Hostel Celica Wins Excellence Award for Slovenia
The world’s leading provider of youth accommodations and social travel has announced the winners of its annual HOSCAR Awards for 2025 - the only travel awards that specifically recognize excellence in the hostel sector. The winner for Slovenia is the unique Hostel Celica, managed by the Ljubljana Castle.
HOSCAR Award: The Best Accommodation for Travelers
Reviews from seven million users of the booking platform determined the winners of the 2025 awards. Ratings were based on key criteria, including overall customer experience, value for money, safety, location, atmosphere, staff, cleanliness, and facilities. The HOSCAR Award represents the best accommodation for travelers across various categories. Each country receives a HOSCAR for its best hostel, and in Slovenia, the most votes went to Hostel Celica, which has been managed by the Ljubljana Castle Public Institution since 2018.
Hostel Celica: Committed to Sustainable Tourism
Bare prison cells have been transformed into unique works of art. Rest your eyes on the wall art by Maxim Issajev. Photo: Hostel Celica
Founded in 1999 and based in Ireland, Hostelworld is a well-known and trusted brand with hostel partners in over 180 countries. In recent years, it has also focused on improving sustainability within the hostel industry. In 2023, Hostel Celica participated in Hostelworld’s annual conference, which highlights new developments and features of the platform, particularly in sustainable practices. Hostel Celica is dedicated to sustainable tourism, holding the Green Key and Slovenia Green Accommodation certifications.
Winning the HOSCAR Award confirms the success of Hostel Celica’s unique concept and story. Once a military prison that divided people, today its walls bring travelers from around the world together in a vibrant and artistic atmosphere.
Hostel Celica: A Former Military Prison
Hostel Celica is a former military prison that has been transformed into a hostel with an amazing interior, featuring 20 unique, artistically converted prison cells and 9 comfortable rooms. Loved by travelers and travel guides: "Hippest hostel #1" (Lonely Planet) and one of "25 ultimate places to stay" (Rough Guides). Additionally, it holds numerous internationally recognized sustainability certifications, making it even more attractive place to visit.
Find out more about the award here.