Themed Hostels for the Off Beat Personality

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. October 14, 2008

JUNE 18, 2008. Not every traveler prefers luxurious hotels with expensive terry cloth bath robes and down comforters. In fact, many individuals prefer the experience of their trip rather than where they lie their head. Over recent years, 'themed hostels' have started to pop up, providing travelers with a unique and adventurous stay. Hostelworld.com recommends the following five themed hostels for adventurous travelers looking for an unforgettable vacation.

HI-Point Montara Lighthouse: Montara, California, USA

Off the rugged California coast, just south of San Francisco, sits the Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station. This historic lighthouse and turn-of-the-century buildings have been preserved and restored by HI-AYH and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard. Just north of the light house hikers and bikers can find beautiful trails with the San Francisco peninsula in the background. Between November and April, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the annual migration of gray whales.

Rates from $20.00 night.

Hedonisia Hawaii, Pahoa (Big Island): Hedonisia, Hawaii, USA

Inside a volcanic crater, with a mini-jungle at its bottom, Hedonisia Hawaii is the perfect place for a quant and truly unique stay. Hedonisia has a mere 10 rooms to offer its guests a night of privacy and space. Once settled in, visitors can enjoy a private outdoor shower with a breathtaking view. The hostel's "Barn" provides dormitory-style tent accommodations with a 'jungle kitchen' for guests to go hog wild.

Rates from $20.00 a night.

Gram's Place Bed & Breakfast/Hostel: Tampa Florida, USA

Gram's Place is perfect for the 'person on the move.' Go getters will find a simulated railroad station depot upon visiting Gram's and one of their rooms will be an original sleeper car! For individuals who need to sit back and relax, Gram's provides an oversized in-ground Jacuzzi, courtyard waterfalls and lazy day hammocks. Let the 1920's music which can be heard playing in the background take you by the hand to a tranquil place.

Rates from $24.75 a night.

Hi-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada

The only hostel in North America located in a former prison, it offers a realistic-perhaps too realistic for the faint of heart-prison experience. You'll sleep in actual prison cells, or maybe even the former prison hospital. If that's not enough to get your heart pumping, take a trip to the un-renovated 8th floor for a look at what life was like for inmates in this prison which operated for more than 100 years. Tours are available, during which you can hear inmate stories or maybe even come across a few inmates who "never checked out." When it comes to comfort, you have no reason to be afraid. This Victorian-era architectural relic has been completely renovated and boasts a friendly, experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Rates from $25.00 a night.

Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel: Carbisdale, Scotland

If you're looking to travel abroad, consider a visit to Scotland's Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel where you will receive the royal treatment. Originally built for the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, the Carbisdale Castle has been renovated into one of the world's most interesting youth hostel yet. Housing a large art collection complete with an impressive display of Italian marble statues, there is plenty of authentic elements to remind guests of its historic past. Adding to the unique experience - rumor has it that this elaborate hostel is haunted by spirits of its past. A night at Carbisdale will surely be an unforgettable experience!

Rates from $25.66 a night.