Ostello Bello is an independent hostel brand with ten locations across Italy, including Milan, Rome, Naples, Palermo, Florence, Genoa, Como, Finale Ligure, Assisi-Bevagna, and Bologna. Founded in 2011 by a group of travellers and cultural enthusiasts, Ostello Bello was created to redefine the hostel experience by combining high-quality hospitality with a strong sense of community and cultural engagement.

Many travellers think of hostels as budget accommodations – how do you challenge and expand that perception?

At Ostello Bello, we believe that affordability should never come at the expense of quality or experience. Our hostels combine the comfort of boutique hospitality with the vibrancy of community living. We offer thoughtfully designed spaces, curated cultural events, and personalised services that go beyond the traditional hostel model – proving that hostels can be both budget-friendly and enriching.

What makes your locations across Italy unique? Do guests experience something different in Milan versus Palermo or Florence?

Each Ostello Bello location reflects the soul of its city. In Milan, guests enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe with design-forward spaces; Palermo offers a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere with strong local partnerships; Florence blends art and history with youthful energy. While our core values remain consistent, every hostel is tailored to its surroundings, offering guests a truly local and diverse experience across Italy.

You host Erasmus+ groups and study abroad programmes. What makes Ostello Bello a good partner for universities and NGOs?

We understand the specific needs of educational and mobility programmes. Ostello Bello provides flexible group accommodation, multilingual staff, and safe, inclusive environments ideal for intercultural exchange. Our experience with Erasmus+, NGOs, and universities allows us to offer tailored solutions – from logistics to cultural programming – making us a reliable and proactive partner for youth mobility initiatives.

How do you see the role of hostels evolving in the future of youth travel?

Hostels are becoming more than just places to sleep – they’re evolving into social hubs, learning spaces, and platforms for sustainable travel. As youth travellers seek authentic, community-driven experiences, hostels like Ostello Bello are leading the way by fostering connection, creativity, and cultural engagement. We see hostels playing a key role in shaping the future of inclusive and responsible tourism.