I’m often asked why I opt for hostels instead of hotels in the cities I go to. The answer is easy. I want to travel cheaper so that I can travel longer. Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to do that but unfortunately most people believe the stereotypes when it comes to hostelling so they avoid them like the plague. I’ve decided it’s time to dispel some of the myths to show you why hostels are way better than hotels.
Hostels are for under 30
Definitely not. A select few do cater to travellers under 30 but generally, hostels are for everyone no matter what age!
Hostels are dorm rooms for singles with no private space
Most of my stays in hostels were actually in private rooms. If you’re a single traveller, staying in rooms with other travellers might be more appealing but most hostels have the option of single or double rooms like hotels and some even have their own bathroom. Yup, (almost) gone are the days of share bathrooms. Most of the hostels I’ve crashed in gave me my own private ensuite. Best of all, €25 per night beats €100/night for a hotel room. Personally, the extra cash I save from accommodations I would rather spend exploring the city (or eating!), non?
Hostels are dirty
Maybe. But so are a lot of hotels. Fortunately, I’ve never stayed in an unclean or trashy hostel (and I would never want to). Most hostel booking sites have thorough reviews from other travellers who have stayed there as well as links to photos of the rooms. I use this to judge whether it will live up to my standards and I have yet to be disappointed. If you do your research you can find some of the cleanest places to stay. Most of the hostels I’ve stayed in have been cleaner than some hotels I set foot in! In fact, my hostel in Madrid should’ve been called a hotel!
Hostels are dangerous
Not so! Guests in hostels are travellers like you and I, on a budget and travelling the world. In fact, if you’re a solo female traveller some hostels offer same-gender rooms, bathrooms, or floors. Hostels are also a lot smaller than many hotels (some look like houses). In fact, some look like houses and are intimate enough that everyone becomes a familiar face. Unlike hotels, you can feel safe knowing who’s coming and going. Some even have a 24 hour staffed reception.
Hostels are party-central
Sometimes. Some hostels have their own bar or themed nights which can be an indication of the hostel’s atmosphere. Again, check out reviews to read what past guests are saying, or you can send an email to the hostel asking if parties are a regular thing there. With a little research you’ll be sure to find the right one for you. If you like the party scene, there’s a hostel for that. If you want a tranquil place, there’s a hostel for that too!
I hope these tips help clear up some of the misconceptions about staying in hostels and give you the confidence to try hostelling for yourself!
Hi Cristina,
Good discussion about a topic like this, whether to choose a hotel or hostel i prefer hostel for my vacation. I traveled due to business trips and i am comfortable choosing hostel because i only spent nigh time for sleep and spent most of the time outside. I agreed with you that i can save more and spent on exploring the city than spending much on accommodation. There are many good hostels out there in every country.
Nice post ! I want to say a few words about Rusain hostels. Many/most in places like Russia and other former Soviet countries are nothing more than converted apartments with few amenities and no regular staff on site. Also, in Western Europe and the US the cost of a private room if traveling solo is often the same or more than a room at a hotel. One hostel which gets very good write ups and reviews is Friends in St.Petersburg. This hostel is not a converted apartment with few amenities and no regular staff on site, which is typical for Russian hostels, so it’s not extraordinary, but still cool – name after the TV show, brick walls, board games, bicycles and homely atmosphere. You don’t get all of the luxuries of staying in a 5-star hotel (obviously), but it is well worth the price cut.
Thanks for the tip. 5-star hotels can be a nice treat once in a while but I feel like with the extra money I’m spending on luxury (in a room I barely stay in) I could better put it toward an extra night to experience the city more! The cheapness of hostels is amazing for that!
I really enjoyed this post as it clears up a lot of misconceptions about hostels. Especially the one misbelief that hostels are for young people. I am in my 40's now and still enjoy and feel welcome in hostels. They are cheap and a great place to meet other travelers.
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Great post Cristina. I enjoyed your explanation on myth #3, it’s all about doing your research before booking a particular hostel.
I love staying in hostels. You meet so many travelers and you're left with some extra cash to keep exploring. I think it was my parent's generation that started many of these myths. Back then, hostels were a bit more alternative and dirty, but things have certainly turned around. There are some hostels I've stayed at that are nicer, cleaner and roomier than most budget hotels or bed and breakfasts. Definitely the way to go, especially with the increase of private rooms available. Happy travels!
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I definitely think hostelling can teach us sooo many lessons. When you're lacking in some of the facilities or the "needs" we're used to having back home we learn to be more self-sufficient. This way of travel really tests our limits and survivability (I think I just made that word up!)
I guess it's just unfair to generalize hostels based on those myths. Best thing to do is select the hostel carefully before checking in. I would also prefer a hostel when I'm traveling alone. 🙂
If you can get a reco from someone who's stayed there that helps too! And I always say, don't knock it 'til you've tried it!
Awesome post! We really enjoyed this great post, especially the pictures are amazing and authentic.
But also keep in mind, a hostel can be also a high quality accommodation for young people with private rooms and more! Of course, that's not the main case, but the rend is going to this direction!
Good post. In the past (the distant past) the word 'hostel' meant one thing. These days, there is such a variety among hostels, that everyone can find one suited to their tastes. I almost always stay in hostels and, like you, I usually stay in private rooms these days. I think we definitely outgrow dorm rooms at some point.
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I'm so comfortable in hostels that moving over to hotels doesn't feel homey anymore
Great information for those who have not stayed in hostels before. I have friends that can not understand why I would stay in them.
I am not under 30 and I have never been the oldest person in any hostel I have stayed in. I really like how hostels have really improved in the last 10 years. A lot of this has been because of online reviews. They can not hide their faults anymore.
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Thanks for leaving a comment Jeff. The most frustrating part can be getting to the hostel and then realizing it looks nothing like the pictures online. Reading reviews and recommendations from people who have been there is really the only way to know for sure!
Thank you for this post! I'm a thirty-something who plans to do a lot of traveling in Europe next year and I've been wondering as to whether I'm too old for the hostel scene or not. Thank you for dispeling the rumors!!
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I'm so happy it was useful Nicole. There are so many options when it comes to hostels so you can definitely find one that fits your personality. If you want a lil' help in finding it I'd be happy to!