We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you ... you're just helping re-supply our family's travel fund.

Travelers with an eye for architecture and a heart for history are finding a new kind of lodging experience—historic homes converted into stylish, welcoming hostels. These properties blend original charm with contemporary comforts, allowing guests to sleep inside former mansions, estates, and colonial homes while enjoying communal kitchens, sleek interiors, and budget-friendly beds. If you love the romance of the past but the ease of modern travel, these eight heritage-rich hostels are perfect for your next adventure.
1. Castle Rock Hostel, Edinburgh, Scotland

Located beside Edinburgh Castle, this 19th-century mansion was once a stately home. Today, it’s one of the city’s most beloved hostels. Castle Rock maintains grand fireplaces, ornate ceilings, and art-filled lounges, while offering travelers dorms and private rooms at backpacker prices. You can relax in the music lounge or join pub crawls, all while staying in a historic landmark just steps from the Royal Mile.
2. The Yellow, Rome, Italy

Though now known as a vibrant party hostel, The Yellow occupies a restored early 20th-century building in central Rome. The building’s vintage tile floors and high ceilings still whisper of its aristocratic past. With modern amenities, an underground bar, yoga classes, and even a barber shop, this hostel gives history a cool, rebellious makeover that draws young travelers from around the world.
3. HI-New Orleans Hostel, New Orleans, USA

Housed in a former 1890s building in the historic French Quarter, HI-New Orleans blends vintage elegance with bold design. Chandeliers, exposed brick, and tall windows nod to its Southern roots, while shared spaces feel sleek and inclusive. Just steps from Bourbon Street and the streetcar line, this hostel offers travelers an immersive stay in one of America’s oldest neighborhoods.
4. KEX Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland

Set inside an old biscuit factory from the early 20th century, KEX has preserved its industrial bones while turning the space into a chic, retro hostel. The building’s original beams, factory windows, and tiled walls give it gritty charm, while vintage furniture and a gastropub add Nordic flair. It’s a creative blend of Icelandic heritage and hostel culture.
5. Villa Saint Exupéry, Nice, France

This stylish hostel is housed in a former Carmelite monastery just a short walk from Old Town Nice. The building’s arches, frescoes, and stone walls remain intact, but the interior has been modernized with a bar, gym, and beach-ready amenities. It’s named after The Little Prince author, who once stayed here, adding literary magic to your Riviera getaway.
6. Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal

Once a charming 18th-century townhouse, this central Lisbon hostel retains its colorful tiles, wrought iron balconies, and hardwood floors. Inside, modern décor and cheerful vibes invite solo travelers to connect. Homemade waffles and sangria nights make it feel like a friendly, youthful upgrade to a traditional Portuguese home.
7. Mansion Hostel, Bogotá, Colombia

Tucked in the historic La Candelaria district, this 100-year-old mansion has been lovingly converted into a boutique hostel. Ornate woodwork, antique tile, and stained glass remain, while modern dorms and a rooftop bar offer fresh flair. It’s a peaceful refuge for travelers exploring Bogotá’s colonial streets and nearby museums.
8. The Riad Hostel, Marrakesh, Morocco

This former Moroccan riad, a traditional home centered around a courtyard, has been transformed into an elegant hostel. Intricate mosaics, hand-carved plaster, and fragrant orange trees create a peaceful ambiance, while modern touches like Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace ensure comfort. Staying here offers an immersive window into Marrakesh’s architectural and cultural traditions.