Generator Hamburg

The Generator Hostel Hamburg feels nothing like a typical budget hostel, at least in the shared spaces. Part of Europe's Generator chain, these properties are for travelers who have graduated from ultra low-frills backpacking to something closer to a hotel. At this location, the common areas combine elements such as concrete and exposed brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and bold wall designs, or tiered ceilings with high-end recessed lighting, all creating an industrial, urban vibe that fits with the bustling St. Georg neighborhood. The breakfast room has modern banquettes and Eames-style armless wooden chairs around pedestal tables, and it's fronted by a street-facing window, giving an airy feel to the room. The long bar is surrounded by brushed aluminum barstools, and has a seating area with plush, colorful couches and tub chairs, and even a foosball table. When the TVs aren't blaring, there's music -- a great feature for guests who want to stay up late and party, but something to consider in addition to noise in the shared rooms. As a hostel, it's not suitable for family or business travelers, but locals frequent the bar alongside in addition to the tourists and backpackers. Travelers under 18 must book private rooms and have permission of a guardian to travel, and guests are not permitted to bring in any food from the outside. 

The Generator's location is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's just across from the train station -- a real boon to explore Hamburg's vibrant neighborhoods. On the other, it's a seedy area that can feel a bit dodgy at night. Still, attractions are within easy reach. Just a minute away from the hostel on foot is Hamburg's Museum of Art and Industry. It's an eight-minute train ride to Old Town, where some of Hamburg's historic buildings and monuments are housed. Sternschanze, or simply “Schanze,” is nine minutes away by train; reminiscent of Berlin, this is where all the hipsters live, work, and play. Then there's HafenCity, Hamburg's most upscale neighborhood, which is just a 15-minute train ride from central station. The airport is a direct connection to the train station, and it's a quick, 25-minute train trip. 

As hostels go, the Generator Hamburg is massive, with 200 rooms including four-, six-, and eight-person suites, all-female dorms, as well as single and double private rooms. Rooms are accessible via elevator, and require keycard access. All the beds have pillows and bed linens, and every guest has access to a footlocker under the bottom bunk. Padlocks and towels may be rented at the desk. The bunks have a power strip with an LED light, a USB adaptor, and a power source. The private rooms have wall lights, a few coat hangers and small desks with backless dressing table stools, but are otherwise completely stripped down. The rooms do have basic bathrooms, about the size of an airplane toilet and complete with streamlined plastic counters, and a stand-up shower with a hanging curtain. 

This hostel has loads of amenities, all nestled around original works of art, exposed brick walls, and contemporary furnishings. A well-priced and varied continental breakfast is served in a hip dining room. At the bar, guests can mix it up together or with locals, listening to music, playing foosball, or outside on the terrace. There's also a screening room for films, with a projection screen that fills the wall, as well as flat-screen TVs. Movies, DJs, and music are brought in regularly to entertain guests. The hostel has a 24-hour desk, coin-op laundry facilities, and bike rentals. In addition to the room's footlockers, guests can rent luggage lockers downstairs, though depending on how long storage is needed, it could be cheaper to store bags at the train station. (Given the neighborhood, the front door security is welcome, if at times slow.) There is a bank of free computers as well as desk space with ample wall outlets for those who want to use their own devices. And the free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel is decent.