Dublin hostel third-best on earth, travel website reveals

Lobby, Generator Dublin

Dorm, Generator Dublin

Jameson Chandelier, Generator Dublin

Lobby, Generator Dublin

Pól Ó Conghaile Twitter Email

August 26 2014 11:02 AM

Dublin's Generator Hostel ranks among the very best in the world, according to hotel price comparison website, HotelsCombined.com.

The website trawled its database of over 800,000 properties in a recent survey, listing the 10 most popular hostels in the world over the past 18 months.

Generator Hostel London, England
Meininger Hotel London Hyde Park, England
Generator Hostel Dublin, Ireland
Anker Hostel Oslo, Norway
Nihao Taipei, Taiwan
40 Berkeley Boston, USA
Centre Esplai Hostel, Spain
Eurohostel Helsinki, Finland
Eurohostel Glasgow, Scotland
Camping Village Roma, Italy

Generator Dublin - part of an upmarket chain with hostels in Copenhagen, Barcelona and other European cities - is located in Smithfield, next to the Jameson Distillery.

It hosts over 500 beds, but this is far from a grubby, overcrowded affair.

There's a brilliant attention to detail throughout the building, from a funky lobby with graffiti pieces and chandelier made from old Jameson bottles, to bunks kitted out with their own lights, power points and secure storage space.

Lobby, Generator Dublin

Beds start at €8.50 per night in a dorm, and €35pp for private rooms. It even has a ladies' jacuzzi suite with private jacuzzi for up to 10 guests from €10.50pp.

"We're delighted to be recognised, but not surprised" said Generator Dublin's general manager, Osgur Ó Ciardha, reacting to the news.

"We offer something for everybody, from the budget all the way to the business traveller. The social spaces are bustling with activity. In a hotel, guests rarely interact. You could never say that about Generator Dublin."

The recognition comes as increasing numbers of travellers opt to stay in luxury hostels, a growing accommodation niche designed to appeal to people looking for the communal atmosphere and affordability of a traditional hostel, but the cleanliness and service standards of a hotel.

Generator Dublin was also recently listed by the Herald Sun in Australia as one of ' 10 hostels you actually want to stay at, even if you're not a backpacker'.

Alycia Simons, HotelsCombined.com spokesperson, said:

“From families looking for an affordable place to stay to keen solo travellers hoping to meet like-minded people along the way, hostel accommodation can be the perfect solution."