The Top 10 Accommodation I Stayed At During My 380 Days Of Travel

In this latest top 10 series, I will be covering the top 10 accommodation I took during my 380 days of travel around the world.

Here is a list of Ten Top 10 I will be covering in this series:

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the accommodations below. I am simply journaling my experience staying at each of the individual properties. I did use my booking.com referral link for some of the accommodations listed and could potentially earn commission if you use those links.

During my 380 days of travel around the world, I got a chance to stay at various different accommodations. If you’re interested, you can check out the exact breakdown in this previous blog post on how many times I stayed in specific accommodations (such as hostels, hotels, motels, guest houses, Air Bnb, camping, Workaway, and friend’s homes).

Now, for the sake of this article, I’ll limit it to accommodations you can actually stay at in

I won’t be using your traditional method of ranking accommodations as well. Understandably, five star hotels will be nicer than a hostel. However, during my travels, I found that some hostels provided such amazing customer service and perks that I actually enjoyed my time in those accommodations more than the four or five star hotels. Therefore, my main criteria for ranking an accommodation is how much I enjoyed my stay there.

Without further delay, here are the top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel around the world:

The top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel around the world

#10 – Best Western le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa – Rennes, France

As you know, France is not a cheap travel destination and accommodations tend to be pricey. I decided this would be a good time for me to redeem some of my Best Western points when I travelled to Rennes, France. I stayed at Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa because of its convenient location being close to the train station.

Rennes, France is where you go if you want to see Mont Saint Michel which is this amazing castle built on an island in Normandy if you’re wondering.

I enjoyed my stay in Best Western le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa because their customer service was really good. Additionally, they had a relaxing pool area where you can go for a swim. Their rooms are also quite comfortable and I enjoyed having a place to myself after staying in so many hostels.

Because of the comfort and convenient location, I put Best Western le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa at number 10 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#9 – Amphitheatre Backpackers – Drakensberg, South Africa

While travelling in South Africa, I wanted to check out the famous Drakensberg mountain range. I looked online for a hostel to stay at and found Amphitheatre Backpackers. At first glance, it got mixed reviews. Some say it’s really good while others say they are a bunch of greedy money grabbing organization.

Upon arrival at this hostel, the front desk staff has a dry humour which can easily be taken out of context for overly serious individuals. I personally thought it was fine because I have a sense of humour. The money grabbing accusation this hostel received comes from the fact they try to upsell you their tours while you are checking-in.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with upselling you their tours because they are a business after all. And since you are a tourist, you’ll probably be interested in checking out what to do in the nearby area.

I personally joined their tour to visit the highest country in the world: Lesotho and had a blast. A portion of their revenue also went to help build schools for the local Lesotho children.

Accommodation wise, the hostel actually felt more like a mountain resort. It was very comfortable and we met some great travellers while we were there.

I can’t say enough good things about staying in Amphitheatre Backpackers and easily put it at number 9 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#8 – Le Meridien Angkor – Siem Reap, Cambodia

While travelling in Southeast Asia, I was starting to get a little sick of staying at hostels so I decided to redeem some of my Starpoints to stay at Le Meridien Angkor. This turned out to be a wonderful decision and was a great launching pad to visit the famous Angkor Wat complex.

The hotel was very comfortable and luxurious. They had an awesome outdoor pool, gym, and was close to restaurants. Anyone who travels to Siem Reap, Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat should stay in this hotel.

One downside is that eating in the hotel is quite expensive and I would not recommend it. Instead, you should eat at the restaurants outside because their price is better and the food is more authentic.

Because of Le Meridien Angkor’s luxury and comfort, I place it at number 8 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#7 – Canvas Boutique Hotel – Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

While travelling in the Philippines, my cousin and myself decided to travel to Palawan to see the famous Underground River. My cousin decided to book us to stay at Canvas Boutique Hotel.

At first glance, it looks like your standard hotel. It was pretty comfortable, with AC and some WIFI.

However, where this hotel really stood out is their on-site restaurant. I can’t tell you how delicious their food is. I’m not even a foodie but I can tell you, their food is simply…amazing. I tried their breakfast, lunch, and dinner and I can’t stop raving how good the food is.

Because of the yummy restaurant food, I put Canvas Boutique Hotel at number 7 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#6 – Hostel 365 For U – Dubrovnik, Croatia

When Karen and myself travelled to Dubrovnik, Croatia to check out where they filmed Game of Thrones, we decided to stay at Hostel 365 For U. Karen and myself couldn’t believe how nice this hostel is. It was so comfortable and clean!

Every bunk bed had curtains and we all had lockers. The room had AC which made the dorm not smelly from other people’s body odour. There was a place to charge your electronics and overall, it was an above average hostel.

I would even go as far as saying…it’s the best hostel I stayed at while I was in Europe.

The one downside is they didn’t offer breakfast and the check out time is quite early.

Regardless, because Hostel 365 For U is a hostel done right, I put it at number 6 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#5 – Best Western Petaling Jaya – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

After an exhausting backpacking adventure through South Africa, Brunei, and Borneo (Malaysia), Karen and myself found ourselves exhausted. So, when we went to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, I decided to redeem some of my Best Western points at BW Petaling Jaya.

This turned out to be a wonderful decision because this hotel is by far the best hotel I’ve stayed at so far. Looking in hindsight, it’s because I got lucky and got a free room upgraded thanks to fast tracking myself to Best Western Platinum status.

After backpacking in rough situations for nearly two months, Karen and myself thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful hotel.

The only downside we can see staying here was that breakfast was not included; otherwise, it was almost the perfect hotel for us to stay at. We’d definitely stay here again in the future.

Because Best Western Petaling Jaya is one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at, I put it at number 5 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#4 – Shoestring Airport Lodge – Johannesburg, South Africa

I’m not sure if Shoestring Airport Lodge is currently open right now. But at the time of my travels in South Africa, staying at Shoestring Airport Lodge was a lifesaver.

As you know, South Africa isn’t the safest travel destination. Your number one goal should you travel in South Africa is safety. Right when Karen and I left the airport, the owner of Shoestring Airport Lodge picked us up from the airport and safely drove us to the hostel.

The owner, Rob, also showed us how to get around Johannesburg safely and answered our many questions. He gave us a good itinerary to follow and we’re sure glad we did!

Most importantly, Rob, the owner of the hostel, is one of the friendliest and most helpful person I’ve ever met. During my entire one year around the world trip, his customer service is unmatched. If I were to rank the customer service I received during my one year trip, he would be number one.

The only downside to the hostel is that it’s pretty old and run down. But that didn’t take away from the warmth and friendliness of the place. I highly recommend staying in this hostel if it’s your first night or last night in Johannesburg.

Because of the amazing customer service, I put Shoestring Airport Lodge at number 4 of the top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#3 – Cristal Cove Surf Lodge – Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

While travelling in South Africa, Karen and myself ended up in this random beach town called Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa. Not to be racist or anything but the moment we arrived in this city, we saw white kids riding their bicycle outside. This indicated to us that it’s probably a fairly safe city.

We ended up staying in a hostel called Cristal Cove Surf Lodge and immediately we were blown away! Maybe it’s because we travelled in slow season but we ended up having an entire “apartment” to ourselves. We even had a balcony with a view of the beach.

It was simply stunning and comfortable. After backpacking for awhile, Karen and myself got a chance to live a home life for awhile. We went to nearby groceries, cooked our own meals, and just relaxed as if we were back home.

Cristal Cove Surf Lodge is my favourite hostel in the entire South Africa and because of that, I put it at number 3 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#2 – Goodstay Hostel Lyndon – Jeju City, South Korea

I went to Jeju Island in South Korea because it’s one of the seven wonders of nature. After looking at the reviews online, the advice is to stay in Jeju City because it’s easier to get around the island from there.

I decided to book a hostel and ended up in Goodstay Hostel Lyndon. Upon checking in and getting myself comfortable in the dorms, I never felt happier. This hostel is so comfortable and clean. I definitely loved the vibe that I felt here.

For breakfast, they provide you with a station where you grab ingredients and cook your own meals. The eating area is quite pleasant and it’s a good place to hangout and meet other travellers.

Sadly, I only stayed in Jeju Island for three days which is a big regret of mine. If I can turn back time, I would stay here for at least a week, if not longer. The island and this hostel is my ideal travel destination and I can see myself staying here for at least one month.

Because of how awesome Goodstay Hostel Lyndon is, I put it at number 2 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

#1 – Lake View Hostel – Guatape, Colombia

Last but not least…Lake View Hostel in Guatape, Colombia. I did my first ever Workaway volunteer work in this hostel and had a very good experience.

Greg, one of the co-owners of this hostel, is a little bit intense but we got along really well and had a blast hanging out with him. The hostel has this lake view as the name states and I can’t imagine a more perfect morning. They sell delicious breakfast and you get to eat it while observing this picture perfect serene lake.

I also got a chance to do some work on my blog while looking at this awesome lake view.

The accommodation was pretty solid and they have an awesome Thai restaurant on the roof.

Lake View is the only hostel I ever stayed at for nearly two weeks during my travels. And I missed it when I had to leave. If I ever go back to Colombia, I would definitely return here. The atmosphere is what sets it apart from the many hostels and accommodations I ever stayed at. And of course, the fact that they have something for everyone whether that be kayak, bike, scooter rentals, tour bookings, or to simply chill out, relax and enjoy the town.

Because of the unforgettable atmosphere, I place Lake View Hostel at number 1 of my top 10 accommodation I stayed at during my 380 days of travel.

Conclusion

After travelling to many countries and staying at many different places, I’ve come to realize that sometimes, that five star hotel is not better than a hostel.

As a traveller, it’s the vibe and people that you meet that makes a big difference. And of course, amazing customer service makes up for an accommodation that seems a little bit beat up.

But make no mistake about it, it’s awesome to stay at four or five star hotels in between hostels just to recharge yourself, have some privacy, get a proper shower and get access to fast wifi.

Therefore during my 380 days of travel, I enjoyed a good mix of hostel, hotel, Air bnb’s, and staying with friends and family.

Where was your favourite accommodations whenever you travel?

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