The Hostel Handbook for the USA and Canada (2003)

Rating:
Summary: not for everybody
Review: I bought this book based on the strength of its reviews and in preparation for my first vacation. I wasn't all that impressed with it because it doesn't fit into my travel style. The listings did tell me all I needed to know, but not all I wanted to know. I browsed through the book a few times before giving it away and turning to the internet to map the hostels listed in the book against attractions and local transportation stations. For someone only visiting a few cities, this book (and the shipping charge doubling the price) just isn't worth it. You're better off visiting your local library or checking the internet.

Rating:
Summary: not for everybody
Review: I bought this book based on the strength of its reviews and in preparation for my first vacation. I wasn't all that impressed with it because it doesn't fit into my travel style. The listings did tell me all I needed to know, but not all I wanted to know. I browsed through the book a few times before giving it away and turning to the internet to map the hostels listed in the book against attractions and local transportation stations. For someone only visiting a few cities, this book (and the shipping charge doubling the price) just isn't worth it. You're better off visiting your local library or checking the internet.

Rating:
Summary: BEST USA HOSTEL GUIDE
Review: In 1998 while travelling the USA for the first time, I
first heard about this hostelguide from other travellers who recommended it as the best guide in the USA for hostellers.
It is small and compact, doesn't take much space, with all
the information you could ever wanted on affordable accomodation, travelling the USA on a budget. I have been travelling the US once a year ever since and came along countless of other budget travellers praising this guide.

Rating:
Summary: 2000 edition now available
Review: The Handbook is updated annually. The new edition is available by March. The new 2000 book may be ordered now -- search under Hostel Handbook and pick the 2000 book

Rating:
Summary: A life saver!
Review: This book came in super handy upon arrival to JFK with no place to stay and no idea how to get there! the best thing was the fact it's up to date- no problems with calling locations that no longer exist.

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive and handy companion for American backpackers
Review: This is an excellent guide. I travelled around America with it and it was indispensible. It's current and comprehensive, without useless reams of information (which any backpacker will tell you is the last thing they need!) The guide gives you the basics - location, phone number and price. It's also ludicrously cheap - $3!!!! - and fits snuggly in your pack without taking up too much room. Loved it!!