Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Every hostel room is unique.
Dorm room configuration.
Hostel dorm rooms are almost universally filled with multiple
squeaky
bunk beds. (I've even seen three-level bunks.) Dorms can range from small rooms
with two bunk beds to large rooms with twenty-plus bunks. From my experience the most
common rooms usually have four to six bunks. The cheapest rooms have the most people, so
expect to pay more if you want a room with fewer strangers/snorers. Most rooms are unisex,
but plenty of hostels offer female-only rooms.
Don't forget to bring a padlock.
Security.
Each hostel has its own version of security. Some require a key/buzzer/secret
knock to enter the building. Most hostels at least require keys to enter the dorm rooms.
Nearly all dorm rooms have lockers. These are usually located under the bed but some
rooms have cabinet-style lockers in the room. You normally have to supply your own lock. I
lock up any valuables and leave my backpack on the bed. I've never had any problems with
theft—besides, no one wants a bunch of dirty clothes.
The hostel will probably have a room to store your luggage for when you first arrive (if your
room isn't ready) and when you're checking out. These rooms can range anywhere from a
locked storage room monitored by CCTV to an open area on the floor with a pile of bags.
Showers and bathrooms.
Hostel bathrooms can be super nice or really terrible. Each hostel
has a different set-up when it comes to the showers and toilets. Much of the time, each room
has its own bathroom. This means the room of eight people could be sharing one small bath-
room. Some have large community-style bathrooms with a few sinks and multiple private
shower stalls. Some showers require you to push a stupid button every thirty seconds for
the water to work and some are operated by pulling on a chain. I've even stayed in a hostel
where you had to walk through the kitchen and through the outdoor courtyard (not fun in
the winter) to get to the shower.
