Hostel bookings by North Americans increased 20 percent in 2008 on Hostelworld.com, the website reported.
One factor in the increase is the economy, as hostels typically provide lodging at well below hotel room prices. But another factor is the upscaling of hostels and the variety of accommodations, with the majority of hostels these days offering private rooms and family rooms as well as dormitories.
“Many hostels offer private rooms, suites, pools and free internet, bars and restaurants, as well as a unique social experience unmatched by hotels,” said Hostelworld.com spokesperson Aisling White. “Savvy North American travelers are coming to realize these benefits can be found even in budget accommodations and not just in Europe.”
Some hostels also offer inexpensive meals and most have kitchens that guests can use to cook their own food, and others even have swimming pools and hot tubs. Hostels also offer plenty of unusual accommodations, from lodging in treehouses to castles to former prisons.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS