HostelBookers Unveils Top Properties in its Awards for Excellence 2011

LONDON, March 2, 2011 - Today, HostelBookers revealed the winning properties in its "Awards for
Excellence" (www.hostelbookers.com/2011-top-hostels/) 2011, which is
now in its second year.

To be eligible for an award, properties needed to receive the highest
customer rating for a category. The only exception was the "Most Popular"
category, which was based on the total number of bookings made in 2010.

131 properties have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to
the budget accommodation industry within 11 categories, including: Top Three
properties in each continent, Best Atmosphere, Best Value, Best Location,
Cleanliness, Best New Hostel, Most Improved, Best Hostel with Wheelchair
Access, Group Recognition, Most Popular and Best Eco-Friendly.

'Top Three Properties in Europe' include hostels in Riga, (
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/latvia/riga/) Rome and Lisbon.

Backpacking in Eastern Europe has become a rite of passage for budget
travellers so tourists will be glad to find an award-winning hostel in
Latvia. In the heart of Riga's old town centre the Naughty Squirrel
Backpackers (97.3%) is stag-party free and staff organise plenty of hostel
activities.

With a rating of 97.1%, La Controra Hostel is housed in an 18th century
building and offers travellers a stylish place to stay in Rome. It is located
a few minutes from the metro and Termini station is also just a short walk
from the hostel which makes it very convenient for exploring the rest of the
city.

Lisboa Central Hostel (98.2%) is a family-run property and is located
close to Avenida da Liberdade, all the main sights and some great Lisbon
nightlife. Offering both dorm and private en-suite rooms this hostel is the
perfect place for any type of traveller including students, backpackers,
families or couples.

Winners of the 'Most Improved' award had seen the greatest improvement in
their customer ratings from 2009 to 2010 and include Amsterdam hostel
(www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/netherlands/amsterdam/) The Damrak Inn.
Meanwhile Plus Berlin won the 'Best Newcomer' award.

In North America, The Miami Hostel has been awarded the 'Best Hostel with
Wheelchair Access' while The City Hostel Seattle received the highest
customer rating for 'Cleanliness'. In Canada, Montreal Central and Canadian
Backpackers Inn in Toronto walked away with awards for 'Best Location'.

In Australia, Cambridge Lodge in Sydney and Globetrotters International
in Cairns have both been recognised as 'Best Value Hostels'.

David Smith, COO at HostelBookers, states: "Once again we are incredibly
proud to have launched the Awards for Excellence 2011. It showcases the
quality of the budget accommodation industry and gives recognition to the
exceptional properties out there. Guest feedback and ratings offer travellers
an invaluable insight into our properties and also helped us to establish the
winners."

Full details of the winning properties are available on
www.hostelbookers.com/2011-top-hostels/

HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travel
industry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper
(www.hostelbookers.com/hostelworld-price-comparison/) than its nearest
competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels and budget properties on its
website in 3,500 destinations across the world.

Giovanna Gentile, +44(0)20-7440-4931, gentile.giovanna@hostelbookers.com

Giovanna Gentile, +44(0)20-7440-4931, gentile.giovanna at hostelbookers.com