The Brand Turning Spy Quarters, Historic Buildings into Hostels

Europe’s largest hostel chain doesn’t take the typical approach when it comes to opening new properties; in fact, a&o Hostels prefers to take old, existing buildings with interesting previous uses and transforms them into modern hostels. Ever wanted to sleep in former spy headquarters or a room of a former classic author? If your travels take you to Germany or the United Kingdom, you can do just that.

© a&o Hostels

Cologne Neumarkt, Germany

Once headquarters for Bundesnachrichtendienst, the foreign intelligence service for Germany, this hostel preserved the building’s connecting corridor/escape route in its basement rooms, making you feel like a true spy while exploring the property.

© a&o Hostels

Brighton Palace Pier, United Kingdom

This hostel was previously a hotel as far back as 1819, complete with classic, Victorian-era architecture. The former hotel was once visited by author Charles Dickens, with a blue plaque on the hostel’s wall commemorating his stay. In fact, Dickens read his novel David Copperfield in 1860 at the hotel.

© a&o Hostels

Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, Germany

Sleep in the former place of state security who checked all letters from the west during World War II. Located across from Leipzig Central Station, this hostel was built by the Fuggers, a prominent German family known for their enormous wealth accumulated in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

© a&o Hostels

Hamburg Reeperbahn, Germany

In this refurbished building, you can enjoy a stay in a hostel once the home of a sailor, pointing to this district’s rich history.