Upscale hostels are popping up in big layover cities like Paris, New York, and Istanbul, giving you an easy excuse to turn a connecting flight into an overnight stay. They come with amenities similar to hotels,are affordable and centrally located, andgive you easy access the local life.
Paris, France
Generator Paris
From Charles de Gaulle: 40-minute taxi (approximately$45); 30-minute metro (approximately$10.50)
Rates: Bed in shared room, $25; suite with two beds and balcony, $140
There’s no stopping in without seeing it. In thebuzzy 10th arrondissement, head to , which has cushy beds and sleekpenthouse suites with terraces. Its common spaces have all the makings of the full Parisian experience:sit-down restaurant serving local fare,subterranean bar (glass of wine:$6.50),and rooftop terrace.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Kex Hostel
From Keflavík International: 45-minute taxi (approximately$109); 75-minute bus (approximately$3, exact fare required)
Rates: Bed in shared room, $35; single room with shower, $185
Plenty of pass through Iceland’s biggest city, which isalso a design mecca. At , the smartvintage-meets-modernaesthetic will immediately pop right out. You’ll enjoy ocean or mountain views from the private rooms.Chill out onthe heated outdoor patio, or rentone of the hostel’s bikes. They can also set you up with mountain biking tours that hit the trailsjust outside the city center.
Brooklyn, New York
New York Loft Hostel
From JFK: 30-minute taxi ($52); 75-minute subway ($7.50)
From LGA: 20-minute taxi (approximately$30)
Rates: Bed in shared room, $50; twin private en suite, $140
New York’s size could intimidate you into never leaving the airport, but the in Bushwick, Brooklyn, makes things a lot easier. The hostel offers a sprawling lawn with sun beds, gym access, and edgy New York designs in each room. It’s two blocks totheL train into Manhattan (famed for its incredible people watching). Alsoan easy walk: the up-and-coming shops and restaurants on Grand Streetand the everyone’s-invited scene in McCarren Park. It books up quickly, so plan accordingly.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Cocomama
From Schiphol: 15-minute taxi (approximately $45); 30-minute tram ($8)
Rates: Bed in mixed six-bed dorm, $61; deluxe private room, $121
Amsterdam Schiphol, a popular layover spot for flights to Africa and Asia, is renowned for its easy tram access to the city center. Head to,just steps from the hip, centrally locatedFredericksplein hood. It’s aformer brothelsurprisingly drenched in sunlight. All the rooms have been designed with Dutch themes like “Red Light District” or “KLM,”and even though you can put downone-euro beers in thegarden bar, it still maintains a chill vibe.
Istanbul, Turkey
#Bunk Hostels
From Ataturk:40-to-90-minutetaxi (from $35); one-hour bus (Havatas) (approximately$5.50)
From Sabhia Gokcen: One-hour taxi (approximately$35), 90-minute bus (Havatas) (approximately$5.50)
Rates: Bed in four-bed dorm, $18; private room with terrace, $83
Istanbul is a common touchdown between Europe and Asia or Africa,and, yes,it is enormous, butthe better parts can be tackled in a few days. Base at the quiet,11-room ,locatedin the cafe-richBeyoglu neighborhood. If it’s fully booked,go for the livelier45-room in themore bar-centric Taksim district. When you see both hostels’ terraces, minimal but stylish rooms, and lounges that blend with the bohemian surroundings, you’ll forgive the “#” in the name.Both are about 25minutes via tramor a great 90-minutewander to sightseeing in Istanbul’sOld City.