If you’re looking for somewhere unusual to stay, how about a hostel that used to be something else entirely? For those looking for a unique and highly Instagrammable stay, Hostelworld has a range of quirky and unusual hostels in Europe that used to be something different, including a cinema, a plane, a brothel and even a prison.
Jumbo Stay is a converted plane located in Stockholm. Image: Jumbo Stay
Here is our pick of some of the most unusual ones.
A converted plane
Located in Stockholm, Jumbo Stay offers 29 comfortable rooms and four-bed dormitories. Image: Jumbo Stay
Travellers are welcome aboard the world’s first Boeing 747 jumbo jet hostel. Located in Stockholm, Jumbo Stay offers 29 comfortable rooms and four-bed dormitories and the upper deck even boasts an exclusive “Cockpit Suite” with a private shower and toilet. You can find out more about it here.
A historic cinema
The Cinema Hostel in Jerusalem has rooms themed on different movies. Image: Hostelworld
Movie-lovers will enjoy staying at the historic Orion cinema in Jerusalem’s city centre that has been restored to its landmark status. Now called the Cinema Hostel, each room is themed on a different movie, so guests can stay in a six-person dorm based on The Mask, or a private room themed around Grease. If that’s the one that you want, you can book the hostel here.
A former prison
Barabas Luzern is Switzerland’s first jailhouse hostel. Image: Hostelworld
One particularly unusual hostel is Barabas Luzern, Switzerland’s first jailhouse hostel. The Barabas has 60 prison cell rooms available, and an extensive renovation has made the space comfortable and welcoming, while keeping the history of the building alive. The library, offering a large number of crime novels, is also available as a bedroom. The jailhouse is available to book here.
An ex-brothel
The Cocomama boutique hostel in Amsterdam is a converted brothel. Image: Hostelworld
Full of character and charm, the Cocomama boutique hostel in Amsterdam is a converted brothel. It’s perfect for those who want to hang out with other travellers in the garden and common room or cook in the kitchen together. The staff also organise many activities, including movie nights, drink nights, games nights and family dinners. Further information is available here.
Two former boats
The Red Boat Mälaren is a rive side hostel aboard two boats in the heart of Stockholm. Image: Hostelworld
The Red Boat Mälaren is a cosy riverside hostel aboard two boats in the heart of Stockholm. You can watch other boats passing through the lock, take a stroll down the small alleys in the historical old town or visit several pubs in Södermalm. You can check it out for yourself here.
Converted caravans
Lucky Lake is a quirky, uniquely decorated hostel in Amsterdam. Image: Hostelworld
Lucky Lake is a quirky, uniquely-decorated hostel in Amsterdam featuring multi-coloured caravans, cabins and dorms that are very popular with fans of the outdoors. Travellers can enjoy the use of hammocks and a ping pong table, and they can visit the nearby lake. You can check it all out here.
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