Lille’s The Gastama by The People Hostel is a stylish, hip hostel in the historic part of the Northern French city.
The hostel’s industrial design combined with its recycled furniture makes for an inviting and easy-going atmosphere.
Important: Gastama Hostel changed its name to “The Gastama by The People Hostel”. It is the same accommodation.
The 5 Star Hostel in Lille has its own stylish-designed bar connecting locals and travelers.
Here you can enjoy several events including live concerts and language exchanges.
We loved what we found, and we assure you, you will like it to.
Lille is located in North France, and not too far away from Brussels and Paris. Here’s a few more guides you will enjoy:
- complete guide to best hostels in Paris, France
- best hostels in Nice, France – Beach Time anyone?
- best hostels in Marseille
- best hostels in Bordeaux
Here’s our detailed guide to best hostels in France – with itinerary and map.
Before we start, pack smart…
Remember to pack accordingly for staying in a hostel – yet, do not overpack.
Here’s our full packing list, including Noise-Cancelling ear plugs and your padlocks.
Review of The Gastama by The People Hostel in Lille
We had a closer look at this stylish accommodation with a trendy bar combined.
Let us have a look together why The Gastama by The People Hostel in Lille is a lovely design hostel to enjoy your time in this little gem.
1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
This boutique hostel in Lille opened its doors back in 2012. Locally managed by 2 partners, the Team cares about sustainability!
Get some organic coffee & tea, fresh local bread from a nearby French bakery, and of course the requisite organic orange juices.
All cleaning products throughout the hostel are green and non-toxic, labeled with the green EU Ecolabel.
The hostel’s decorations and furniture all come from recycled materials, turning the hostel into a precious, vintage-style 5 Star Accommodation.
If you are looking for any tours or activities in Lille or its surroundings, check out the local tour providers partnered with the accommodation – ask the hostel staff, they will be more than happy to help you!
Last but not least the inhouse Bar boasts local draft beer, produced by a local brewery with organic, ingredients – delicious!
2. New Industrial Design
This fancy hostel features a new industrial style, using old materials like
- lamps
- signs
- chairs and more
from the old train station, harbor and other locations.
These materials have been turned into stylish furniture and decoration.
The hostel is located in the historic part of Lille which has kept its authentic Flemish character.
Part of that character is also found in the hostel’s decoration:
- Exposed beams
- brick walls
- panoramic view over the old city’s rooftops.
3. Unique: The Mix
The unique part about this hostel is its warm and cozy atmosphere.
The staff is super friendly turning the hostel into a home.
You have endless options to socialize at this hostel, whether you want to chill at the terrace or get a delicious beer at the hostel bar.
Of course, this luxury hostel’s industrial design adds to the enjoyment and feel-good factor.
4. Live Music, Sport Events, Game Nights
The hostel’s bar offers a wide selection of different beers from Northern France, Belgium, UK and USA.
While enjoying and trying the different tastes of Northern France, and Belgium you can enjoy
- live concerts
- watch sports events on the TV
- improve your poker-face at Poker
- Games nights
- try to learn another language (language exchange nights)
The hostel hosts several language exchange events.
The bar is a place where locals and travelers meet and have a drink together.
However, the hostel itself has its own common area and a guest kitchen as well.
5. Meaning of “Gastama”?
Any idea what the words “Gastama” actually means?
Gastama means “welcoming” in Esperanto, and it’s quite accurate for this hostel in Lille!
The famed hospitality of the Northern French population shines through in the hostel’s friendly staff.
The staff also love a good joke, so you can tell some “lille” jokes…
They will make you feel right at home – Gastama is like a family. The team knows all the best places to go, especially the city’s best non-touristic places to hang out.
They enjoy spending time with travelers, and after work you can easily have a beer or coffee or even go out with them to these non-touristic places. The staff is composed of travelers with a passion to discover new cultures and share experiences.
