Lonely Planet's Top 10 Best-Value Stays for 2014: Budget Gems Worldwide
Exceptional travel experiences don't require unlimited budgets. These character-filled accommodations worldwide deliver comfort, charm, and stunning settings—all under US$100 per night, with many dorm beds for just a few dollars. Lonely Planet's expert picks for the top 10 best-value hotels and hostels in 2014.
1. The Backpack, Cape Town, South Africa
Experience a warm welcome in the airy setting of Cape Town's The Backpack. Image courtesy of The Backpack.
Opened in 1990 as apartheid ended, this boutique backpacker hostel was founded by visionary female owners to reflect the new South Africa. Today, The Backpack thrives as a vibrant hub: play pool in the courtyard, sip local beers at the bar, or book bushveld trips and township experiences. Afro-funk décor features Xhosa beadwork and shweshwe fabric, tying into Cape Town's role as World Design Capital 2014 (www.wdccapetown2014.com). The on-site shop offers Zulu necklaces, Xhosa dolls, and Mandela bags.
Options range from safari tents and en-suite dorms to luxurious attic rooms with exposed beams, skylights, and Table Mountain views. The Backpack supports employees' college funds and township initiatives.
"On several stays at The Backpack, I’ve always enjoyed the sociable atmosphere, which is encouraged by the chatty staff and often leads to a night in nearby Long Street’s bars." - James Bainbridge, Lonely Planet writer
2. Sydney Harbour YHA, Sydney, Australia
Five-star views from Sydney's prime hostel location. Image courtesy of Sydney Harbour YHA.
Unrivaled location in The Rocks, historic views, affordable rates, and friendly service make this one of the world's top hostels. Narrow, pub-lined streets offer harbor glimpses, while rooms and the rooftop terrace boast 360-degree panoramas of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and beyond. Dorm beds start at $45, with cool, practical décor and basement archaeological exhibits.
"For someone like me, interested in history and appreciating a good view, this place ticked all the boxes. I got room 214 (the best in the place) and could happily have spent my stay just looking out the window." - Cliff Wilkinson, Lonely Planet contributor
3. Inkosana Lodge, Champagne Valley, Drakensberg, South Africa
Inkosana Lodge nestled in South Africa's lush Champagne Valley. Image courtesy of Inkosana Lodge.
Perfectly organized amid Champagne Valley's rolling hills, Inkosana Lodge offers indigenous gardens, Drakensberg peak views, backpacker bunks, and private thatched rondavels. Enjoy braais, a self-catering kitchen, prolific birdlife, a swimming tank, and home-cooked meals. Charismatic owner Ed, a former climber, guides hikes from short strolls to epic treks.
"I have goose-bump moments when I sit on Inkosana’s lawns at dusk watching the dramatic cloud formations over the rugged peaks, while listening to the birds or songs that echo across the valley from the local villages." - Kate Armstrong, Lonely Planet author
4. Old Plovdiv Guesthouse, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Immerse in old-world charm with courtyard breakfasts or antique beds at this restored boutique hostel in Plovdiv’s cobblestoned Old Town. Rooms blend hand-picked antiques and pastel hues from orange to sky blue.
Plovdiv's most characterful hostel. Image courtesy of Old Plovdiv Guesthouse.
Owners Hristo Giulev and his wife transformed this dilapidated gem into a folk museum-like haven. Staff treat guests like family.
"Within ten minutes of arriving, I was sitting with hot tea and a basket of fish, shooting the breeze with the owner who immediately hooked me up with travellers heading the same way as me." - Anita Isalska, Lonely Planet writer
5. Gasthof Grüner Baum (www.gasthofgruenerbaum.it), Glorenza, Sudtirol, Italy
Affordable luxury in Italy's wild Alps. Image courtesy of Guenter Wett.
In medieval-walled Glorenza near the Swiss border, this 500-year-old Tirolean inn blends historic bones with contemporary elegance: light-filled spaces, white walls, patinaed wood, antiques, and unique rooms with modern furniture and luxurious linens.
"Spring was dragging its heels... Perfect weather to thaw out in my room’s freestanding ‘egg’ bath, pore over a history of local frescoes... and linger over an earthy, big-flavoured dinner." - Donna Wheeler, Lonely Planet author
6. Oztel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Escape Rio's high prices at stylish Oztel. Image courtesy of Oztel.
In Botafogo, this boutique hostel redefines design-forward stays: discreet entrance leads to marble floors, garden patios with Christ the Redeemer views, colorful bar, and Warholian vibes. Dorm beds from R$55 even in peak summer.
"Oztel was unlike anything... Behind uneventful walls, a world of kitsch and design... maintained like a work of art." - Kevin Raub, Lonely Planet writer
7. Fauzi Azar Inn, Nazareth, Israel
Live like a local in Nazareth's historic inn. Image courtesy of Fauzi Azar Inn.
Rescued by an Israeli backpacker, this 200-year-old Ottoman stone house shines with restored frescoes. Morning walking tours offer authentic Arab life insights, boosting the Old City's revival.
"Sitting around the breakfast table... left me hopeful that common ground can always be found." - Tom Hewitson, Lonely Planet contributor
8. We Hostel Design, São Paulo, Brazil
We Hostel's pristine interiors in São Paulo's Vila Mariana. Image by Felipe Hess and Fran Parente, courtesy of WE Hostel.
In a 100-year-old mansion, curated retro furniture, antiques, hardwood floors, and a spiral staircase elevate this hostel. Bright rooms leverage historic architecture.
"How do they keep a hostel this nice? ... It looks like a display hostel from a Midcentury Modern Hostel Museum." - Kevin Raub
9. Hotel Hotel Hostel, Seattle, USA
Quirky Fremont vibes at Hotel Hotel Hostel. Image courtesy of Hotel Hotel Hostel.
In Fremont's eccentric neighborhood, this terracotta spot offers industrial-chic: exposed brick, minimalist rooms, family options, and a clean lounge for all travelers.
"The hostel’s biggest draw is its location... ‘De Libertas Quirkas’ (Freedom to be Peculiar)." - Brendan Sainsbury, Lonely Planet author
10. On the Corner, Kolomyya, Ukraine
Family-run excellence baffles Ukraine's luxury hotels. In Carpathian foothills, On the Corner delivers homemade cuisine, facilities, expert tours, and warm hospitality.
Homey Carpathian guesthouse hospitality. Image courtesy of On the Corner.
Vitaliy Pavliuk's family creates instant familiarity, with communal dinners fostering global traveler stories.
"I arrived ‘On the Corner’ the day before the American Ambassador was due to visit." - Marc di Duca, Lonely Planet writer
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