Budget hotel: Slovenia

Hostel Celica

LJUBLJANA (SI) - Hostel Celica provides a unique overnight experience in the centre of Ljubljana. The building stands on the grounds of Metelkova, an area for alternative urban culture that once served as a prison for the Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian armies. In 2003 the building, with its dark history, was transformed into a space of light, colour and free encounters. The design team consisted of architects, artists and an art historian, and the renovation process involved more than 80 Slovenian and foreign artists who transformed the former cells into an avant-garde hostel that functions as a hotel at night and open gallery during the day. Sleeping in a former cell with bars on the doors attracts not just youngsters, but also many adventurous older guests.

Price per night per person: from €17 to €28
Address: Metelkova 8, SI -1000 Ljubljana
Architects: Janko Rožič, Ira Zorko, Aleksander Ostan, Jiri Koćica, Žiga Okorn and Vesna Krmelj
Date of renovation: 2003