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Party hostels around the world

Saturday, February 2, 2013

© The Cairns Post

 

Intrepid backpackers don’t have to look far to find a party when they’re abroad, as it might be right on their doorstep.

Student Flights general manager Darren Lloyd says backpackers are looking for a memorable holiday as well as affordable accommodation in a great location.

“Hostels are proving more and more attractive with 18-30 year olds for their affordability, prime locations in some of the world’s most sought-after party districts and reputation for a good time.

“The hostel experience is just as important as the destination itself and hostels definitely cater to their clientele by offering the ultimate party experience,” Mr Lloyd says.

The team at Student Flights has compiled this list of the top 10 party hostels around the world to inspire your next holiday destination.

Medellin, Colombia – Casa Kiwi/The Pit Stop Hostel/Tiger Paw Hostel

Medellin in Columbia is renowned as one of the greatest party cities in the world.

All three of these hostels house a majority of the Colombian backpacker market and heartily serve up the ingredients for a wild night, conveniently located a short stroll down the road from the Zona Rosa nightclubs.

Staff at these hostels can generally be convinced to turn a blind eye to the less than salubrious activity, and certainly guarantee to show a good time to any weary gringo to cross their doorstep.

West Hollywood, USA – Banana Bungalow

Whether sunbathing with cocktails in the Tiki-style courtyard or pounding out karaoke until all hours with an international cast of misfits, a spell at the Banana Bungalow will certainly liven up any Los Angeles stopover in true C-list style.

The ultimate in laid-back cool, Banana Bungalow is an LA institution in the heart of West Hollywood on the Melrose strip with hip common space and a heady vibe and atmosphere.

Sydney, Australia – Wake Up Hostel

While the hostel itself has as much grace and personality as an orthopaedic shoe, simply glide downstairs to the Side Bar and be transported into a world without rules or common sense.

A heaving mix of both locals and backpackers can be found stumbling blindly around this cave-like nightclub, knocking down shots faster than they can be served.

Weekends are a misnomer here (every night is Saturday night), so come prepared to make a few new friends.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – The Flying Pig

No trip to Europe is complete without a stop in Amsterdam, and no stop in Amsterdam is complete without a detour to The Flying Pig.

The Flying Pig is filled with quasi-intellectual guests up for extensive and nonsensical conversation, as well as a bar and pillow lounge.

There’s a constant cloud of smoke seeping out the front door tempting even the most iron-willed of passers-by and the best part is that following said cloud will generally lead you to some of the most delicious fried snacks you can ever hope to experience.

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Millhouse Hostel

The music is on 24 hours a day at the Millhouse in Buenos Aires so sleeping isn’t a priority.

Filled with character, Millhouse groans with the weight of its own charm and proximity to Argentina’s best nightlife.

Theme parties are the order of the day at Millhouse.

As you move from foam party to toga party, white party to panty party, mud party to dance party, you’ll feel the redemption that every party-seeking backpacker is determined to discover.

Ios, Greek Islands – Far Out Beach Club

There is no better combination than summer, sand and sun, and Far Out delivers all of that by the truckload.

The rooms are threadbare at best and the whole resort has a creepy, deserted feeling anytime before lunch, but come late afternoon and a noticeable change descends over the island.

Sometime around 2pm the music gets a little louder, the base becomes noticeably heavier and the cocktails taste a little stronger. From then on it doesn’t end until the sun rises the next morning to commence the cycle again.

Honourable mentions to the Pink Palace in Corfu and Paradise Resort in Mykonos for setting a similar Greek party standard.

Capetown, South Africa – Carnival Court

Carnival Court is a hangover waiting to happen.

Staff here are happy to point you to Capetown’s best bars and restaurants, or inwards to where the action really heats up at the hostel’s own Zanzi-Bar.

Test your knowledge of shots and potential alcohol combinations as DJs, cover bands and drunken louts all compete for your attention in a weird and wonderful mélange of human interaction.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA – Blue Moon Saloon

Part boarding house, part hostel, part 1950s jazz dive bar, the Blue Moon is an other-worldly experience if you happen to find yourself on a flight layover in the Deep South of America.

Combining an effortlessly cool locale, an in-your-face attitude and a fully stocked back porch saloon with stage for live gigs, this is the place your mum always warned you about.

Rio, Brazil – Stone of a Beach Hostel

Voted as the hostel where you’re most likely to wake up in someone else’s bed, the world famous Stone is literally a stone’s throw from Copacabana Beach and the most attractive people Brazil has to offer.

Like those who came before you, you’ll spend your daytime hours sun-worshipping, ogling the most amazing bodies you’ll ever see, and searching for the best-priced “by the pound” restaurant. And you’ll need some food too after spending the night smashing down your body weight in Caipirinhas at the rooftop bar.

Fiji – Beachcomber Resort

With an 83-bed open air dorm taking pride of place on Beachcomber Island, this behemoth is a Devil’s playground.

The only resort on the tropical island of the same name, sun, drinking, swimming, and carousing are the only activities on the timetable here and you’ll be joined for the same by a glamorous international cast of backpackers.

 

 


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