Families are finally catching on to the college students' secret--for no-frills budget travel, nothing beats staying at a hostel. Dismiss outdated images of dingy dorms piled high with backpacks. Many hostels around the country now welcome families with simple, private rooms and even a few luxuries like hot tubs and pools. You'll also find homey common areas, fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers and perks such as bike and boat rentals. What's more, a number are historic landmarks. Membership in
Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels (free for those under 18; $28 for those 18-54; $18 for those over 54; $250 for lifetime for all ages; call 202-783-0717), an association that inspects and licenses all member hostels, is not always required, but it helps with peak season reservations and lower rates. For summer trips, reserve family rooms at HI-AYH hostels in spring.
Read on for one of our favorite spots, the Orlando/Kissimmee Resort in Orlando, Florida.
ORLANDO/KISSIMMEE RESORT
ORLANDO, FL: Just five miles from Walt Disney World along Orlando's "motel mile," this lakefront motel (including a pool and two-acre tropical grounds) was recently converted into a hostel. Congenial staff help with park logistics and offer shuttle service to
Walt Disney World,
Sea World and
Universal Studios. Open year-round. Nightly rate is around $17-18 (plus tax), including linens. Call the Orlando/Kissimmee Resort at 407-396-8282.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
Valerie Wolf Deutsch coauthored the newly revised guide THE BEST BARGAIN FAMILY VACATIONS IN THE U.S.A.
