HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2014: South African hostels scoop four awards!

Budget accommodation specialist Hostelbookers has revealed the best hostels around the world in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2014. Most of the awards in Africa & the Middle East went to establishments in Northern Africa, but four hostels in South Africa also managed to scoop awards.

• Most Popular in Africa & Middle East:
  Abraham Hostel Jerusalem in Jerusalem, Israel
  Atlantic Point Backpackers in Cape Town, South Africa
  Hostel Waka Waka in Marrakech, Morocco
• Best for Solo Travellers in Africa & Middle East:
  The B.I.G. in Cape Town, South Africa
• Best for Couples in Africa & Middle East:
  Kings Beach Backpackers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Best for Families in Africa & Middle East:
  THE BACKPACK in Cape Town, South Africa

HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2013 - Top hostels in Africa & the Middle East

Budget accommodation specialist Hostelbookers has revealed the best hostels around the world in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2013. The top hostels in Africa & the Middle East, which received the highest rating from their customers, are:

Top three accommodations:

• Hostel Riad Fantasia, Marrakech (Morocco)
• Riad Layla Rouge, Marrakech (Morocco)
• Riad Verus, Fes (Morocco)

Award for cleanliness:

• Freedom Hostel, Cairo (Egypt)
• Hola Cairo, Cairo (Egypt)
• Port Inn, Haifa (Israel)

Best value cheap hotels:

• Dar El Yasmine, Fes (Morocco)
• Egyptian Night Hotel, Cairo (Egypt)
• Saba'a Hotel, Petra (Jordan)

Best atmosphere:

• Atlantic Point Backpackers, Cape Town (South Africa)
• Florentine Hostel, Tel Aviv (Israel)
• Hostel Waka Waka, Marrakech (Morocco)

Best staff:

• Dar Houdou, Fes (Morocco)
• Milano Hostel, Cairo (Egypt)
• Rainbow Marrakech, Marrakech (Morocco)

Most popular:

• Abraham Hostel Jerusalem, Jerusalem (Israel)
• Djemaa El Fna Hotel Cecil, Marrakech (Morocco)
• Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge, Marrakech (Morocco)

Best newcomers:

• Hostel Nari-Nari Marrakech, Marrakech (Morocco)
• Kif-Kif Marrakech, Marrakech (Morocco)

Best for solo travellers:

• Trip and Friends, Marrakech (Morocco)

Best for couples:

• Riad Baraka, Chefchaouen (Morocco)

Best for families:

• Dar Hafsa, Fes (Morocco)

HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2012 - Top hostels in Africa & the Middle East

Budget accommodation specialist Hostelbookers has revealed the best hostels around the world in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2012. The top hostels in Africa & the Middle East, which received the highest rating from their customers, are:

Top Three Accommodation - Africa & the Middle East:

• Dar Hafsa - Fes, Marocco
• Riad Khabia - Marrakech, Marocco
• Riad Versus - Fes, Morocco

Award For Cleanliness - Africa & the Middle East:

• Atlantic Point Backpackers - Cape Town, South Africa
• Equity Point Marrakech - Marrakech, Marocco
• Riad Baraka - Chefchaouen, Marocco

Best Value Cheap Hotels - Africa & the Middle East:

• Arabian Nights Hotel - Cairo, Egypt
• Cleopatra Hotel Luxor - Luxor, Egypt
• Hotel Sindibad - Agadir, Marocco

Best Location - Africa & the Middle East:

• Alexander Hostel - Cairo, Egypt
• Djemaa El Fna Hotel Cecil - Marrakech, Morocco
• Eilat Youth Hostel & Guest House - Eilat, Israel

Best Atmosphere - Africa & the Middle East:

• Dar Houdou - Fes, Marocco
• Hostel Riad Mama Marrakech - Marrakech, Marocco
• Riad Marrakech Rouge - Marrakech, Marocco

Best Staff - Africa & the Middle East:

• Boomerang Hotel - Luxor, Egypt
• Hostel Brothers - Cairo, Egypt
• Riad Attouyour - Marrakech, Morocco

Most Popular - Africa & the Middle East:

• Hotel Central - Casablanca, Morocco
• Riad Madina Mayurqa - Marrakech, Marocco
• Riad So Cheap So Chic - Marrakech, Marocco

Best Newcommers - Africa & the Middle East:

• Abraham Hostel - Jerusalem, Israel
• Mesho Inn Hostel - Cairo, Egypt

Best For Solo Travellers - Africa & the Middle East:

• Hola Cairo - Cairo, Egypt

Best For Couples - Africa & the Middle East:

• Riad Lakhdar - Marrakech, Morocco

Win prizes every day with the HostelBookers' Advent Calendar giveaway 2012

As the countdown to Christmas begins, HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, will be hosting their annual advent calendar competition*.
Every day between December 1st and 24th, HostelBookers will be posting a question on their Facebook wall. To enter the competition participants need to submit their correct answer, full name and email address in the form provided to be in with a chance of winning a 3rd Generation Apple iPad, a Digital Camera, an Apple iPhone 5, Round-the-World flights, InterRail tickets, Free Accommodation and much more.
Winners will be notified via email within 7 days of the draw. Once the prizes have been claimed, the winners will be announced on the HostelBookers competition blog post.
David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, says: "As a ‘thank you’ to all our customers, HostelBookers Christmas Giveaway promises 24 days of fun trivia, riddles and fantastic prizes. We want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and the best of luck in the New Year!"
Please click here for more information about how to enter the 24 days of Christmas Prizes competition.

*terms and conditions apply

HostelBookers' Awards for Excellence 2012 - Top hostels in Africa

The hostel booking website Hostelbookers has revealed the best hostels around the world in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2012. The top hostels in Africa & the Middle East which received the highest rating from their customers are:

Top 3 accommodations (highest overall customer rating)

1. Dar Hafsa - Fes, Morocco
2. Riad Khabia - Marrakech, Morocco
3. Riad Verus - Fes, Morocco

Award for Cleanliness (highest customer rating for "cleanliness")

1. Atlantic Point Backpackers - Cape Town, South Africa
2. Equity Point Marrakech - Marrakech, Morocco
3. Riad Baraka - Chefchaouen, Morocco

Best value cheap hostel (highest customer rating for "value")

1. Arabian Nights hotel - Cairo, Egypt
2. Cleopatra Hotel Luxor - Luxor, Egypt
3. Hotel Sindibad - Agadir, Morocco

Best location (highest customer rating for "location")

1. Alexander Hostel - Cairo, Egypt
2. Djemaa El Fna Hotel Cecil - Marrakech, Morocco
3. Eilat Youth Hostel & Guest House - Eilat, Israel

Best atmosphere (highest customer rating for "atmosphere")

1. Dar Houdou - Fes, Morocco
2. Hostel Riad Mama Marrakech - Marrakech, Morocco
3. Riad Marrakech Rouge - Marrakech, Morocco

Best staff (highest customer rating for staff")

1. Boomerang Hotel - Luxor, Egypt
2. Hostel Brothers - Cairo, Egypt
3. Riad Attouyour - Marrakech, Morocco

Most popular (highest number of bookings made through HostelBookers)

1. Hotel Central - Casablanca, Morocco
2. Riad Madina Mayurqa - Marrakech, Morocco
3. Riad Medina Azahara - Marrakech, Morocco

Best newcomers (Awarded to 2 properties on each continent that opened in 2011 and received the highest overall customer ratings)

1. Abraham Hostel Jerusalem - Jerusalem, Israel
2. Mesho Inn hostel - Cairo, Egypt

Best for solo travellers (highest overall customer rating in the ‘alone’ traveller type category)

1. Hola Cairo - Cairo, Egypt

Best for couples (highest overall customer rating in the ‘with my spouse/partner’ traveller type category)

1. Riad Lakhdar - Marrakech, Morocco

Southern African hostels - Atlantic Point Backpackers, Cape Town

update (22 May 2012): We just learned from Atlantic Point Backpackers' facebook page that all guest staying at the hostel during May, June & July will have free internet access! Awesome!

Located in Green Point, Atlantic Point Backpackers is one of the best-rated hostels in Cape Town. The hostel, or backpackers as the South African call it, can accommodate 34 guests, has single and double rooms, mixed dorms and a dorm exclusivley for the the ladies. Some of the rooms are en-suite and have their own entrances for extra privacy and convenience. Each room is equipped with reading lights, heaters, ceiling fan and private lockers.

The hostel is only about 750m from the Green Point Stadium and 1km from The V&A Waterfront. Atlantic Point Backpackers is on the door step of Signal Hill and one road back from public transport, various restaurants, ATM'S, grocery stores and popular street cafes.

Atlantic Point Backpackers online booking >>

Win a trip of a lifetime with HostelBookers travel survey

HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, are now conducting their third annual travel survey following the huge success of the 2010 study.

Completing the survey customers will not only share their experiences from trips around the world, but will also be in with a chance of winning round the world flight tickets up to a maximum value of £3,000 supplied by Round the World Experts (a division of Flight Centre). A cheque worth £1,000 will be also awarded by HostelBookers and will only be administered once the flight element of the prize has been booked.

David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, states: "This survey represents a great chance for travellers to have their say and also give feedback on why they go travelling as well as what makes a trip perfect. We want to find out more about our customers, their needs and the change that might happen in their way to travel in order to keep maintaining the great service we deliver".

Please note that tickets must be booked at least 4 weeks before travel and before 31st December 2011. Travel must be fully completed by 30 September 2012.

Find out more about the HostelBookers survey and how to be in with the chance of winning at www.hostelbookers.com/survey/

Cheap accommodation deals in HostelBookers summer sale

HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, has today launched its summer sale, offering customers the chance to book selected properties at discounted prices from 20% off their normal rates.

Customers can plan the perfect getaway and choose from a vast range of quality properties across 24 top destinations, including Prague and Rio de Janeiro. Bookings need to be made by 31st July 2011and travel must be completed by 31st August 2011.

European-based properties participating in the campaign include Hotel Dama. Renovated in 2011 and centrally located, this cheap Rome hotel is just ten minutes from Termini station. Restaurants, shops and entertainment are also close by. The hotel features tastefully furnished en suite guest rooms equipped with every modern comfort. Now with 40% off.

Lisbon Calling is a newly-established hostel, fully renovated and located in the heart of the historic city centre. The main tourist attractions, popular shops and Bairro Alto nightlife are all within walking distance. The decor is stylish and combined with the staff’s warm welcome – it is not surprising it is one of HostelBookers’ top properties. Now with 40% off.

In Ireland, The Jacobs Inn is a Dublin hostel located in city centre, just a stroll away from Temple Bar and Trinity College. Free events such as Irish Dance Parties, 'Live @ Jacobs' music concerts, meal nights, daily walking tours, movie nights and salsa nights are regularly held at the hostel. Free Wi-Fi, a Playstation, DVD collection and a pool table area are also at guests’ disposal. Now with 20% off.

The best summer sale deal in Prague is at the Plus Prague hostel. The property boasts an indoor swimming pool, sauna, a late night bar and a family-run Italian restaurant. Unique to Plus Prague is “Plus Girls”, a girls only area with big bathrooms, cosmetic tables, large mirrors and hairdryers. Now with 30% off.

Be Hostels Mar is located in the heart of Barcelona's Raval neighbourhood, a multicultural and trendy area close to the Contemporary Art Museum and many other galleries. It is also 10 minutes from Plaça Catalunya and the famous Las Ramblas. The top Barcelona attractions are within walking distance including the Picasso Museum, the Gaudi houses, the cathedral and even the beaches and the harbour. Now with 20% off.

For further information go to http://www.hostelbookers.com/summer-sale-2011

Win a trip to any 7 cities with HostelBookers

HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, is celebrating its 7th birthday by giving customers the opportunity to win a trip for two to 7 cities of their choice plus £1,000 each to cover travel expenses.

The prize is seven 3-night stays for two people in any 7 cities in which HostelBookers has availability. The winner can choose to book consecutive nights away, or alternatively, plan a number of weekend breaks. To enter, participants need to answer a simple question about HostelBookers’ Awards for Excellence 2011 and submit their email address to be in with a chance of winning.

The competition will run from 13th April 2011 to 15th of May 2011. The lucky winner will be drawn at random by the judges on the 20th May 2011.

David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, states: ““We are proud of how far we have come in the last 7 years, and are determined in our aim to be the number one budget accommodation provider in the world. It is the perfect time to celebrate with such a big competition, as it allows us to thank our customers new and old who recognise that HostelBookers is the best website for cheaper accommodation.”

For more information about how to enter the competition and full terms and conditions please click here http://www.hostelbookers.com/7-cities

HostelBookers launches new travel website AnyTrip.com

HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, is pleased to announce the launch of its new sister travel site AnyTrip.com, which gives people a way to book every aspect of their holiday from one place.
AnyTrip.com covers 97 countries and boasts thousands of properties in 770 destinations. It provides great value accommodation around the world, and on confirmation of booking customers pay only 20% of the price upfront with absolutely no booking fees. AnyTrip.com also allows customers to book flights, tours and car hire through trusted partner sites. Property searches can be filtered by price or rating, which makes finding the right accommodation even easier.
Customers are given great product choice and value for money, whether they are booking an entire holiday or just one part of it. The site boasts low prices starting below €2 per bed for hostels and below €20 per room for hotels. No registration is required to book and all properties are rated and reviewed by customers.

David Smith, C.O.O. at HostelBookers says: “Coming from the hostel industry and considering that people are continuously looking for great deals, we are proud to launch this new free-booking service. AnyTrip.com is an initiative of HostelBookers: it is quick, reliable and fulfils our aim to make it easy to travel for less – for example, customers can book a hotel room in Milan from only €10. Furthermore, we’ve joined forces with great partners such as isango!, Skyscanner and CarTrawler in order to give customers the possibility to book tours, flights and car hire.”
To celebrate the launch of AnyTrip.com , 50 prizes including an iPad 2 and a Kindle will be given away in a travel competition running until April 30th. To find out more please go to www.anytrip.com/win-travel-prizes/.

HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2011 - Top hostels in Africa

The hostel booking website Hostelbookers has revealed the best hostels around the world in the HostelBookers Awards for Excellence 2011. The top hostels in Africa which received the highest rating from their customers are:

Top Three Properties

1. Atlantic Point Backpackers, Cape Town, South Africa
2. Hola Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
3. Riad Khabia, Marrakech, Morocco

Award for Cleanliness

1. Riad Attouyour, Marrakech, Morocco
2. Riad Sabah, Marrakech, Morocco
3. Riad Zahraa GuestHouse, Meknes, Morocco

Best Value

1. Alexander Hostel, Cairo, Egypt
2. Juliana Hotel, Cairo, Egypt
3. Wake Up! Cairo Hostel, Cairo, Egypt

Best Location

1. Museum view hotel, Cairo, Egypt
2. Pension Souika, Chefchaouen, Morocco
3. Travelers House, Cairo, Egypt

Best Atmosphere

1. Boomerang Hotel, Luxor, Egypt
2. Riad Jomana, Marrakech, Morocco
3. Riad Lakhdar, Marrakech, Morocco

Most Popular

1. Hotel Central, Casablanca, Morocco
2. Luna Hotel and Hostel, Cairo, Egypt
3. Wildebeest Camp, Nairobi, Kenya

7. Best Hostels with Wheelchair Access

• Jollyboys Backpackers, Livingstone, Zambia

8. Best Newcomer

• Dar Hafsa, Fes, Morocco

HostelBookers unveils travel behaviour trends

Back in September 2010, HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, launched its biggest ever travel survey. It was a great opportunity for customers not only to share their travel experiences but also to be questioned about their preferred mode of transport and their attitude to love and sex while abroad.

The results are in and reveal the travel trends from over 15,000 respondents: ‘Sightseeing and culture’ (80.7%) is the main reason customers choose to travel followed by ‘city break’ (47.0%) and ‘visiting friends and family’ (44.6%). Travellers have upped their accommodation budget: In 2009, 28% of them spent over $/£/€30 compared to 40% spending the same in 2010, but it also appeared people are feeling the pinch as the number of them taking ‘no trips’ increased from 2.4% in 2009 to 5.4% in 2010.
It also emerged that the internet remains the number one resource for our customers, whether booking hostels online or keeping in touch with friends and family. Over 86% of those surveyed check the internet at least twice a week on holiday. To respond to this demand for web access, many of our hostels now supply guests with Wi-Fi and internet kiosks.
The survey results show that the English (8.3%) followed by Australian (8.2%) and Italians (7.8%) make the best lovers. Bottom of the list for the second year in a row are the Irish.
More travellers are enjoying nookie in dorms, 16% in 2010 up from 14% in 2009. The results also show an increase in the number of people taking precautions and having protected sex on their travels: 92% practiced safe sex on holiday in 2009 but last year this figure rose to 94%.
David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, said: “Last year we carried out the biggest ever travel survey to find out more about our customers and their needs in order to maintain the great service we deliver. It is interesting to see that people consider hostels the best choice for atmosphere, unbeatable prices and that they offer better city centre locations than many hotels.” For further information please go to http://www.hostelbookers.com/survey-results-2011/

HostelBookers January Sale - up to 30% off! Sale extended to 28 Feb 2011

Whether you are heading back to school, college, work or just a bit down in the dumps with northern hemisphere wintry weather, January can be a dreary month. The best way to deal with these January blues is to book yourself a holiday. And with HostelBookers’ January Sale in full swing, now is the time to bag some 2011 deals and book accommodation with up to 30% off.

Here are just a few of the destinations featured in the sale:

Amsterdam
If you enjoyed a few too many mince pies at Christmas, Amsterdam is a great place to ease yourself into gentle activity. The city is made for cycling with well-mapped routes and cycle lanes. Alternatively, take it easy and wander the pretty streets or pop in to one of the many art galleries. If you are looking for hostels Amsterdam has plenty in the city centre.

Dublin
Whether or not you go in for a pint of the local Guinness brew, the pubs and bars are the city’s biggest draw. Here you can meet friendly Dubliners, savour the sounds of live and upbeat fiddle music and really get to grips with what makes Dublin tick. At hostels in Dublin you will find welcoming staff always happy to suggest things to see and do in the city.

Florence
A firm favourite amongst romantics and art-lovers, travellers will have the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio on their must-see list. But Florence rewards even the aimless wanderers with many historic buildings, beautiful churches and inviting trattorias.  If you are looking for a city centre youth hostel Florence has cheap accommodation near Santa Maria Nouvella train station, the Boboli Gardens and the Piazza della Signoria.

Kuala Lumpur
A welcome clash of old meets new awaits you in the Malaysian capital. Veg on delicious street food from vendors or settle in to one of the many Wi-Fi-enabled coffee houses. It might have a skyline dominated by skyscrapers but it is also one of the greenest cities in Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a hostel Kuala Lumpur offers cheap accommodation with plenty of character.

Los Angeles
With over 20 beaches to choose from Los Angeles really is the place to soak up the sunshine. There are plenty of people-watching opportunities along Venice Beach or have a whirlwind romance with the stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Look out for free events and a free breakfast at hostels in Los Angeles.

For all other destinations, see the January Sale page. This sale ends on 31st January

Enjoy 24 days of Christmas prizes with HostelBookers

With everybody counting down the days to Christmas, HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, is today launching a great competition*. Participants will have the chance to win fantastic prizes worth over £3000.

Everyday, between 1st and 24th December, HostelBookers will be posting a question on their Facebook wall. To enter the competition participants need to email their correct answer, full name and which Hostelbookers Facebook group they follow to be in with a chance of winning an iPad, an iPod, Ryanair vouchers, a hostel stay, a scuba diving course, sunglasses, shopping vouchers and much more.
Winners will be picked from qualifying entries and announced, along with their prize, the following day on Facebook and via the blog.
For more information about how to enter the 24 days of Christmas Prizes competition please click here!

*Terms and conditions apply

Escape the winter chill with HostelBookers

HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, has today launched its Christmas sun campaign, offering customers who are looking for some cheap and chic winter sun the possibility to book selected hostels* at discounted prices – from 20% off their normal rates. Customers can warm up this winter without breaking the bank, booking their accommodation in some of the world’s warmest winter destinations between 10th November and 5th December. Travel needs to be completed by 31st January 2011*

Three examples of properties participating in the campaign are:

• Riad Ghallia, located in Marrakech, Morocco – an exotic city guaranteed to spice up your Christmas holidays! The property is located near the Museum of Marrakech and the Medersa Ben Youssef. A patio, decorated with a large fountain, a typical Moroccan-style living room and a Moroccan lounge in the terrace will allow customers to discover the delights and beauty of Morocco. Rooms available at 20% off.
• In Egypt, Canadian Hotel is located in El Cairo city centre, a few minutes’ walk from the Egyptian museum, the three pyramids in Giza and Khan Elkhalily Bazar. It boasts an Arabian style communal area and new, well furnished rooms, now available at 50% off.
• Lub d Bangkok – Silom in Thailand is offering 35% off. It is a newly opened hostel in the heart of Bangkok, where shops, restaurants, mall centres and a skytrain are all within walking distance. This is the perfect place for travellers who are looking for a high quality budget accommodation with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, states: "This campaign confirms, once again, our aim to provide further value to our customers and reinforce our great relationship with the properties. HostelBookers is the only major budget accommodation website in the travel industry that doesn’t apply a service charge, so there are no additional fees or hidden costs attached to its Christmas sale – just great value and lowest prices".

*Find out more about the Christmas sun sale and see which properties are featured in the deal
*terms and conditions apply

HostelBookers Rewards Travellers

Once again HostelBookers highlights several reasons why their customers remain loyal to the hostel/hotel accommodation specialist. It is 8.7% cheaper than Hostelworld*, it doesn't charge you a service charge or booking fee, it offers a lowest price guarantee and will pay customers double the difference if customers find the same deal cheaper elsewhere **.

Due to the widespread appeal of these features, HostelBookers is today launching a great promotion, offering customers of Hostelworld the chance to receive a 50% deposit refund when they make their first booking with HostelBookers***. But to show appreciation to their current customers, they are also offering the same deal to 1,000 randomly selected HostelBookers’ customers too.
For more details visit www.hostelbookers.com/gives-back-to-travellers.
David Smith, CEO at HostelBookers, states: “This promotion is a great opportunity for customers both new and old to fall in love with HostelBookers and to realise that we have the best deals and rewards. We believe that HostelBookers represents the best value for money for budget travellers and this promotion is part of our ongoing efforts to engage and support them.”

* Survey by Reed Business Insight click for more info
** Terms and Conditions apply
***Terms and conditions apply, booking eligibility must be verified and customers must book using the same email address.

HostelBookers Travel Survey 2010 – Win a Round-the-World Trip worth £3000!

Fancy winning a round-the-world trip for two? Well, by answering a few simple questions, this £3000 prize (plus a bonus £1000 spending money) could be yours!
In 2009, an amazing 10,000 people took part in the HostelBookers Travel Survey. This year, HostelBookers want those numbers to increase even more!
Taking part is easy – all you have to do is complete a short survey about your personal travel experiences. We want to know where you’ve been, where you want to go, how many countries you’ve visited, who you’ve gone with, your best budget travel tips…and if you’ve ever gotten frisky in a hostel dorm room.
Click here to take part in the survey. The Promotional Period is 15/09/2010 to 31/10/2010. Prize draw entry will close at midnight on 31/10/2010. Pls also see the T&C.

Hostelbookers: new travel competition!

A recent study by Reed Business Insight has revealed that HostelBookers is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than Hostelworld, and to celebrate, Hostelbookers is giving away some fantastic prizes.
A total of 9 people will win one of their  great prizes; with 3 winners being announced every week between 26th May and 9th June.
The top prize? HostelBookers has partnered with Travelex.co.uk to offer 3 lucky travelers the chance to win a Cash Passport pre-loaded with £1,000 waiting for you to spend.

1st Prize: Travelex Cash Passport pre-loaded with £1,000 (or equivalent value in the currency of your choice.)
2nd Prize: Panasonic Lumix TZ8
3rd Prize: 32gb iPod touch

Click here to join the new Hostelbooker travel competition!

The competition will run from 00:01 GMT 19th May 2010 and will close at 00:00 GMT 8th June 2010.

HostelBookers has launched its first ever Awards for Excellence - Africa

Hostelbookers has launched its first ever Awards for Excellence to recognize the top rated hostels in 2009.

TOP 3 hostels in Africa:
(overall scores across selected ranking criteria and customer reviews)
Luna Hotel and Hostel - Cairo, Egypt
Riad Jomana - Marrakech, Morocco
Riad Zahraa GuestHouse - Meknes, Morocco

Award for Cleanliness - Africa:
(highest ratings for cleanliness)
Bob's Bunkhouse - Johannesburg, South Africa
Riad Sabah - Marrakech, Morocco
Wake Up! Cairo Hostel - Cairo, Egypt

Best Value - Africa:
(highest customer rating for value)
Riad Attouyour - Marrakech, Morocco
Riad Marrakech Rouge - Marrakech, Morocco
Sherief Hotel - Luxor, Egypt

Best Location - Africa:
(highest customer rating for location)
Equity Point Marrakech - Marrakech, Morocco
Hotel Batha - Fes, Morocco
Pension Souika - Chefchaouen, Morocco

Most Popular - Africa:
(most bookings)
Citadel Hostel - Jerusalem, Israel
Hotel Central - Casablanca, Morocco
Old Jaffa Hostel and Guest House - Tel Aviv, Israel

Best Atmosphere - Africa:
(highest customer rating for atmosphere)
The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre - Cape Town, South Africa
Wildebeest Camp - Nairobi, Kenya
ZenjiHotel - Zanzibar, Tanzania

Win your budget accommodation for free with Hostelbookers

Whenever you book a hostel, hotel or room (from 1st - 10th October 2009) Hostelbookers will enter you into a prize draw, and one lucky person a day will get their entire accommodation costs (deposit and payment of the balance) refunded to them.

accommodation bookings on hostelbookers >>