Hostel of the Week...

For such a travel-friendly nation, New Zealand really doesn’t have an impressive hostel scene. An exception to that rule may be YHA WELLINGTON. This hostel is a great place for the Dirty Hippie looking for a comfortable hostel in a prime location. YHA Wellington is located right around the corner from the ultra hip Courtnay Place section of the city where bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs are all in walking distance to the hostel. The dorm rooms at YHA Wellington are clean and spacious; and the double rooms rival that of a hotel, complete with views of the Wellington Harbour. The YHA has an enormous kitchen to serve all your cooking needs. If you don't feel like cooking, they also have weekly deals with local restaurants, giving you the chance to taste Wellington on the cheap. There is also Internet with printing capabilities, TV room, lounge, game room, laundry, tour desk, and bike rental. The staff at YHA is extremely friendly and always helping guests get the best out of their stay. This YHA is so comfortable that they had to put a maximum stay limit of ten days because guests would come and never want to leave. Need way say more.

THREE REASONS TO STAY AT YHA WELLINGTON:

1. Perfect location. Whether going out to a café or for a beer, you can always stumble on back with ease.

2. Free bagel Mondays; Totally free breakfast once a week!

3. The staff is made up of young travelers who know Wellington and know what they are talking about.

www.yha.co.nz

Hostel of the Week...

THE MOLINO ROJO HOSTEL in San Jose, Costa Rica, is a stylish new haven for the budget backpacker. The Molino Rojo Hostel is located right in the heart of the Costa Rican capital, and nearby you will find buses, restaurants, and various shops. The Molino Rojo serves a free continental breakfast from 6:30 a.m. daily and sells snacks, beer, soft drinks, and even cigarettes, for your convenience. The rooms and dormitories all have private bathrooms. And the hostel can arrange transport to and from the airport. If you are driving through, the Molino Rojo has a free car park. So if you are looking for more than a place to sleep, it is fair to say that the Molina Rojo Hostel is for you.

THREE REASONS TO STAY AT THE MOLINO ROJO HOSTEL:

1. Centralized location, safe neighborhood, right in the heart of the capital.

2. Free breakfast. (What Dirty Hippies doesn’t like FREE!)

3. New Hostel. Only one year old!

www.molinorojohostel.com

Hostel of the Week...

MISTI CHILL HOSTEL in Paraty, Brazil, is everything backpackers need from a beach front hostel. Located right in the center of town, the Misti Chill hostel boasts a great atmosphere, cool staff, meals and bars every night, and all the amenities that backpackers rely on to have a great stay. Misti Chill is known throughout the South American backpacker world, which is why it will come as no surprise that the hostel was awarded the “Best Atmosphere” in 2009. The hostel is the ideal place to unwind. Hammocks with ocean views are the best way to spend a lazy day in Paraty. The rooms at Misti Chill hostel are all en-suite, with TV and DVD’s. There are plenty of places to stay in Paraty, but why waist your money. Whether you want to chill out or party on Paraty, Misti Chill is the place to be.

www.mistichill.com

THREE REASONS TO STAY AT MISTI CHILL HOSTEL:

1. Awarded Best Atmosphere and gets a rating of 80% or higher from hostel booking websites at all times

2. Great Vibe. Misti Chill is what you imagine a beach getaway in Brazil to be.

3. Ideal Location. The hostel is in the center of it all!

Hostel of the Week...

BUENOS AIRES HI HOSTEL SUITES FLORIDA is a backpackers delight in one of the best locations in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hostel Suites Florida just opened its doors a few years ago, and has quickly become well know throughout all of South America as the place to stay. Hostel Suites Florida is budget accommodation, affordably priced. There are over one hundred rooms in the hostel, all with private bathrooms, making it the largest hostel in South America. There is a huge common room with free Wi-Fi, rows of new computers for guests, a pool table, bar, kitchen, comfortable couches, and a flat screen television. To get the days started off right, each morning starts with a great breakfast. During the day, the hostel offers numerous activities such as AFL Football games, bike tours, tango lessons, and much more. If you like to party, Hostel Suites organizes outings to some of the best nightspots Buenos Aires has to offer. All in all, there are several hostels to choose from in Buenos Aires, but Hostel Suites Florida is the best one, by far.

Three Reasons to stay at BUENOS AIRES HI HOSTEL SUITES FLORIDA:

1. The rooms. The dorms are clean and the private rooms make you feel like you're in a hotel.

2. The location. Florida Suites is located in the heart of the city, with subway and bus stops just a short walk from the hostel.

3. The wide variety of activities. There are so many things to do through the hostel. We highly recommend the football games, preferably Boca vs. Riverplate!

florida@hostelsuites.com

Hostel of the Week...

ERRIGAL HOSTEL in Donegal, Ireland is a great place for the outdoorsy backpacker, budget traveler, and overall Dirty Hippie. This charming hostel was built on the same grounds where the old Errigal Hostel had stood since the 1950's. Situated in the misty hills of Dunlewey, the state-of-the-art hostel features an all purpose drying room for hikers, a self-catering kitchen with every kind of appliance available, and a large common room with a TV and DVD player. For those who want to sit back and reflect on the amazing experience of Ireland, there is a "Quiet Room" for travelers to read and write postcards or journal entries. In addition to the in-house facilities, there is plenty for guests to do in and around the hostel. In Donegal, you have a hikers paradise, a beautiful beach nearby, places to cycle, craft shops, and great music festivals in the summer months. If swimming is your pleasure, ask the front desk for the secret swimming locations. Simply put, if you like the outdoors and find yourself in Ireland, then the Errigal Hostel is the place for you.

Three reasons to stay at ERRIGAL HOSTEL:

1. Hikers paradise. Right out the back door are the famous Errigal Mountains.

2. Facilities. The Errigal Hostel was built with the traveler in mind. The common room with the view of the Errigal Mountains, the drying room for hikers, and the Quiet Room, are all amenities sure to please the guests.

3. Lots to do. Especially in the summer months.

www.errigalhostel.com

Hostel of the Week...

THE ORBIT HOSTEL & HOTEL in Los Angeles, California is a hip accommodation spot for budget travelers and backpackers. Located smack dab in the heart of West Hollywood, the Orbit Hostel is near all the major attractions of the city. With its ultra modern decor, bright colors, swanky common rooms, and Melrose Avenue location, the Orbit Hostel will make you feel like you are a part of the Hollywood scene. If you are in Los Angeles to party like a rock star, the Orbit is the place for you. This hostel can hook you up with special access to some of the best clubs the city of Angels has to offer. Some of the hostel's other features include free bbq's, discounted tours, and a California cafe with healthy, hearty, and most importantly, cheap cuisine. Dorms and private rooms are available and prices vary according to the season. Having lived in Los Angeles I can report there are not many hostels in town, and The Orbit is the best we've got.

Three Reasons to stay at THE ORBIT:

1. Amazing location. Melrose and Fairfax. A prime spot to be. Ask any Angeleno.

2. Obscure decor. The Orbit Hostel definitely has character and if you are in Hollywood, who wouldn't like that?

3. One of the best Hostels Los Angeles has to offer.

www.orbithotel.com

Hostel of the Week...

LA JUNGLA HOUSE HOSTEL in Panama City, Panama, is the ideal accommodation for the backpacker and/or budget traveler who wants to live it up in the hot and ultra hip El Cangrejo District. Within steps of the hostel, travelers will find 24 hour groceries, bars, restaurants, casinos, and tons of shopping. Even though La Jungla House Hostel is located in one of the safest neighborhoods in Panama City, security is still a top priority at the hostel. Survailence cameras and a friendly guard will always greet you no matter what time of the night you roll in. La Jungla House features all the basic amenities and even has a "icebox" room for those backpackers who want extra a/c during the hot Panama days and nights. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available at the hostel and are variably priced to meet all your budgetary requirements. So if you are looking for a good place to party with a great place to come back to, then La Jungla House Hostel is for you.

Three Reasons to stay at LA JUNGLA HOUSE HOSTEL

1. Great Location. The hostel is close to all the 24 hour facilities.

2. The "Ice Box" room. Panama can get quite hot and the Ice Box room is a nice option.

3. Security. Panama City is generally safe but has had its problems too. You can never be too safe.

http://www.miradoradventures.com

Hostel of the Week...

CITY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL in Stockholm, Sweden is a home away from home for all kinds of backpackers and budget travelers. City Backpackers Hostel is located right in a safe and quiet section of the city centre, and only a 500 meter walk from Central Station and the bus/airport shuttle terminal. Most of the city sights, including the Galma Stan, the mid-evil part of Stockholm, can be found within walking distance, and the main walking and shopping street, Drottninggatan, is just around the corner. Rooms go from 2 to 12 beds and there are also studio apartments available. The hostel has all the basic amenities with some special ones like free bike rental (summer months), free ice skate rental (winter months), and free hot sauna usage. The impressive part about this hostel, especially to all you Dirty Hippies out there, is that City Backpackers Hostel is a "Green Hostel." The environmental-friendly approach is seen in the hostels focus on recycling, use of renewable energy resources and use of energy efficant white-wares and light blubs.

Three Reasons to stay at CITY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL:

1. Good Amenities. Especially the hot sauna in the winter months!

2. Green Hostel. What Dirty Hippie doesn't like that?

3. Great Location. Close to all your needs in Stockholm.

http://www.citybackpackers.org/

Hostel of the Week...

THE OLD JAFFA HOSTEL & GUESTHOUSE in Tel Aviv, Israel, was ranked as one of the top three hostels in Africa, as well as one the top 50 Budget Hostels in the world! The Old Jaffa Hostel is located in an old charming building close to everywhere you'd want to be in Tel Aviv. The rooms at the hostel are separated into classes that range from a spacious room for a couple or family to a studio flat. Most rooms in the hostel have a balcony that overlook the local market place; the hostel also has a rooftop garden with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Jaffa Hostel prides itself on cleanliness and safety, as well as having the joys of modern amenities while preserving the feel of an old guesthouse. If you are looking to party, this hostel probably isn't for you. But if you are a Dirty Hippie who is looking for a beautiful, quiet space to return to after a long day of shopping, eating, and sightseeing, then the Old Jaffa Hostel will suit all of your needs. And, one of the best parts about staying at the Old Jaffa Hostel? The hostel is located in one of the last areas in Israel where you will find Jews and Arabs living together in harmony. What Dirty Hippie doesn't like that?

Three reasons to stay at THE OLD JAFFA HOSTEL & GUESTHOUSE:

1. Location. The hostel is close to everything in Tel Aviv, and to see Jews and Arabs living together might make you think, someday we have a shot at peace in the Middle East.

2. The Old Joffa Hostel is widely considered one of the world's best hostels.

3. Quiet place by night; lively all during the day.

http://www.inisrael.com/oldjaffahostel/

Hostel of the Week...

ATHENS BACKPACKERS in Athens, Greece, is quickly becoming the place to stay for backpackers and budget travelers alike. Athens Backpackers is operated and owned by Australians who know what budget travelers want: good times at cheap prices. And Athens Backpackers has just that. With so many activities to do at the hostel, (quiz nights, Karaoke, walking tours, happy hour on the roof-top bar, etc.) Athens Backpackers will make you feel like you are on a cruise ship. The location of Athens Backpackers is also spot on. The Acropolis: 2 minute walk. The Plaka: 2 minute walk. Temple of Zeus: 2 minute walk. National Gardens: 5 minute walk. Nearly all of the main attractions in Athens are right there. Not to mention, the beach and Pirreaus Port are short rail rides away. Athens Backpackers has all the amenities, too. Internet, restaurant, safes, self-catering facilities, laundry, travel desk, spacious rooms, private en-suites; you want it, Athens Backpackers has it.

Three Reasons to stay at ATHENS BACKPACKERS:

1. Great ownership. Good places to stay start from the top and Athens Backpackers is run for backpackers interests.

2. Prime location. Walking distance to nearly everything you want.

3. Happy hour every night. Enough said!

http://www.backpackers.gr

Hostel of the Week...

ALLA VITE DORATA in Venice, Italy, is a small and charming first class inn with budget traveler prices. Alla Vite Dorata was recently restored and is situated right in the heart of Venice's historic core, two steps from the Rialto Bridge and ten minutes from St. Marks Square, on the picturesque Venetian canal. The rooms at Alla Vite Dorata are uniquely furnished and each room is different from the next. Some rooms even feature an oversized window with a postcard view of the Venetian canals. In addition, all rooms have a private bathroom, satellite television, wi-fi internet access, a safe, mini bar, and air-conditioning/heat. When you are not in your comfortable room you will find right outside your door is the Santi Apostoli neighborhood. Santi Apostoli offers a great variety of restaurants and eateries that feature the savory traditional Venetian cuisine. Plus, there are a number of places to shop in the vicinity. Alla Vite Dorata also boasts impeccable service; the staff is nice and helpful and will guide you in and around the city. So, if you are looking for a hostel in Venice with charm and character, at a good price, then Alla Vite Dorata is for you.

Three Reasons to stay at ALLA VITE DORATA:

1. Rooms with a view. When you can point your camera out the window and get a postcard,

it doesn't get much better than that.

2. The Santi Apostoli neighborhood. Lots of food and shopping options right outside your doorstep.

3. The staff. Since Alla Vite Dorata is a smaller place they focus a lot of their attention on the service and it shows right when you walk into the inn.

http://www.allavitedorata.com/

Hostel of the Week...

Whether you want to kick your feet up and sit back, or put flippers on them for snorkeling and scuba diving, Kande Beach Resort in Malawi is the place for you. Lake Malawi is a freshwater, inland sea that divides Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, but its waves and blue waters will make you think you’re on a tropical island! Kande Beach Resort is just about in the middle of the lakeshore, on what is known as the Chintheche Strip. The resort offers several accommodation options from camping, to dorms, to stone cottage rentals, all right on the clean, soft sand. Kande Beach Resort has been attracting backpackers for years, but with World Cup fever making travel in Africa especially popular right now, Kande Beach Resort is becoming quite a hot spot destination. You can rent a catamaran, pedal boat, windsurfing equipment, or even a horse! After a day in the sun, refresh yourself at Kande Beach Bar where you can get cold drinks and use the pool table, board games, table tennis, darts, and if it’s your birthday, you even get a free “special!” If it’s Malawi culture you seek, just step outside to the nearby Tonga village, or have the staff arrange a guided tour for you, typically given by the Chief’s son! If it’s an African safari you crave, South Luangwa National Park is just across the border in Zambia. No matter what you’re looking for, Kande Beach Resort seems to have it all!

Three Reasons to stay at KANDE BEACH RESORT:

1. Malawi residents and tourists alike come to the resort for a relaxing getaway, so you never know whom you’ll meet during your stay.

2. Hang with the locals at night, while they show off their impressive Bongo Drum skills!

3. There is a library right on the premises, where you can borrow any book during your stay.

www.kandebeach.com

Hostel of the Week...

Citystay Mitte hostel in Berlin, Germany, is great place for those backpackers and budget travelers who want to be in the center of it all. Citystay Mitte is located right in the heart of downtown Berlin, which is especially convenient because you can walk to everything; no public transportation needed! All the major sightseeing spots (Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust memorial, Humboldt University etc.) are within walking distance. In addition to the great location, the Citystay Mitte has two things that make the hostel so popular: a full on beer garden (in the summer months) and a café, which serves up fresh organic foods. Citystay Mitte also has free wi-fi, spacious rooms, city tours, and a bar that is open 23 hours a day! The best part is: Citystay has all these amenities at an affordable price. While Europe can be an expensive place to visit, rest assured this hostel will save you some money.

Three reasons to stay at CITYSTAY MITTE:

1. Great location.

2. The Beer Garden. How many hostels can you think of that have that?

3. Citystay Café. On the road, a majority of backpackers tend to eat poorly but the food at Citystay Mitte is good and good for you!

http://citystay-hostel.eu

Hostel of the Week...

USA HOSTELS LAS VEGAS is the place to be for backpackers and budget travelers looking to live it up in the city of sin! USA Hostels Las Vegas is located on busy Fremont Street, and from there you are just a hop, skip, and a jump to the Strip. When backpackers aren’t partying in the Vegas nightclubs or doubling down in the grandiose casinos, they will find comfort at USA Hostels Las Vegas. This hostel has all the amenities any backpacker could want, and then some. After a long night, enjoy some rest and relaxation at the swimming pool, hot tub, sun deck, and travelers lounge. USA Hostels Vegas keeps its guests busy with weekly events that include a bbq, pub crawl, city tours, and much more. So, if you are headed to Sin City, there is only one place to get your one-hour of sleep: USA HOSTELS LAS VEGAS.

Three reasons to stay at USA HOSTELS LAS VEGAS:

1. The hostel’s all you can eat pancake breakfast.

2. The organized parties. Great place to meet backpackers from all over the world.

3. The swimming pool, hot tub, and sun deck. Necessities for backpackers in Vegas.

www.usahostels.com/lasvegas/

Hostel of the Week...

TOKYO HOSTEL is a great place for backpackers and budget travelers who want to be in the center of it all, in Tokyo, Japan. Located close to culture rich hotspots like Asakusa and Ueno, the Tokyo hostel provides its guests with a warm and friendly environment. After a long day of sightseeing, the Tokyo hostel is a great place to come back to. The hostel has the latest DVD movies and Playstation entertainment, as well as digital foreign and local radio stations to listen to. In the lobby, backpackers will find free high-speed Internet, and nearby in their outdoor space, guests can play pool, darts, and a variety of other games. The Tokyo hostel also has great events sure to entertain any traveler. The Japanese Tea Ceremony, World Poker Night, Crazy Night Life Tokyo, and the Super Karaoke Night are events that are sure to make your stay at the Tokyo hostel a memorable one.

Three reasons to stay at Tokyo Hostel:

1. Great location. When you are in a major metropolis like Tokyo, it’s important to be near the action.

2. The events. Most hostels have events to keep backpackers entertained, but at the Tokyo hostel they have a way of merging those events with the city.

3. The environment. The Tokyo Hostel has a relaxed vibe that is sure to please travelers who have spent a busy day checking out the sites.

www.tokyohostels.com

Hostel of the Week...

THE POINT is a top-notch hostel chain that has become well known in South America for something backpackers love to do: PARTY! At The Point, backpackers enjoy a variety of themed events. Whether it is Ladies Night, Latino Night, Reggae Night; a Masquerade, Brazilian, or Hawaiian party; or the Derelict Fashion show (a fashion party where the theme is vagabond and homelessness), The Point Hostel chain makes it a “point” to bring backpackers together for a great night of fun. The most popular party in The Point hostel chain may be the Full Moon Party, at the Mancora location. The Full Moon party is a wild beach party, and someday may rival the party backpackers flock to in Thailand. In addition to the parties, The Point has other communal events such as BBQ’s and Pool competitions, which backpackers also love. Two backpackers started The Point Hostel chain, so they know what backpackers want; clean, affordable rooms, a variety of amenities, safety, and stuff to keep them occupied while they aren't checking out the sites. The Point Hostel chain provides all this and more. In Peru, backpackers can find The Point in five prime locations (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Mancora, and Puno) as well as a location in La Paz, Bolivia.

The reasons to stay at THE POINT:

1. The parties. The Point has so many fun themed nights that there are too many to list!
2. The locations. The Point is in every desired location in Peru and Bolivia, and no matter which hostel you stay at, you will get the same great experience.
3. The Point hostels get the “point.” Backpackers who start accommodation businesses generally know what backpackers want. This is the case at the Point and then some.

www.thepointhostels.com

Hostel of the Week...

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS HOSTEL is a luxury hostel at budget accommodation prices. Located in old Islamic Cairo, the hostel is a short walk from all the Islamic monuments including, the vibrant Khan El Kahlily bazaar (the old market) and Azahar park (the best park in the Middle East and a great spot to chill.) Arabian Nights hostel has thirty air conditioned rooms, with private bath and satellite television. One of the bonuses to staying at Arabian Nights: they offer a lot of free stuff!!! Free Breakfast, Free Internet access, Free guided walking trip, Free Sufi dancing show on the rooftop every Sunday, *Free airport pickup, and a Free Night if you book a seven day stay. In addition, Arabian Nights Hostel has a helpful staff that can book you on a variety of tour packages and sleeping trains if you choose to expand your trip outside of Cairo.

Three reasons to stay at the ARABIAN NIGHTS HOSTEL:

1. Great location. The Arabian Nights hostel is just a short walk to markets and historical hot spots.

2. Free Stuff! What budget traveler doesn’t like free stuff? *Free pick up for double and triple room reservations over 2 nights. Free pick up for single room reservation over 3 nights.

3. The air-conditioned rooms. It is the Middle East. Air-Con is important and you’d be surprised how many accommodations don’t have it!

www.arabiannightshotel.com

Hostel of the Week...

THE SANT JORDI SAGRADA FAMILIA is comfortable accommodation located in the outskirts of beautiful Barcelona. The rooms here are apartment style, which makes for a more private alternative to your typical hostel. The apartments come in single, double, and four bed rooms; each has a kitchen, living room, laundry room, balcony, and television. In addition to great rooms, the hostel has a friendly staff that will help you make the most out of your visit to Barcelona. The neighborhood around the hostel is incredibly safe and also offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and markets. Since the apartment has a kitchen, why not cook in your room? For those who have come to Barcelona to experience the nightlife, join the Saint Jordi staff for an organized trip to a popular nightclub or restaurant. Musician? Ask the front desk for use of their guitar. There are so many upsides to the Sant Jordi that the only downside may be its location. It is about a fifteen-minute metro ride into the center of town. But when you consider what you gain in security and overall feel of the Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia, you wont mind the commute into town the least bit.

Three reasons to stay at the SANT JORDI SAGRADA FAMILIA:

1. The rooms. Since you are staying in apartments–– by the time you check out–– you will have felt as if you have lived in Barcelona rather than just visited.
2. Safety. Let’s be honest––Barcelona is a big city and could be dangerous. Being in a quiet neighborhood, in the outskirts of town is just a better alternative.
3. Great staff with hospitality. St. Jordi has a “hotel” feel at a hostel price.

http://www.santjordihostels.com/

Hostel of the Week...

The Times Hostel is a brand new hostel, located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. The hostel is known for their friendly staff, and simple rooms at a great price. The amenities at The Times hostel include free WiFi, free 24-hour luggage storage, and free phone calls to 40 countries! All rooms are ensuite, and there is a complementary breakfast served every morning. This hostel also has an above average kitchen to prepare all your meals. But the best part about the hostel may be its location. The Times hostel is located next to Doyle’s Pub and Bowes Pub, two infamous spots in Dublin­­–– great for those Dirty-Hippies that stumble on home after a night out. The Times is a simple place to stay at affordable prices. Nothing fancy here. What you see is what you get.

Three Reasons to stay at THE TIMES:

1. Comfortable beds. Those who have been on the road for great lengths will appreciate that.
2. Friendly Staff.
3. Location, Location, Location.

www.thetimeshostel.com