What are your favorite hostels in the world?

Common area at Albareda Youth Hostel in Barcelona. Photo: Oh-Barcelona.com / Flickr

Nomadic Matt recently posted a list called My favorite hostels in the world.  Goes to show that low prices don't always mean low quality.  You can save money and have a great time.

Matt's list spurred me to remember which hostels I've enjoyed over the years.  Here are some of my picks:

Circus (Berlin, Germany) — If every hostel was as grand as Circus, I'd never worry about staying in a hostel again. I've been in hotels that weren't as cool as Circus. Very trendy, a designer hostel.

Beijing Jade International Youth Hostel — Out of all the hostels I've seen in China, this was was the best. Huge, like a hotel, and very clean. Big restaurant and common area on the ground floor.

Yes Inn (Hong Kong) — When you absolutely have to visit Hong Kong for a visa run and don't want to stay in the Chungking Mansions. Clean, modern, and in Hong Kong Island. I've been to this hostel more often than any other because of doing visa runs from Taiwan. I've recommended this place to dozens of travelers.

K's House Tokyo Oasis — Flat-out most awesome hostel in Tokyo. Has the feel of a traditional inn, but all the modern conveniences of an up-to-date building.

Take a Nap (Bangkok, Thailand) Love this hostel. One of the few, along with Circus, that has individual beds, not bunk beds. Each dorm has its own bathroom, saving you the embarrassment of walking down the hall to take a shower. Very colorful and fun too.

Chocolate Box Backpackers (Taipei, Taiwan) — A good hostel with a super-central location across from the Shida night market. Clean and solid. What really cements the place in my memory were the friendly staff and travelers I met there. So many fun times.

Bedz KL (Kuala Lumpur) — When I was backpacking through Southeast Asia, I passed through Kuala Lumpur a lot because it's the main hub for Air Asia, a low-cost airline. Bedz KL was my favorite out of the ones I've been in. Feels like the apartment of a rich friend.

What are the best hostels you've stayed in?  Please share your recommendations and stories in the comments.