Many people have quite a closed mind when it comes to hostels. Present them with the word and they conjure up images of bland buildings where you have to do chores and sharing a bathroom is the only option. But today nearly all hostels have private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, while some even have their own bars and nightclubs. Over the last number of years there has been an emergence of what are widely being known as ‘upscale hostels’, many of which are listed on budget travel website Hostelworld.com.
 An example of one of these hostels is Globetrotter Inn in London, England. Located in the Hammersmith suburb of the British capital, this hostel has its own cinema (pictured right), bar, gym and even sauna! It offers double and twin ensuite rooms, while it has family and disabled rooms also. Those who decide to sleep in dorms have a privacy curtain and their own personal reading light. Other facilities include a mini-supermarket, and three TV lounges.
 Another of Europe’s hostels that is a step above the rest is Home Deluxe Hostel in the Spanish city of Valencia. For a start, all its rooms have balconies. Secondly, each room is decorated differently thanks to the help of some of Valencia’s top artists. This hostel also offers its guests free internet access and free breakfast.
 All the way round the other side of the world, Base Backpackers Auckland is one hostel that likes to spoil its guests. Travellers who stay there get to use a sauna and a spa also. It is facilities like these which make it so popular – Hostelworld.com customers voted it their number 3 hostel in Oceania while Lonely Planet said it was the ‘author’s choice for the best hostel in Auckland’. Girls in particular will enjoy staying in Base Auckland thanks to ‘The Sanctuary’, its upmarket, luxury, girls-only floor.
 Hostel-Inn Tango City in Buenos Aires is another hostel that really knows how to pamper its guests. Located in the city’s historical San Telmo district, stay here and you’ll be treated to free Spanish lessons, free tango lessons, but best of all, free massages! Just like hotels, they also offer private accommodation as well as dormitory accommodation.
 Once a hangout for Al Capone’s legendary gambling syndicate and part of the Hostelling International group, The Clay Hotel/Miami Beach International Hostel has been described as ‘perhaps USA’s most beautiful HI hostel’ by one guidebook and was awarded the top billing of four stars by another. All rooms include private bathroom, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and a refrigerator, something very useful in the Sunshine State.
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