Boutique hostels

You might be on a budget, but you can still stay in style at one of the new breed of posh hostels that take their comforts very seriously. Spurred on by the success of budget hotels in city centres and holiday locations across the UK, the YHA, Safestay and other independent hostels and backpackers have upped their game in recent years. You can still choose to share a bunk-room or stay with your family in a multi-bedded room, but in hip hostels and boutique backpackers alike gleaming en-suite bathrooms, in-house cafe-bars, art galleries, chill-out zones and roof terraces are often part of the package too. We've picked out our favourite boutique-style hostels in the UK, proving that you don't have to spend a fortune to live the high life.

You might also like – our guide to the best boutique B&Bs in the UK