Fave Hostel 2006: Bunk Brisbane

We've been talking for a few weeks about some of the best digs we dug in 2006 -- we liked lots of 'em a lot, and though the Hostal de Maria (Guadalajara, Mexico) was serenely special and the Adelaide Hostel (San Francisco, California) was wifi flashpacker heaven, the happening Bunk Brisbane (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) ultimately took the sweet hostel cake. All three are central in their cities (not to mention interesting neighborhoods), friendly and reasonable -- only the Bunk Brisbane also has two pools, very cool bar, art that roars, and the best private hostel rooms on planet Earth. Check out the Bunk Brisbane:

• Bunk Brisbane Review
• Bunk Brisbane Photo Gallery

Tough choice choosing our fave backpackers bed-and-party (or not) in Oz -- Australian hostels are largely superlative joints: we liked the Sydney Central YHA, Blue Mountains YHA (Katoomba) and Melbourne Nomads, too. Check 'em out if heading down under.

Related: Hostel Reviews and Photos by Country | Best Hostel 2005 | Hostels Overview | Top Ten Frequently Asked Hostel Questions | Hostel Discount Cards

Photo: © Kathleen Crislip 2006