site Italian restaurant? The Dreamer Santa Marta has everything you could possibly ask for!

They also offer tours to the Lost City, trips to the surrounding mountains and diving trips in case you want to be more adventurous!

Hostel highlights:

• On-site Italian restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Tour desk
• Garden terrace

 Address:  CR 51, 26D-161 Los Trupillos de Mamatoco, Diagonal 32, , Santa Marta, Colombia

Neighbourhood: Los Trupillos de Mamatoco

Closest station: Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta

❤ Do you love staying in hostels as a couple? Comment below and let us know! 👇

👀 Looking for more relationship advice? Read these articles next:

• Romance on a shoestring: 7 of the best Valentine’s Day hostels for couples
• Types Of Travelling Couples That Will Never Make It As Travel Buddies
• Best Romantic Hostels for Your Next Couples Getaway
• I Love You, But Travel Is My Soulmate – An Open Letter
• 15 Gay-Friendly Cities That LGBT Travellers Love!
• Ooo La La! Where To Stay In Paris For A Glorious French City Break

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