DENVER -- Before you book that high-dollar hotel or check out that cheap motel, consider the latest lodging craze is completely free.

CouchSurfing is a social networking Web site and that connects travelers all over the world with a couch to stay on free of charge.

"My name is Ella. I live in Denver, and I've been CouchSurfing for two years, now. People are just generally nice all over the world," said Ella Baes, who at first joined CouchSurfers for the group's social events -- everything from eating to bowling to bonding.

Then, she started "surfing" most recently staying with a man in Manila.

"He made this beautiful Filipino lunch for me, and he surprised me by organizing a Karaoke night with 15 other CouchSurfers," said Baes.

Lately, she's been hosting more often, opening her home to people she has never met who want a free place to stay.

But in a society where "don’t talk to strangers" is the norm, all this may sound a little strange.

But in the last two years, Denver's CouchSurfing community has gone from 25 members to 850 and counting.

At one Colorado CouchSurfing potluck dinner, it wasn't just college kids or budget backpackers.

"CouchSurfing is not just for young people," said Dave Bick, a CouchSurfer and host in his 40s.

Arthur Brock said the experience is less about saving money and more about a cultural exchange.

"CouchSurfing it not about exchanging money," said Brock. "It's not about being paid for something. It's actually about giving a gift of hospitality."

But with more than a million people CouchSurfing worldwide, is it safe?

The site does not screen members, but it does verify addresses and provide space for people to vouch for or refer other members.

Ultimately, though, it's up to old-fashioned trust and judgment based on profiles.

"The CouchSurfing profile is very detailed. You have photographs. You have albums. It's sort of like Facebook, but I think it's better," said Baes.

Over the last two years, Jeremy Maris has become somewhat of a star CouchSurfer.

"CouchSurfing is the best way to meet people," said Maris. "For me, it's about curiosity and to know more."

He started in France, hitchhiking across the planet, and is crashing in Colorado with Paul Markowicz, who has also done his share of CouchSurfing.

"I've stayed from the crappiest places to the fanciest rooms," said Markowicz.

For them and most "surfers" we met, it wasn't just about saving money, it was about making friends.

No, it’s not a high-dollar hotel.

But it seems “surfers” have found a different way to see the world -- through the eyes, and couches, of those who live in it.

The Denver CouchSurfing group meets once a week downtown.