You call that a hostel?

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In today’s Pinterest-obsessed world, it’s not just the well-heeled who covet good design, picture perfect views and other indulgences. These days, everyday luxuries, no matter how small, are every traveler’s right—even for those of us watching every dollar. Fortunately, a growing batch of luxury hostels are reinventing the genre, swapping out gritty backpacker hovels for a balance of budget, high design and fine amenities. Bonus: These incredible hotels are all bookable via Orbitz.com.

Chic and Basic Ramblas,Barcelona, Spain

1960s Barcelona was the inspiration for Chic and Basic, an upscale design hostel centrally located near the city’s landmark Las Ramblas pedestrian mall. Vintage touches are deftly integrated with a modern sensibility, including a hotel reception desk fashioned from old suitcases, a green SEAT 600 car parked in the lobby, and clusters of Mid-Century modern chairs atop jewel tone rugs. Doors to the 85 guest rooms (which have private bathrooms, loaded iPods, kitchenettes and TVs) are covered in large-scale photographs from the 1960’s-1970’s Barcelona art scene, creating a veritable six-floor art exhibit. Live DJs, a gastrobar with home-style cuisine, and a peaceful outdoor terrace complete the vibe.

Freehand Miami, Miami, FL

Just two blocks from the beach, the Freehand Miami has all the trappings of a boutique hotel at a hostel price. Housed in a renovated 1930’s art deco building, they offer professionally decorated private and shared rooms, an outdoor pool and tropical courtyard, and a James Beard Award-nominated cocktail bar where drinks are made with produce from their on-site garden. A packed event calendar keeps guests entertained – including live music, morning yoga, backyard deejayed parties, and hands-on art and cocktail nights. Stay tuned for Freehand Chicago location to open in early 2015.

Plus Florence, Florence, Italy

It’s the free amenities that make Plus Florence a cutabove other hostels, like the indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and fitness equipment. All private and shared guest rooms are bright and cheery with their own bathrooms, and there’s a hearty, all-you-can-eat breakfast offered for six Euros. But the real standout is their fully stocked Terrace Bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail, marvel at the aerial 360-degree view (don’t miss the Duomo photo op), and take a dip in their outdoor pool – the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of summer sightseeing.

Eco Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Reminiscent of a jungle estate, the 65-room Eco Resort Chiang Mai hostel features a minimalist, modern-organic aesthetic: Dark wood, crisp white linens, colorful textiles, breezy bathrooms with thatched roofs, and indoor foliage. Outdoor highlights include their 25-meter pool and lush tropical garden. For an extra fee (about $25), guests can take a cooking class in their open-air kitchen and learn to make authentic Thai fare like green and red curries, fried glass noodles, and lemongrass shrimp soup.

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Tagged: Europe, Florida, Hotels, Uncategorized