ABOVE: An ACTV motoscafo water bus passes the Generator Hostel Venice, a.k.a. the Ostello Venezia, as it cruises down the Giudecca Canal. (The hostel is the light-brown brick building in the center of the photo.)

The Ostello Venezia, or Venice Youth Hostel, has a new name and a new interior. It's now the Generator Hostel Venice, joining the Generator group's roster of stylish design-themed hostels in Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, and London.

In preparation for the rebranding and relaunch, Generator hired Anwar Mekhayech of The Design Agency to overhaul the building. The company's PR agency writes:

"Under the supervision from the Fine Arts Committee, the handsome original timber beams, grand twin staircases, roof truss, and original stone columns have been restored, adding to the magical feeling of the space."

The renovated hostel, which opened in September, 2013, has 240 beds in mixed-gender dorms, female-only dorms, and private 2- to 4-bed rooms. Rates include bedding and Wi-Fi, a laundry room is available, and a bar and restaurant are on the premises.

For more information, visit the Generator Hostel Venice pages at Generatorhostels.com.

We also suggest reading our illustrated article about the hostel at Veniceforvisitors.com, which includes a custom satellite map of the Generator Hostel's location on the Giudecca waterfront and directions on how to reach the hostel by public transportation.

BELOW: Another view of the hostel, taken from the Fondamenta Croce on Giudecca.