I've always been a fan of youth hostels and backpackers, the good ones, not the bad ones and there are a few of those out there but with a little research you can find some really fantastic ones that offer all the same amenities, sometimes more, than a hotel, in fantastic locations for a budget-friendly price and many are family-friendly but do make sure to check before booking as some are specifically for 18yrs+.
Having stayed at many over the years as well as worked at 3 across Europe, I feel I know what makes a backpacker a place to be and what doesn't. When I took the kids interrailing I knew that the majority of our accommodation would be at youth hostels as there are so many benefits, such as being centrally located, having luggage storage (unlike Airbnb's), many have kitchens that can be used which means being able to do some self-catering and nearly all have lounges and chillout areas with books and games for kids to enjoy. They are often more relaxed than hotels which is perfect for families and I often find it a less stressful atmosphere than a hotel.
Our first stop on our interrail adventure was Turin, which we would arrive at in the late evening and as it was a full-on travel day we decided to stay for two nights so that we could also explore some of what Turin had to offer before heading to the Ligurian coastline. After extensive research, we decided on Combo Turino, a hip hostel housed in a former fire station that also included a restaurant bar, radio station and event space.
Our train down had been delayed so we arrived close to midnight feeling rather exhausted as I have to be honest I was nervous walking through reception with dance music being played in the event area for a private party BUT I can assure you the sound did not travel at all and we heard nothing from our room so there had been no need to worry.
The reception is open 24hrs and the staff were very friendly and welcoming and we never felt out of place here as a family. We paid just under £100 for a family room with breakfast. It was so spacious and possibly one of the coolest hostel rooms I've stayed in and not only as it was spotless and beautifully designed with two balconies that could be opened up which looked across the local market.
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| Our room was stylish, spacious and perfect for a family |
It consisted of two bedrooms that flowed into each other with a large bathroom in between them and plenty of space to hang clothes, as well as plenty of clean towels, soap and shampoo. The free wifi also worked very well across the hostel and I managed to catch up on some work in our room but there is plenty of social areas for digital nomads and remote workers to enjoy.
I really liked the breakfast, which is taken in the very stylish bar area with huge arching windows and a modern industrial feel. While breakfast was not a buffet or self-serve like some other places, it offered up some freshly baked bread, cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit and cheese and meats along with Italian coffee made by the barista in the cafe and I always knew it's good when the kids finish their food, which they did each morning.
The hostel itself is only a few minutes walk from the old town and we really enjoyed exploring Turin by foot and by tram (there was a tram stop only a few meters from the hostel) and it was easy to get to the main station via tram on the day we checked out.
While we only ate breakfast here they also offer lunch and evening menus, as well as having a kitchen space that can be used by guests to make their own meals. There is as mentioned plenty of workspace, socialising areas, free fast wifi and air conditioning and Combo Turino in many ways felt more like a boutique hotel than a hostel and I would definitely stay again.
