Lisbon: "Hostel Capital of the World" by Ginny McGrath

Lisbon: hostel capital of the world
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/portugal/article6065962.ece
[INDENT]The Portuguese capital can lay claim to having the world's best hostels. They'e more like boutique hotels than bunkhouses, says Ginny McGrath[/INDENT]

I have to admit, I haven't stayed in a hostel since 1997. Six months of bunk beds and shower queues, including a low point in Cairns when 50 of us were herded into a school gym and fumigated for bed bugs, ensured I never wanted to stay in one again.

Much has changed since then - I visited YHA's London Central hostel last year and was blown away by the trendy decor, comfortable bed-bug free beds, and internet cafe. When that property didn't feature in Hostelworld's top ten, I know the Lisbon properties had to be something special.

Full story

Lisbon hostels have gotten many top spots in both Hostelworld and Hostelsclub:

• http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forums/hostelbookers-top-10-hostels.html
• http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forums/2008-hoscars-2009-hostelworlds-hostel-awards.html