Is a hostel a good alternative to a hotel?
If you’re on a tight budget is it worth staying in a hostel vs a hotel? Firstly what do you think about when you think of a hostel? It’s quite likely that you’ll have all kind of preconceptions about what a hostel will be like and you might think it’s not for you. Of course, you might be right. But on the other hand, you might be very pleasantly surprised at what amazing value for money a hostel can be.
Isn’t it all bunks beds and communal showers?
If you think a hostel means dorm rooms with bunk beds and communal showers then you’d be equally right and wrong. Although this may be true it’s quite likely that in a modern hostel you’ll find a much wider choice of accommodation. So, if you’re on a tight budget and you’re quite happy to sleep in a bunk bed in a dormitory with other travellers you’ll probably get a fantastic bargain.
Until I discovered that I really couldn’t afford a central Sydney hotel on one of our trips to Australia, I had no idea that hostels were a good alternative. For some reason, I had a vision of hostels as noisy, overcrowded and a bit grubby. Not for me – or so I thought. With a limited budget, I wanted good value. When I looked at hostels I found they were nothing like I imagined.
We stayed in the Central Sydney YH. Firstly it was very clean. It wasn’t particularly noisy – lively, yes but in a nice way. Just other tourists, like us, enjoying themselves. Most importantly for me, I discovered they offer private double rooms with their own ensuite. Call me fussy if you like but that’s what I prefer. Obviously, you pay more for an ensuite room but it’s still fantastic value.
You’ll also probably benefit from a great location. You’ll find that hostels are often particularly well located in tourist areas. You can stay in a great location at a much lower cost. cost than a city centre hotel.
Not only for young people
My other misconception about hostels is probably associated with their name, youth hostels. I always thought they were aimed at younger people and I’m afraid we’re someway past being referred to as young. Although I like to think we’re still young at heart I will admit it’s some years since we were in our twenties. And that’s the sort of age group I expected to see at the hostel. Would they think we were odd staying there with all the young people? Well, if this worries you too then don’t let it. We’ve met people of all ages when staying in hostels. They don’t discriminate by age and so you’ll find yourselves equally welcome. Yes, there are lots of young people too but in my opinion, that’s a good thing. I love to see young people travelling and widening their horizons. I wish I’d caught the travel bug earlier.
Have I convinced you to try a hostel vs a hotel?
So, have I convinced you to give hostels are try? I think what’s important is to realise that you don’t necessarily have to stay in the same kind of accommodation all the time, or on every trip. Mix it up a bit. Make your travel budget go further by trying something different. I firmly believe that one of the best ways to make independent travel successful is to have a flexible attitude.
You can book hostels on booking.com or try one of the specialist hostel booking sites such as hostelworld or hostel bookers. You can either book via one of these sites or use them to help search for your ideal hostel then book direct.
29 comments
Hostels are also great, you just have to find the nice one. Whenever I travel, I don’t spend too much time in hostel or hotel. So I’d rather spend my saved money buying souvenirs, rather than spend it to a luxurious room.
I have never stayed in a hostel. I am so not a people person and prefer my own room. Not that I get to travel that much sadly!
I have never stayed in a hostel but would love too! I am going travelling in December and might give hostels a go as it will definitely suit my budget.
I’ll go fro Hostels. I love that it could save so much money while traveling. I think it is a great possible option for single travelers or couples.
Hostels can sometimes be centrally located. In Miami, where I live, there is one right in the center of South Beach right by prime nightlife spots. If you’ll be using the hostel as a place to lay your head at night and that it, then I think it’s a great idea to go that route to save some money and get immerse yourself in the local culture.
Hostels have really changed over the years. They are not the cheap places they used to be. You can find ones that are affordable and well kept, sometimes better than hotels.
Hotels are luxurious for a purpose. Because they are also part of the traveling and they also represents the place and leave a markable impressions. I prefer to save for it and stay in a cozy hotel for a relaxing night.
I’ve always been curious to try a hostel. I would stay in one as long as I am not with my kids, I think it would be awkward to have my kids in one.
Thank you so much for the insight. I had very limited knowledge about Hostels and assumed they were more for younger couch surfers.
I love staying at hostels. If you read the reviews and check everything, you can be as secured as staying in a hotel. It’s cheaper too and just really gives you value for money.
I think is always depending on what you expect from your holidays. If you are on a budget you know already that you are strict on requests and need to obtain what you pay for. If it is a relaxing holiday I will always go for an hotel.
I preferred hotel but when the bugdet is so tight. I’d choose staying at a nice hostel..
Every time I travel on my own I choose to stay in hostels. I like the social atmosphere and, of course, the low price. I had a few bad experiences, where the other people in the room were masking a lot of noise during the night, but most of my stays have been great. I will always choose a hostel over a hotel.
Never tried to stay in a hostel and it is so good to know of having another option for me to try on my next travel adventure.
Most hostels have Internet connection, a laundry room, a telephone, lockers in which to store your belongings in, and a breakfast service. The main difference between hostels and hotels is that hostels provide dormitory-like settings in which to stay, whereas hotels are individual rooms for more privacy.
For me hotel or a hostel is a matter of trip and location more than actual place. I use both, you just need to know where you are going
I have never tried to stayed in a hostel in my every travel but now after introducing this things to us, I definitely considered this option.
I love staying in hostels. Hotels are nice to stay at but I find it often stress when I have to make breakfast on the set time.
I’ve never stayed in hostels. I might give it a try next time I travel alone.
I’ve stayed in both hotels and hostels, and both offer different pros for different circumstances! Thanks for sharing the differences!
Ive never considered staying in a hostel before but now i would entertain the idea!
yes you absolutely did especially that this hostel is gorgeous. I love hostels. Great post.
Hostels are definitely a great option. I personally have stayed in hostels in south america but I had a private bathroom.
I have often wondered what it would be like to stay in a Hostel. I too have many of the same misconceptions. If the opportunity would present itself I will definitely try a Hostel now.
Hostels are quite popular in South Korea, especially among foreign tourists. The rates are cheaper compared to hotels, but they offer great service and have nice amenities.
I am honestly NOT about hostel life. I am about hotel life. I know lots of people who love hostels but I like my own space when I travel. I am way more comfortable that way and in a new environment, that’s very important to me.
Thanks for your honesty. It’s not for everyone, I know. I must admit I’d never stay in a shared room either. I was quite surprised to discover that hostels did private rooms – even with ensuite.
Wonderful post. I truly believe that hostels are suitable for everyone despite their age. They really aren’t what everyone perceives them to be!
– Nyxie
https://www.nyxiesnook.com/3-key-types-of-therapy-in-recovery/
Yes, I agree. I never really considered staying in hostels before and now I realise I’ve been missing out. It’s made me much more open-minded about my accommodation options.