The I.Y.H.A (International Youth Hostel Association) is the official communal accommodation chain that are sprinkled all-around the world that offer clean and secure backpacker accommodation for all ages, an alternative to the livelier independent hostels that don't have as many rules and flexibilityas the IYHA. When you think of youth hostels you normally think of bum bags, beards, woolly jumpers and iron framed rucksacks, certainly the case in England in the old days. I know when I first contemplated staying with the YHA in Australia I feared exactly that, late night curfews, women with mustaches and lentils for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But it couldn't be further ..  Read the complete review

Melbourne’s IYHA hostel where I stayed for three months in the north of the city bowl is one of the best and most modern I have enjoyed anywhere on my extensive travels, highly recommend it to first time travelers looking for luxury and relaxation over the typical rowdy backpackers after a 20 hour flight from Heathrow. Its big and equipped with a lift for the three floors of excellent dorm and multi birth accommodation with a cool sunroof for some Aussie rays and an escape at night from ones communal sleep space for a bit of snogging if you get lucky with the continental guests. Remember that the official hostels like this stick to the rules quite rigidly in ...  Read the complete review