Katrina pointed me to this site, a starting point for those looking for inexpensive, fun accommodation.

Works very well. However, not all great hostels are yet linked.

Hostels, Youth Hostels & Cheap Accommodation With No Booking Fee!

With youth hostels and cheap accommodation in over 2,500 destinations worldwide, our aim is to be the number one site for student travel, backpackers and for the general traveller.

Why book with HostelBookers?

* No booking fees
* Hostels rated and reviewed by backpackers
* Over 2,500 destinations worldwide
* Search hostels by price or ratings
* No registration required – just search and book!

Hostels, Youth Hostels & Cheap Accommodation With No Booking Fee!

I already use Mobissimo.com for flights. I will use HostelBookers.com and a Lonely Planet guidebook for deciding on travel accommodation in future.

Hey, did you see that the BBC bought 75% of Lonely Planet? LP hopes that the BBC will help them expand their on-line presence.