A Newbie Guide To Staying In Hostels
Staying in hostels isn’t everyone’s idea of holiday heaven, but for some, it can be a cost-effective way to travel. I have stayed in many hostels over the years, some good, some not so good, so I know what to look for and have gained a few tips on how to survive those first few nights in a dorm. So, I’ve put together this guide on how to survive staying in hostels for those who may be considering or are unsure what to expect.
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Benefits Of Staying In Hostels:
Most people believe hostels are for hardcore backpackers. Most of my friends turn their noses up at sharing a room and bathroom facilities with strangers and opt to stay in expensive hotels instead! Although staying in a private room with ensuite facilities sounds lovely, the cost is a huge downfall, especially in Europe’s expensive big cities!
The average daily cost of a hotel in, say, Paris can be upward of £100, whereas a hostel could be only £20. That’s an extra £80, which I could spend on other things such as experiences or a more extended trip. Not only that, but hostels have so many other advantages, such as being an easy way of meeting people, especially if travelling solo as I do!
You will also find most hostels have a variety of activities and tours that are usually cheaper than tour operators, as well as access to cheap or free laundry services and free Wi-Fi (which you generally won’t find in expensive hotels).
So, if you take all that on board, sacrificing some personal space and privacy is only a small price to pay. However, some hostels have private rooms for the same price as two dorm beds, like the Yim Whan Hostel in Ayutthaya, Thailand, which cost me only £12 a night (low season). So, in some circumstances, you may be able to bag a private room for a much lower price than a hotel!
The Different Types Of Hostels?
When people think of hostels, they often imagine an inexpensive shared dormitory. However, there are several types of hostels out there that fit different budgets and atmosphere preferences. These include:
Chill Out Hostels
These types are generally my favourite. They have a relaxed atmosphere and very friendly owners who sort of take the role of distant aunties or cousins. There is no pressure to get involved in any activities, and they don’t encourage late-night drinking sessions or parties. They usually have a chill-out room with bean bags and bookshelves, and if you’re lucky, some complimentary tea, coffee or snacks. These hostels are great for solo and first-time travellers.
Eco Hostels
If saving the environment is your primary concern, many hostels focus on responsible and sustainable travel. Here, you will find environmentally friendly design, facilities, and maybe even a vegan-friendly restaurant. Again, these are usually friendly, relaxing hostels without emphasising drinking and party nights.
Boutique 5 Star Hostels
These can be very lovely hostels, but are slightly more expensive. This is due to elegant designs and extra special touches like pod-style bunks, upgraded breakfasts and additional facilities such as swimming pools and loungers.
These hostels can sometimes look as good as boutique hotels without the expensive price tag. However, although pretty and modern, they are not always as friendly and welcoming as other hostels.
Party Hostels
As the name suggests, these are the hostels to go to if drinking and partying the night away is what you have in mind. You will find an abundance of party activities, such as bar crawls or even beer pong in the bar. If this is what you’re after, then these are definitely the places to stay. If you’re looking for peace, then I suggest looking elsewhere!
Traditional Youth Hostels
These hostels are usually all over Europe and have a variety of travellers staying with them, including large groups of school children and families.
If you don’t mind this, you will usually find these hostels in top locations and at cheap prices. However, for some, you may need to be a member to stay with them, or being a member may give you a small discount. For the United Kingdom, check out YHA.UK
Hybrid Hotel/Hostels
Essentially, these are hotels that also offer budget dorm rooms. If you want the services of a hotel but with a hostel price, these can be very good options. Especially if you’re staying as a group or a family, snapping up a 4-bed dorm can be a lot cheaper than getting two hotel rooms.
The Cheap Hostel
Wherever you travel, there will always be a cheap hostel. They will have the best prices but almost always have the worst reviews.
If cost is only the deciding factor, then these are the way to go, but be warned: You may be met with dirty bathrooms, poor facilities, and even dirty bed linen! For a few extra pounds, it’s worth getting a place with better reviews.
How To Choose The Right Hostel?
As you can see, there are many different types of hostel, so how do you pick the right one for you? The best way is to write down what you need, then check sites such as Booking.com for availability and prices. Most importantly, check through all the reviews! This will give you a good idea if a particular hostel is a good fit for you.
Things to take into consideration include:
- The location, do you want to be in the city centre or on the quieter outskirts? Close to the nightlife, the beach or attractions?
- What are the reception times? Is it 24-hour? There’s nothing worse than arriving early in a city and not being able to dump your bags whilst you wait to check in! Or will you be arriving late at night?
- Is there a bar/restaurant? If travelling solo, the bar can be the best place to meet other people. You will usually find other solo travellers here ready to mingle.
- Is a free breakfast included? What’s it like? A free breakfast can save you some money if on a tight budget.
- Are there kitchen facilities? Cooking your own food is an excellent way of saving money whilst travelling!
- How many beds are in the dorm room? I usually go for the smallest rooms, like the 4-bed dorms, as you have less chance of being disturbed by people coming and going.
- Female or mixed dorms? I’ve stayed in both, but I prefer females only as you tend to get more snoring from the guys (sorry, but it’s true).
- Security: Does each bed have a locker? How is access to the room? Is it by card/ key or left open? Do they have 24-hour security or staff?
- What are the bathroom facilities like? Are they clean? Do they have plenty of showers and hot water?
- Activities: Do you want lots of activities to get involved in?
- Atmosphere: are you looking for a party vibe or to kick back and enjoy a good book?
- Age? Some hostels, such as party hostels, have a young crowd. If you are an older traveller, is this what you want?
I normally opt for cheap chill-out hostels where I will likely get a good night’s sleep with clean facilities, secure lockers, a central location, a good bar area, and good reviews. It sounds like a lot, but this is generally what most people seek in a good hostel, and it is the middle-of-the-road common hostel type.
One of my favourite hostels is Budget Backpackers in Edinburgh. It has the right amount of activities on offer, including bar crawls, but it doesn’t have a big party vibe either, which is great for oldies like me to chill out in the evenings with a few beers!
Speaking of oldies, how old is too old to stay in hostels? Well, I’m 45 years old and still feel comfortable in hostels and staying in dorm rooms. In fact, I’ll be staying in a hostel in Lisbon on my next trip. Over the years, I’ve met many younger people with whom I’ve still partied the night away and many much older than me. In my opinion, most people who stay in hostels don’t care about age. It’s all about travelling and experiences. After all, age is just a number!
General Tips For Staying In Hostels:
Staying in hostels is a fun and economical way to travel, but it can also overwhelm some travellers. To make sure that your stay is comfortable and safe, here are specific tips to keep in mind:
For starters, always do your research; look into the safety and cleanliness of the premises and always read reviews online before you book to know what you’re getting into!
Be friendly. It can be hard staying in hostels for the first time, especially travelling solo, but just remember most people are in the same situation, and a pleasant hello can go a long way. You never know; you might meet your next travel buddy.
Always try to be considerate of others, especially between 11 pm – 8 am.
If you have to get up early, try not to have your alarm constantly going off. Everyone understands people have to get up early for flights or excursions, etc.; just don’t be the one who keeps pressing snooze!
If possible, don’t use plastic bags; use a tote bag or canvas bag instead, as these don’t make much noise. Trust me, there is nothing worse than a bag rustler in the early morning hours!
Be prepared to have the same conversations! Where are you from, how long are you travelling, and where are you travelling to next? It’s generally always the same first questions, but try to be a bit inventive if you can. You don’t have to lie but try to be creative with your answers. You never know where the conversation will lead. I once met someone who used to completely re-invent themselves at every hostel and try to see how far she could go before people realised.
Don’t let unforeseeable things get you down, and be prepared occasionally for things to go wrong. Unless it’s something major, the likelihood is that it will work itself right again.
Attitude is key! If you expect less, you will usually be blessed with more. Look past minor imperfections and let them slide. I have stayed in some hostels where, when I arrived, I just wanted to walk straight out again, but they turned out to be some of the best hostels I’ve stayed in.
Must-Have Items When Staying In Hostels:
Hostels are a great place to stay, but if you’re not prepared, it can quickly turn into an uncomfortable and stressful experience. Knowing what to bring when you opt for this type of accommodation will make all the difference in having a safe and pleasant stay. Some of my must-have items include:
- Ear plugs and an eye mask are a must-have item, especially if a light sleeper like myself. Most people are considerate of others sleeping, but occasionally you come across the odd asshole!
- Flip-flops! Always useful when taking a shower or taking a trip to the bathroom.
- A quick cover-up like a sarong is also essential, especially if the bathroom isn’t en-suite.
- A padlock for the locker! Some hostels sell these, but you can usually find them much cheaper in your local supermarket. Plus, you don’t want to run the risk of them running out, like what happened to me on my last trip to Edinburgh. I must have about ten padlocks at home now, as I always forget to pack them!
- If you have many gadgets to charge, bring a plug extension, as you generally only have access to one socket per person. This is also an easy way to make friends when power outlets are lacking.
- Take a travel sheet or sleeping bag liner. This is especially useful if you are staying in cheap hostels or if you suspect there may be bed bugs! Be aware, though, that bed bugs can strike even in the fanciest of hotels!
- A travel mug or drinking container is always useful for filling up on the go and helping save the environment. I know some people who also take metal straws and eating utensils, but it depends on where you travel.
- If possible, invest in a travel towel. Many hostels will supply them for free, but others may charge you for the privilege.
Are Hostels Safe?
Staying in hostels is very safe. As a female solo traveller, I have never felt that my safety has been at risk. If anything, I feel a little safer as I don’t feel as isolated as when I stay in hotels alone.
However, even though hostels are generally safe, it’s important to follow simple safety precautions as you would anywhere. These include not showing off expensive possessions, not leaving valuables lying around, and using lockers at all times.
Final Thoughts
So, are hostels for you? If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel, meet new people and see the world, the answer is most likely yes. Hostels can be a great way to save money while seeing amazing places, but it’s essential to research before booking to know what to expect. We hope this guide has helped prepare you for your first hostel stay and that you have a fantastic time! Have you stayed in a hostel before? What was your experience like?
Thanks so much for stopping by; I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and make it to the end! I have lots of exciting new content in the next few weeks, so make sure you pop back to catch up!
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Happy travels!
