Hostels are one of my favorite things about travel. They’re budget-friendly, it’s easy to meet people at hostels, and they are often in great locations. I’ve stayed in dozens of hostels all over the world, and one of the common questions I see from hostel-newbies is do hostels have showers?
Hostels have showers of course, as they also have bathrooms. However, they are a little different from the showers you may find in hostels. Hostels have shared showers, private showers, and ensuite showers, and every hostel will have a different variation of these types of bathrooms.
Keep reading for the ultimate guide on hostel showers including what kinds of showers you can find in hostels, tips for using hostel showers, and the pros of cons of staying in hostels when it comes to showering.
Published: August 13, 2025
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Do Hostels Have Showers?
Yes, hostels have showers. Whether you’re in a large city or a remote destination, showers are considered a basic necessity in hostels, just like beds and lockers. Most hostels offer shared showers in communal bathrooms, and many also have private showers in ensuite rooms.
In shared facilities, showers are usually in individual stalls with doors or curtains for privacy. There’s often a small dry area or bench inside the stall where you can change clothes and keep your belongings off the floor.
You will have to bring your own towel to the hostel showers. Oftentimes you will not find any soap in hostel showers, so make sure you bring your own toiletries too.
Types of Showers in Hostels
Hostel showers come in a few common setups:
- Shared showers in communal bathrooms – Found in hallways or near dorm rooms. They are open to all guests and separated into stalls. Sometimes these are spilt by gender, and other times they are all-gender.
- Ensuite showers – Located inside a private room or dorm room. They are available only to the people staying in that room. There is usually one per room.
- Single-use bathrooms – These are single room bathrooms, often with a toilet, sink, and shower, and anyone can use them, as they are located in the hallway. Sometimes they are labeled specifically for men or women.
If privacy is important to you, look for a hostel with ensuite rooms or get a private room with your own bathroom.
Regardless of room type, you’ll always have access to a shower; the main difference is whether you share it with other guests.
Hostelworld has over 36,000 hostels in 170+ countries, and it’s my go-to for finding a fun and clean place to stay no matter where I travel.
What to Expect from Hostel Showers
While hostels always have showers, there are some things you should know before you use hostel showers.
- Availability and Wait Times: Hostels with many stalls rarely have long waits, but smaller hostels or peak times (like mornings) might mean waiting a few minutes. If you want to avoid lines, try showering during off-peak hours.
- Privacy: Most hostels provide private stalls with a curtain or door. In some budget hostels, changing space inside the stall may be small, so bring a lightweight bag to keep your clothes dry, or change in your room.
- Water Temperature and Pressure: Most hostels offer hot water with adjustable temperature. However, in some budget or remote hostels, hot water may be limited or only available during certain hours.
- Cleanliness: Bathrooms are usually cleaned daily by staff. Because they are shared, it’s good practice to keep your space tidy for the next guest.
- Amenities: Some hostels provide soap, shampoo, or towels, while others do not. I always bring my own toiletries and towel to avoid extra rental fees. Learn more about shampoo and other amenities in hostels.
- Accessibility: Many modern hostels have accessible bathrooms with step-free showers, but it’s best to confirm with the property before booking.
Packing List for Hostel Showers
Having the right items for hostel showers can make your stay better and stress-free. Since most hostels don’t provide full bathroom amenities like hotels, it’s best to pack your own. Here’s what to bring:
- Flip-flops or shower shoes – Essential for hygiene in shared bathrooms.
- Quick-dry towel – Microfiber towels are lightweight, pack small, and dry fast.
- Toiletries – Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and deodorant.
- Toiletry bag or shower caddy – Makes it easy to carry everything to and from the bathroom.
- Plastic bag or wet/dry bag – Keeps wet towels or clothes separate from the rest of your luggage.
- Hair wrap or small towel – Speeds up drying if you have long hair.
- Reusable razor – If you shave while traveling.
- Small lock – For securing valuables in a locker while you shower.
Packing these items ensures you’ll have everything you need without worrying about finding or buying it at your destination. For even more, check out my complete hostel packing list.
Pros and Cons of Hostel Showers
Pros
- Available in every hostel.
- Hot water is common in most destinations.
- Affordable even with ensuite options.
Cons
- May have to wait during busy hours.
- Limited space in some stalls.
- Fewer amenities compared to hotels.
Hostelworld has over 36,000 hostels in 170+ countries, and it’s my go-to for finding a fun and clean place to stay no matter where I travel.
Conclusion
Hostels always provide showers, whether in a shared bathroom or a private ensuite. Shared facilities are the most common, offering individual stalls with privacy features like curtains or doors. For more comfort and privacy, you can book a private room with its own bathroom.
With a little preparation—like bringing flip-flops, a quick-dry towel, and your own toiletries—you can make hostel showers just as comfortable as those in hotels, while still enjoying the budget-friendly and social benefits of hostel travel.
- Amenities in Hostels
- Benefits of Staying in Hostels
- Hostel Safety for Solo Female Travelers
- Hostel Age Limits
- Lockers in Hostels
- Laundry in Hostels
- Packing List for Hostels
- Private Rooms in Hostels
- Toiletries in hostels
- What are hostels like?
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