The most historic youth hostels around the world

  • In Israel, a well-located 200-year-old mansion offers old-world charms
  • For just £7 per night, you can stay in a former Hapsburg dynasty residence
  • Literature lovers should visit the gothic Beverley Friary in Yorkshire

Katie Amey for MailOnline

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For intrepid travellers on a budget, there’s no better way to soak up even more of a city’s unique past than to stay in an accommodation steeped in history.

And though you may think that an overnight stay in a 13th century castle or a 200-year-old Arab mansion would set you back substantially, these properties prove that it is possible to experience a luxury stay without a five-star price tag.

From Israel to Canada, these hostels offer breathtaking views, royal residents, and yes, occasionally, even an en suite bathroom or two.

Stay in this sprawling Hungarian mansion that was formerly used by members of the Hapsburg dynasty

Stay in this sprawling Hungarian mansion that was formerly used by members of the Hapsburg dynasty

Maverick Hostel, Budapest

It’s hard to believe that a night spent in a sprawling mansion last used by members of the Hapsburg dynasty will run you just €10 (£7) per night.

But the magnificent Maverick Hostel in Hungary offers all that and more – provided you don’t mind sharing a room with ten other people.

Several bunk rooms are available to be booked, as well as semi-private rooms with up to five beds. 

And for those looking for a little more 19th century-inspired luxury, a standard double room with ensuite is only €64 or about £45 per night.

The well-appointed rooms are as chic as they are inexpensive, with a double room starting at about £45 a night

The well-appointed rooms are as chic as they are inexpensive, with a double room starting at about £45 a night

As one might expect from such a royal residence, the rooms are as impressive as the grand entryway, stylishly modern while incorporating traditional historical style.

Special touches like 24 hour reception, free tea and coffee and complimentary linen and towels likewise put this property into a league of its own.

Plus, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and many of the city’s major tourist attractions all within a 15 minute walk of the hostel. 

In Gloucestershire, the St Briavels Castle used to be the hunting lodge for King John in the 13th century

In Gloucestershire, the St Briavels Castle used to be the hunting lodge for King John in the 13th century

YHA St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire

Over 800 years old, this castle is sure to impress travellers of any age – or budget!

To enter the unique property, guests must first go through a triple portcullis gatehouse and into a secluded courtyard and walled garden.

Then, push past the wooden period door into the West Tower for your royal welcome to King John’s former 13th century hunting lodge.

The Grade 1 listed ancient monument boasts a chapel, prison and gallows - and beds start at just £18

The Grade 1 listed ancient monument boasts a chapel, prison and gallows – and beds start at just £18

A Grade 1 listed ancient monument, the Castle also boasts a Chapel, gallows and a prison, which is also a private hire room.

Though beds are available most nights from £18 in the dormitory rooms, for those looking to splurge, Isobel’s bridal suite boasts a modern room complete with his and hers sinks. 

There is also a restaurant on site, as well as a classroom and conference room.

As there tends to be school groups visiting during the day, hostel access may be limited between traditional work hours. 

Bookworms will love an overnight stay at the Beverley Friary in Yorkshire, which was mentioned in the Canterbury Tales

Bookworms will love an overnight stay at the Beverley Friary in Yorkshire, which was mentioned in the Canterbury Tales

YHA Beverley Friary, Yorkshire 

Nestled away in East Yorkshire, in the heart of the market town of Beverley, this fabulous retreat is just a short drive from the Yorkshire coast line.

Take a walk and enjoy the rolling countryside or spend a day in nearby Hull, before retiring back to beautifully restored Dominican friary.

Literature lovers will especially appreciate the refurbished property, which is most notably cited in the Canterbury Tales.

Beds start at just £13 and there are a variety of bedroom configurations available, sleeping anywhere from two to eight guests.  

In Canada's capital, the Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a unique mix of shared and private jail cells for booking

In Canada’s capital, the Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a unique mix of shared and private jail cells for booking

Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada

Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a unique mix of shared and private jail cells, as well as traditional hostel style rooms, beginning at just CAN$22.46 (or about £11.75).

Formerly the Carleton County Gaol jail, this hostel is an historic landmark in the city’s downtown core.

With free WiFi and breakfast, as well as an onsite bar, Mugshots, this well-situated property is a great base from which to explore Canada’s capital.

The prison hasn't been in operation since 1972 and the courtyard is now home to an al fresco bar

The prison hasn’t been in operation since 1972 and the courtyard is now home to an al fresco bar

And after a long day of sightseeing, guests will especially appreciate the authenticity of the death row and gallows area, which are still set up as they were when prisoners occupied the jail.

But don’t worry, it hasn’t been in operation since 1972.

Today, the outer courtyard is far less sinister – especially in the warmer months – when it also hosts an al fresco bar. 

Overlooking the breathtaking Rhine Valley, the 12th century Burg Stahleck near Frankfurt is now a hostel

Overlooking the breathtaking Rhine Valley, the 12th century Burg Stahleck near Frankfurt is now a hostel

Bacharach Hostel, Germany 

Fancy a modern youth hostel in an historic castle overlooking the Rhine Valley?

Look no further than the 12th century Castle Stahleck, which has been converted in Bacharach Hostel, boasting a magnificent view of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And whether you’re travelling with friends or your significant other, the romantic town of Bacharach is sure to win you over.

Located in the picturesque town of Bacharach, you'll be transported back to the Middle Ages instantly

Located in the picturesque town of Bacharach, you’ll be transported back to the Middle Ages instantly

The main street has been restored to its Middle Ages-era glory and around every turn, you’ll find traditional half-timbered houses, picturesque courtyards and quaint taverns. 

Prices start at €21.50 or about £15 and beds are spread among private and dorm style rooms. Some also have a private ensuite bathroom and others have shared facilities.

Unlike most hostels, Burg Stahleck also boasts common rooms, function spaces, and even a formal Knights’ Hall, which can host up to 100 people.

A 200-year-old Arab mansion in the heart of Nazareth, Israel has been transformed into the Fauzi Azar Inn

A 200-year-old Arab mansion in the heart of Nazareth, Israel has been transformed into the Fauzi Azar Inn

Fauzi Azar Inn, Nazareth, Israel 

This 200-year-old Arab mansion in the heart of Nazareth is now a guesthouse offering both dormitory beds and private rooms.

Its unique old-world atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for exploring the nearby sites of the Galilee and each day, the Inn even offers a free tour of the Old City.

Guests can take advantage of the free WiFi, breakfast and cake, before setting off on a trek of the Jesus Trail.

A stunning outdoor courtyard boasts limestone arches, lush greenery and plenty of seating

A stunning outdoor courtyard boasts limestone arches, lush greenery and plenty of seating

The atmospheric, old-world rooms - many of which have a private bathroom - start at about £50 per night

The atmospheric, old-world rooms – many of which have a private bathroom – start at about £50 per night

Many of the rooms have exposed stone or brick, hardwood or Turkish marble floors and many even boast their own bathroom.

Not surprising considering that the building is owned by the Azar family, who are known to be one of the richest and most powerful families in Northern Israel.

Other impressive features include a hand-painted ceiling, main living area with panoramic views of the region and a courtyard complete with limestone arches. 

Still, a stay isn’t as expensive as one might expect, with private rooms starting at 300 ILS or about £50.


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