Staying in a hostel isn’t just for 20-something-year-old backpackers. Anyone, from families to couples to solo travellers can benefit from a hostel’s lower rates, knowledgeable staff and energetic atmosphere. Here, we have some tips that will help you choose the best hostel for you, depending on what you’re looking for.
Consider location
Though most hostels are centrally located, look before you leap to ensure where you’re staying is convenient for what you need. If the hostel looks great but you don’t love the location, make sure it’s close to public transportation so you can easily get around the city. Some hostels also offer bike rentals, which can be a bonus for anyone who likes to explore independently.
Read reviews
Reading reviews about where you’re considering staying is one of the best ways to weed out any places that don’t suit you. Everyone’s taste is different, but if you read enough reviews of the places you think you might want to stay, you’ll get a fairly good sense of what they offer and what a stay there will be like.
Think about what your needs are
Do you want to share a room, or sleep solo? Do you need your own bathroom or are you willing to share? How much peace and quiet do you want? These are some of the important questions to ask yourself before booking a room. If you’re travelling as a couple for example, you might want to look into a private room or if you have kids in tow, you might want to find a room that can accommodate all of you.
Look for common areas and useful amenities
Good hostels that people return to again and again offer more than just low-cost accommodation and friendly staff; they also feature common areas, outdoor space and perks like free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Check into what a hostel offers aside from cheap rooms. Some have bars, rooftop patios, games, books, group activities and even pools.
Take a look at rooms before you commit
If you aren’t booking rooms in advance online, it can be comforting to see a room before you agree to stay in it. Sometimes what you see on a hostel’s website may not match up exactly with reality. A quick check of the room will help you decide whether or not you’re comfortable staying there.
(Main image: Jennifer Faber)
