High on Hostels, From Farmhouses to Chalets

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Hostel Takeover
Hostels are no longer just for students on a budget. While most patrons are between 18 and 30, plenty of travelers look to hostels to save money. Around the world, hostels have distinct personalities and a few offer accomodations that belie their bargain price.

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

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· The Stanford Hostel (330-467-8711, http://www.stanfordhostel.com/ ; beds from $19.15), in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula, Ohio, is an old farmhouse complete with red barn. My single room up under the eaves was $23 per night, though dorm rooms are also available.

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://www.norcalhostels.org/pigeon ; beds from $22) in Pescadero, Calif., is gorgeous, and there's a hot tub on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. I stayed there in 2002 and 1998. I've seen whales feed right off the point and watched many a glorious sunset there. Even when it's foggy, it's gorgeous.

Kat Morgan, Kensington

One of the nicest hostels I've stayed at was the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel (907-683-7503, http://www.hostelalaska.com/ ; beds from $25), about 15 miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park in Alaska. I stayed in one of the private rooms -- a cabin divided into two units -- for $65 a night in August 2005. There was a nice central cabin with a lounge and kitchen. The hostel provides transportation to the park (limited times), has a natural food store, and sells and rents camping equipment. It was clean, very comfortable and quiet.

Elizabeth Munsey, Washington

Editor's note: This hostel is closed for the season, but will take calls and reservations starting in January.