Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Top 10 hostels for budget holidays

#1. HI BAAN DINSO HOSTEL; BANGKOK, THAILAND
A boutique hostel with only nine rooms for accommodation. The hostel is quaintly decorated with 1950’s Thai house style and features all amenities found in standard hotels.
WE LIKE: Everyday American and Continental breakfasts at the front porch of the house.

#2. SHIN-OSAKA YOUTH HOSTEL; OSAKA, JAPAN
One can expect a squeaky clean hostel here with cleanliness ranked at a high of 96%. The level of friendliness of staff was also very high at 95%.
WE LIKE: The hostel serves free coffee & tea every night!

#2. SHIN-OSAKA YOUTH HOSTEL; OSAKA, JAPAN
Getting around Osaka will be easy when you're staying at this hostel which is 5-minute walk from the nearest train station (Shinkansen-Station).
Overall rating: 94.3%

#3. SYDNEY HARBOUR HOSTEL; SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
The new hostel boasts of gob-smacking views across Sydney Harbour.
WE LIKE: On-site grocery store is a winner!

#3. SYDNEY HARBOUR HOSTEL; SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
The only budget accommodation in the heart of Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct. Walking distance to Sydney’s iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour and some of the best museums in Sydney, it is no wonder why it was rated the highest for the location factor (98%).
Overall rating: 93.9%

#4. PEKING INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL; BEIJING, CHINA
The hostel has carefully preserved the originally traditional Si-He style courtyard house, and is nestled in the designated historic landmark Hu-Tong neighborhood preserved and protected by the Beijing government.
WE LIKE: It's gorgeous courtyard!

#4. PEKING INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL; BEIJING, CHINA
Located in the heart of Beijing's historic core, it is a 5-minute walk to the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, and the famous Wangfujin shopping district. The interior has a traditional touch with modern amenities.
Overall rating: 92.5%

#5. HANGOUT@MT.EMILY; SINGAPORE
The hostel sits on a hill. You can enjoy the views of Mount Emily Park and the city from the patio or the lookout terrace.
WE LIKE: Standing shower pool. Tiny, but it's a facility not many hostels have.

#5. HANGOUT@MT.EMILY; SINGAPORE
The interior of this boutique hostel is designed with a chic and energetic vibe. Two highest performing factors were staff friendliness (94%) and service efficiency (93%).
Overall rating: 91.3%

#6. UTANO YOUTH HOSTEL; KYOTO, JAPAN
The facilitiy has two big Japanese baths (seen here) for males and females, four shower rooms, self-catering kitchen, washing machines and dryers, free Wi-Fi, rental bicycles, tennis court, barbecue pit and gardens.
WE LIKE: The ryokan-styled guesthouse. You have to stay in one of these when you're in Japan - what's more you get the full cultural experience for less.

#6. UTANO YOUTH HOSTEL; KYOTO, JAPAN
Located in a quiet residential district, it is no wonder that the hostel scored high for comfort (95%).
Overall rating: 90.1%
#7. SEOUL INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL; SEOUL, KOREA
Facilities include self-catering kitchen, laundry, rock-climbing site and single track stroll path.
WE LIKE: It has to be the rock-climbing wall!

#7. SEOUL INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL; SEOUL, KOREA
This hostel did well with cleanliness (94%) and efficiency of staff (91%).
Overall rating: 89.1%

#8. BEIJING HEYUAN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL; BEIJING, CHINA
Other noteworthy amenities include a cycle store at the hostel itself; backpackers can have the convenience of renting their bikes there. The hostel ranks high for security (92%) and efficiency of staff (89%).
Overall ranking: 88.6%

#8. BEIJING HEYUAN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL; BEIJING, CHINA
Conveniently located in the heart of Beijing, the hostel is just a 8-minute walk from the subway (Jishuitan Station) and 3 minutes from a little night market with food & snacks.
WE LIKE: The Courtyard. Communal living and cultural experience all in one place. #9. PEOPLE'S SQUARE YOUTH HOSTEL; SHANGHAI, CHINA
It ranks well for its friendly staff, cleanliness, security and location.
Overall rating: 86.9%


#9. PEOPLE'S SQUARE YOUTH HOSTEL; SHANGHAI, CHINA
The hostel holds 20 standard rooms and over 30 bunk beds. Onsite facilities include a full service restaurant, bar, self-service laundry, common area internet terminals, as well as a business center.

#10. BLUE MOUNTAIN YOUTH HOSTEL; SHANGHAI, CHINA
Located just 30m from the Metro station, the Luwan branch scores high for its convenience (90%).