Hostelling?

[bostongirl]

Hi everyone-
I know some of the people on this board have travelled a bit and was wondering if anyone has ever been to Belgium? I'm going to be there in July and am having having a bit of trouble sorting out the info I have on various hostels. As I'll be travelling alone and am on a budget, they seem like the best option for me, not only as a way to save money, but to meet some interesting people as well. BUT.... as I'm reading on-line reviews of them, I'm getting conflicting messages. Some people will rave about a particular hostel while others will right that it is the WORST place ever...??!?? I know staying in hostels means one has to lower standards a bit (you get what you pay for), but as a single girl travelling alone, I would like to be able to find somewhere generally clean and most importantly SAFE. A lot of my friends have travelled quite extensively, but no one seems to have gone to Belgium, so I am at a bit of a loss here. I'm planning on going to Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels (I'll be there about a week). I've travelled abroad a bit but have always gone with friends and stayed in actual hotels, so this hostel thing is a bit new to me- ANY advice on good places to stay in these cities or even "must see" attractions would be welcomed!
Thanks!
-M

[red]

i stayed in hostels in both brussels and brugges, although it was a few years ago now, so i can't recommend one in particular. i travelled alone and with friends, and stayed in lots of hostels in all different parts of europe. for the most part they are fine, but watch your stuff. don't leave anything around that you would miss if it was stolen. i suggest you sleep with your valuables on your person (like in a money belt). hostels are a great way of travelling on a budget and a good place for meeting people, but they also can bring out the pickpockets.
why don't you pick up a budget travel book (like let's go or something) as i am sure all of their picks are relatively safe.
have a great time! if you plan to travel in europe in july, i suggest you reserve ahead for hostel space, as july and august can be very crowded. and have fun!

[crashhus]

I have backpacked through Europe, for a month. I never had a problem with hostels because most of them have lockers, about 5 or 6 feet high for your belongings. The hostel gives you a key, for it, and only you have it besides the hostel owners, or employees.