We’re staying at what I gather is called a boutique hostel in Lisbon. Come to find out they’re all over, including in Chicago. When I was a youngster roaming around Europe, I became a big fan of youth hostels – because they provided not only a cheap place to stay (often in surprisingly great locations) but lots of new friends to travel with. Never understood why they didn’t take off as much in the U.S. (I did stay at a few in Colorado – and have heard good things about the one in downtown chicago.) Now that I’m a bit older, a “boutique hostel” sounds just about right! More here:
The new world of upscale hostels, bridging the gap between backpacker basic and four-star chic, are in prime spots, offering affordable rooms with amenities.