Finding the best hostel can significantly enhance your travel experience. A great hostel is more than a place to sleep; it’s a gateway to new friendships, cultural exchanges, and memories. With benefits like affordability, communal living, and prime locations, hostels offer a unique way to explore the world. This post will guide you through the essential steps to finding the best hostel in any city, ensuring your next adventure is both comfortable and unforgettable.
Personally, I’ve been drawn to a hostel simply by its intriguing name. However, the true key to finding the right hostel lies in doing a little research. You need to consider reviews, prices, amenities, location, and type. This post will unlock the secrets to these essentials, making the process easier for you. Long story short, back to the hostel with the intriguing name, I took my own advice and read their reviews. The reviews didn’t exaggerate about the welcoming atmosphere at this hostel. I met amazing people and had an unforgettable first Christmas abroad, and my solo travel turned into shared excursions with my bunkmate.
Researching Hostels
Using Hostel Booking Platforms
When finding the best hostel, booking platforms like Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Airbnb are invaluable. These sites let you filter based on price, location, and amenities, making it easier to find the best hostels that meet your specific needs.
I use Hostelworld and Booking.com when researching hostels. Hostelworld, in particular, has great features for solo travelers to connect with others before their stay. Travelers can create profiles, chat with each other, and get insider info 14 days before checking in, similar to social media. One feature I appreciate on Booking.com is the “Pay Later” option, this is a great feature for budgeting when you need to save up for your accommodation expenses. Furthermore, while not all hostels have the Pay Later feature, some do have you wait to pay when you arrive, so do look out for these as well. Alas, we come to our first step in finding the best hostel, by checking reviews and ratings.
Finding the Best Hostel: The Insider Scoop on Reviews and Ratings
Traveler reviews and ratings provide insight into the hostel experience that booking platforms alone cannot. Look for patterns in reviews—both positive and negative. Consistent comments about cleanliness, staff friendliness, and security can be very telling. Checking these reviews is a crucial step in finding the best hostel.
I typically review the ten to twenty most recent comments for current insights. However, when it comes to negative comments, I like to scroll further back to see if the establishment has addressed previous travelers’ concerns and made improvements based on the feedback. We all have bad days and things to improve upon, so I note efforts to enhance safety, cleanliness, or friendliness.
Comparing Prices and Amenities
Hostels vary greatly in terms of cost and what they offer. When finding the best hostel, compare prices, but also consider what’s included. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities can save you money and enhance your stay. Take the time to list the amenities you want versus the ones you could live without, as well as your budget for accommodations. While you can save money with an included amenity such as free breakfast, this may increase the price of the hostel. Subsequently, we will dive deeper into the “essential amenities” versus “nice-to-have amenities.
Finding the Best Hostel Location
Importance of Finding the Best Hostel Location
The location of your hostel is crucial and comes with its own set of pros and cons. Staying centrally can save you time and transportation costs, allowing you to maximize your exploration time. Therefore, finding the best hostel location involves balancing convenience with the experience you seek from the city.
How to Find Centrally Located Hostels
When deciding on the perfect location for your hostel stay, consider several factors. Look for hostels situated near major attractions or within easy reach of public transportation. Easy access to public transport can make navigating a new city less daunting and more convenient. Utilize the map feature on booking platforms to identify areas that suit your preferences. Additionally, check the distance from the city center, which is often listed alongside ratings on sites like Hostelworld or under the hostel’s name on Booking.com. Neighborhood guides and maps provided by these platforms can offer valuable insights into the most desirable areas to stay.
Finding the Best Hostel “Location” is Preferential
Location can be a matter of preference, and later on, we will discuss hostel types. However, staying in the center may sometimes mean higher prices, noisier and busier surroundings, and a less authentic local experience. In many places, the city center has been altered to cater to tourists. Staying a bit further out may provide a more genuine and immersive experience. In Europe, city centers will vary in their degrees of stepping into the past while evolving and modernizing. In capital cities such as Madrid, where I live, the center is quite commercialized and busy, with architectural touches of history and the past. But if you visit somewhere like Bruges, Belgium, you’ll see its quaint charm and can glimpse that fairy-tale feel along its canals and narrow lanes.
So if where the action is, is where you want to be, then the center bustling as it may be is where you’ll want to book. On the other hand, if you prefer to blend in with the locals and experience the city’s authentic lifestyle, consider staying a bit farther from the tourist hotspots. This way, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere, more affordable prices, and a deeper connection to the local culture.
Understanding Hostel Types
Finding the Best Hostel: Their Differences & Your Social Battery Level
Hostels cater to different travelers. Party hostels are vibrant and social, ideal for those who enjoy meeting new people and nightlife, but they can be noisy. Quiet hostels provide a serene environment, perfect for those needing rest, though they may lack social opportunities. Boutique hostels offer unique designs and intimate settings but are often pricier.
Consider your travel style and preferences to find your perfect fit. If you love social activities like pub crawls, happy hours, and game nights, a party hostel may be ideal. If you prefer a peaceful environment and value sleep, a boutique or quiet hostel might be better.
Additionally, think about the choice between private rooms and dorm rooms. Private rooms offer more privacy but can be more costly. Sharing a room with one stranger can be a good way to ease out of your comfort zone compared to sharing a dorm with many.
Many hostels have common areas or organized activities where you can connect with fellow travelers, regardless of the hostel type. Consider what balance of socializing and rest will make your trip most enjoyable.
Note that some hostels have age limits or restrictions, often targeting a younger, backpacking crowd. However, many are open to travelers of all ages, so you should be able to find suitable accommodation regardless of your age. Gauge your social battery to find your perfect fit.
Evaluating Amenities
Essential Amenities to Look For
Essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, secure lockers, and a kitchen can significantly enhance your hostel experience by providing comfort and saving money. Wi-Fi keeps you connected, lockers ensure the safety of your belongings, and a kitchen allows you to prepare meals. These amenities are often key indicators when finding the best hostel for your needs.
Kitchens can vary in offerings, from a full kitchen to just a hot plate, microwave, and fridge, or even just a microwave and vending machine. When researching hostels, be sure to examine photos of the kitchen, review the full list of amenities, consider past travelers’ reviews, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the hostel directly if you have any questions about their facilities.
Nice-to-Have Amenities
When finding the best hostel, amenities like free breakfast, spacious common areas, and organized events can significantly enhance your experience.
Breakfast and Kitchen Facilities: Hostel breakfasts and kitchen facilities are great for budget travelers. A hearty breakfast can cut costs, and grabbing an extra croissant for later can save on lunch expenses. Hostel kitchens allow you to prepare your own meals, enabling you to save for a nicer dinner. Some hostels with restaurants or bars offer meal deals, providing options like a burger, side, and beverage at a discounted price.
Common Areas and Events: Common areas provide spaces to socialize, while events help you meet fellow travelers. Check for chalkboards or posters in the lobby, or ask the front desk about activities or tours. For example, during my stay at “The Lazy Muggle Hostel” in Budapest, I joined multiple tours and enjoyed a Christmas evening river buffet. I spent more time socializing in the common areas, playing games, and sharing a large dinner with other travelers on Christmas Eve.
Luggage Storage and Privacy: Luggage storage for early check-ins or late check-outs is convenient, so you don’t have to carry your bags around the city. Privacy curtains on dorm beds offer personal space, making shared accommodations more comfortable.
Climate Control: While central air and heating are standard in the U.S., some European hostels, especially in historical buildings, may lack AC. If traveling during a hot European summer, check for air conditioning.
Amenities add convenience and comfort to your stay, facilitating social interactions, saving money, and enhancing your overall experience. Some amenities are essential, while others are simply nice to have. When searching for the best hostel, filter for the amenities that matter most to you and narrow your search accordingly.
Safety and Security
Importance of & Checking for Security features
Security is paramount when choosing a hostel. Features like 24/7 reception, secure entry, and individual lockers are essential. When reading the reviews, security is another point to look for within the description of the hostel. Assesses past travelers’ opinions on the necessary security measures and level of security. A hostel with high ratings for security is likely to be a safer choice.
Personal Safety Tips for Hostel Stays
Always use the provided lockers, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts and choose hostels with good safety reviews. These precautions are vital steps in finding the best hostel and ensuring a safe stay.
I tend to take my valuables (e.g., passport, driver’s license, extra cash) with me when I leave my hostel room. Even when I go to take a shower, I simply place my passport in a Ziploc bag in my toiletries bag. Additionally, be sure to have both a physical and digital copy of your passport in case of theft or if it is lost.
I’ve only stayed in co-ed dorms when traveling with friends. If you are traveling solo, especially as a female, have someone back home you check in with regularly and let them know when you have safely returned to your room. Again, be vigilant of your surroundings, and if something seems off, let someone at the hostel know.
Other safety tips include: using a travel lock for your luggage, avoiding sharing too much personal information with strangers, and familiarizing yourself with the hostel’s emergency exits and procedures. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including embassy locations, and a written copy of your hostel’s name and address in case your phone is lost or dies. Additionally, know the nearest metro stop for easy navigation without your phone.
Booking Strategies
The Riddle of Finding the Best Hostel Deal
So, you’ve found the best hostel. Now comes the riddle of booking it. Why a riddle, you may ask? Both advance and last-minute bookings have their perks.
Booking in advance can secure the best rates, but budget-friendly last-minute deals can also be found. Some hostels allow you to pay upon arrival, and Booking.com offers a ‘Pay Later’ feature on some reservations, which is great for staggered budgeting. Keep an eye on prices and be ready to book when you see a good deal.
Why book in advance? Reserving your hostel well ahead of time often secures lower rates. Early bookings tend to be cheaper and provide a wider selection of available rooms.
Flexibility with Dates and Booking Last-Minute
If you’re backpacking and unsure of all the cities you’ll stay in, don’t worry. Booking late has its advantages too. Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper rates. Last-minute bookings can yield discounts as hostels look to fill beds. The bed may be cheaper, the room might be full, or you might get lucky and find only four people in a sixteen-bed dorm!
Don’t let booking be a riddle. Both bookings in advance and booking last minute have their pros and cons. You’ve found the best hostel according to the other points in this post, and now it comes down to booking. It all depends on your budget, which we will discuss next. Can you pay now responsibly, or do you need to wait? Depending on your planning, last-minute deals, pay-later options, and even deposits with pay-upon-arrival are some hostel possibilities.
The Two Don’t of booking
Don’t let booking be a riddle, and don’t hesitate to cancel if you see those last-minute deals. Both booking in advance and booking last minute have their pros and cons. You’ve found the best hostel according to the other points in this post, and now it comes down to booking. It all depends on your budget, which we will discuss next. Can you pay now responsibly, or do you need to wait? Depending on your planning, last-minute deals, pay-later options, and even deposits with pay-upon-arrival are some hostel possibilities.
With that summation, perhaps you pull the trigger and pay now, and it wasn’t a financial hit. Yet, 2 months before your trip, you happen to see the same room for 20 euros cheaper. But let me emphasize, that if you have free cancellation, then by all means, save!
Utilizing Loyalty Programs and Discounts
Many booking platforms and hostel chains offer loyalty programs and discounts. Take advantage of these to save money on your stays.
These include networks like Hostelling International (HI) and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) organization, which offer student and youth travel cards. These memberships often provide discounts on accommodations and other travel-related expenses.
Oh, and teachers, ISIC also has a membership for you! The ISIC organization offers a version of their card for teachers, known as the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC). The ITIC provides teachers with many of the same benefits as the ISIC, including discounts on travel, accommodations, and various services around the world. This can be a great way for educators to save money while traveling.
Budget Considerations for Finding the Best Hostel
Balancing Cost with Quality
Finding a balance between cost and quality is essential. Don’t just choose the cheapest option; consider the overall value, including location and amenities. In essence, this zooms in on all of the things we’ve talked about, but measuring their value to you in a quality control sorta of way.
Value Over Price: Sometimes, spending a bit more can provide a significantly better experience, reducing stress and increasing enjoyment. Weigh the benefits of a higher-cost option that offers more value against a cheaper alternative that may have drawbacks.
By balancing these factors, you can make informed decisions that enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank.
Budget & Timing when Finding the Best Hostel
As previously discussed, booking ultimately comes down to your budget. Whether you opt for advance bookings or last-minute deals depends on whether you have the funds to responsibly secure your accommodations at the time of booking.
As an avid traveler, I’ll let you in on a secret that aligns with the title: you don’t have to pay for all your travel expenses upfront to go on a trip. A well-planned budget, spaced out over a year, six months, three months, or even one month, can help you take that trip you thought you never could. By spreading out your expenses, you can manage your finances better and avoid the stress of large, lump-sum payments.
In terms of accommodations, I have created an example booking and budget timeline chart with targets you can aim for if your trip is spaced over these previously mentioned timeframes. Through these strategies, you can easily set calendar reminders to keep an eye out for great deals, manage payments effectively, and hit your target budgeting goals. I have provided examples for both one-year and six-month planning timelines to help guide your booking process. If you’ve found the best hostel, keep an eye on the prize for just a bit of time!
Personal Preferences and Travel Goals
Aligning Hostel Choice with Your Travel Goals
Consider what you want to achieve on your trip. If sightseeing is your priority, opt for a centrally located hostel. However, keep in mind that some European capitals may be a bit commercialized in the city center. For a more authentic, local experience, consider staying a bit further out. If relaxation is your goal, seek out a quiet and comfortable hostel. On the other hand, if socializing is what you’re after, look for a lively hostel that hosts events and encourages interaction among guests.
Considering Personal Preferences
Consider your comfort and privacy preferences carefully, especially if you’re new to hostel stays. Some people prefer smaller dorms or gender-specific rooms for added comfort and peace of mind. Room types vary and may include gender-specific or co-ed options, so if you prefer sharing a room with individuals of the same gender, be sure to book accordingly.
Additionally, take a close look at the bathroom facilities to see if they are co-ed, single-stalled, private, or shared. This can help you determine whether the hostel aligns with your comfort level and privacy needs, ensuring a pleasant stay during your trip.
Packing for Hostel Stays
Essential Items to Pack for a Hostel Stay (Beyond Your Clothes)
Now you’ve found the best hostel, but what should you pack? I’ll link a packing list of my wardrobe in the next section. However, the essential items for a hostel stay do not change.
The essentials include a padlock, a travel towel, toiletries, a power strip, and more. These items ensure comfort and security. Oh, and do not forget shower shoes. They are versatile for wearing around the room and can double as beach shoes for the summer.
Padlocks are for locking up your belongings as a second line of defense in your locker. Carabiners are also great for hanging things in your bunk. Hostels often have limited plugins, even in this digital age, so be the hero of your room by bringing a power strip; people will appreciate you for it.
Quick-dry towels are the way to go when it comes to travel towels. For toiletries, it does not hurt to carry tissues, hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes, and a first aid kit, which is a personal preference of mine. A tote bag is handy for getting everything you need to and from the bathroom. If you are sensitive to light, bring an eye mask and earplugs for noise.
Finally, a pillowcase is great to bring as well. You can use the hostel’s pillowcase as a dirty clothes bag and use your own as a clean pillowcase. When you’re checking out or on laundry day, wash your clothes and your pillowcase, and voila!
Having these essential items on hand will help you stay organized, comfortable, and ready to make the most of your hostel experience. Are there any essentials you never forget to pack? Note that these items will change as you travel more and more!
Tips for Packing Light and Staying Organized
Use packing cubes to stay organized and pack versatile clothing. Bring only what you need to keep your bag light and manageable.
In many European buildings, you may not be blessed with an elevator, unless this was one of the preferential amenities you filtered in your search. I like to go with the saying, “if you can’t lug the luggage, don’t pack it to the brim!” My second time to Europe, I brought the proverbial body bag of a duffel, and I regretted it from day one of my trip. I learned quickly to pack light and that I would not wear half the things I brought. If it helps, leave some room for shopping!
I am a sucker for packing cubes and rolling my clothes. These days, you’ll see me with nothing but a carry-on. For some reason, I can’t fold the Marie Kondo way to save my life. Here’s a “base” packing list of what I would pack for 1-2 weeks in Europe, suitable for both warm and cold seasons. It includes not just wardrobe essentials, but also those crucial hostel items mentioned above, along with a few other handy extras. I personally shave off a few shirts here and a dress there—I am not opposed to re-wearing or sink-washing most of my tops.
Conclusion
Finding the best hostel in any city can transform your travel experience, providing you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable stay while allowing you to make the most of your adventure. By considering factors such as location, type, amenities, reviews, and budget, you can ensure that your hostel aligns perfectly with your travel goals and personal preferences.
Through careful research on booking platforms, reading traveler reviews, comparing prices and amenities, and taking into account the specific needs of your trip, you can make informed decisions that enhance your journey. Remember, the best hostel is not just a place to sleep but a place to connect, explore, and create lasting memories.
So, whether you are looking for a lively atmosphere to meet fellow travelers or a quiet retreat to relax after a day of sightseeing, there is a perfect hostel out there for you. Keep in mind the tips and strategies discussed in this post, and you will be well on your way to finding the ideal accommodation for your next adventure.
Share your own tips and experiences in the comments. Let’s build a community of informed and savvy travelers.
Happy travels, and may your next hostel experience be your best yet!
