Traveling on a Budget? “Poshtels” to the Rescue

FREEHAND MIAMI: Among poshtels, Freehand is a pioneer, and it's not hard to guess why after you've given its Miami locale the once-over. Located in a restored, 1930s Art Deco building, this hostel is as far away from the "dozens of bunk beds under fluorescent lights" vibe as you can get. Instead, shared rooms are cozy, filled with wooden furnishings, decorated with work by local artists, and accompanied by private, en-suite bathrooms. There are also spendier private rooms, though all guests have access to bike rentals, an outdoor pool...even The Broken Shaker, a James Beard Award-nominated cocktail bar.

HI CHICAGO: If you're looking for a hostel with a friendly, dorm-throwback feel—including the social environment—then head for HI Chicago, which places as much emphasis on its welcoming activities as its comfy accommodations. The hostel hosts a number of events designed to introduce out-of-towners to the best of the Windy City, from walking tours to happy hours. Its stylish, open-plan common areas also foster group hanging, and crunchy types will be pleased to learn that its sustainability mission includes eco-friendly building renovations and other low-impact moves.

THE WAYFARER, SANTA BARBARA: Been to many hostels that come with palm-fringed pools, a communal kitchen outfitted with marble counters and chandeliers, and a library accented by robot-themed art? If not, you'd best book a stay at The Wayfarer. Situated in Santa Barbara's "Funk Zone" area (just a three-block walk from the beach), its looks are Pacific cool, and its location is ideal for both beach bums and city explorers.

HOSTEL FISH, DENVER: Opened just last year in LoDo's historic Airedale building, Hostel Fish prides itself on being cool, comfy, and immaculately clean. Themed rooms range from the Graffiti Room, with its colorful wall mural, to the chandelier-decorated Paris Room. When you want to explore the city, the hostel has a prime location near Coors Field and Denver's nightlife hotspots. And for when you want to hunker down, there's the hostel's own bar, with local craft beer on tap (and coffee on the house).

THE BIVVI, BRECKENRIDGE: What do you get when you combine a hostel and a ski chalet? Answer: The Bivvi—short for The Bivouac—in Breckenridge, Colorado. This Rocky Mountain town draws all kinds of adventurers and adrenaline junkies, and if you're splurging on your ski gear, a stay here will help keep your trip affordable. Sturdy timber beds, lanterns, and heavy blankets remind you you're in the mountains, as do the hostel's outdoor Jacuzzi and fire pit, where visitors can get their après-ski on. And in the morning? Nosh on complimentary scrambled eggs, French toast, and pancakes before you hit the slopes.

HOLIDAY JONES, CHICAGO: Chicago is a hub for poshtels, and Holiday Jones in Wicker Park is yet another stay that combines style, convenient amenities, and affordable prices. (In this case, think Ace Hotel-style plaid throw blankets, minimalist furniture, and even a check-in desk constructed from boomboxes.) Then there are the quirks that make the Holiday Jones totally unique, ranging from comped transit to and from the airport, to an in-house empanada restaurant. Yup, you read that correctly: empanadas on call. We're booking now.