READERS' PICKS
High on Hostels, From Farmhouses to Chalets
Chalet Martin in Gryon, Switzerland, offers clean quarters, a friendly communal kitchen and picture-postcard views of the Alps, for about $20 a night per person.
(By David Buse -- Chalet Martin)
Discussion Policy
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
|
In August we explored the world of hosteling, including tips on how to book a hostel and what to bring, and our picks of a dozen top inns worldwide. Now it's your turn.
We asked readers to tell us about their favorite hostels worldwide and were delighted by the results, as varied as a lighthouse on the California coast and a chalet in the Swiss Alps.
We've provided phone numbers, Web sites and rates, but keep in mind that we haven't vetted these places ourselves -- though we'd happily plan a visit to Santa Ana, El Salvador, based on Lori Robertson's suggestion below, and anything named the "Funny Farm" is okay in our book.
Domestic
· The Stanford Hostel (330-467-8711, http:/
I was there for three nights in September, and they were the most peaceful nights I have ever spent in my travels. Bambi and family were even grazing on the verdant lawn when I awoke and looked outside.
The farmhouse kitchen is huge and is equipped with everything a traveler could possibly need for either a three-course meal or a cup of java. Step out the back door for great hiking trails, or take a drive into Akron, a neat old city. The on-site host bore a striking resemblance to Stephen King, which gave the dark, quiet nights some real pizzazz!
Bette Amsler, Staunton, Va.
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel (650-879-0633, http:/
Kat Morgan, Kensington
One of the nicest hostels I've stayed at was the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel (907-683-7503, http:/
Elizabeth Munsey, Washington
Editor's note: This hostel is closed for the season, but will take calls and reservations starting in January.




