City Hostel Geneva

Situated on a tranquil side street in the midst of attractions and entertainment, Geneva’s City Hostel offers some of the most affordable beds in the city. Great additions like a guest kitchen, TV lounge and IKEA-chic furniture make this this hostel a definite winner in the Geneva budget accommodation category.

Though technically a hostel, this place doesn’t look like an adult orphanage that stuffs wary backpackers into claustrophobic spaces. Instead, City Hostel has quite civilized two-, three- and four-bed rooms that are spotless, if tight. Furnishings of dark wood, with red and blue accents throughout, add a touch of sophistication not often seen in hostels.

Starting at just CHF32 per person, the dorms, furnished with a bunk bed and a single, are a budget dream that affords the best price-to-privacy ratio. Private rooms do not look much different, but do have a television.

And back to that privacy: The shared showers and toilets have floor-to-ceiling dividers of which even the most modest person would approve.

There’s precious little in the way of frills here. Reception closes at 1 a.m. (but don’t fret night owls—there’s no curfew) and the closest to room service you’ll get is the vending machine downstairs. Extras like in-room TV will set you back a few francs here and there, but the use of the kitchen is free, and the fridge can be individually locked to protect your goodies.

Breakfast and Wi-Fi is included in the rate.