Guardian listed Celica Hostel among the 10 best luxury hostels in Europe

The Luxury Hostels of Europe guidebook launched two weeks ago together with partner Hostelworld. You can download your free version of the book at The Budget Traveller blog.

In his explanation for Celica Hostel Kash Bhattacharya wrote: "It’s hard to think of a better use for an ex-prison than what the team behind Celica Hostel in Slovenia have come up with. After more than a decade of persistance from a group of artists from the city, the prison building, which ceased use in 2001 and was almost demolished by the authorities, was reopened as a hotel, founded on the idea of the potential of creative spirit. Over 80 artists from around the world collaborated to help with the conversion, with each room (or cell) redesigned by them – one room features original work by Antony Gormley. Now it’s a buzzing place to stay, with its own art gallery, great cafe and restaurant area, and alternative venues found in the old warehouse buildings just behind it."

Celica Hostel was awarded by Lonely Planet as the Best hostel in the world in 2006. This year Celica has been awarded the prestigious Gold Travelife certification for its promotion of sustainable operation in the field of tourism.