Unforgettable hostel is always hard to find. During your trip there will be more bad, average moments than incredible ones.
Throughout my travels to more than 50 countries and a lot of conversation with the travelers I met along the way.
Here is my recommendation on what to consider when looking for your next hostel, based on more than a lifetime of experience in different types of hostels around the world.
It is important to emphasize that hostels are not just the place, but mainly the environment.
Therefore, what makes a hostel incredible is first the people and then the amenities available.
So the ideal hostel is an atmosphere, a combination of facilities, staff, amenities and people that make a hostel amazing.
While you can’t always predict people, you can increase your chances of arriving at a hostel you never want to leave.
1. Location, location, location.
I always attach great importance to the location of a hostel, as the location greatly influences your experience.
If you have to spend an hour on transportation just getting to and from the main attractions, you will end up wasting a lot of time on your trip, as well as stress.
The best ones are close to the main attractions, so you can just go out, walk a little and you’ll be enjoying your trip.
Using Booking or Hostelworld you can check the location before booking, and be sure where it is in relation to the things you want to see and do.
2. Free Internet access in all environments.
Today, having Wi-Fi throughout the hostel is a comfort factor and increases your satisfaction.
Furthermore, wanting to share something with friends and the connection not working is very annoying.
I’ve been to many that even today only have Wi-Fi in common areas and with terrible quality,
Make sure you know what to expect before you book, and the only way to know is to read guest reviews.
Many have shared free computers, but you can never be sure if there is any malware or spyware on the computer.
Better not to use it for anything personal like accessing email, etc.
For a search, OK, but avoid anything personal, especially typing your password.
If you connect to a free Wi-Fi network, whether anywhere, with your computer or smartphone, use a VPN and/or security apps to keep your data private (especially if you’re banking online).
3. Shared living area.
One of the great advantages of a hostel is being able to interact with other travelers.
So a good living area is essential.
The common area should facilitate interaction and help travelers meet new people.
Also with the advent of remote work, some need to use this area to work.
4. Closets, in the bedroom, to store your belongings.
Lockers are one of the main security items in hostels, as the vast majority of the space is shared.
Not having a closet is a big obstacle for me, as I travel with high-value electronics so I can work during the trip.
If you’re unsure about the locker situation, take a look at hostel reviews to see what people say. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Even if you have a closet, it is important that you have your own padlocks, as only you will have access this way.
5. usually the cheapest is not the best.
For those traveling on a limited budget, they have a natural tendency to choose what is cheapest.
However, you have to keep in mind that to be the cheapest the hostel has to sacrifice many environmental items.
The cheapest ones tend to be dirty, the beds are uncomfortable, the showers are bad and the pillows are thin.
Paying a little extra will bring you many more good things.
Since the point of traveling is to have great experiences, it’s best to be safe.
If you’re on a tight budget, you might be better off saving elsewhere.
The cheapest is not the best, but the one that has the best value for money.
6. An incredible hostel may or may not have breakfast included in the rate.
I prefer the options without breakfast, as you are free from the time and type of breakfast.
But I recognize the ease and savings it can be if the hostel offers breakfast.
However, you must be sure that the start and end times are compatible with your style and that what is offered is worth the price paid.
Some charge a lot for a cup of coffee and some toast, and others have a buffet with many options, giving you the opportunity to eat well and still have a snack for later.
Additionally, there are places that offer other free food perks, like free coffee/tea all day or free dinners.
Not only is this good for saving money, but it also makes the hostel more social.
7. Showers are essential in an amazing hostel.
I know the importance of saving water and that many guests do not respect the duration of the shower, ignoring other people waiting.
But for me, I don’t consider staying in hostels with showers with a timer system, except in special places.
Like my trip to the Dolomites (Italy) and some mountain shelters, each plug had 3 minutes of warm water.
As a general rule, keep an eye on reviews for shower information.
They are an important part of your satisfaction at the end of a long day.
8. Have peace or have a bar.
Here it is a question of what is important to you.
I prefer the ones without bars, as it’s much quieter and when I want, I just go out and find a bar.
However, the ease of having one at the hostel, in addition to helping with socialization, usually has a good discount and you are with people you “know”, or at least people you want to know.
I stayed in several great ones from the Party Hostels in Asia such as those in Amsterdam, London, etc.
Typically, if a hostel has a bar, they place a huge emphasis on ensuring that the people staying there are having fun, interacting, and being festive.
9. Hostels that organize tours.
In general, if you are arriving in a city you don’t know and go out looking for tours, in addition to being tiring, you also have a greater risk of booking something wrong.
Hostels are usually good at organizing activities like walking tours, yoga classes, bar visits, barbecues, tours or anything else that brings people together.
Check out what’s on offer before booking to make sure it’s the kind of place for you.
Even so, make sure you know which activities are free and which are paid.
Do some have free equipment to use like bikes, surfboards, etc.?
Free equipment will save you money and make it easier to socialize with other travelers.
10. Number of reservations made and their evaluations.
It is very easy to see in the reviews how experienced and friendly the hostel’s employees are.
A hostel is more like a home, you want the people there to welcome you in a more personal way.
If you want coldness and comfort, go to a hotel, where it’s check-in, check-out, check-out and you don’t even have to say goodbye.
I was in a hotel in Orlando where I stayed for 1 week, I only spoke to the attendant at the entrance and on the last day I checked out on TV and left. I didn’t speak to anyone.
Another factor is the amount of reservation, the better the more reservations are made the better.
However, pay attention to the reviews, as many reservations may be that they are good at cheating, which was my case in Belgrade.
11 – Privacy at bedtime.
I know it’s a contradiction to be in a hostel with everything being shared and want privacy.
But here’s one more thing that shows concern for guests.
I’ve stayed in many hostels where the bunk beds have curtains. Others in the capsule style have a container, where they close when going to sleep in complete privacy.
However, he remains in a shared room.
Conclusion:
The vast majority look for hostels for reasons of cost.
What you have to keep in mind is that lower cost means less of something.
I really like this phrase “There’s no free lunch”
In other words, if you are paying less, it is because something is missing.
However, over the years of traveling in more than 50 countries, I have discovered that a few more dollars in the right place completely changes your satisfaction with the trip.
However, it doesn’t change your total spending much.
Today, many hostels are understanding this and with a small increase in daily rates, they provide great experiences.
By following these guidelines, you will certainly improve your travel experience, without breaking the bank.
