When we decided that we were going to spend most of our time on this trip in hostels, frankly, I was a little leary. I imagined being jammed into a crowded, dirty room with 6or more 18+ year olds who were in total shock at sharing a room with 2 "seniors". Instead, the YHA and most other hostels here are clean, centrally located, friendly and have such extras as swimming pools, a hot tub, free meals, free sightseeing tours, and a gourmet cafe. There is a lounge with TV, and several have video lounges with huge libraries of DVDs to watach. All have washers and dryers. There is a book exchange so you don't have to carry gobs of reading material. Most have nightly activities for guests which could be a free BBQ, movie marathon, whatever. All have internet, and most have a travel agency. One Australian Hostel, Base, has a female only floor called the Sanctuary. The bathrooms, a big concern, are totally spotless, and gender segregated. The kitchens, where you can prepare your own meals if you choose, typically have 2 refrigerators, 2 sinks, a large food prep area, 2 large stoves, toaster ovens. toasters, microwaves, silverware, knives and other utensils, and plates, cups, glasses etc. Most have a special place which dispenses boiling water for tea, or coffee. There are lockers and luggage storage, if you are going away for a few days but returning. Several times we have stayed in apartments that cater to backpackers; the two pictures bordered in green show one in Port Douglas, Australia.
A twin room costs about $25-45 per person a night, splitting the cost. Living in a dorm is cheaper; javing a private bath makes it more expensive. And, you meet interesting people, which is one of the best things about it.
Try it... you'll like it!
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