Best family friendly hostels in Europe

When people think of hostels, we tend to associate them as the bastion of twenty something, party mad backpackers. Family friendly hostels though? Well here’s some news. There’s been a huge shift in the hostelling scene in the last few years. Hostels have been diversifying to cater to a more wider audience. The trend of luxury hostels which I’ve been covering on the BudgetTraveller is one example of where hostels are growing up and attracting people of all ages. In this post, I wanted to cover the best family friendly hostels in Europe.

The key things I looked when selecting my top family friendly hostels were

• The availability of private or family rooms. ( Expect dorm-style bunk beds in many family rooms )
• Good central location
• Friendly staff
• A common kitchen where meals can be prepared
• Bed linens are supplied
• Quiet
• Laundry facilities

( Anything else you would add to this list? Love to hear your suggestions )

In no certain order, here are my favourite family friendly hostels in Europe.

YHA Ambleside

All YHA hostels are family friendly ( cots, high chairs available ) with a number of their hostels having undergone an impressive renovation.

This hostel for me is one of my favourite hostels and the perfect base to explore Lake District. Perched on the edge of Lake Windermere this is probably one of the most scenic hostels in England. It has its own jetty waterside picnic benches, excellent bar and restaurant. The facilities here are excellent- from kayak hire to large self catering kitchen. The bunk style rooms are comfortable and good value for families and couples, many with Lakeside views.   There is a comfortable TV lounge and some of the dorms and bedrooms have views across both the lake and the Langdale Pikes. There is a games room which is perfect for the kids and a selection of books for guests to borrow. The hostel is perfectly located with a number of walking and cycling routes in close proximity and the option of bike  hire.

There is a ton of fun things to for families in the Lake District. Take the kids on a journey back in time on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, followed by a trip to World of Beatrix Potter Attraction  ( Cost of entry: Adult £6.95 , Senior Citizen £5.95 Child £3.65 , Infants aged 2 & under: free )

Book via Hostelworld.com or via Booking.com Privates from £30, Dorm beds from £15

YHA South Downs, England

This hostel is a beautifully converted sussex farmhouse ( with barns ) with ensuite dorms, private rooms, family rooms ( a self contained, 3 bedroom family unit with its own kitchen area available for exclusive use ) and also the option of luxury camping pods. Luxury camping pods? Yes you heard me right. These wooden log pods offer all the magic of a camping experience but with creature comforts like lighting, heating and electrical plug points. Guests have to bring their own bedding. There is a dedicated shower cum toilet bathroom for guests staying in the pods. Pods are perfect for family of 4. Check out my 15 second Instavideo review below of the camping pods below to get a better idea.

Location of the hostel is perfect for exploring the South Downs area. The hostel is right on the South Downs Way making it ideal for either long distance walkers wishing to tackle the whole thing or for those wishing just to cherry pick the sections with the stunning views, many of which are within easy reach of the hostel.Plus the hostel has its own dedicated train station- just a few hundred meters down a country lane brings you to Southease Railway station. The station has direct trains to Brighton ( 25 minutes) and London Victoria every hour ( Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes )

The hostel’s onsite ‘Courtyard Cafe’ offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests to unwind after a long day. From homemade cakes to coffees to three course meals, the cafe has it all. To get an idea of the food on offer when you dine at the Courtyard Cafe, check here.

Booking via Hostelworld.com or Booking.com , privates start from £39, dorms from £20.

Top tip: Hike upto Firle Beacon which just a wee jaunt from  o hostel door and take in the stunning panoramic views across the hills and out to sea.

Generator Barcelona, Barcelona

I visited Generator Barcelona recently with my girlfriend’s family and was mega impressed with this hostel. I admit I was nervous as the boys ( 6 & 8) who had never stayed in a hostel before. I have stayed in Generator Hostels before in Paris, and recently London which are impressive properties in terms of design and facilties but I they’ve created something really special here. I was blown away by the style and gaudy design of this hostel. Lots of light and colour.

The kids loved hanging out in the communal lounge with its broad street facing windows that are perfect for people watching, snazzy wallpaper, array of 300+ colourful paper lanterns ( lanterns were inspired by Barcelona’s annual Festa Major de Gràcia and created by local artist, Julie Plottier ) that lend a dreamy feeling plus the beautiful multicolour floor patchwork, Towards the right of the entry of the hostel lobby amidst the 23-foot high wooden boards there is the “Bird Cage”- a bunch of hanging loungers which became a great playground for the boys. On the split second floor of the building, there is a pool room plus a photo booth where guests can get their photo taken.

The hostel has a separate hotel floor (6th floor) with a private elevator which completely insulated us from the hustle and bustle of the dorms below. They offer a choice of beautifully designed family rooms to suit all family sizes plus they are all ensuite. Other great feature was the fact they had a excellent kid friendly food menu so if you are looking to dine in after a long day of seeing the sights of Barcelona, this hostel is perfect. However if you on a budget, looking to cook your own meals, the only drawback of this hostel is the lack of a communal kitchen. To summarise, a fun hostel for both adults and kids.

Essentials

Booking via Hostelworld.com, quad room ( Bunk beds) with ensuite bathrooms start from the £84 mark.  One child under 2 years stays free of charge in a child’s cot/crib. The maximum number of children’s cots/cribs in a room is 1.

The Rocks at Plas Curig, Capel Curig, Wales

 

If you are looking to plan a family holiday packed with tons of outdoor activities and enjoying nature, then The Rocks at Plas Curig would be my go to hostel. Situated in the beautiful village Capel Curig ( the wettest place in Wales, bring the waterproofs! )  a stone’s throw away from the postcard pretty Betws-y-Coed, Plas Curig is in an idyllic location by the river Llugwy, nestled at the foot of the mist shrouded Moel Siabod mountain. The hostel is beautifully furnished. The common room has a huge plasma screen TV, lots of comfy sofas and a warm, crackling fire to warm yourself up after a long day of exploring the wet, wild outdoors of Snowdonia. They have a beautiful library room which the kids will love- it’s something out of Harry Potter with books from floor to celing. The communal kitchen is huge with lots of cooking hobs, pots and pans. Family rooms are very cosy and comfortable. You are guaranteed a great nights sleep in their custom made wooden bunk beds that come with fluffy duvets and welsh woollen blankets. There is a drying room for your waterproofs and boots. Hostel also offers guided walks of the area and wildlife tours for as little as £8.50 per person.

For a more in-depth review, please check out my earlier review of Plas Curig.

Essentials

Family rooms are available with a double or twin bed with bunk beds to sleep 2 children. Booking via Booking.com, Family rooms prices start from £90 a night.  Doubles start at around the £50 mark. Under 2’s are welcome in cots free of charge. Bring your own towels as they are is a charge of £1.50 for towel hire.

 

Jugendherberge Nuremberg

Nuremberg may not figure prominently on the list of top destinations to visit but with it’s magical Xmas markets,  important history, relaxed easygoing vibe, great restaurants and pedestrian friendly cobbled streets , compact old town -it is the perfect place to visit for a long weekend. You can expect family friendly attractions that include the city’s unique complex of underground tunnels and dungeons plus excellent museums like the Children’s Museum, Toy Museum, School Museum or the Germanisches Nationalmuseum,  ( for a guide to the city, please check out my earlier 48 Hour Guide to Nuremberg )

An even better reason for the family to visit is the opportunity for the kids to spend the night in a 500 year old fairytale medieval castle. The newly refurbished Jugendherberge Nuremberg is housed within the thick walls of the city’s Kaiserstellung Castle which towers above the city’s old town. The hostel has excellent facilities. Ultra-modern rooms, all with en-suite shower and toilet. There is an excellent bar and bistro where you can choose to dine plus their generous breakfast buffet is the perfect way to start your day. Other key facilities include a play room, guest kitchen, facilities for warming baby food and drinks, bottle warmer, highchairs, cots and a toilet seat for children, bathroom stool, nappy changing pad and nappy bin.

If you are looking for a family friendly adventure in Germany staying in Castle Hostels, like the Jugendherberge Nuremberg, checkout this guide.

Essentials

Via Booking.com, Quadruple room starts around the £80. All children under 5 years stay free of charge when using existing beds. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for children’s cots/cribs. The maximum number of children’s cots/cribs in a room is 1

Here is the rest of the list of other recommended family friendly hostels.

If you have any suggestions to add to this list, please leave your suggestions in the comments box or email me at europebudgetguide AT gmail.com

The Beehive, Rome

Why stay here

The Beehive is a small, friendly, and relaxed hostel where the owners Steve and Linda want guests to feel like they are staying at the home of friends. It is strictly not a party hostel, but still sociable and they believe in the quality of connections and not the quantity. They provide lots of great information about what to see & do in Rome and a cozy, clean and peaceful atmosphere to return to after a day exploring the city.

They have wi-fi, desks in the rooms, and there is a wide variety of common area spaces to work from, ranging from the kitchen, lounge to their courtyard garden area. The Beehive also is a community space where from time to time where they hold low-key events to which both locals and guests are always welcomed. Events range from knitting circles to book readings to wine tastings, aperitivo evenings, art exhibits, and much more

Rates and how to book

It is always best to book direct through their website.

Rates range per night from €20-35 bed in a 3 or 4 person dorm room to €60-80 double with shared bathroom & €80-€100 double with ensuite bathroom

Clinkmama Amsterdam

Why stay here

Clinkmama is a green-conscious boutique hostel in the city-centre of Amsterdam. It’s the right combination of the coziness of a community, the luxury of a hotel and meaningfulness of a social business.

Whether travelling with friends or family and in need of a few beds or exploring solo and looking for some luxury while visiting the city, Clinkmama offers unique and personalised accommodations and 7 room types to choose from (which all range in size, privacy and budget). Kids will love the communal space to get inspired, dream, meet, share & connect. There is also a living room, fully-equipped kitchen, communal table, indoor swinging-chairs and teepee-tent (perfect for movie-nights) for guests to enjoy during their stay.

How to book

Rates on Booking.com start from €25.00 per night in a dorm, going upto €100 for a private

 

Bogentrakt Hostel, Chur, Switzerland

If you are looking for a family holiday in nature and a comfortable base, then you should definitely consider Bogentrakt Hostel which is located in the picturesque town of Chur, the oldest  inhabited town in Switzerland. Chur is also the starting point for two of the greatest train journeys in the world: the Bernini Express and the Glacier Express. Back to Bogentrakt- once dubbed the “toughest prison in Switzerland”, owner Marco Leibundgut has transformed it into a vibrant hostel, giving the historic building a new lease of life.. The hostel’s name, “Bogentrakt,” a German word that translates to “curved wing” or “arched wing” pays homage to the prison’s distinct curved structure which gracefully merges with the surrounding landscape. The large windows in the corridor allow ample natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Old, former prison cells have been tastefully converted into modern rooms. The rooms have folding tables, shelves so guests can maximise use of space. Visitors can learn about the colourful history of the prison and former inmates via QR codes and pictures which are visible throughout the hostel. The cell doors and the intercoms in the individual cells have been retained to give an authentic feel.

Why stay here 

There is a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, from private rooms with en-suite bathrooms to shared dormitories with bunk beds with privacy curtains. The rooms are well-maintained, clean, and equipped with comfortable beds and swiss quality mattresses for a good nights sleep.

The location of the hostel, right in the heart of the old town , set against the backdrop of a beautiful vineyards is stunning. The facilities are brilliant and perfect for families. There is a dedicated space from where guests can work from, which is available at no extra charge. There is also a really nice guest kitchen ( lots of cutlery, pans and a dishwasher too!) which you can use to cook from- very handy given how expensive eating out is in Switzerland. Kids will also love the common room with a library, board games and also a TV for watching movies. For a small fee, the hostel also helps with your laundry which is also very handy. The hostel reception has a drinks kiosk with local drinks and a beer on tap if you are feeling thirsty. There is also a small shop with local products, food essentials, everyday body products in case you run out during your stay.

In terms of a social vibe, the hostel organises dinners and also has plans for hostel happy hour to bring guests together in the lobby. The hostel also has a really cool bar and restaurant called Kostbar which is nice to have a beer and relax, especially in the summer months when the terrace is open. The Sennhof, the original complex where the hostel is located is also home to local designers, a beautiful flower shop and also an art gallery so you really feel a sense of community and being part of the everyday life of the town.

Chur, itself is a stunning town with a range of beautiful hikes and nature within a short distance of the hostel so that is another big plus for staying here.

 

Rates and how to book

Room rates start from 32 CHF per bed per night, Doubles from 99 CHF per room, per night.

There is a special prices of 399 CHF for a weeks stay, booking directly via the hostel website.

Guests get a free guest card which they can use for free local public transport, access to local public pools and also to visit the local museums.

Steel House Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a brilliant family holiday destination and the Steel House Copenhagen is the place to be. Formerly an old union building from Danish Steel, with its very unique Corten Steel facade , the Steel House stands out with its pretty unique facilities which your family will love -indoor pool, cinema, bar and well equipped gym and a games room. perfect hostel for people of all ages.

Guests can connect to their free wifi throughout the house and join fellow nomads in their choice of spacious large working spaces-on the busier ground floor or escape downstairs if they need more quiet.

It is a nice, warm and friendly atmosphere to work from and call home-there is a 24/7 reception in case you need help with anything plus guests can look forward to a cool programme of social activities that include yoga classes and their extremely popular quiz & karaoke nights. Rooms, dorms and beds are created to make you feel at home, private and comfortable. Another big plus is their huge communal kitchen plus fantastic sized lounge which offer the best happy hour drinks offers in Copenhagen.

Rates and how to book

Room rates start from 125 DKK via Hostelworld.com or Booking.com