Skip the ordinary hotel on your next trip to Europe and opt for something quirky and unique. There’s actually more unusual hotels and hostels than you might think, and often where you stay transforms how you experience and see a destination.
Sleep Within a Converted Plane
Found in Stockholm, Sweden, JumboStay features a refitted Boeing 747 jumbo jet, with the cockpit converted into a cabin. The plane cabin itself has been transformed into spacious bedrooms, bathrooms and a hang-out space. You’re only located 20 meters from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, promising prime views of planes landing and taking off.
Enjoy Parisian Luxury Without the Price Tag
At Les Piaules in Paris, France, this hostel elevates itself with upscale dorms starting at just €25. A glass of wine at the hostel costs as little as €3 at the on-site bar, and Art Deco styles remind you that you don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy luxury touches.
Stay Above Port Wine Cellars
The House of Sandeman in Porto, Portugal, is a quirky hostel featuring individualized pods for sleeping, spacious rooms and an open-air bar. The hostel even hosts nightly Portuguese family dinners with free wine … what could be better?
Rest within a Prison
A stay in Karosta in Latvia promises perhaps one of the most unusual experiences. As the only military prison open to tourists, this hotel has staff instructed to treat you as they would a real prisoner. You’ll even get your mugshot taken …
Relax Along the Canal
Head to Amsterdam and opt for a stay at ClinkNOORD, one of Europe’s best-value hostels. Located along one of the city’s most iconic canals, this property sits within an original 1920s building enhanced with a plant-filled atrium and ZincBar.
These hotels and hostels were selected by 6,000 respondents. StudentUniverse, the world’s largest student and youth travel agency, analyzed submissions from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 29, 2025Cheapest U.S. Fall Shoulder Season Destinations Revealed
Planning ahead for a fall shoulder season (mid-September–October) trip? If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want to visit one of the cheapest U.S. fall shoulder season destinations.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Slideshow
Apr 29, 20257 Must-See Sites in Sapporo, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Sapporo, Japan.
Surveys
Apr 28, 2025Study Reports Americans Increased Spending on 2025 Spring Break
Spring break may already be in your rearview mirror, and you might be looking forward to your summer vacay — but did you save enough cash after your springtime travel? A new study from Allianz Partners found Americans spent quite a bit more on their spring break trips this year than they did in 2024. The average spring break trip was $5,325 in 2025, more than a 10 percent increase from 2024.
Destinations / North America
Apr 28, 2025Your Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide to Hollywood and Griffith Park
With so many iconic locations to see, a trip to Los Angeles, California, may feel overwhelming. Refine your itinerary with this neighborhood guide to Hollywood and Griffith Park.
Technology
Apr 28, 2025App Helping Women Meet Like-Minded Women Moving to New Cities Launches
Already making a name for itself in Europe, Les Amis, a popular app designed to help women meet other like-minded women when they move to new cities, officially makes its debut in the United States. Many young women struggle to find friends and acquaintances when moving to a new city; after all, large cities can be lonely. Les Amis is one solution for many women.
ShareThis