How to Choose a Good Hostel
Budget travellers and backpackers are always on the lookout for cheaper accommodation. Hostels are the perfect solution for solo travellers and groups who don’t mind a more communal setting. If you’ve never been to a hostel or have had a less-than-pleasant stay in one, then check out our advice on how to choose a good hostel.
Know What Kind of Hostel You Want To Stay In
Before you book a bed in a hostel, you will need to know what kind of hostel you want to stay in. You will need to decide whether you'd rather stay in a single gender dorm or if you're comfortable with staying in a mixed gender room. Look at the dorm sizes that are available and how many bunks there are in a room. Hostels are naturally social environments because of the shared rooms, but rooms with fewer people are generally the most social. If you don't want to stay in a dorm, you will need to check online to see if there any private hostel rooms.
Some hostels have different vibes. Party hostels usually have a bar in the building or are near the local pubs and clubs. This kind of hostel is perfect for younger travellers and partygoers, but if you’re not a partyer and are looking for a more relaxed environment, you may want to search for hostels that are family friendly, have an alcohol policy, and that impose noise limits at night.
Read the Reviews
Don't solely rely on a hostel's website for information on what it is like; they're more likely to only show positive reviews and the photos may not represent what it's really like from day-to-day. Read the reviews on third party review sites to get a better idea of what to expect from your stay. See what other travellers have to say about the cleanliness, the staff, the services, and the atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the photos left by reviewers to see what the place is really like.
Don't focus on the positive reviews for a hostel; some of the negative reviews may change your mind about staying there. Avoid hostels with reviews that mention bedbugs, already stained bedding or a general lack of cleanliness, unresolved plumbing or electrical issues, theft, or hostile staff.
Check Out the Location
The hostel you choose should be near to the places you want to go to and the things you want to see. Decide on whether you want your hostel to be in the city centre or whether you'd be willing to stay somewhere a little more out of the way as long as it is near to multiple public transportation links. You should also research the neighbourhood your hostel is in. Is it a pleasant area or does it have a bad reputation?
Look at What Amenities Are Offered
Check out what amenities are available. Many hostel websites will list the facilities and amenities they offer, such as a communal kitchen and common area, a bar, bedside outlets and lamps, and a laundry room. The Wi-Fi may be available in the dorms, but it is not unheard of for it to only be available in the communal areas and its use may be limited to certain hours. The same goes for air conditioning and heating. The type of showers available will differ from hostel to hostel. Some hostels may have simple stalls with a pushbutton to limit water use, and others may have ultra-modern bathrooms. Some hostels may include breakfast and may host organised events and activities, such as cooking classes and city tours.
Decide on What Is a Necessity
Hostels are a simple kind of accommodation and won't offer all the luxuries of a hotel. When booking a hostel, you will need to decide what facilities and amenities you can live without and what would be a dealbreaker. Some people prefer to have a bunk with a curtain for more privacy, and but that may not bother you. Some travellers want a bedside light or a plug for their gadgets. Others would rather stay somewhere that offers luxuries like towels and hairdryers or they would rather have decent Wi-Fi so they can do work and call home. Pick a handful of things that you think would make your stay more enjoyable and start looking for a hostel that offers them.
Reasonable Prices
The hostel you chose should be reasonably priced based on your budget. You will find that hostels in the city and the ones with the most amenities will be more expensive. The price will also depend on dorm size or whether you want a private room. Be on the lookout for hidden costs because some amenities, such as Wi-Fi, bed linens, and towels, may not be free. You will need to decide if it's worth paying for the extras. Many people don't mind paying a little more for nicer facilities or a dorm with an en-suite bathroom. Some hostels charge for breakfast, but if it's only some toast, cereal, and a hot drink, you may want to eat out or make your own breakfast instead.
Safety and Security
When looking for a good hostel, your major concern should be whether it is safe. Look for a hostel that has lockers in the dormitories. The lockers should be big enough to put a bag in. Not all hostels provide padlocks, so it's a good idea to bringing your own. Even if they do offer padlocks, you can use yours to secure the zippers on your bag just to be on the safe side. Make sure the hostel you choose has smoke alarms and clearly marked fire exits. Ask if you will receive keys for the hostel entrance and the dormitory, and if there are CCTV cameras in the common areas and reception. You should stick with hostels that have a 24-hour receptionist and security guard so that if you're not happy during your stay or if someone is making you uncomfortable, you can report it straight away. If you're a female traveller and don't feel comfortable sharing a dorm with men, then search for a hostel with female-only dorms.
