Australian and New Zealand hostels rated among the world’s best for budget stays

The annual Hoscars point the way to the best youth hostels worldwide. Source: ThinkStock

Then look no further. The world’s biggest budget accommodation industry awards have revealed where to go if you’re looking for cheap accommodation more akin to a palace than a last resort crash pad.

Dubbed the Hoscars, the 2013 awards handed out by budget travel website Hostelworld.com were voted for by over one million customers.

A total of 264 Hoscars were awarded to winners and nominees around the globe, with Australia and New Zealand hostels voted among the best places to stay for next to nix.

The top three hostels in Oceania were Adventure Queenstown Hostel, Bounce Sydney and Travellers Oasis Cairns.

Set slap-bang in the heart of New Zealand’s adrenalin capital, Adventure Queenstown Hostel was also voted top hostel worldwide in the “Best Location” category.

Adventure Queenstown Hostel won best hostel in Oceania

Surry Hills-based Bounce Sydney was ranked best hostel in Australia for its mix of up-market backpacker accommodation in dorms and private rooms, some which come with ensuites and flat screen televisions.

The hostel also boasts top views across the Sydney skyline from its rooftop terrace, where guests can kick back on a bean bag or sun lounge and enjoy a sunset BBQ.

The rooftop terrace at Bounce Sydney helped win it the award for Australia’s best hostel

Located near the centre of Cairns, the Travellers Oasis Cairns offers a pool, hammocks and sundeck and accommodation in a brightly-coloured house.

“We take great pride that these awards are based solely on the reviews and ratings of guests who have booked, stayed and experienced the hostel — it’s the only fair way to ensure a true and accurate reflection of the hostels’ strengths and weaknesses,” Hostelworld.com chief executive Feargal Mooney said.

Major international winners included:

Best Small Hostel: Soul Kitchen in St Petersburg, Russia

Best Medium Hostel: Home Lisbon Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal

Best Large Hostel: Tattva Design Hostel in Porto, Portugal

Best Extra Large Hostel: Wombats City Hostel in Budapest, Hungary

Europe’s Meininger and St Christopher’s chains, along with Hostelling International from the US, were rated the best three large hostel chains.

For the full list of winners, visit: http://www.hostelworld.com/hoscars-2014

Source:  Herald Sun - 17 February 2014