Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
low travelers. Obviously privacy is limited, but the low cost and thriving social scene more
than make up for the negatives.
Most hostels have multiple options for the type of dorm rooms available. Nearly every
hostel has a few private rooms (usually with one or two beds) but all have dorms of various
sizes. For example, a hostel could have four rooms that hold eight people, five rooms that hold
twelve people, and eight rooms that hold eighteen people. Many hostels also have female-only
rooms, but most dorms are unisex.
Cost.
A bed in a hostel will cost anywhere from $8/night (in Eastern Europe) to $50/
night (big cities in Western Europe). The price depends on the size of room you choose (the
cheapest beds are in the rooms with the most people), the location of the hostel, the amenit-
ies, and competition from other hostels in town.
I normally paid about $25-$35/night on average in Western Europe and $15/night in
Eastern Europe. Keep in mind that I
always
opted for the cheapest room available.
However, hostels quickly lose their value if you want to rent a private room; the price
skyrockets. Expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $200/night for a private room and sometimes
you still have to share a bathroom and deal with loud people in the hallways. For that price,
you can find a decent budget hotel or even a pretty nice private apartment via Airbnb.
Why stay in a hostel?
Hosteling is the best way to meet a large group of interesting people
from all over the world. It's great because you'll be surrounded by like-minded travelers that
all share the love of adventure and a love for having fun. Hostels are also often located in the
heart of the city, so you're close to all the action.
Who stays in hostels?
You'll find a wide range of people stay in hostels. Most are young
travelers between 18 and 30 (some hostels only allow guests between 18 and 35 years old). I've
also met really cool seventy-year-olds who are traveling throughout Europe for months at a
time. You'll truly meet people from all over the world.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD HOSTEL
There are a lot of great hostels in Europe and there are just as many terrible ones. I've compiled
a list of characteristics that you should keep in mind when searching for a hostel.
24/7 reception.
Every hostel has a check-in desk—this is where you pay, get your key, and
receive all the important information about the hostel. Some will provide city maps or other
practical travel information. Some hostels don't have 24/7 reception and it usually isn't a big
deal . . . until your train/flight is late and you try to check-in after reception closes. Now you're
stuck looking for a new hostel.
