Planning your trip

• BUG
  No, not as in "bedbug" - it´s the Backpackers´ Ultimate Guide. This website is probably older than the internet itself. It was the first website with uncensored, authentic user reviews about hostels and lots of invaluable information about how to live it up without blowing the budget has been added since the early days. Hats off to Tim Uden!
  http://www.bug.co.uk/
  
  
• How to see the World
  European and World Backpacking; in 25 chapters, 100,000 words, and 120 illustrations is How to See the World. Written by an independent traveler of 35 countries via eight economical tours, this complete online guide has tips, commentary, and humor for travelers of every kind.
  http://www.artoftravel.com/
  
  
• Trip Advisor
  Another popular site full of travellers´ rants and raves about hotels, hostels, restaurants, tours, you name it. Has a good forum, too.
  http://www.tripadvisor.com/
  
  
• Traveldodo
  On this site you can zoom in on a map to the places you want to visit and read "do" and "don´t" reviews of other travellers. Pretty good idea. Quite popular site with lots of random tips!
  http://www.traveldodo.com/
  
  
• Top Backpacking Destinations
  A great blog about well-known and off-the-beaten-track destinations. If you haven´t itchy feet yet, just click here:
  http://www.backpackingtraveldestinations.co.uk/
  
  

Travel Forums

• Lonely Planet Thorn Tree
  The mother of travel forums. Zillions of users, all possible and impossible questions already asked and answered.
  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa
  
  
• BootsnAll Travel Boards
  http://boards.bootsnall.com/
  
  

Hostel directories

• TFT Hostels
  This very cool new site combines the directories of all major hostel booking websites into a single interface, saving you time and money. You can easily compare the availabilities and prices the hostels have set on various booking websites to make sure you get the best possible deal. 
  http://www.tfthostels.com/ 

• Hostelworld
  Just about every hostel on this planet can be booked on Hostelworld. We do it all the time and so do our guests. Hostelworld now has over a million reviews about more than 20,000 hostels worldwide - read those before you book.
  A hint about how we read the average ratings:
  90% or more = very good
  85% - 89% = quite decent, but minor flaws
  80% - 84% = average; nothing special
  75% - 79% = only book there if nothing else is available
  74% or less = we´d rather sleep on a park bench
  http://www.hostelworld.com/
  
  
• Hostelbookers
  The same thing - has less choices, but no booking fee.
  http://www.hostelbookers.com/
  
  
• Homelidays
  A huge database of Bed & Breakfasts and self-catering accomodations throughout Europe
  http://www.homelidays.com/
  
  
• Hotel-base
  Lists hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses all over the world, with links to their websites.
  http://www.hotel-base.com/
  
  
• Hostelz
  Reviews, pictures and links
  http://www.hostelz.com/
  

Tours

• Busabout
  Busabout Explorer is our partner in Vienna since 2000 and in Munich since we opened there in 2004. They offer a unique hop-on / hop-off, hostel door to hostel door travel network throughout Europe. Very good if you appreciate the benefits of a tour like having an in-the-know guide at hand while still insisting on the independence to go where you like when you like. Their road crew are a crazy funny bunch and there is a lot of fun to be had with the fellow Busabouters, too. Busabout Adventures offers groundbreaking tours throughout Europe and North Africa. We highly recommend both.
  http://www.busabout.com/
  
  
• Flying Puli
  Hop-on / hop-off door-to-door travel network in Central & Eastern Europe
  http://www.flyingpuli.com/

Transport

• Air Ninja
  Helps you to find budget airline flights
  http://www.airninja.com/
  
  
• Sky Scanner
  Does exactly the same
  http://www.skyscanner.net/
  
  
• CheapFlights
  Good site to find cheap flights from the UK
  Find flights to Germany 
  Find flights to Austria
  
  
• Eurolines
  Europe´s version of Greyhound
  http://www.eurolines.com/
  
  
• Train connections
  Every country in has its own railway network. The wacky Brits have even several of them.  Navigating through all their websites in search for train connections can easily drive you crazy. The Germans, efficient as they are known to be, have solved the problem. The website of Deutsche Bahn knows every train everywhere and even speaks your language. Applause! Here you go:
  http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
  
  
• Rental Rhinos ... err... CARS
  OK, there are zillions of rental car companies and even more websites to book them. We admit we haven´t yet figured out that universe. Anyway, you might want to check out this Rhinotastic car rental site: they use some of their profit to adopt Rhinos - i.e. they support the International Rhino Foundation to support the excellent work they carry out in the ongoing struggle to protect the worlds Rhino population. 
            http://www.rhinocarhire.com/

Fun Stuff

• Boys around the World
  The drunken pledge of Ise, Lynchy, Danny and Catz to visit every country in the world.
  http://www.boysaroundtheworld.co.nr/

• Travels of Adam
  A more sober approach to travelling, fascinating to read anyway. If Adam´s travel blog doesn´t give you itchy feet, you´re a hopeless case: burn your passport.
  http://travelsofadam.com/

Serious Stuff

• Travel Insurance Guide
  Information about providers, reviews of providers, helpful tips and information about what policy would best suit you.
  http://www.travelinsuranceguide.org.uk/backpacking-student.html
  
  
• Frangle
  Travelling somewhere and you want to help, but you have now clue HOW?  Frangle shows you what you can bring, where you can help. German only.
  http://frangle.org/

DESTINATION LINKS: EUROPE 

Austria

Salzburg:
YoHo (International Youth Hostel)
A very good hostel, close to the center and recently renovated. The in-house bar is the best Salzburg´s stale nightlife has to offer.
          http://www.yoho.at/

Muffin Hostel
A new summer hostel in Salzburg, open July and August.
          http://www.salzburghostel.com

Grünau:
We assume Grünau, an unremarkable village in Upper Austria´s Almtal valley is not high on your places-to-visit-list. The Treehouse Backpacker Hotel should make you think twice! The scenery is really lovely, summer and winter alike, a ski lift is within easy walking distance and last but not least, we know no other 40-bed-hostel with two bars. We have spent a few memorable weekends there as well as some we don´t remember!
          http://www.treehousehotel.net/

Bad Gastein:
A glorious old Austrian Ski resort. The Euro Youth Hotel is in a former 4-star-hotel with an unbeatable location: the ski lift and the train station are just across the street.
          http://www.euro-youth-hotel.at/

Kitzbühel:
Snowbunny´s Backpackers 
          http://www.snowbunnys.co.uk/

Kirchberg: (right next to Kitzbühel)
Club Habitat 
          http://www.clubhabitat.at/

Linz:
Youth Hotel Linz 
          http://www.youthotel-linz.at/

Innsbruck:
Nepomuk´s 
          http://www.nepomuks.at/

Jugendherberge/Pension St. Nikolaus
          http://www.hostelnikolaus.at/

Belgium

Use-It
That´s a Belgian youth travel information office, making most informative and witty maps of Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Their website is well worth checking out.
          http://www.use-it.be/ 

Antwerp:
New International YouthHotel
          http://www.youthhotel.be/

Bruges:
Snuffel
          http://www.snuffel.be/

Brussels:
A bunch of hostels on one website
          http://www.brusselsyouthhostels.be/

Bulgaria

Plovdiv:
Plovdiv Guesthouse
          http://www.plovdivguest.com/

Sofia:
Sofia Guesthouse
          http://www.sofiaguest.com/

Hostel On The Way
The biggest small hostel in Bulgaria!
          http://www.hostelontheway.com/

Croatia

Korcula Accomodation
Online bookings of apartments, rooms, houses, hotels, sailing boats, yachts and lighthouses in the Adriatic. Huge database.
          http://www.korcula-accommodation.com/ind_eng.htm

Zagreb:
Hostel Lika
          http://www.hostel-lika.com/

Makarska:
Makarska Apartments
          http://www.apartments-makarska.com/

Czech Republic

Prague:
Blind Eye Hostel
Brand new hostel with a really nice owner! It is not placed directly into the center, but close enough and close to the railway and bus stations and in an area full of nice and underground pubs. An hostel with a cool and open-minded spirit.
          http://www.blindeyehostel.com/

Czech Inn
A superb new hostel
          http://www.czech-inn.com/

Sir Toby´s Hostel
Well-established hostel with excellent reputation
          http://www.sirtobys.com/

Miss Sophie´s Hostel
Same management as Sir Toby´s, equally super
          http://www.miss-sophies.com/

Old Prague Hostel / Prague Square Hostel
Fantastic locations and excellent facilities.
          http://www.oldpraguehostel.com/
          http://www.praguesquarehostel.com/
These two sister hostels also have a common website with tons uf useful information and links about Prague:
          http://www.praguecentralhostels.com/

Boathouse Hostel
A wonderful place to stay, nice location close to the river but a little further from the center
          http://www.hostelboathouse.com/

Lion Hostel
Not your typical party hostel if that´s not your cup of tea. Only private rooms, with TV and fridge, decent location, friendly staff and fair prices.
          http://www.prague-lion.com/

Traveller´s Hostel
Has also hostels in Cesky Krumlov, Brno and Trebic
          http://www.travellers.cz/

Cesky Krumlov
Krumlov House
As Krumau (as we call the place in German) is only a few hours away we have already been there several times. This lovely small American-owned hostel is where we have stayed - and where we will stay again.
          http://www.krumlovhostel.com/


Olomouc
Poets Corner
Small flat with homely feel - easy to get to know people. Owners Greg and Francie are full of information about town and surrounding area, encouraging guests to visit interesting and good-value places that you'd never know about otherwise. The city is very beautiful, and not crowded, with relaxed atmosphere and a variety of bars, restaurants and tea-houses, as well as historic sites. Easy to spend several days here, exploring.
          http://www.hostelolomouc.com/

France

Paris:
Fat Tire Bike Tours
Awesome Bike and Segway tours
          http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com/

Nice:
Villa Saint Exupery
The best youth hostel in town - it´s in a former monastery. 
          http://www.vsaint.com/



Chamonix:
Chalet Bechard
If 'home' is what you are looking for, this is your place. Without the craziness of Chamonix, you're still in amongst all the facilities you need for the perfect skiing adventure in the Chamonix valley. Only 10 minutes walk from Argentiere station. This hostel makes a backpacking ski adventure far too easy!
          http://www.elevated-leisure.com/Chalet_Bechard.html

Germany

German Backpacker Network
An association of independent quality backpacker hostels in Germany. Great website, worth checking out. 
          http://www.backpacker-network.de/


Bamberg
Backpackers Bamberg
Bamberg's atmosphere is unique: charged with historic importance (it´s a UNESCO world heritage site), packed with architectural highlights and filled with restaurants to get stuffed in. Bamberg's seven hills invite to stroll around streets with ancient buildings and marvel at times gone by. Backpackers Bamberg is a charming small hostel right between the train station and the historic city center.
          http://www.backpackersbamberg.de/


Bochum
Aleppo Hotel & Hostel
Bochum is the heart and soul of the Ruhrgebiet, the mining area where Germany´s industrialization started. Aleppo combines a 3-star hotel and a hostel, is cloce to the center and the mining museum.
          http://hotel-aleppo.de/


Bonn
Max Hostel
Bonn went a little into hibernation mode since the government went to Berlin, but it´s still a popular student town with lots to offer - and certainly worth a visit. The new, modern Max Hostel is well located, friendly, clean and has a fantastic kitchen area.  
          http://www.max-hostel.de/


Bremen
Yet another German UNESCO world heritage site! Bremen is home to 0.7 million SV Werder Bremen maniacs and:

Townside Hostel
A charming old house run by a charming young lady! Very cool, clean and modern place. Located within walking distance to major sites but also well connected by tram to the train station. It's where the party's at - loads of bars and restaurants just around the corner, yet the hostel itself is in a quiet street. Staff is very helpful and reception open 'til at least 23h. They have quite a number of handy guides to both cultural and party places in Bremen.  
          http://www.townside.de/

GastHaus Bremen
The hostel is exactly what traveling kids want: on the cheaper side and the company of fellow travelers is both good and varied. Its location is great for walking around the good main sites in Bremen.
          http://www.bremer-backpacker-hostel.de/


Dortmund
emBedo Hostel
Welcome to Dortmund's only Backpacker Hostel. The house is located quiet and central in the popular Kreuzviertel district with its numerous diners and bars in the immediate vicinity of the Westfalenhallen and Exhibition Center. The Signal-Iduna-Park is within walking distance.
          http://www.embedo.de/


Dresden
Lollis Homestay
Great social atmosphere, common activities, occasional free dinner, funky rooms. You´ll fall in love with this place instantly. `Nuff said.
          http://www.lollishome.de/

Mondpalast
VERY coloful rooms, downstairs bar opens onto the street. Also in the Neustadt quarter.
          http://www.mondpalast.de/


Duisburg
Dorms & Dorm City Hostel
The new and only low budget hostel very close to the city center of Duisburg. The house consists of dorms and double rooms with low prices and high standards. You can use a computer with DSL for free. WiFi Access points are all over the house. You can reach the central station within a 15 minutes walk. 
          http://www.hostel-duisburg.de/


Düsseldorf
Backpackers Düsseldorf
A unique hostel close to the old town and the harbor area. Lots of common space, clean, organized and cozy. Without doubt the best choice in Düsseldorf.
          http://www.backpackers-duesseldorf.de/


Erfurt
Opera Hostel
"Made from backpacker dreams" - no exaggeration there. The Opera Hostel is located in a listed historical building (right at the old opera house) which hosted a long list of elegant restaurants and posh hotels. It was beautifully restored in 2006-2008 and is now one of Germany´s most outstanding hostels. 
          http://www.opera-hostel.de/

re_4 Hostel
Another recycled jewel here - this hostel is in a former police station! Huge rooms, no bunks but *real* beds, garden & BBQ area, friendly and knowledgeable local staff. No shortage of remarkable hostels in Erfurt, you make the call!
          http://www.re4hostel.com/


Frankfurt am Main...
is not just that city next to Germany´s biggest airport. It´s the most international city in Germany, the largest financial centre on the continent, the historical city of coronations, the city of Goethe and the Frankfurt School… In brief, the smallest metropolis in the world, in which there is a lot to discover at close hand.
Five Elements Hostel
Brand-new hostel within spitting distance of the main train station and 24/7 bar&reception. Very Friendly staff, great facilities and activities, very convenient location, yummy breakfast and a good place to meet people.
          http://www.5elementshostel.de/


Freiburg im Breisgau
Black Forest Hostel
The Black Forest Hostel offers beds for a good value in dormitories as well as in double and single rooms. The hostel is located near the historic part of Freiburg and it is easy to reach.
          http://www.blackforest-hostel.de/


Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Hostel 2962
The location really couldn't be any more convenient, it is literally about a block and a half away from the Garmisch train station. You can also get a local bus to Neuschwanstein or Linderhof Castle. The staff is beyond accomodating and very nice. If you are looking for a nice place to stay and relax this is it.
          http://www.hostel2962.com/


Göttingen
Hostel 37
Germany´s smallest hostel (11 beds!), but one of the most comfortable ones, too. An excellent place to stay. Neat and clean rooms, good bath & wash facilities. There couldn't be a better location for a hostel. A very friendly and helpful staff as well. Definitely recommended!
          http://www.hostel37.de/


Halle an der Saale
Halle sports the largest Beatles Museum on the planet. Who would have thought...!
Citystationhostel
Nice hostel in good location. Cheap internet, beautiful living room and guest kitchen. But the shower doesn't speak any English. 
          http://www.hostel-halle.de/


Hamburg
Kastanien Hotel
Cheesy without being sleezy. Interior will give you a good laugh...
It is understandable that you may have suspicions about this place as it is in the red light district and was a brothel two years ago. However, this should not intimidate! This hostel is really fun, with a great staff. The rooms have a brothel character which adds to the fun. 
          http://www.kastanien-hotel.de/

Backpackers St. Pauli
A small, friendly hostel located close to the Reeperbahn. It's a bit of a trek to get there from the main train station, but the general location of the hostel is pretty good. The staff are very friendly and helpful as well, and good fun to chat with in the cafe during the evening.
          http://www.backpackers-stpauli.de/

Schanzenstern Hostels
Two locations - one in St. Pauli and one in Altona.
          http://www.schanzenstern.de/

Instant Sleep
          http://www.instantsleep.com/

Superbude
A new, stylish hotel/hostel. Do I want to be alone or with another person, would I also be willing to share? 2x2 makes four, and the fun is all the more!
          http://www.superbude.de/


Heidelberg
Steffis Hostel
Conveniently located just around the corner of the train station in a nicely restored former warehouse building. Much more than a place to sleep, this hostel is about as close to perfect as it gets. Extremely clean, exceptionally nice common rooms (a large kitchen and a reception room with two computers with internet access), fantastic showers (each with a small changing area attached), generously sized rooms and courteous staff.
          http://www.hostelheidelberg.de/


Köln (=Cologne)
Station Hostel
          http://www.hostel-cologne.de/


Leipzig:
Central Globetrotter
          http://www.globetrotter-leipzig.de/

Sleepy Lion
          http://www.hostel-leipzig.de/

Weimar
Labyrinth Hostel
Brand new, colorful and modern hostel (opening March 2009) in Goethe´s old home town, right on Goethe Square (where else?). Cheap rates, free coffee and tea, all amenities you´ll expect.
          http://www.weimar-hostel.com/

Hababusch Hostel
Named after Lieselotte Hababusch, one of Goethe´s travel (bed-?) mates. Beautiful old building, a 15 minute walk from the station.
          http://www.hababusch.de/

Werningerode
Harz Hostel
A newly opened small hostel in the historic town of Werningerode in the Harz Mountains
          http://www.harz-hostel.de/

Würzburg
Babelfish Hostel
The Babelfish is small, yellow and leech-like, and probably the oddest thing in the universe. That´s what the Hitchhikers Guide says. According to Oolon Colluphid it even makes God disappear in a puff of logic. We want to add that the Babelfish is friendly, well located just next to the station and has an awesome roof deck from where you can watch the end of the universe. And, of course, everything else you´d expect in a decent hostel. Like, err, towels!
It also has a website:
          http://www.babelfish-hostel.de/
AND a blog!
          http://www.babelfish-hostel.de/blog/

Greece

Athens:
Athenstyle
Athenstyle Beds, Suites & Bar is a centrally located budget hotel and hostel in Athens. The hostel offers shared rooms, studio flats with kitchenette and view on the Acropolis and an amazing roof terrace on the top floor!
          http://www.athenstyle.com/

Hungary

Budapest:
Aboriginal Hostel
Hostels with an Aussie theme have our instant sympathy! The Aboriginal is a small and cosy hostel within a 15 minute walk from (Keleti) station and about the same distance from the center of town. It´s very close to a lively student ghetto as well. There´s a comfy living room with a small kitchen and the small size if the hostel (24 beds) gives it a homey atmosphere. Free internet and wifi. Csaba (the owner) is a great host.
          http://www.aboriginalhostel.com/

Backpack Guesthouse
The oldest independent hostel in town. Slightly out of town, but otherwise Attila´s and Bori´s place is just like a good hostel should be. We have stayed there more than once. Good times!
          http://www.backpackbudapest.hu/

Anadin Hostel
Female-only hostel. For every girl who enjoys to be on the streets all day long visiting sights, but who later at night prefers to have a cozy and quiet place to stay, Anadin Hostel is the place to be. Imagine a friendly apartment with comfy furniture, a well-equipped kitchen, a bright dorm and you'll get a good idea. Jenny, the owner, makes sure that everything is clean and that you will be able to find your way through the city.
          http://www.budapestyouthhostel.com/

Corvin Point Hostel
A new small hostel with excellent location and state-of-the-art facilities. Has apartments, too.
          http://www.corvinpoint.com/

Yep! Hostel
With staying in the Yep! Hostel you will spend your time in a friendly, homey place. The few rooms are quite big. The staff is really friendly and easygoing. Also, if you want to go out in Budapest or if you just want to see the inner city, the hostel seems to be perfectly located. Definitely a recommendation!
          http://www.yephostel.com/

Lake Balaton:
Hullám Hostel
          http://www.balatonhostel.hu/

Ireland

Galway:
Snoozles
A new, modern, clean and friendly hostel in the centre of Galway city.
          http://www.snoozleshostelgalway.ie/

Italy

Rome:
Hostels Alessandro
They have two hostels in Rome - "Downtown" and "Palace". We have stayed in the "Palace" and certainly enjoyed our stay. Nice double rooms with other furniture than just a plain bed, air condition, super-clean bathroom, excellent location very close to the station. Oh, and then there is free pizza every other day!
          http://www.hostelsalessandro.com/


Florence:
Archi Rossi Hostel
This hostel has been around longer than most others in Europe - and it´s still awesome. Fantastic location just a few meters from the station, in a wonderfully decorated building. It has a nice garden, free walking tours and occasionally even free dinner.
          http://www.hostelarchirossi.com/

Naples:
Giovanni´s Home Hostel
Giovanni puts the "host" back into "hostel"! A very friendly, small place - it is actually Giovanni´s home and he´ll make you feel at home instantly. One of the best hostel experiences to be had in Europe - highly, highly recommended!
          http://www.giovannishome.com/

Hostel of the Sun
          http://www.hostelnapoli.com/

Various Hostels in Naples
          http://www.hostelsofnaples.com/

Bella Capri Hostel & Hotel
          http://www.bellacapri.it/

Venice:
Lagoon Hostel
          http://www.lagoonhostel.com/

Ostello Venezia
          http://www.ostellovenezia.it/

Ischia Island:
Ring Hostel
          http://www.ringhostel.com/

Rimini:
Sunflower Hostels
Great places to stay in Rimini. One close to the beach, the other in the city center. Both with great atmosphere, spotless rooms and good facilities. Easy to meet people or just to chill.
          http://www.sunflowerhostel.com/

Latvia

Riga:

The Naughty Squirrel
You won't find better facilities, location, staff and ambiance in any other hostel in Riga. Everyone always has a grin from ear to ear. Ieva, Elina, Sandra and Solveiga make you feel right at home from the moment you meet them (and they're all super cute;)). I highly recommend this hostel for anyone and everyone! Make sure to eat Pirags, piparkukas, pirags, piparkukas, pirags, piparkukas, pirags, piparkukas. 
          http://thenaughtysquirrel.com/


Barons City Center Hostel
Ideally located on a popular shopping road in central Riga, lots of restaurants and pubs nearby. Train and coach station also not far. Barons is a pleasant hostel in an old-style apartment and has a homey athmosphere. Excellent security, great guest kitchen. If you´re looking for something chilled rather than the usual stag/hen´s night party place this friendly Australian-owned hostel is the right place for you.
          http://www.baronshostel.com/


The Riga House Hostel
None of us has been at The House (or in Riga, for that matter), but when I read the reviews about this hostel, I immediately checked up how much a flight to Riga costs.
I will definitely stay in this hostel very soon.
Quote:
"This hostel might actually be the shiznit. The owner (Karlis) will engage his guests in conversation and alcohol consumption (even soft spoken lesbian chefs). If you´re ever bored, he´ll find you a place to drink, shoot guns... or both. I really had a ball at this place. You´ll feel at home as soon as you step through the door. Go there, say Hi to Karlis from me, then go out and buy two apple pies. PS! Don´t wrestle Karlis, or he won´t have sex with you (unless you´re a soft spoken lesbian chef)".
          http://www.riga-hostels.com/ 

Liepaja:
Travellers Beach Hostel
Same management as Barons City Center Hostel in Riga. Brand new hostel in a wonderful old building near the beach and the old town.
          http://www.beachhostel.lv/

Netherlands

Amsterdam:
Flying Pig Hostels
The Flying Pigs rightfully belong to Europe´s most famous hostels. They have been around for ages and catered generations of backpackers. Cleaning the rooms is not their biggest passion, but the location and atmosphere are second to none.
          http://www.flyingpig.nl/

My Home Bed & Breakfast
If you want something quieter in ambience, this small family-run hotel right next to the station (and city center) might be the perfect choice for you. Cosy rooms, super-friendly staff and excellent breakfast.
          http://www.amsterdambudgethotel.com/

Norway

Oslo:
Anker Hostel
          http://www.ankerhostel.no/

Poland

Warsaw:
Hostel Krokodyl
Located slightly away from the tourist stuff, in the hip Praga district, the only neighborhood in Warsaw not destroyed in WW2. A brand-new hostel with enthusiastic staff, state-of-the-art design & facilities and even a backyard BBQ place and a private secure car parking. We totally recommend to stay with the friendly Crocodile.
          http://www.hostelkrokodyl.com/


Okidoki Hostel
Yes, it´s okidoki to stay there.
          http://www.okidoki.pl/

Dizzy Daisy Hostel
Cheap accomodation in Warsaw's centre.
          http://www.warszawahostel.pl/

Hostel Helvetia
          http://www.hostel-helvetia.pl/

Krakow:
Mosquito Hostel
The staff really do make a difference at Mosquito and this is one of my favourite European hostels. The facilities are great, the location is close enough to anything you need and they go out of their way to ensure the quiet time at night by encouraging partygoers to see the town.
          http://www.mosquitohostel.com/

Greg & Tom Hostel / Greg & Tom Junior Hostel
Krakow seems to have more really awesome hostels than the rest of Europe combined... Among our top recommendations would be the Greg & Tom Hostel or its newer sister hostel, the Greg & Tom Junior. The location of both is excellent, the facilities are state of the art and the list of perks seems endless. What sets Greg & Tom apart from the rest is the staff´s enthusiastic effort to make sure you won´t be bored for a minute. There are activities every day, "guided scooter speeding" to beer & vodka tasting to "collective hangover biking"! 
           http://www.gregtomhostel.com/

Balloon Hostel
Three of the loveliest girls run this brand-new hostel in the former jewish quarter of Krakow. There´s a garden, a lot of common space, a huge vinyl collection and the place oozes character. An inspiration for creating Balloon hostel was the cult classic “Around the World in Eighty Days’ written by Julius Verne. Each of the 5 rooms is designed in the style of the different cities which Fileas Fogg visited during his trip. 
          http://www.balloonhostel.com/

Mama´s Hostels
A remarkably friendly and efficient set of hostels. We have stayed at the one right by the main square (and liked it) - a second one has recently been added as well as another one with only double rooms.
          http://www.mamashostel.com.pl/

Elephant On The Moon
What a homely little gem in a very accessable part of Krakow. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who facilitate guests (if they so wish) to intermingle and enjoy a chat. The staff seem to love what they do and there are daily homely touches, like a going away snack, which contribute to the sense of being cared for. It is spotless, has an excellent breakfast AND is quiet when "the not so young" like to sleep rather than party!
          http://www.elephantonthemoon.com/

Travellers Inn Hostel
A good and well-located hostel with a few unusual perks: free dinner once a week and some bicycles for free use for the guests, along with free advice where to ride them to. Free city walks on weekends. Free coffee all day long and lots of music to chose from in the common room.
Has also private rooms in a second property in the old town.
          http://www.travellersinnhostel.pl/
Check out what´s going on in town here:
          http://www.travellersinn.pl/hostelblog/

Lemon Hostel
Only a few blocks from the main square, but just outside the historic centre, which is handy if you come by car because parking is free here. Situated in a nice 19th century building, clean & bright rooms, especially the privates are very good value. Home-made lemon pie every Wednesday! :-)
          http://www.lemonhostel.pl/
         
Bling Bling
Has our sympathy for the funniest hostel name ever.
          http://www.blingbling.pl/

Trzy Kafki Hostels
A set of two hostels, one of them conveniently located right between the train station and the old town. Only private rooms. Groups welcome.
          http://www.trzykafki.pl/accommodation/

Wroclav:
Boogie Hostel
          http://www.boogiehostel.com/

HiWay Hostel
          http://www.hiwayhostel.pl/

Dizzy Daisy Hostel
          http://www.wroclawhostel.pl/

Poznan:
Retro Hostel
Gorgeous hostel. Contrary to the name it´s very modern, clean and colorful. Retro Hostel is situated in the centre of Poznan, in the tenement - house called the Flower Residence. It's a really nice freshly renovated secessionist building where you can feel the atmosphere of the old town.
          http://retrohostel.pl/


      

Zakopane:
Guesthouse Benita
Lovely place to stay, family-run, very welcoming. Beautiful timber attic bedrooms (only private rooms), good kitchen and large modern common room. About 2km up the mountains from the station, but close to the ski lifts and trails. Excellent value.
          http://www.benita.com.pl/

Portugal

Lisbon:
Albergo Odisseo
Fantastic new hostel in the heart of town, good views, enthusiastic staff.
          http://www.albergoolisipo.com/

Inside Lisbon Tours
          http://www.insidelisbon.com/


Porto
Porto Downtown Hostel
A very good hostel in a very underrated city. Lisbon is nice, but Porto is the real thing. Bonuses include a knowledgeable and friendly staff, good DVD collection for rainy days and indoor smoking lounge complete with hilarious kindergarden furniture.
          http://www.portodowntownhostel.com/

Romania

Cluj-Napoca
Transylvania Hostel
          http://www.transylvaniahostel.com/

Russia

St. Petersburg:
Soul Kitchen Hostel
          http://soulkitchenhostel.com

         

Serbia

Belgrade:
Belgrade Eye
Cool new hostel in a very good location.
          http://www.belgradeeye.com/

Slovakia

Bratislava
Hostel Blues
Stay right in the centre of Bratislava. Enjoy free guided tours, weekly live concerts, enthusiastic staff and a very good chillout area with own bar in the excellent Hostel Blues. 
          http://www.hostelblues.sk/

Slovenia

Ljubljana:
Hostel Celica
Chances are you have never heard of Slovenia, let alone the name of the capital city, let alone how to pronounce it. You should go there! If not for  this charming city - to stay in this really cool hostel!
          http://www.souhostel.com/
 
 

Spain

Barcelona:
Sant Jordi Hostels
According to online guest reviews, Barcelona´s best hostel is a Sant Jordi. The second best, too. The third best as well. And number four. They clearly know what they are doing. So - here are our four top recommendations in Barcelona:
          http://www.santjordihostels.com/


Kabul
They say "if you want to sleep, stay elsewhere". That´s brutally honest and we adore honesty. The Kabul is one of Europe´s most famous party hostels. Highly recommended - we have stayed there many times (and never slept very much).
          http://www.kabul.es/

Hello BCN Hostel
If wasting yourself is not your cup of tea, this is the place where you can get some sleep. A modern, fun and friendly youth hostel with excellent facilities. Quite a few of our staff have already stayed there - and would do it again!
          http://www.hellobcnhostel.com/

Garden House
Is it time to put your feet up? Do that in a well-designed and laid-back hostel with a nice garden! Not exactly in the center of town, but easy to get to by metro. Has a branch in Valencia, too.
          http://www.feetuphostels.com/

Albareda Youthhostel
Great for a good night sleep, yet still fun and young people in the lobby. Don't stay here if you want to get really drunk every night and come home at 6 AM... you will have more fun somewhere else. Great, clean, well run hostel in an excellent city.
          http://www.albareda-youthhostel.com/


Valencia:
Hilux Hostel
Fantastic place to stay in Barrio Carmen, with bars and restaurants really close, but tucked away in a quiet street. Has heaps of character with each room individually designed (some quite fun & crazily!). Hilux is a branch of Feetup Hostels, which runs another excellent hostel in Barcelona (the "Garden House").
          http://www.feetuphostels.com/

Seville
Samay Hostel
Another great hostel under "Feet Up" management. All mod cons with smartcard access, communal kitchen and all rooms en suite & with air condition. Fantastic roof terrace.
          http://www.feetuphostels.com/  
       
  
Calpe
Youth Hostel 4YOU
Calpe is located right between Valencia and Alicante. Very new modern, clean hostel with excellent facilities and good breakfast included. Has own inexpensive bistro. Tourist Office next door. Very close to beach and easy access from train or bus station. Half hour walk from attractive old town and the bus station via beach promenade or main road. Charming, communicative, courteous staff.
          http://www.youthhostel4you.com/

Sweden

Stockholm:
City BackPackers
Great location in Central Stockholm - very close to Central station. TV room, free sauna, free pasta is great for meals, very social place, clean, plenty of free internet terminals - great place to meet others.
          http://www.citybackpackers.org/

Switzerland

Interlaken:

Rugenpark B&B
The Hotel Rugenpark B&B provides clean, affordable self-catering lodging for individuals, backpackers, families and shoestring travelers of all nationalities visiting Switzerland and the Berner Oberland on a budget. With lots of free facilities and prices similar to Interlaken hostels, the hosts Ursula and Chris offer a more personalized service in a familiar bed and breakfast environment. All of the simple yet comfortable private rooms have mountain views, cable TV, and come with a hearty Swiss breakfast buffet.
          http://www.rugenpark.ch/

Interlaken Adventure
          http://www.interlakenadventure.com/

Alpin Raft
          http://www.alpinraft.com/

Alplodge Hotel
          http://www.alplodge.com/

Happy Inn Lodge
          http://www.happy-inn.com

Gryon:
Swiss Alps Retreat
          http://www.gryon.com/


Vevey / Montreux
Riviera Lodge
Beautiful hostel in an old renovated building, with spacious rooms painted in sunny colors and well-equipped and modern common rooms and kitchen. Perfect location 5 minutes by foot from train station, next to the lake shore and boat stop. Very quiet. Terrace with a very nice view.
          http://www.rivieralodge.ch/

UK

UK Trail
A very good travel site for the UK - lots of reviews about hostels, tours, recommended reading.
          http://www.uktrail.com/

London:
Palmers Lodge
Calls itself a "Boutique Backpackers" - that sounds like another BS slogan, but we say: this hostel is quite unique. Why? Because it´s  decent and it´s in London. A rare combination! We like it because it´s in a beautiful listed building, has decent facilities and is kept pretty clean. Downers: it´s in zone 2 and the bar closes at eleven.
          http://www.palmerslodge.co.uk/

Liverpool:
Nightingale Lodge
          http://www.thenightingalelodge.co.uk/

Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool:
Hatters Hostels
It's not just about the beds at Hatters Hostels (although they are very comfotable!). There's a certain buzz around the place, it's in the staff, the guests, it's even in the launderette!
          http://www.hattersgroup.com/

Norfolk:
Deepdale Farm
          http://www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/

DESTINATION LINKS: PLANET EARTH

Asia

Seoul, Korea
Hostel Korea
A very safe, comfortable and affordable homestay-like place at the heart of downtown´s arts, shopping and entertainment scene. Great location near Subway. Friendly English-speaking staff, free internet, washing machine, microwave, free breakfast.  
          http://www.hostelkorea.com/


Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
bAKpAK Hostels
Very cool hostel with an awesome patio in the front that allows you to easily meet people. The staff are very relaxed yet attentive to your needs. Each room has it's own shower, toilet, TV and small fridge.
          http://www.tokyohostelskyoto.com/


Osaka, Japan
Hotel Raizan-Kitakan
Hotel with very fair prices, rooms with a/c and TV, free use of kitchen, free wifi/internet and free coffee/tea in the mornings.
          http://www.chuogroup.jp/kita/index2.htm

Africa

Cape Town, South Africa
33 South Boutique Backpackers
The best vibe in Cape Town! Home cooked meals, an onsite bar, clean rooms and friendly staff make this a perfect backpacking experience. No matter what you are into (night life, nature or quiet relaxation in a luxurious hammock) 33 South does not disappoint. 
          http://www.33southbackpackers.com/

         

Australia

Hobart:
Central City Backpackers
          http://www.centralcityhobart.com/

Latin America

Minihostels network is about you finding quality unique hostels while traveling around South America.
          http://www.minihostels.com/

Sucre, Bolivia:
Gringos Rincon
Owned & run by our ex-staffer Mike and his wife Lisa. We were assured there´s plenty hot water and an abundance of ashtrays.
          http://gringosrincon.webbeo.info./ 


Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Colonial Hostel
They have bribed us with a bottle of red wine to recommend their hostel. Malbec, Mendoza, 2004, "Diego Armando Maradona". Delicious! Red wine from Argentina is as divine as Diego´s hand. We highly recommend to stay at Colonial Hostel. Cheers for the wine!
          http://www.hostelcolonial.com.ar/

Trip Recoleta Hostel
Located in a trendy neighborhood; has a cool rooftop sundeck
          http://www.triprecoletahostel.com.ar/

B.A. Stop Hostel in Buenos Aires
Nice homelike hostel in the best possible location of downtown Buenos Aires!
          http://bastop.com/us/home.php
          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJmanbxZXnk

The Garden House
          http://www.gardenhouseba.com.ar/

Sandanzas Cultural Hostel
          http://www.sandanzas.com.ar/

Rumbo Baires
          http://www.rumbobaires.com.ar/

Bait Hostel
          http://www.baitba.com/

La Menesunda Hostel
Pagina web con un intro barbaro!
          http://www.lamenesundahostel.com.ar/

Salta, Argentina:
Backpacker´s World
          http://www.backpackerssalta.com/

Las Rejas Hostel B&B
          http://www.lasrejashostel.com.ar/

Destino Exotico Adventure Tourism and Service
          http://www.destinoexotico.com/ 

Costa Rica (various locations):
Pangea Hostels
          http://www.hostelpangea.com/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Vila Carioca
Fab hostel with lovely outside areas, nice rooms, good breakfast and in a very safe area - also perfectly located to see all the sites. Overnight aircon, don´t expext this in other hostels! The owners couldn´t be nicer or more helpful!
          http://www.vilacarioca.com.br/

Santiago de Chile
168 Santa Lucia Hostel
Superb location right by the Cerro Santa Lucia Park and within spitting distance of the main square, too. Tho hostel prides itself on boasting "the best matresses of South America". In addition to that, there´s a nice roof terrace, good communal facilities and a "mi casa es tu casa" vibe.
          http://www.hostalsantalucia.cl/

North America

Warren, Vermont, USA:
Hostel Tevere
One of our ex-guests starting his own hostel in in Vermont. The blog is an interesting read about a hostel in the making. We wish you best of luck with your hostel and expect an invitation to the opening party! :-)
          http://hosteltevere.com/
          http://blog.hosteltevere.com/

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