Backpacker chic
An Australian hostel chain claims to be setting "new benchmarks" in backpacker accommodation, with the launch of its latest "luxury hostel" in Melbourne 's fashionable St Kilda district.

"We're aiming for the more savvy, hip backpacker who wants a little bit more for their money," says Richard Bruce, manager of St Kilda's Base Backpackers.

It is also trying to offer a comfortable product for the female traveller. The girls-only floor, known as The Sanctuary, has a pink paint scheme, flower-themed artwork and offers residents of its eight-bed dorms use of hair straighteners, curlers, a shared make-up box and free shampoo and conditioner samples when they check in.

There are 48 rooms in the new St Kilda location - cus tom-built with bright red laminated tiled walls - and 40 beds in these are girls only. There are also double ensuites with a futon-style bed, TV, and access to a shared balcony.
Lisa Bachelor

Base Backpackers (00 613 8598 6200, basebackpackers.com.). From AU$22 (£8.83) in the 10-bed dormitory, rising to AU$27 a night for a bed in The Sanctuary. Double ensuites have an introductory price of $85 a night rising to around $110 when peak season kicks in. Base already has four hostels in New Zealand.

Neat hotel Following his departure from his Michelin-starred restaurant in London's Oxo Tower in 2002, Richard Neat has resurfaced in Marrakech, Morocco.

The British-born chef and his French wife Sophie last month opened Casa Lalla, a boutique-style hotel and restaurant in the old medina.

It is based in a traditional eight-roomed riad, with an open courtyard, a hammam and a roof terrace with views of the city and Berber tent-style coverings.

The 12-seater restaurant ffers a seven-course menu dégustation mixing Moroccan and French food. Jessica Gunn

· Casa Lalla (00 212 (0) 44 42 97 57, casalalla.com). Doubles from €90 a night low season, €105 high season, B&B.