8 stylish family-friendly hostels

Hostels aren’t just for footloose backpackers, they’re also a great option for families looking for somewhere stylish and budget-friendly.

Fun Cafe and Hostel in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok’s Fun Cafe and Hostel combines Scandinavian aesthetics, English country house interiors and Thai design to create an eclectic hostel, perfectly suited to international families. Playful fabrics (they’ve got a fondness for gingham) and low seating in the shared lounge offer a relaxing, child-friendly space and parents will no doubt appreciate the hostel’s 24-hour helpdesk.

Art Hostel in Moscow, Russia

The Art Hostel in Moscow is full of adventure and quirky nods to the epic Star Wars film franchise. Guests are greeted by a welcome desk designed to look like a film clapperboard, and Darth Vader-themed art decorates the walls. In the dorm rooms, pop art stormtroopers guard the sleeping bunks, while the light switches give the option to choose either the Light Side or the Dark Side. Other themed rooms include Alice in Wonderland and other inspired decor, from cloud cushions to huge fantastical murals of children and animals.

NETIZEN in Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Saint Petersburg NETIZEN hostel is full of small, artfully arranged nooks for guests to curl up in, as well as open-plan shared spaces for more outgoing visitors. Bright colours contrast with natural materials – you will be tempted to steal their envious collection of coffee tables – and help create multiple moods within each room.

Namaste Hostel in Tbilisi, Georgia

The Georgian capital of Tbilisi is becoming increasingly popular among all kinds of travellers. Families in particular will love the local insights offered by the Namaste Hostel’s staff. Whether it’s finding a restaurant that does gluten-free meals, organising a visit to the imposing Narikala Fortress, or just finding a spot to relax after a delicious evening meal, this New Age hostel is a great place to start exploring the city. If all you want is to relax after a day of exploring the city, you can settle down with your book on the sun terrace and nibble on snacks from the kitchen.

Aquarela do Leme in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The sea views and proximity to Sugarloaf Mountain make staying at Aquarela do Leme a visual feast, and the hostel has incorporated the drama of the surrounding scenery into its design. From the abstract chandelier in the lobby, where neutral tones are accented with bright pops of colour, to the clean-lined furniture and various geometric patterns, a peaceful, stylish atmosphere prevails throughout the hostel and its roof terrace.

Maverick City Lodge in Budapest, Hungary

The recently refurbished Maverick City Lodge has an entire wall covered in post-it notes from past guests, offering fabulous reviews and local insight for travellers visiting Budapest for the first time. Many of the notes are left by parents, praising the supportive staff and the home comforts on offer throughout the accommodation.

Xishu Garden Inn in Chengdu, China

The only thing pet-loving families need to know about this hostel is that it has the fluffiest, most cloud-like dog in all of Chengdu in residence. But for those who require a bit more information before booking: the Xishu Garden Inn also has a roof garden, panda-themed decor, pool tables and classes on how to make authentic dim sum.

Yeah Barcelona Hostel in Barcelona, Spain

The fantastic location of Yeah Barcelona Hostel is more than enough to recommend it to families who want to explore the city. Only a 10-minute walk from La Sagrada Familia, this stylish hostel is a great base for families with young children in need of regular naps and is also well set up to cater to teens and parents.