Hostels are one of my favorite parts of travel, but if you haven’t stayed in one before, you may be wondering, “What are hostels like?”
While that’s a tough question to answer in one sentence, hostels are a place for budget-friendly, solo, group, and adventurous travelers to meet and explore together. In this article, I’ll dive deeper into what hostels are like, including their rooms, amenities, events, and uniqueness.
Keep reading to learn more about hostels and how to choose the best one for your travel style.
Last updated: May 3, 2024
Published: February 3, 2024
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Ready to find a hostel? My go-to site for booking hostels is Hostelworld.
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.
The Basics Of Hostel Rooms
When you step through the doors of a hostel, you may be shocked, especially if you are expecting hotel-style accommodation.
Hostels typically provide dormitory-style rooms where guests have their own bed, usually a bunk bed, in a room shared with other travelers. The number of beds in these rooms can vary, accommodating anywhere from four to over ten guests in one space. It’s common for these shared rooms to be gender-specific, but many also offer mixed dorms.
For those seeking more privacy, many hostels offer private rooms. These can range from basic singles to doubles and sometimes even family rooms, although they come at a higher cost than dormitory beds. The private rooms may share a bathroom with others or have an ensuite, depending on the hostel’s facilities. Read more about private rooms in hostels.
But it’s not just about a bed for the night. Hostels often have personal lockers for your valuables, and you’ll usually need to provide your own lock. Bed linens are often included, while towels may be included or available to rent.
You should always know what amenities are at your hostel before arriving. Some common amenities at hostels are detailed in the next section.
I love Hostelworld because they clearly list the amenities in each hostel.
What Amenities Do Hostels Have?
When it comes to amenities, hostels tend to offer a variety of features that cater to the needs of their guests. However, the extent and quality of these amenities can vary significantly from one hostel to another.
Here are some of the most common amenities you will find in hostels:
- Communal Kitchens: Most hostels feature a communal kitchen, where you can prepare meals, store groceries in shared fridges, and bond with fellow travelers over cooking and meals. These kitchens benefit those on a tight budget and those who prefer home-cooked meals even when on the road.
- Common Areas: Lounges and common areas are staples in the hostel world, offering couches, books, board games, and sometimes even a pool table or a television. These spaces are designed for relaxation and socialization, allowing guests to unwind and get to know each other.
- Lockers and Storage: Security is key for most travelers, so plenty of hostels provide lockers or secure storage options for your valuables and luggage. However, it’s important to check if the hostel offers locks or if you need to bring your own. Read more about lockers in hostels.
- Laundry Facilities: Access to laundry machines can be convenient, especially for long-term travelers. While some hostels provide laundry services for a small fee, not all of them will. Read more about laundry in hostels.
- Wi-Fi and Workspaces: With the rise of digital nomads, hostels have adapted by providing reliable Wi-Fi and dedicated areas for working. While most of them offer Wi-Fi, the speed and reliability can vary, and not all of them have space where you can work undisturbed.
- Book Exchanges: A mini-library or book exchange section is a feature in many hostels, appealing to bookworms and those looking to swap their finished reads for a new adventure.
The price range for hostels can be pretty broad. In general, you get what you pay for, and amenities often reflect this. A lower-cost option may provide just the basics, while a higher-priced establishment might include luxuries such as an on-site cafe or swimming pool.
It’s crucial to determine what’s important for your stay and to research accordingly. No matter your preferences, there’s a hostel out there that can meet your needs—you need to find the one that aligns with what you value most.
If you want specific amenities in a hostel, you can filter for them on Hostelworld and only see hostels in a specific place with those amenities.
Choosing The Guide To Staying In Hostels
Hostels bring in a variety of cultures and personalities, and their social aspect is often a draw for travelers looking to connect.
First-time hostel guests can look forward to social events such as communal dinners, city tours, and pub crawls, which are perfect opportunities to meet fellow wanderers and make lasting friendships.
Some hostels emphasize communal living spaces, like lounges and game rooms, where guests can gather to share stories, play games, or plan their next adventure together. However, it’s important to recognize the diversity in hostel atmospheres: while some are vibrant hubs of activity, others offer a more tranquil environment.
Party hostels might have nightly events and bars on-site, providing a festive atmosphere that continues well into the night. Conversely, quieter places may have a relaxing atmosphere with reading nooks and serene gardens where guests can unwind peacefully.
Certain hostels provide amenities like co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and tons of power outlets to ensure productivity isn’t compromised for the digital nomad or work-oriented traveler. Others, prioritizing a break from the digital world, encourage guests to disconnect and immerse in the local environment.
The variety of hostel experiences extends to their amenities as well. Some hostels operate like mini-resorts, offering swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site bars, while others may keep it simple with just the basics to keep costs down.
Understandably, the price point of hostels fluctuates significantly based on these factors. You can find incredibly economical options that offer a bed and basic facilities and more upscale ones that provide a luxury experience for a slightly higher but still reasonable cost.
The key is to determine what type of experience you desire through research, reading reviews, and evaluating what different hostels offer within your budget.
Hostelworld has reviews for hostels all over the world, making it easy for you to find the right vibe and amenities you want.
Takeaways From Your Hostel Experience Guide
As you prepare for your first hostel stay, remember that every hostel is different. Even if you have one bad hostel experience, don’t shun hostels forever, as many are good for social and budget-friendly travelers.
Thanks to this guide on what hostels are like, you can choose a hostel that aligns with your preferences and budget, ensuring a fun and comfortable hostel stay.
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