Independent travellers and backpackers who use the hostel booking site, www.hostelworld.com, have voted these bargain bolt holes their top ten in Britain over the last 12 months. Forget boutique beauties that stretch your wallet, bunk down at these hot spots for a cheap night's stay without the bedbugs...
1. Meininger City Hostel and Hotel, London

Meininger was awarded the 2007 Bronze Prize for Best Hostel by VisitLondon

Meininger City Hostel and Hotel in South Kensington is next to the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park
The 4-star hostel is in a prime spot in South Kensington next to the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park. It was awarded the 2007 Bronze Prize for Best Hostel by VisitLondon and offers something for everyone - whether on a family, business or social trip.
With seminar rooms, air conditioning, rooms equipped with televisions and private bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace with spectacular London views, this hostel is full of surprises.
2. Albatross, Newcastle

The award winning Albatross Hostel in Newcastle
The award-winning Albatross Hostel was originally a bank and is more than 150 years old. It still retains its old charm, having opened as a backpackers in 2006.
This clean and modern hostel is positioned in one of the best locations in Newcastle within walking distance of the top tourist attractions.
3. Palmers Lodge, London

The exterior of Palmers Lodge, London

Palmers Lodge, London was built in 1881 and is the former home of Samuel Palmer of the Huntley and Palmers biscuit empire
Victorian elegance at a budget price - Palmers Lodge is one of the country's most beautiful hostels. Built in 1881 and the former home of Samuel Palmer of the Huntley and Palmers biscuit empire, this substantial house has been restored to its original glory to offer guests a unique experience.
The winner of multiple hostel industry awards, Palmers Lodge offers spacious private rooms and dormitories as well as free internet access and daily breakfast. A tour desk, restaurant, lounge area and bar with flat screen TVs is also available in this high standard hostel.
4. Central Backpackers, Oxford

Central Backpackers is less than a 5 minute walk from Oxford bus and train stations
Central Backpackers brings a new level of comfort and security to the hostel experience. With a huge range of free services and facilities, everything you need is provided to make your trip safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
Located in the centre of the university city, Central Backpackers is less than a 5 minute walk from the bus and train stations, Oxford’s Castle/Prison complex, museums and student nightlife.
This modern, bright and spacious hostel offers free breakfast, broadband and tennis racquet hire as well as a rooftop terrace and swipe card entry system for added security.
5. Ace Hotel Kensington, London

The lobby of Ace Hotel Kensington, London

Ace Hotel in Kensington, London, has its own bar, garden and hot-tub
This hotel has set a new standard for budget accommodation in the UK. Spanning across four Victorian townhouses, Ace Hotel has its own bar, garden and hot-tub and provides the latest amenities, security and comfort for the independent traveller or anyone wishing to stay in peaceful, calm surroundings.
All double rooms have their own television, bathrobes, slippers, fridge and private patio. Bunk bedded rooms have security lockers, high quality bunk beds and electronic swipe card access making them comfortable, modern and secure.
6. Hatters Hostel, Manchester
Well established as Manchester’s favourite backpackers, The Hatters continues to please the young at heart. Centrally located in the Northern Quarter, this hostel was awarded the Manchester tourism outstanding customer service award in 2004, and recently acquired the Investors In People award.
Constantly looking to improve itself, the hostel recently added a pool table and internet café. Also on offer is a television room with free DVDs and popcorn for all.
7. Globetrotter Inn, Hammersmith, London

The Hatters is centrally located in the Northern Quarter of Manchester

Hatters has recently added a pool table and internet cafe

Globetrotter Inn, Hammersmith, occupies a former hospital building close to leafy Chiswick

A twin room at Globetrotter Inn, Hammersmith, London
Globetrotters is a friendly, comfortable, modern and secure hostel with clued-up staff, a fantastic bar and facilities that are second to none. Staff will organise anything from bank accounts to tube passes or a ticket on the Globetrotter’s weekly river pub crawl.
With a fully licensed bar and restaurant, three TV lounges, a gym, travel desk, big screen movie room, internet café and mini supermarket, there isn’t much Globetrotter doesn’t offer.
8. YHA Liverpool

YHA Liverpool is new, clean and central
Rated as a four star hostel by VisitBritain, this is a modern, purpose-built building with all the facilities one could need. Adjacent to the Albert Dock and a 10-minute walk from the heart of the city, the YHA Liverpool has a lounge bar and restaurant open for guests as well as internet, bicycle hire and a games room.
This new hostel acts as a very comfortable base to explore all of what Liverpool has to offer.
9. Hilton Chambers, Manchester

The newly renovated Hilton Chambers in Manchesters trendy Northern Quarter has outdoor space
Offering hotel style facilities whilst maintaining the fun and character of a hostel, the newly renovated Hilton Chambers is located in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter. Offering internet access, en-suite rooms and complimentary all day breakfast, Hilton Chambers provides modern furnishings and up to date technology.
A variety of private twin and double room loft conversions, family rooms and dormitories are available. The private rooms even have their own TV.
10. St Christopher’s Inn, Bath

St Christophers Inn is in the centre of Bath, and has a travel desk, chill out room, bar and nightclub
St Christopher’s Inn is located in the centre of Bath, minutes from the grandeur of the Bath Abbey, the history of the Royal Crescent and a plethora of shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and beer gardens. With a travel desk, chill out room, bar and nightclub, this hostel is commonly regarded as the best in Bath.
Need to know
Hostelworld.com offers online accommodation reservations to the budget, independent and youth travel market. The site offers confirmed online reservations for over 17,000 hostels and budget hotels in 166 countries worldwide. It also offers budget travellers free podcasts, customised city guides, a travel social network and more.