As you may have heard, your favourite hostel experts are celebrating a pretty big milestone this year… yep, we’re turning 20! And in true Hostelworld style, we’re not doing things by halves. While one venue, one city, one country and one continent would suffice for most birthday parties, this isn’t most birthday parties. This is Hostelworld’s 20th anniversary– and we want YOU to be there!
From the 1st to the 20th of August, we’ll be throwing an unforgettable party every night in one of our favourite hostels around the globe. That means 20 consecutive parties, in 20 incredible hostels, in 20 very different countries… after all, you only turn 20 years young once!
So where do you come in? By joining us at one of our chosen hostels, not only would you make all of our birthday wishes come true, you’ll also get to be part of an event that’s set to go down as a backpacking legend. Plus, there’s an hour of free drinks at every party, a theme for each year and all sorts of challenges, props and surprises on the night. For anyone that can’t make it, we’ll be streaming each event on our Instagram feed, as well as posting heaps of content from every destination to make you feel like you’re right there with us.
So, without further ado, it’s time to meet the hostels celebrating our 20th year with us. Cheers!
1. St Christopher’s Berlin Mitte– Berlin, Germany – 1999
We knew we had to pull out the big guns to kick off The World’s Biggest Hostel Party, so we’re heading to one of the coolest places on earth – Berlin, the city that practically invented partying. The place to be on August 1st is St. Christopher’s Hostel in Mitte, where you’ll catch us celebrating on the rooftop in honour of the year we were born. Their range of rooms includes privates, mixed and female-only dorms, and guests get a banging 25% off food and drink in the hostel bar. Prep for the party with pre-drinks while you soak up the sun in their large garden, then join us for a night of celebrations on the roof with a killer view overlooking central Berlin.
What’s the theme? Party like it’s 1999. Expect some naughty nineties outfits and a playlist Prince would be proud of.
When is it? August 1st. This is our big launch party, so we’ve got serious FOMO on behalf of anyone who’s not joining us at the hostel or on Instagram live!
Party with us at St Christopher’s Berlin Mitte
2. USA Hostels Ocean Beach– San Diego, California – 2000
Next, we’re heading to sunny San Diego and checking into our ‘Best Hostel in America’ – USA Hostels Ocean Beach. Its iconic rainbow, tie-dyed, peaced out building is not only Insta-famous, it’s also the perfect representation of the laid-back loving vibes you’ll feel when you walk through the door. A regular day at this hostel includes beach bonfires, beer pong tournaments, beach yoga and pub crawls, so can you imagine what they’re gonna pull out of the bag for our big birthday bonanza?! We’ll be embarrassing ourselves on surfboards by day (lessons discounted for hostel guests, FYI), then partying under the stars all night long. Who’s joining us?
What’s the theme? Millennium party. Remember when we all thought the 2000s were the future? There’ll be glitter, sparkles and group panic about the end of the world.
When is it? August 2nd.
Party with us at USA Hostels Ocean Beach
3. Selina Cancun Downtown – Cancun, Mexico – 2001
On day three we’re hopping across to Mexico’s party capital for a night of music and mezcal at Selina Cancun Downtown. This ridiculously beautiful hostel has an epic pool and outdoor chill area that’s perfect for soaking up the Mexican sun with your new-found hostel fam. It’s also where they host live gigs from local bands, perfect if you’re looking for a vibe that’s a little different to the legendary Cancun strip. Come party night we’ll be swapping the deck chairs for a DJ booth while you load up on tequilas from the beach bar (don’t forget about the hour of free drinks at EVERY party!) The next day, you can hide from daylight in front of the big screen of their movie room.
What’s the theme? Double denim. We challenge you to make this look cool!
When is it? August 3rd. This is a Saturday night in Cancun, so expect things to go off!
Party with us at Selina Cancun
4. Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs– Tayrona National Park, Colombia – 2002
Pack your swimsuit for a party in paradise at Viajero Tayrona, a hostel with its own private beach on Colombia’s idyllic Caribbean coastline, complete with hammocks, coconut palms and ping pong tables. A chilled day here involves group yoga and meditation classes, volleyball tournaments, giant Jenga and salsa classes – perfect prep for party night, when we’ll be dancing by the pool with a tropical cocktail (or ten) from the beach bar. At the end of the night, choose between a bright, modern dorm or treat yourself to a luxurious ecohab. We’re talking huge beds, en-suites and your own private deck. Either way you’ll wake up to the sound of waves breaking and toucans chirping – we told you this was paradise!
What’s the theme? Sk8er party. 2002 was the year that Avril Lavigne blessed us with one of the greatest songs of all time, so we’ll be showing our appreciation with our outfits, props and playlist.
When is it? August 4th.
Party with us at Viajero Tayrona Hostel & Ecohabs
5. Lub D Phuket Patong – Phuket, Thailand – 2003
Let us start by saying that any hostel located next to the iconic clubs of Phuket’s Bangla Road knows a thing or two about partying. The pool parties at Lub D Phuket are legendary (it’s impossible NOT to have fun on giant inflatables) and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our fifth year with a Chang beer in hand. The Splash bar and restaurant serves amazing local food and expertly mixed cocktails, and it’s where you’ll meet backpackers from all around the world. And just wait till you see their huge common area. It’s got all the makings of a dream birthday venue: pool tables, foosball, air hockey and a full-sized Muay Thai boxing ring – we bet you’ve never seen one of these in a hostel before!
What’s the theme? Under the sea – it helps that Lub D is only a stone’s throw from the beach!
When is it? August 5th
Party with us at Lub D Phuket Patong
6. Unite Hostel – Barcelona, Spain – 2004
Unite may be a newbie to the Barca hostel game, but what it lacks in age is more than made up for by its incredible style, top-notch facilities and easy-going, fun personality. We are obsessed with their beautiful rooftop terrace, where you’ll probably find us relaxing and enjoying the view before heading down to the bar to drink lots of sangria when the party starts (for cultural purposes, obviously). Of all this hostel’s amazing features, you might be most impressed by its electronic mixing room, where you can try your hand at laying down some beats after some inspo from our party DJ. The next morning, atone for your sins with a free yoga class in their bright, leafy studio.
What’s the theme? Funky Gym. Everybody was talking about that video in 2004. Throw on your cheesiest 80s gym gear and get ready to stretch!
When is it? August 6th
Party with us at Unite Hostel Barcelona
7. M Montreal – Montreal, Canada – 2005
Two words: Roof. Terrace. The insane rooftop of M Montreal was made for summer partying, with two hot tubs, heaps of space to bust a move and unreal views over the city centre. Downstairs, the M Bar is open nightly until 3am and plays host to various events, from live sports or karaoke on the huge screen, to boozy bingo or their famous ‘Beer Olympics’ (beware, this last one gets pretty competitive). We’ve lost count of the number of HOSCARs they’ve bagged, but most recently they were voted the number one extra-large hostel in the world. With 490 beds, this party is sure to be a big’un!
What’s the theme? Into the jungle – unleash your inner (party) animal!
When is it? August 7th.
8. White Rabbit– Siem Reap, Cambodia– 2006
What’s the theme? Farewell planet Pluto. 2006 was the year we said goodbye to the planet that never was, so we’re commemorating the event with a space party that’ll be out of this world!
When is it? August 8th
Party with us at White Rabbit Hostel Siem Reap
9. Wake Up! Sydney Central – Sydney, Australia – 2007
If you’ve ever travelled to Sydney then the chances are you’ve partied at Side Bar, the city’s most famous backpacker drinking spot that’s known for its wild parties seven nights a week. Well what if we told you that it’s part of Wake Up! Sydney, the hostel where we’ll be celebrating our eighth year? This hostel’s nightly events are the stuff of Australian legend and can include anything from foam parties to live gigs or hip hop throwback raves. And that’s just on a normal week… can you imagine what they’re going to pull off for The World’s Biggest Hostel Party?! When you’re all danced out, make the most of their freebies, like a guided Sydney tour or a free pizza night to aid your hangover.
What’s the theme? Pirates – we suggest you start practising the lingo now!
When is it? August 9th
Party with us at Wake Up! Sydney Central
10. JO&JOE Paris – Gentilly – Paris, France – 2008
We’ll be spending night ten in the most fashionable city on earth, which obviously requires a venue to match. Introducing you to JO&JOE, a quirky hostel that’s second to none in the style stakes. Each of their modern dorms and colourful private rooms are a design-lover’s dream, with funky wall art that practically begs you to take a selfie. We can’t wait for a Parisian summer night in their gorgeous garden that’s got plenty of outdoor seating and looks even better under the glow of fairy lights. Inside, the bar couldn’t BE any cooler, with a stage for the DJ, an epic dancefloor and a pour-your-own beer wall… okay, we’re sold!
What’s the theme? The Lost Temple. Grab your map and prepare for an Indiana Jones style adventure!
When is it? August 10th
Party with us at JO&JOE Paris – Gentilly
11. Abraham Hostel – Tel Aviv, Israel – 2009
Join us in the nightlife capital of the Middle East, where we’ll be celebrating 2009 at the spectacular Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv. Make the most of the scorching weather on their massive roof terrace, where you can chill out and take in the views of this fascinating city. Downstairs the bar is always buzzing, with a stage that hosts artists and DJs to introduce guests to local sounds… you’ll have to wait and see what they’ve got in store for party night 
. Extend your stay to enjoy the daily hostel events that range from relaxing (yoga and painting classes) to rowdy (club crawls and jamming sessions). Just make sure you’re up in time to enjoy a free buffet breakfast of Israeli dishes!
What’s the theme? Vampires. Don’t play it cool, we know you had Twilight fever in 2009 like the rest of us.
When is it? August 11th
Party with us at Abraham Hostel
12. Puri Garden Hostel– Ubud, Indonesia – 2010
It’s usually very zen at Puri Garden, but for one night only we’ll be turning their stunning garden area into the hottest event in Bali – come on, it is our birthday! Expect an awesome pool party with free-flowing bottles of Bintang beer, laid-back vibes, great music and plenty of surprises in store. Luckily, you’re in the home of wellness, so there’s no need to worry about a hangover when the hostel offers things like free daily massages, free yoga classes, a free health-food breakfast and all you can eat BBQs with loads of vegan options. And did we mention the pool? There’s not much that a dip in that beauty won’t cure!
What’s the theme? Greek mythology. Pack your godliest outfit – this one’s gonna go down in ancient history.
When is it? August 12th
Party with us at Puri Garden Hostel
13. Wild Rover Hostel – Cusco, Peru – 2011
This one is for our hardcore hostellers. Wild Rover is a certified party hostel that many backpackers won’t remember visiting, but would you expect any less when it’s got the largest Irish bar in South America? There’s never a quiet moment here between their insane happy hours, sets from top Peruvian DJs, live global sports on the HUGE screens and crazy schedule of social events (beer pong tournaments, salsa lessons and UV parties to name just a few). The bar is soundproof, so you won’t hear a thing from your pod-style dorm, or private suite with its own balcony. Speaking of which, the views from Wild Rover are so dreamy that guests from other hostels flock to their terrace to catch a glimpse… don’t be one who misses out!
What’s the theme? Witches and wizards. Can we cast a spell to make this party last forever?
When is it? August 13th.
Party with us at Wild Rover Hostel Cusco
14. Rodamon Riad Marrakech Hostel – Marrakech, Morocco – 2012
Next you’ll find us raving in a riad – that’s a traditional Moroccan house with an inner courtyard, FYI! At Rodamon Riad you can hide away from the chaos of the medina outside in the leafy, tiled courtyard, while taking a peaceful dip in the pool – bliss! This’ll get you prepped for party time, when we’ll be heading up to the roof for cocktails with an out-of-this-world panoramic view over the Atlas Mountains and Jemaa el-Fnaa Mosque. Rodamon grabbed this year’s HOSCAR for the number one hostel in Morocco, as well as 2nd place for the whole continent, so we wouldn’t blame you if you ended up staying way after the party ends…
What’s the theme? Superheroes – Hostelworld Avengers assemble!
When is it? August 14th
Party with us at Rodamon Riad Marrakech Hostel
15. JUNGLE by thehostelcrowd– Goa, India – 2013
Confusingly, Goa is known as two very different things: a chilled-out, spiritual haven for yogis, and India’s hedonistic beach party capital. Our hosts at JUNGLE by thehostelcrowd know how to create the perfect balance between the two. Their huge garden, surrounded by trees with a pool and outdoor bar is where we’ll be throwing our Goan style jungle party – great music, starry skies and free drinks, does life get any better?! When you feel like taking it easy, there are morning yoga classes, low-key shisha nights and healthy local food cooked fresh on site. JUNGLE is also a sustainable hostel that gives back to the local community and uses eco-friendly materials. We don’t think we could love them any more!
What’s the theme? Festival. Show us your favourite festive traditions from around the world, or keep it local with Holi paint and Bollywood charm.
When is it? August 15th
Party with us at JUNGLE by thehostelcrowd
16. Wombat’s City Hostel – Venice, Italy – 2014
This hostel is so hot off the press that it doesn’t even open till mid-July, but as anyone who’s travelled Europe knows, Wombat’s hostels are so amazing that we had to have them on board. Their newest Italian opening has interiors inspired by the city’s iconic waterways, and with a whopping 500+ beds it’s the biggest hostel on our list – we have a feeling this one’s gonna be mad. The huge, stylish Wombar is the place to be every night, with a banging sound system, pool tables and happy hour beers and cocktails. Even more so when we take it over on August 16th… just wait till you see what we’ve got in store!
What’s the theme? Emoji party *excited face*
When is it? August 16th
Party with us at Wombat’s City Hostel Venice
17. Emblem Hostel Nishiarai – Tokyo, Japan – 2015
The aim of Emblem Hostel Nishiarai is to introduce all of their guests to authentic Japanese experiences, which is why they offer so many awesome activities – one day you could be sushi making and tea tasting, the next it’s calligraphy lessons and trips to the public baths! They’re in a cool neighbourhood full of traditional restaurants and pubs that are away from the tourist hubs, and they also host meet-up events to help travellers mingle and get chatting to locals. The large bar is a super chic hangout spot that on party night will turn into the biggest backpacker’s bash in the city. Is it any wonder that Emblem Hostel Nishiarai came top place out of all Tokyo hostels at our 2019 HOSCARs?
What’s the theme? #MeetTheWorld. This one’s all about representing where you’re from and getting to know people from around the globe.
When is it? August 17th
Party with us at Emblem Hostel Nishiarai
18. O De Casa Hostel Bar – Sao Paulo, Brazil – 2017
Behind the colourful façade of O De Casa is where you’ll find Sao Paulo’s best backpacker’s bar, a place where cheap caipirinhas, cachaça pong and dance offs are on the cards… and that’s just on an average Monday! Head up to the terrace to hang out on a giant hammock, or check out the views over Vila Madalena, the coolest neighbourhood in the city. The atmosphere here is always fun and energetic thanks to the amazing staff who never turn down a drinking challenge – it’s the Brazilian way! The morning after, you can recover with a Brazilian brekkie and Netflix in the TV room, or if you’re feeling up to it take a free hostel walking tour to discover the incredible street art of Vila Madalena.
What’s the theme? Unicorn party! Okay, you may have noticed that we skipped a year. But we think the less said about 2016 the better, so we’re channelling the happiest creature we know and celebrating 2017 with glitter and sparkles.
When is it? August 18th
Party with us at O De Casa Hostel Bar
19. The Independente Hostel & Suites – Lisbon, Portugal – 2018
Between its rustic, old-fashioned design, beautiful dorms and glamorous private rooms, you’ll feel like royalty at The Independente. Not only is it in Lisbon, one of Europe’s best backpacker destinations, it’s located in the nightlife hotspot of Barrio Alto, so you know they can party. Whether you’re the type of traveller who’ll prefer sipping fancy cocktails in the stylish lounge bar or swigging beer under the sun on the garden terrace, you’ll be able to find your perfect vibe at our penultimate party. And the cherry on top? The free breakfast buffet served every morning to set you up for a day of adventures!
What’s the theme? Superstars. Practice your awards speech, don your most glam gear and try not to get papped!
When is it? August 19th
Party with us at The Independente Hostel & Suites
20. Palmers Lodge: Swiss Cottage – London, UK – 2019
Do hostels get any more English than one in a Victorian mansion in London? You’ll feel like you’re on the set of Downton Abbey as you stroll around the historic grounds of Palmers Lodge. The on-site Swiss Bar where we’ll be throwing our final party has a distinctly English pub feel, and their happy hour (which is actually five hours) will teach you how to drink like a Londoner. If you’re still there on Sunday you can’t miss their famous karaoke nights – free shots for every brave participant! The hostel’s amazing location makes it easy to hop on the tube and explore the rest of the city, and there’s a LOT to see, so we recommend extending your stay after the party.
What’s the theme? Birthday party. Did we mention it’s our birthday? Our final night will be the over the top birthday party that your ten-year-old self dreamed of… just with lots more alcohol.
When is it? August 20th. Our stamina (and livers) will have been tested to the max by this point, but we’ll be powering through and ending The World’s Biggest Hostel Party with a massive bang!
Party with us at Palmers Lodge: Swiss Cottage
Hands up if you’re ready for The most EPIC birthday celebrations? Check in to any of these hostels to join us in person, or catch all the action over on our Instagram every day in August. See you on the dancefloor!
The post Dorms and dancefloors: meet the hostels hosting our big birthday bash! appeared first on Hostelworld Blog.
