Dream Hostel manager Ville Virkki had a big smile on his face on Tuesday, after hearing about the Guardian article. No other Finnish, or even Nordic hostels graced the list of ten of the best luxury hostels in Europe.
The top ten was compiled by seasoned budget traveller Kash Bhattacharya, who praised the Tampere outfit for its “cool, clean design” and warm hospitality.
“I think we made the Guardian list of really great hostels because you can find the essence of hostel life at our place – a homely and uncontrived atmosphere. I believe that visitors pick up on the good chemistry of the small work community here. Also, as a small family business it’s easy for us to be really flexible,” a delighted Virkki mused.
Bhattacharya was also impressed by the free popcorn Dream Hostel offers on Friday nights or when it rains.
The Tampere hostel has been previously been chosen as Finland's hostel of the year 2010 and 2011 by customers of the world’s largest internet hostel reservation service Hostelworld.com.