Travellers rate 'Best Hostels in the World'
77,000 hostel guests from all over the world have had their say. Their verdict is that the best hostels in the world can be found in Thailand, USA, Australia, Japan and Luxembourg.
This was revealed today when Hostelling International (HI) announced the winners of the "Best Hostel Awards 2010", which are all based on customer ratings made on hihostels.com.
Hostelling International (HI) is the only global network of hostel associations, offering 4,000 hostels in 90 countries worldwide. All hostels provide a good standard of accommodation in safe, friendly surroundings at affordable prices. The popular website hihostels.com details all the hostels, provides inspiring travel guides and enables instant online reservations. Every customer who makes a booking on hihostels.com is asked to rate various aspects of their stay. Those ratings form the basis of the HI Best Hostel Awards.
Best Hostel 2010: HI Baan Dinso, Bangkok, Thailand
This is the most prestigious award and it is given to the hostel with the highest overall rating. HI Baan Dinso in Bangkok is the winner for the second year in a row. The boutique hostel is an oasis of calm in a bustling city. It is praised for the exceptional service, comfort and cleanliness, but what really makes a difference is the staff, who are always prepared to go the extra mile to make everyone enjoy their stay.
Friendliest Hostel 2010: HI - Hyannis, USA
'Great staff' is the most frequent comment when the guests are asked about their experience of the hugely popular Cape Cod hostel, HI - Hyannis. It has got the second highest overall rating in the world, and when it comes to friendliness no other hostel can beat it! Every single guest has given the staff the highest "friendliness" rating.
Most Comfortable Hostel 2010: Sydney Harbour - The Rocks, Australia
Sydney Harbour - The Rocks has only been open since November 2009, but has already become a worldwide favorite among hostellers. All rooms are ensuite and have air-conditioning; the facilities include a large self catering kitchen, spacious communal areas, internet, on-site grocery store, daily activities, tour desk and coffee bar. The most outstanding feature of the hostel, however, is probably the rooftop terrace overlooking the harbour and the iconic Opera House.
Cleanest Hostel 2010: Shin-Osaka YH, Japan
Shin-Osaka Hostel has got the best customer rating in the world when it comes to cleanliness. The comfortable hostel is conveniently located close to Shin Osaka station. Guests can choose between dormitory rooms, twin rooms and Japanese style rooms. The staff are very helpful and the breakfast is also very much appreciated.
Most Efficient Hostel 2010: HI - Martha's Vineyard, USA
This hostel is set on a island with a tradition for relaxation and outdoor activities ranging from beautiful beaches, bicycle paths and art galleries to chartered fishing trips, kayak adventures and farm visits. The helpful staff always makes sure that everyone gets the most out of their stay. The pancakes also seem to be a particular favorite among the guests.
Best Hostel Country 2010 - Luxembourg
This award is given to the country with the highest average hostel rating. The Luxembourg Youth Hostel Association is a network of 10 hostels, the vast majority with an overall rating way above average. The hostels are set in some of the country's greatest beauty spots where accommodation varies from modern chalet-style buildings to an old brewery and an atmospheric castle.
