Eastern European hostels

Eli Roth did no favor to the hostel industry by creating his bloody horror movie Hostel, based in Eastern Europe. So after I returned from two months on that side of the continent, I wasn’t surprised to get a slew of wide-eyed, terrified looks when I stated that I did actually stay at hostels. Thus, I’m debunking the scary Eastern European hostels myth by revealing some of the greatest, most unhostely hostels I experienced:

Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Don’t be alarmed by the shady-looking graffiti covering the walls of the entrance area to the building, which is also a former military prison just within walking distance from the train station. The interior is flooded with natural light and feels more like a Buddhist retreat—there are even two meditation rooms. The sleeping rooms are clean and homey, though you can request to sleep behind bars in a cell, if you prefer.
Rates start around $23.50 per person per night; for more information visit souhostel.com.

Hostel Split Mediterranean House in Split, Croatia
With the exception of bunk beds and shared bathrooms, this hostel (with a beautiful Mediterranean courtyard) feels more like home. Or maybe it’s just that the owner, Elda, who lives on the property, reminds me of Mom. She’ll make sure you know to eat at Fife and take the correct ferry when it comes to island-hopping, and she’lloffer the use of her computer if you need the Internet. Having air-conditioning in July was a plus too.
Rates start around $17.50 per person per night; for more information visit hostel-split.com.

Hostel Miran in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
At first glance, these lodgings are a bit rough around the edges. But you’ll forget about the no-frills accommodations and the courtyard sink used for laundry and teeth-brushing once you meet Miran. He’ll pick you up at the train station and walk you back to the hostel, which is also home to him, his parents, his wife and his newborn. Make sure to get the scoop from him about his wartime experience and favorite local restaurants.
Rates start around $14.50 per person per night; for more information visit hostelworld.com

Nathan’s Villa in Sighisoara, Romania
Nathan’s following is cultlike with regular denizens traveling to specific cities just to stay in his hostels, which are clean, feel like a colorful college dorm and have notoriously fun staff members. In addition to the Sighisoara location, there are three hostels in Poland and another opening (also in Poland) by the end of 2009.
Rates start around $14.50 per person per night; for more information visit nathansvilla.com.

Home Made Hostel in Budapest, Hungary
I was initially lured in because of a flyer that read: NO BUNK BEDS. Once I arrived, however, the hostel’s cozy tree-house feel and lofty kitchen charmed me even more. The staff is helpful and better yet, there’s always a clean bathroom available. Admire the cleverly crafted furniture and funky DIY decor, which gave this hostel its name.
Rates start around $18 per person per night; for more information visit homemadehostel.com.

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