At the end of the day, it isn’t where I came from. Maybe home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.
― Warsan Shire
Finding the right hostel can make or break your stay in an area. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a hostel and it will teach you how to find the best hostel for you.
This guide clearly breaks down 14 different things to think about when choosing a hostel. I use the term hostel, which is probably the most common term, but such places may be referred to as hotels, motels, guest houses, homestays, lodges, and pensions. The term and product varies by region, but basically, it’s a place to stay.
Before reading any further, know that it’s rare to find a place that meets every single preference. These are things to look for, but know that you may have to compromise, a lot. But for this article, channel your inner Goldilocks and dream big:
Here are 14 things to consider while searching for your perfect accommodation:
It is tempting to quickly book the cheapest option, but there is more to consider than the cost of a single night. If you ignore other factors, you can easily end up paying more at a ‘cheap’ hostel than a slightly more expensive one.
What’s included for the price? Bottom line hostels, those with the cheapest cost per night, might add additional charges for every thing you use: such as linens and towels.
Ask what is included in a night’s stay. Don’t assume anything operates under the same principles as back home.
A good location is key. But what that means depends on your situation.
The better a location, the more expensive it will be, it’s up to you to decide which elements are important.
It’s important to feel safe and secure while at your hostel. A hostel should have at least some security measures.
Security varies greatly by area. Even within the same country, you may find totally different measures (or lack thereof) at a sleepy beach town vs in the capitol.
When you are travelling with everything you own on your back, it’s nice to know your bag will be there when you get back. Lockers come in many shapes and sizes, but whichever hostel you choose should at least have them.
It’s not always possible to find your locker preference, but it should always be something you look for when searching hostels.
The point of contact to a hostel is the front desk staff. The front desk staff plays a major role in the hostel experience. Consider your options carefully.
Front Desk Location Is it important to you that the front desk be in the same building as your room. It’s common for hostels to have several buildings around a central office or to be spaced out throughout the city.
When searching online, it’s harder to gauge the general appearance compared to when visiting a hostel in person. If there are no photos, it’s usually a bad sign.
There is nothing as disappointing as lying down after a long day only to find out the party is just getting started. It’s important to know what you are signing up for before you get there.
Similar to the general atmosphere, consider the areas where you will be spending your time while at the hostel.
A pleasant common area is a bonus when choosing a hostel. It’s not essential, but it’s nice to have.
The most important element to consider when selecting a hostel is the dormitories themselves. It is standard practice to ask to see a dorm room before checking in. You are never obligated to stay there simply because you viewed the dorm.
Dorm quality ranges drastically between place to place, and country to country. It’s important to have standards, but keep them realistic. Be flexible, dorm life is part of the adventure.
Single and double rooms are standard for hotels and motels, but that is not the case everywhere else. Odds are about even that a hostel will have single/double room options. If you and a companion are travelling together, they may be less expensive than two dorm beds. Evaluate options just like you would a dorm room.
Not all hostels are created equal. You should expect that added amenities come at extra cost. Worth it? That’s up to you.
You get what you pay for. If you want to save money on accommodation, you will have to give up some amenities.
Bathroom. Toilet. Water closet. Head. Restroom. Can. John. Powder Room. There are a lot of ways to refer to the same thing. While it’s not nice to talk about, it’s something that everyone has to deal with. Consider the following:
Everybody has to answer the call of nature. When looking at accomodation options, make sure to visit the loo too.
The availability of hostels with kitchen access varies widely. In some parts of the world, it’s standard, whereas in others it’s difficult to find. If cooking doesn’t interest you, skip this section. If it does, consider a few things when looking at a hostel kitchen.
Cooking can be a fun, challenging experience while travelling. It’s a great chance to experiment with unfamiliar flavors and ingredients. Have fun, but be respectful and tidy.
Many hostels offer more than just a bed. The additional services can be an important factor when facing multiple options.
No matter what services they offer, your hostel is your best resource for information about the area. If they don’t have what you need, they can advise you on how to get it.
Before the internet, there were books.
But the problem with those, was that they went out of date as soon as they were printed. I can’t count how many times I walked up to a spot that no longer existed, or were charging 5 times what the book quoted. So that left one reliable source of information: other travellers.
The best, most reliable advice you will get about where to stay, is from someone who was just there. Most backpackers love to talk about their travels and are more than happy to give you advice on where to stay. This is one of the reasons backpacking helps a lot of people “come out of their shell”- there is a real incentive to have a conversation with other backpackers. They may have information that hasn’t reached the internet yet.
As the internet takes over the world, more and more apps offer reviews and even photos. So if you can find online reviews for where you’re going, it’s worth your time to read a few.
The more you travel, the more you will discover your individual preferences for what you want in a hostel. Before moving to a new city, take some time a day or two before you plan to leave and ask around or look at a few places online. Keep a checklist of what you want on your phone and compare options before picking your favorite. The popular hostels can fill up quickly, so you may have to book ahead.
There is more to choosing the perfect hostel than the cheapest price. It may seem complicated, but the more you do it, the easier it will get. Now go!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission or compensation if you click through and/or make a purchase. The opinions and recommendations expressed here are my own.
I've had the travel bug for as long as I can remember. My hope is that I can help others find their own adventure.
At the end of the day, it isn’t where I came from. Maybe home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.
― Warsan Shire