What Is A Hostel? – Pros & Cons Of Hostels

A hostel is similar to a hotel. The difference is you share your room and it is generally less expensive. In hostels, people can room with 4, 6, or 8 other people. Sometimes more. Beds are usually bunk beds. Hostels are similar to the layout of college dorms within the United States. There may also be private rooms offered. But private rooms are limited in hostels. These rooms usually cost more than shared rooms.

Pros of Staying At A Hostel vs. Hotel

Cost-Effective

Hostels are usually cheaper than a hotel. While this is not always the case, I’ve found that private rooms within a hostel are usually are significantly less expensive than a hotel room.

Easy Way To Meet People

Many hostels have common spaces that are designed for their guests to mix and mingle. Whenever I stay in a hostel, I meet people from all over the world in the common areas. I usually wind up traveling with the people I’ve met in these spaces.

Most Hostels Usually Offer Free Breakfast

Breakfast is usually included in the hostel price. But don’t get too excited; it’s nothing extravagant. The breakfasts that I’ve had in hostels included croissants, biscuits, toast, cereal, and meats and cheeses. Coffee and tea may be served as well.

There is Security

Hostels usually lock their front door after a certain time. Guests (those with keys) are obviously allowed.

Cafe And Bars In A Hostel

Most of the hostels I’ve stayed in, in the past have either a built-in cafe or bar. They usually have great drink specials. Cafes and bars are also a great way to meet people while traveling overseas.

A Good Way To Travel In Groups

If you have multiple people traveling with you, hostels can be a great and inexpensive way to book a room since there are multiple beds per room.

Cons of Staying In A Hostel

Privacy

Unless you book a private room or you are traveling with a group, you are likely to room with a stranger(s). Although this can be a great way to meet people, it can be intimidating. Also, in a hostel, the rooms are usually small. You have a bed and locker and that’s about it.

Interrupted Sleep In A Hostel

If you’re a light sleeper this can be a negative. Staying in a hostel means that your roommates can enter your room at any point. When they come in, they might not be the quietest, and they may turn on the lights which may break your REM cycle. If your roommate is a snores, beware.

Communal Bathrooms

Not all hostels have communal bathrooms that you have to share with the whole floor. Some bathrooms may be in your suite. However, sharing a bathroom with dozens of people can mean long lines and dirty facilities. If cleanliness is an issue for you, check the reviews before booking. 

Partying All Night Long In A Hostel

This point can be a pro or con, depending on what you’re looking for. Each hostel has its own culture and atmosphere. And, not all hostels are party places. But if it is, and if you’re not a partier or don’t feel like partying, this can be a turnoff. Music can go for all hours of the night and you may have a couple of drunk roommates stumbling in at the crack of dawn.

Before You Make Your Decision

Before staying at a hostel, be sure to read the reviews. The reviews will let you know what kind of experience you’re getting yourself into.

In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out

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