Hostel World

We're now on the home stretch and have made it to New York, with a few days to see the sights before our flight out of JFK on Thursday. The night before last was our final stay in a hostel.

The Chamounix Mansion in Philadelphia was in a beautiful wooded location and was reasonably priced - just $20 per bed. Unfortunately those beds were among the most uncomfortable we've slept on. To mark our final hostel stay we've looked back at the last four months and picked out five of our favourites.

HI Whalers on the Point Guesthouse, Tofino, Canada
A wonderful waterfront location was just one of this hostel's many positive features. Homey and welcoming with a well-equipped kitchen.

Rock and Wood Hostel, Shanghai, China
Great bar/common area downstairs with a patio garden - plus the rooms weren't bad either. The free laundry was very welcome.

HI Banff Alpine Centre Hostel, Canada
Another great Canadian hostel. Beautiful views, comfortable communal areas and spacious dorms.

HI Bern, Switzerland
Clean, modern and oh-so-Swiss - plus the best buffet breakfast by a long way. A firm favourite.

Khaosan Kyoto, Japan
Good common areas and a great location. A mix of the modern and traditional made for a relaxing and confortable stay.