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Unique Hostels Heat Up Eastern Europe

When the Berlin Wall fell and the Iron Curtain lifted, Eastern Europe was a land shrouded in mystery to most westerners. After more than a decade and a half of rebirth and renovation, the Eastern Bloc countries are steadily gaining on their western counterparts as top travel destinations. A recent
poll by Hostelworld.com found that American student travelers made Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia among the top destinations in growth this year. Hostelworld.com has compiled a list of hot hostels in these up and coming cities. They range from the picture perfect Slovenian Alps and the sunny Adriatic to the shores of the Baltic Sea.

Hostel Split Mediterranean House, Split, Croatia

This Hostel, nestled in the heart of historic Split, is steeped in history.
So much so, that you can see it in the walls. Literally. The hostel was
built with the ruins of a nearby medieval church - chiseled crosses adorn
the exterior while old columns frame the windows. Roman Emperor Diocletian's
Palace is less than five minutes away on foot.

6 bed mixed dorm, ensuite, from $20 per person per night, private double
from $44 per person per night.

Hostel Celica, Ljubljana, Slovenia

It is safe to say that Hostel Celica is one of the most unique hostels you
will ever encounter. The hostel resides in a former prison, the cells
artfully renovated. The bars may still be there, but each cell has been
redesigned by local artists. A step up from when the prisoners were there!

4 bed private, ensuite from $27 per person per night, private double from
$32 per person per night

The Stranger Hostel Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland

Who wouldn't love a place whose motto is "Come a stranger, leave a friend?"
Explore Wroclaw by day and cuddle up on the aptly named "Super Couch" in the
JuJu Lounge in the evening to relax. Stranger was named one of the Top 10
Hippest Hostels in 2006 by Lonely Planet.

8 bed mixed dorm from $17 per person per night, 4 bed mixed dorm from $20
per person per night

Argonaut Backpackers Hostel, Riga, Latvia

Clean, comfy, safe rooms? Check. Internet access? Check. Charming, friendly
atmosphere? Check. Bobsled tour? Check. Yes, at the Argonaut you can take a
spin on a bobsled with a licensed pilot, one who is a member of the
Australian national team no less.

10 bed mixed dorm from $13 per person per night, private double ensuite from
$34 per person per night

Butterfly Villa Hostel, Bucharest, Romania

If you are musically inclined, your talents can earn your board. The owners
of this eccentric destination pride themselves on running a hostel that goes
above and beyond ones normal expectations. They'll pick you up from the
airport, book your theater tickets and give you a bed for free if your
musical talents can entertain other guests.  So grab your guitar and play
for your stay!

6 bed mixed dorms from $12 per person per night

Tallinn Backpackers, Tallinn, Estonia

"Staying with us is like sharing a flat with friends." This hostel is a
backpacker's haven. Crazy with energy, in the midst of this sleepy Baltic
state, it caters to the most open minded travelers.  The main dorm is in the
living room of what was once an upscale apartment. It makes the perfect
setting for socializing and partying to the wee hours.   

10 bed mixed dorm from $17 per person per night, private double from $30 per
person per night.

For more information, go to www.hostelworld.com

Edited by Joel Chusid

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