We believe hostels can be some of the most inclusive places when you travel, and that doesn’t stop at the guests but includes staff and owners too. By choosing to support hostels owned by people of colour, you encourage a more diverse and inclusive travel industry and can leave a positive effect on the places you visit.
For Black History Month this year, we already shared our favourite Black creators, and now we’re shining a light on some of the amazing hostels around the world owned by Black entrepreneurs, driving change in their communities and inspiring future Black business owners.
- Hostelle, Amsterdam, London & Barcelona
- Wanderstay, Houston, USA
- Bella’s Backpackers, Belize
- Hostal Villa Grande, Panama
- Curiocity, South Africa
Black-owned, women-only hostels in Europe’s most famous cities? Sign us up! Hostelle first opened as Amsterdam’s first Black-owned hostel, with Founder Bianca Brasdorp aiming to create a safe space for women visiting the charming canals and mesmerising merchant houses that line them. Now, they’ve expanded to London and Barcelona, hosting events to bring female travellers together like Sangria and painting in Barcelona, rooftop picnics in Amsterdam and high tea in London. Hostelle wants women to feel at home when they stay, boasting comfortable common areas, libraries, a fully equipped kitchen, and getting ready areas with hair styling tools.
Book your stay at Hostelle Amsterdam
Book your stay at Hostelle London
Book your stay at Hostelle Barcelona
In Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the US, Wanderstay is the first Black-owned hostel in the country. A travel lover herself, owner Deidre Mathis was inspired to open her own hostel after travelling for a year and a half with new friends she had just met, you guessed it, in a hostel!
Famed for its smorgasbord of dishes from around the world like Viet-Cajun crawfish, and kolaches, alongside traditional brisket, you can rent a bike from Wanderstay to make room for your next tasty dish. Travellers rave about the location, big beds, value for money and friendly staff but by staying here you also help college students from underrepresented backgrounds study abroad through their non-profit, the Wander Abroad Foundation.
Home to the second largest coral reef in the world, jungles brimming with wildlife and historical Mayan ruins, it’s no wonder travellers flock to Belize while backpacking Central America. Family-run and owned by Black female entrepreneur Bella, the Bella’s Backpacker hostels are favourites among travellers. With a free rum punch every night at the bar and events organised most days, you’re in for a sociable stay. From exploring caves and wildlife in San Ignacio to snorkelling and beach volleyball in Caye Caulker, there’s never a dull moment.
Book your stay at Bella’s Backpackers San Ignacio
Book your stay at Bella’s Backpackers Caye Caulker
Known for the Panama Canal, jungle hikes, rooftop bars and some of the best restaurants in Latin America, Panama City is not to be missed on your jaunt to the country. Avenida Balboa is one of the coolest neighbourhoods at the top of every itinerary, and this hostel is right in the thick of it. Hostal Villa Grande is close to shops, restaurants and nightlife in Calle Uruguay, where locals and tourists meet to party. Travellers say they love the friendly staff, outside terrace with hammocks, kitchen and chilled vibes.
Book your stay at Hostal Villa Grande
Curiocity was founded by young Black entrepreneur, Bheki Dube, aged just 21! Now with hostels in two of South Africa’s largest cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Curiocity brings travellers together for authentic local experiences. Partnering with local businesses and young Black entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism industry, Dube is enthusiastic about raising profiles of Black-owned businesses in South Africa. With a range of events and onsite cafes and bars, Curiocity caters to all travellers’ needs.
Book your stay at Curiocity Johannesburg
Book your stay at Curiocity Cape Town
Supporting more diverse hostel experiences
These are just some of the wonderful Black-owned hostels we work with at Hostelworld. Regardless of your background, by choosing to champion others from marginalised groups, you contribute to a more diverse and inclusive future of travel.
Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book
