Family-friendly hostels, here and abroad

Hostels, once reserved for the undiscerning, student crowd, have gone through an amazing transformation. Today, hostels are more boutique hotel than dirty digs, where vacationing families, with children of all ages, are welcome. Here are a few family-friendly hostels, here and abroad.

Chicago Getaway Hostel, Chicago, Ill.

Consistently rated as one of the top hostels in the world, this property has more than 100 private family rooms. Decor is industrial chic, with black chrome bed frames and furnishings, punctuated with vividly colored walls and accessories.

616 West Arlington Place, 773-929-5380, www.getawayhostel.com, private family rooms (up to four people) with shared bath, $99-$165, with half-bath, $109-$195, with full bath, $145-$275.

Chicago Getaway Hostel
, Chicago, Ill.

Families enjoy free weekend barbecues on the outdoor patio and a cable TV room, and can use the commercial-size kitchen.

616 West Arlington Place, 773-929-5380, www.getawayhostel.com, private family rooms (up to four people) with shared bath, $99-$165, with half-bath, $109-$195, with full bath, $145-$275.

Pigeon Point Lghthouse Hostel, Pescadero, Calif.

How often do you get to spend a night in a lighthouse keeper’s quarters? The restored house, 50 miles south of San Francisco, sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, next to one of the tallest lighthouses in America.

210 Pigeon Point Road, 650-879-0633, www.norcalhostels.org, private family rooms (up to six people) with full bath, $159.

Hosteria Grau, Barcelona, Spain

This hostel is loaded with character and charm, with antique woodwork, hardwood and tile floors, and soft lighting.

08001 Barcelona, 011-34-933-018-135, hostelgrau.com, apartment with full kitchen and full bath, $125-$230, private family rooms (up to 5 people) with full bath, $115-$190.

Hosteria Grau, Barcelona, Spain

A downstairs lounge, with wood ceiling beams and comfy couches, is a pleasant place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

08001 Barcelona, 011-34-933-018-135, hostalgrau.com, apartment with full kitchen and full bath, $125-$230, private family rooms (up to 5 people) with full bath, $115-$190.

Villa Saint Exupery, Nice, France

This top-ranked hostel, housed in a former convent in the French Riviera, has more than 30 private rooms, most with full baths.

22 avenue Gravier, 0800-307-409, 011-33-493-844-283, www.villahostels.com, private family rooms (up to four people) with full bath, $28-$44 per person.

Villa Saint Exupery, Nice, France

During winter off-season, you can snag a six-bedroom suite with full bath for under $130 per night, including breakfast.

22 avenue Gravier, 0800-307-409, 011-33-493-844-283, www.villahostels.com, private family rooms (up to four people) with full bath, $28-$44 per person.