Yes, as others have said, read up on the hostel reviews that abound across the web, from Lonely Planet guides to TripAdvisor (and even the odd FT review). I'm not into the boozy party scenes of your stereotypical hostels, but recently stayed at Backpackers by the Bay in Airlie Beach (Aus). Nice and quiet, especially since the recent cyclone that smashed its way through, and it's far from being a party hostel. Everyone just did their own thing, so you could be social or keep to yourself.

Sydney now has two pod-style hostels, inspired after those in Japan. Again, quiet and super clean; less a hotel than an upmarket hostel and popular with solo travelers or even business folk. For less than $50 per night, it was just what I needed.