You voted – we listened! We’re pleased to announce the best hostels in the world according to Hostelling International customers.
The HI-5ives! HI Hostel Awards are held every year and the winners are determined by the ratings you leave on hihostels.com! Hostels receive awards in the following 5 categories: most comfortable hostel, friendliest hostel, most green hostel, best hostel and best overall hostel country.
Here are the results of the 2013 HI-5ives! –
Best Hostel 2013: Interlaken Youth Hostel, Switzerland
Congratulations to Interlaken Youth Hostel which has been rated by you as the best hostel of 2013! Set in a stunning location with views of the mountains, the super-modern hostel offers a high standard of comfort, a bar and restaurant serving a range of freshly-prepared cuisines from around the world, packed lunches on request, a convenient location right next to the train station, as well as friendly and helpful staff who can ensure your stay is fun and memorable.
Best Overall Hostel Country 2013: The USA
The USA bags the award for Best Overall Hostel Country 2013 with HI-USA hostels being your overall favourites this year. HI-Martha’s Vineyard and HI-Boston have been praised individually, but HI-USA’s network of over 60 hostels proved they all had what it took to impress you this year. From the coast of California to the mayhem of Manhattan, hostels across the USA each have individual charm mixed with that Hostelling International quality that hostellers have come to love.
Most Comfortable Hostel 2013: Interlaken Youth Hostel, Switzerland
Interlaken Youth Hostel scored a comfortable 96.2% overall rating for comfort. The hostel was praised for its super modern interior, spacious dorm rooms with keycard activated lockers, and hearty breakfast. It also impressed travellers with its convenient location right next to the train station while still retaining a quiet and safe atmosphere. Interlaken Youth Hostel boasts its own restaurant as well as a lounge with an open fireplace. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring the ‘Adventure Capital of Europe’, as Interlaken is known.
Friendliest Hostel 2013: HI-Martha’s Vineyard, USA
With a 99% rating for friendliness, HI-Martha’s Vineyard turned out to be the place to go in 2013 for the warmest welcome! Hostellers were impressed with the staff’s willingness to share their knowledge of the local area, how they went out of their way to make hostellers feel comfortable, and how hostellers were treated like friends. HI-Martha’s Vineyard is suitable for both families and single travellers and is a fantastic base for exploring the beautiful region, especially with the help of the friendly staff!
Most Green Hostel 2013: HI-Boston, USA
HI-Boston scoops up the Green Hostel 2013 award after taking up initiatives last year to make their hostel more eco-friendly. The hostel is participating in Sustainable Travel Internationals’ STEP program which focuses on sustainable processes. Stay at HI-Boston and you’ll find recycling stations, elevators that recapture energy as they descend, recycled carpet, energy efficient lighting and appliances, environmental-friendly cleaning products and motivational signs to remind hostellers to be good stewards of the earth – the future looks green for Boston!
