Hostel Celica, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Bizarrely, the Hostel Celica used to be a prison, but now it is one of the coolest hostels on the planet, in a strategic position near the Slovenian capital’s train station. Celica actually means “cell”, and the rooms are in fact comfortable minimalist cells. But don’t worry, they are not at all like real cells any more, especially as more than eighty Slovenian artists transformed the first floor cells into individual works of art designing each room in its own theme ranging from traditional Slovenian to an all-wood Scandinavian type room, to Hollywood style or meditation room. This was all part of an elaborate municipal scheme – and the efforts have obviously paid off, as now people come to visit even if they are not staying here. Want to see what the rooms are like? Take a look at the great selection of photos and panoramic views.
The exterior, with its barbed wire and graffiti, can appear intimidating, but inside it’s a vibrant, chic hostel, with a bar in the back garden that seems to have become a meeting place for local arty types.
The Celica actually offers a variety of accommodation – cells for two, rooms, apartments and dorms. The price includes breakfast buffet, sheets and towels, and varies a bit according to the season – but at around 25 euros per person per night for a cell, or 18 euros per person per night for a place in a dorm – the Hostel Celica offers a very reasonably priced stay in Ljubljana.
