Hostels U.S.A. [Paperback]

Paul Karr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000 | Series: Hostels Series

Here is the unbiased lowdown on 300 hostels in the U.S. Whether you're looking to party or just looking for a clean, quiet, affordable place to crash, this guide will get you exactly where you want to go. The authors tell it like it is with their at-a-glance rating system and candid descriptions. Entries include their opinions on cleanliness, safety, hospitality, party potential, best bet for a bite, the hotels "gestalt" and what to see and do in the area. They also tell you how to get there using your own feet or wheels, or by public transportation.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Though hostels have long been popular for young people and those traveling on a budget, this is the only guide of its type that rates the hostels it describes. Journalist Halper and Karr, a travel and environmental writer, have traveled extensively throughout the United States and parts of Canada to review hostels of all kinds. Basic facts provided for each include name, address, phone, rates, number of beds, affiliation, office hours, extras, and special features of the particular establishment. Sidebars suggest eateries and give insiders' tips, guests' comments, and ratings on safety, hospitality, and cleanliness. The authors are both experienced hostelers with a strong belief in the value of the unique experience that hostels have to offer. Though the designation of the "gestalt" of each hostel (e.g., "mellow yellow") is sometimes of dubious informational value, this directory successfully covers everything you might need to know to help you plan a satisfying hosteling vacation.?Julia Stump, Voorheesville P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Hostels USA offers comprehensive at-a-glance ratings for 340 hostels in the United States and Canada. Along with the usual indices such as prices and cleanliness, it takes special care to note a variety of other factors such as what hostels are located near natural settings, which have superior kitchen facilities or are particularly good for family visits. However, the unabashed low-down on every hostel is what makes this rating guide worth five stars. At Pigeon Point Lighthouse in California, "one of the staff members isn't friendly at all." Bell's Mountain Hostel in Tennessee is "kind of weird for those of us who never ran off to weekend retreats with a church youth group." Such valuable descriptions tell us more than category ratings (including the Party index which graduates in five steps from "downright quiet" to "rage all night"). Those new to hostels will find the general information enlightening. For example, sleeping bags (and their attendant ticks) are simply not allowed in most hostels. The authors make it clear that hostels are not merely cheap hotels, they're a different sort of lodging altogether. As such, hostelling isn't for everyone, but this guide is surely for everyone who hostels. -- From Independent Publisher --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 3rd edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762706554
• ISBN-13: 978-0762706556
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,808,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An update once a while would help..., February 17, 2005

By 

C. Matt "seematt" (usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hostels U.S.A., 5th: The Only Comprehensive, Unofficial, Opinionated Guide (Hostels Series) (Paperback)

The authors update maybe 5-10% of the hostels, and with a 'Party Index' you can tell where their focus is. The best thing for hostels is online, www.hostelz.com with honest reviews by independent travelers and lots of comments.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get out the map!, December 23, 1998

By 

Mark Wieczorek (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Hostels U.S.A.: The Only Comprehensive, Unofficial, Opinionated Guide (Paperback)

As a prospective backpacker, I picked up this book hoping to find cheap lodgings along the way. What I found was an excellent resource, with accurate, witty (though sometimes too clever) assessments of the hostelling scene at each of the places reviewed. Though this guide isn't as comprehensive as others, I found it was the only one I ever really bothered to look at. After all, arriving in each new city, I wanted to know what I was going to be getting myself into before I checked in.

Though I've considered lightening my pack by getting rid of everything from my underwear to other budget lodgings books, this is one weight I'll gladly carry.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What a marvelous tool for traveling the U.S. ... cheaply!, August 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hostels U.S.A.: The Only Comprehensive, Unofficial, Opinionated Guide (Paperback)

This book is a must have for travelers looking for cheap lodgings. This book offers fabulous advice on everything from cheap eats to local sights. Cannot begin to say enough great stuff about this book!