Hi,

In March, I will be starting my 12 month round- the-world trip. I'll be heading west initially, visiting New York, Los Angeles and San Fransisco. I'd like to book my accommodation for America before I leave. Can anyone recommend any good hostels to stay at?

I looked at reviews on various websites and the following look ok:

NY - Hostelling Int / Chelsea Star / Jazz on Town / The Big Apple Hostel / The Wanderers Inn West

LA - USA Hostels Hollywood / Hi-Los Angeles / Orbit Hotel & Hostel / Cadillac Hotel

SF - Green Tortoise Backpackers / USA Hostels / Hi-San Fransisco

As you can see, I need to narrow my choices down to one in each area - your advice would be much appreciated!

Cheers
Katharine

I have stayed at Jazz on the Park (www.jazzonthepark.com) multiple times and have found it to be just fine. As an American, I can't stay at all hostels in NYC so I haven't been able to try the HI hostel. But this one is cheap (about $30 in the summer, about $20 off peak), relatively close to the subway (either the 100th st. or the 110th st. stop, the hostel is at 106th.) and it's clean. It is exactly what a hostel is supposed to be, ie, it's not fancy but it's clean and safe. And there are enough eating establishments in the area that one can get something to eat at night. There are plenty of people in the hostel you can meet and hang out with. I've sometimes found the bathrooms objectionable in the mornings on weekends, but that's to be expected. (Remnants from weekend binges...) It's close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

And I hope someone gives you advice on where to stay in LA -- I don't know LA well enough to give a recommendation, but there are definitely parts of LA where you don't want to be a young woman alone. Stick to touristy parts of LA unless you know better where not to go because there are definitely unsafe parts of town.

Christine

Hi,

I stayed ay a very nice, clean and most importantly friendly hostel in China Town San Francisco called Pacific Tradewinds. It's very central and the staff is knowledgeable and fun.
I only wanted to stay for a few days but ended up staying for a week and I could have stayed longer had I not had to be in Seattle at a set date.

Say hi from Hanne, the redheaded Dane