Istanbul's only design-led hostel chain #Bunk recently opened its first property in the bohemian district of Beyoğlu. Comprising 32 beds arranged over 11 rooms, which include dormitories and a handful of small double rooms (some of which are ensuite), the hostel features stunning ceiling motifs based on mosque interiors and marble bathrooms. Hang out in the café, or soak with new friends in the rooftop hot tub called the #bunkbath. Another, much larger #Bunk hostel with 170 beds, a pizzeria, bar and sundeck is due to open in June in Istanbul. The reasonable rates also include wifi and breakfast.
Balik Sokak No.7, Kramer Hatun Mh, Istanbul, Turkey, 34435; Tel: 90.212 244 8808; www.bunkhostels.com
Writer: Sevil Delin
The first in what promises to be a rapidly expanding Iberian hostel brand, the UHostels Madrid was definitely created with a traveller's needs in mind. Founded by an ex investment banker who was deeply disturbed by the lack of affordable, quality accommodation while on his gap year ventures, the centrally located property on Calle Sagasta has been completely gutted and renovated to include a cinema room, laundry facility and large rooftop terrace for sunbathing or socialising. Although the interiors are airy and predominantly white throughout, each floor has a main colour scheme, which acts as a coding system. In the rooms custom-made bunk beds are sturdier and more spacious compared to those found in your average hostel and have cleverly built-in storage compartments and charging points, whereas the first floor café area exudes warmth with exposed brick walls, wood panel flooring and a retro mix of leather sofas and colourful chairs.
22 Calle Sagasta 28004 Madrid Spain; 34.91 445 0300; www.uhostels.com
Writer: Manfredi Conti
New York-based boutique hotel owner, Sydell Group, recently opened Freehand Miami more than a thousand miles from the company's first venture in The Big Apple. Bringing a cooler, edgier look to the Miami neighbourhood, the upscale hostel is much more New York than gaudy South Beach. Set in a 1930s art deco building, the Freehand Miami's internal areas are a delightful mishmash of handcrafted interiors and colourful spaces envisaged by Roman & Williams, which designed the luxurious Ace Hotel New York. There's also custom pieces for the guest rooms and public spaces designed by local artists such as Sky Farrell, known for her low-fi collages, and Justin H Long, inspired by maritime. The hostel comprises 252 beds divided among 63 rooms including both private and shared accommodations. A swimming pool, a vegetable garden and even art classes are on offer.
2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33140; Tel: 1.305 531 2727; www.thefreehand.com
Writer: Rhian Owen
Sleepbox, Moscow, Russia
As the name suggests, Sleepbox provides its guests with some rather compact quarters, albeit well designed and comfortable ones. Arranged over four floors overlooking the historic and well connected Tverskaya Street, the newly opened Sleepbox 'capsule hotel' offers three categories of accommodation; single and twin compartments, which each have an assigned bathroom cubicle on the same floor, or standard rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The long-term scheme for Sleepbox goes beyond its current Moscow location - the individual units, designed by Russian firm Arch Group, are completely self contained and ready to be fitted in any public space where commuters might need a few hours of proper sleep: airports, railway stations or even city offices with a few meters to spare are all potential candidates.
1 Tverskaya Yamskaya Street 27; Tel: 7.495 989 4104l www.sleepbox-hotel.ru
Writer: Manfredi Conti
Founded and designed by Greek duo Epaminondas Skorpideas and Dimosthenis Misentzis, the City Circus hostel supplies weary travellers with some design-led lodgings. Sited in a renovated four storey, early 20th century town house, the interiors preserve an air of grandeur with high frescoed ceilings and wrought iron balconies, while simultaneously conveying a relaxed atmosphere thanks to a good scattering of vintage furniture, reclaimed materials and colourful floor tiles. The increasingly fashionable district of Psirri is entirely within walking distance, offering a convenient assortment of centrally located bars, cafes and nightclubs.
16 Sarri Street Athens 10553 Greece ; Tel: 30.21 3023 7244; www.citycircus.gr
Writer: Mandredi Conti
We Hostel, São Paulo, Brazil
Close friends Felipe Hess and Guilherme Perez, the former a local architect and the latter a businessman, have set out to enrich the city of São Paulo with its first design hostel, based on the four pillars of comfort, style, security and entertainment. The façades, interior disposition and original features such as the stained glass windows have been restored but left unaltered in the white mansion from 1910, located on a peaceful street corner in the residential area Vila Mariana. Contrasting the traditional, Hess has added quirky, handpicked vintage finds, contemporary furniture pieces and a light sculpture by Ana Lucia Spina to create a domestic and eclectic look for the many communal areas. The We sleeps up to 46 guests, in rooms housing two to eight people at a time.
Rua Morgado de Mateus 567, São Paulo; Tel: 55.11. 26 15 22 62; wehostel.com.br
Writer: Micha van Dinther
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