In a renovated mansion with sea views, this friendly hostel has light-filled dormitories with big windows and attached bathrooms with 24hr hot water. Rates include free Internet access and a continental breakfast. There's a common kitchen and TV lounge, too.

This Barranco hostel is an excellent place to put your rucksack down for a few days.

Even just the tranquil, leafy street that this hostel stands on will put you in a blissed-out frame of mind. Only half the size of most other hostels, Barranco's Backpackers Inn has less than two dozen beds. The mixed-sex dormitories are so spacious, you'll rarely feel cramped.

Most of the rooms have simple wooden furnishings with wool blankets on comfy beds. Some rooms on the upper floors have balconies for gazing out to sea. There's usually a surfer on staff. There's no lockout either, so you can party all night long. Airport pickups can be arranged.

Review by author Sara Benson-Lonely Planet