How hostels work – Frequently asked questions
Whether you’re traveling long-term or just for a weekend, hostels are a fantastic way to save money and make new friends.
The idea behind this guide is to debunk some myths about hostels and answer the most frequently asked questions.
I hope to convince even the most skeptical to try this kind of accommodation, which can sometimes be a valid alternative to more expensive hotels, without necessarily having to make any big compromises.
Let’s get started!
The basics
What is a hostel?
A hostel is a cheap and safe way to stay anywhere in the world.
What sets hostels apart are the dorms (often with bunk beds), the shared bathrooms and the fact that they’re extremely cheap.
All areas are shared – except your bed! – which makes them highly social places where making new friends is an everyday thing.
N.B. More and more hostels also have private rooms suitable for couples, families and groups of friends.
Types of hostel:
Party hostel: As the name says, these are hostels that make nightlife their main attraction; they often have a bar on the premises, organize drinking games, etc. etc. They’re obviously noisy places and drunk people tend not to be very respectful of other people’s sleep, but if you’re looking for a bit of “action”, a party hostel might be just the thing for you!
Budget hostel: These are my favorites. They’re often run by locals and aren’t part of big chains. They have everything you need but nothing more. A definitely calmer and more relaxed atmosphere than the previous ones.
Boutique hostel: This seems to be the new trend. They’re luxurious hostels that are every bit as good as many hotels: top-notch breakfasts, movie rooms and a whole range of services you wouldn’t expect from a hostel. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this article. The downside? The cost, obviously.
Working hostel: a hostel whose purpose is to help the people staying there find work. It’s a very common type of hostel in Australia and New Zealand. People usually stay for a long time and the atmosphere that develops is that of a community, where it’s easy to share spaces, meals and life experiences.
Hostel in Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamIs there an age limit?
Some hostels require a minimum age of 16-18, especially if there’s a bar. Others, on the other hand, have a maximum age of 30-35; these are usually the so-called “party hostels” that want to guarantee a young, party atmosphere.
In most cases, though, there are no age limits. If you have any doubts, check the property description / general information, where it will definitely be specified if there is one, or contact the hostel directly.
Hostels for families?
Even though hostels started out as accommodation for young people, generally speaking hostels don’t discriminate. In some hostels I’ve come across entire families – kids in tow!
I certainly wouldn’t recommend a dorm to a family, but rather a private room, especially with small children.
How much does a hostel cost?
Prices vary depending on the country you’re in: from 2-3€ a night in some countries in Southeast Asia and South America, to 20-30€ a night in cities like London.
Prices are purely indicative and depend on many factors, for example the season, the location and the type of hostel.
To get a precise idea, check sites like Hostelworld, Booking and Agoda.
Hostel services
What do hostels provide?
It depends on the hostel; certainly a bed to sleep in, a bathroom, sheets and blankets (leave your sleeping bag liner/sleeping bag at home and don’t be fussy). They often also provide common areas, a kitchen, wifi, laundry service, activities, a tour desk, a bar, lockers etc. etc.
Base hostel on Magnetic Island, Australia. Are bathrooms shared?
If you decide to stay in a dorm the answer is yes, while some private rooms come with a bathroom.
It must be said that in hostels – proper ones – bathrooms are cleaned several times a day, so they’re actually very clean. Either way, bring slippers/flip-flops for the shower.
Obviously, the showers, just like the bathrooms, are shared.
N.B. Bathrooms can be mixed, but that depends entirely on the property.
Mixed dorms. What does that mean?
In mixed dorms, men and women may have to share the same bedroom. This type of dorm is the most common. It’s still easy to find female-only, or male-only, dorms, and in rare cases entire hostels just for women.
Sleeping with strangers isn’t that scary!
Is breakfast included in hostels?
It depends on the hostel. In some places you can have it by paying extra.
When it’s included, it’s often a basic breakfast.
Hostel safety
Theft in hostels?
Contrary to what many people believe, theft in hostels isn’t common at all, especially if you use common sense.
The vast majority of hostels provide lockers, so make sure you bring a combination padlock – so you don’t have to worry about the key – and you’ll see that nothing will happen!
Can you leave your luggage at hostels?
In 99% of cases you can leave your luggage in a dedicated room. For example, if you arrive before check-in time or if you need somewhere to leave it for a while after check-out.
In both cases, while you wait you’re normally given access to the common areas.
Hostel rules
Most hostels have more or less strict rules: quiet after a certain hour, no drinking your own alcohol if there’s a bar on the premises, etc. etc.
These rules are normally pointed out at check-in or can be found in the property description / general information section of the various booking sites.
What to bring to a hostel
If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs and a sleep mask. For your safety bring a padlock (with a combination!), while a headlamp can be useful, especially at night, so you don’t have to turn on the light and disturb others.
Towels aren’t always provided, so bring one just in case (ideally microfiber) and a pair of flip-flops for the shower.
Here you’ll find a complete list of things to bring on a trip.
Casa Elemento hostel, Colombia.
Hostel life
In general the atmosphere is really relaxed and friendly; especially in small hostels you’ll feel as if you were part of a family, where perfect strangers act as if they’d been friends forever.
First time in a hostel?
There’s a first time for everything; choose a good hostel and you’ll see that these places, snubbed by many, can offer a higher level of comfort and cleanliness than many hotels.
What makes them truly unique is without a doubt the social side, which isn’t even comparable to the atmosphere of a hotel. Try not to be overly reserved and you’ll see that most people are more than willing to chat and make new friends, even when there’s a language barrier.
20 useful tips for traveling solo.
How do you survive in a hostel?
Surviving is easier than you think. Choose a good hostel, leave your prejudices at home and you’ll see that hostels aren’t bad at all!
Planning a trip? Check out these posts:
Which travel insurance to choose
Which travel backpack to choose
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