The word hostel may have you immediately reaching for the insecticide, but it’s time to put aside your prejudices and embrace communal quarters – the number of ‘hip hostels‘ on our radar continues to rise.

Have a gander at this re-imagining of the bed-on-a-budget in Porto, Portugal. Tattva Design Hostel (named as everyone knows after the Sanskrit word for elements) was born when a family decided their ideas for developing their building were something worth sharing.

Outside two world heritage listed facades have been renovated to provide a really attractive frontage. Inside, the rooms, apart from being very well-equipped and accessible for this type of accommodation, have been lovingly and individually designed to give not only maximum comfort, but a generous dash of flair.

For those wishing to give their own house a similar makeover, NN Arquitectura and designers Mundano are the brains behind the beauty, along with owners Quishan Laximidas and Himali Bachu. The hostel can be found on Rua do Cativo, handily located within walking distance of all the city attractions. Now you just need to find 8 friends…