Booking a trip and deciding where to stay? Hostels will likely be the best option if you need to cut costs. However, not all hostels suffer from the same level of quality. Some hostels will treat you to incredible experiences, but others won’t have you wondering about your accommodations.
The following is everything you want to know about how to identify a good hostel before booking.
What Makes a Great Hostel?
Choosing a great hostel is perhaps the most critical part of any holiday or business trip. It starts with the comfortable warmth of a cozy bed, but comes along with the city and the experience that goes with it.
Upon arrival at a great hostel, it will be comparable to other places in terms of comfort, security, cleanliness, and a friendly atmosphere, where socializing with other travelers can be truly enjoyed.
Once you find a great hostel, it becomes an integral part of your journey from then on. Felt like meeting fellow world travelers, exchanging notes on hidden gems of civics, and having friends to discover together.
Location: Your Gateway to Adventure
Proximity to Public Transport
Where you sleep matters more than you know. Choose hostels within walking distance from metro stations, bus stops, or train stations.
This is a cost-cutting measure that saves you time navigating the city. You don’t want to waste half your budget on taxi rides just to reach major attractions.
Walking Distance to Key Areas
Check how close the hostel is to the city center or main tourist attractions. A fifteen-minute walk is one thing, but anything more will tire out tourists after a day of sightseeing. Check the walking distance and location using Google Maps.
Neighborhood Safety
Research the neighborhood where the hostel is. Check recent reviews and browse local discussion forums to determine the safety of the area, especially at night.
Choose hostels in neighborhoods with ample street lighting and high foot traffic, as well as nearby restaurants and shops.
Safety First: What to Look For
Your safety should be your top priority when choosing a hostel. These are the top safety factors that a good hostel must have:
- Secure entry points with key cards or codes
- Personal lockers in dorm rooms for your property
- 24-hour reception or minimum security presence
- Well-lit common areas and corridors
- Emergency exits are clearly defined
- CCTV cameras in public areas (not in rooms)
Safety deposit boxes are also available at most hostels’ receptions for storing valuable possessions, such as passports and large amounts of cash. Don’t hesitate to query security upon booking or arrival.
Cleanliness Standards That Matter
Bathrooms and Showers
Clean bathrooms are paramount. Consider clean photos and reviews that mention the condition of the bathrooms.
Clean bathrooms are scrubbed multiple times daily by reputable hostels and provide basic amenities, such as toilet paper and soap. Good water pressure and hot water are essential throughout the day in the showers.
Kitchen and Common Areas
If the hostel has a community kitchen, it should be clean and well-serviced. Ensure that they provide basic cooking equipment and that the space is sufficient for refrigeration. The common areas should be comfortable and tidy, with cleaning schedules.
Bedding and Rooms
Fresh, clean bedding is a requirement. A few decent hostels replace the sheets between users and supply clean towels. The rooms should be well-ventilated and free from the smell of fungus. Select hostels that limit the beds per room – tiny dorms are far less busy and simpler to reside in.
Amenities That Enhance Your Stay
Essential Facilities
Improved hostels include a variety of amenities that can make your stay much more convenient:
- Free Wi-Fi across the property
- Shared kitchenette with limited cooking equipment
- Laundry facilities or laundry service
- Storage of luggage for early check-in or late check-out
- Social areas and lounges
Bonus Features
Some hostels go the extra mile with bonus features:
- Complimentary breakfast or affordable meals
- Guided activities and city walks
- Roof terraces or outdoor spaces
- Game rooms with pool tables or video games
- Bicycle hire to get around the city
- Airport shuttle services
Reading Reviews Like a Pro
What to Look For
Don’t just look at the overall rating – read the reviews. Look at recent reviews (within the last 3-6 months), as conditions in hostels can change. Look for patterns of feedback. If multiple people mention the same thing, it is likely a real issue.
Red Flags in Reviews
Watch out for these red flags in reviews:
- Continued complaints regarding cleanliness
- Mention of safety problems or theft
- Rude or unhelpful staff
- Noise issues that interfere with sleep
- Broken facilities that haven’t been fixed yet
- Misleading photos or descriptions
Positive Signs
Good reviews will generally comment on:
- Friendly and accommodating staff
- Clean facilities and beds
- Pleasant atmosphere for meeting others
- Good location and convenient transport links
- Value for money and reasonable prices
Staff and Atmosphere
Your employees will significantly enhance your hostel experience. The friendly staff at the hostel, who understand the local culture, are helpful and responsive to questions or issues. They should inform you about where to go, where to dine, and assist with tours or activities.
The atmosphere of a hostel is something you’ll catch fairly soon. Some hostels are party hostels with nighttime functions, while others are relaxed and quiet. Choose one that aligns with your travel personality and what you desire out of your experience.
Pricing and Value: Understanding What You Pay For
Being less expensive isn’t always the best option when dealing with hostels. Review what’s included in the price and compare the overall cost. A more expensive hostel might include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and lockers, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Watch out for additional fees that might not be well-marked:
- City taxes or tourist taxes
- Prices of towels or bedding
- Key card deposit
- Extracharges for air conditioning or heat
- Locker or luggage storage fees
Booking Tips
Book on the hostel’s website if possible, as you may receive more favorable rates or benefits. Check prices, though, on booking sites as well. Be sure to read the cancellation policy, especially if your plans are flexible.
Hostels in Major Cities
Vancouver: A Backpacker’s Paradise
There are some excellent hostel options in Vancouver for budget travelers. Hostels in the city are amazing and offer a warm atmosphere.
If you’re looking to hike in the mountains, shop on the beaches, or party in the city, you’ll want to explore highly-rated hostels in Vancouver that offer fantastic value for money and great locations.
Vancouver hostels typically boast good views, easy proximity to public transport, and staff highly knowledgeable about the city. They are often located in downtown areas or near hip neighborhoods, such as Gastown and Granville Island.
Tips for Urban Hostels
Urban hostels offer unique challenges and advantages:
- Noise levels will be greater due to street traffic
- Location premium – be prepared to pay more for locations in the center
- Better transport connections make it easier to get around
- Other restaurants are nearby if you don’t want to cook
- Cultural attractions within walking distance
Making the Most of Your Hostel Stay
Dorm Room Etiquette
Being a considerate dorm room roommate makes everyone’s stay better:
- Keep your belongings in order and your own space
- Use a cell phone flashlight instead of turning on overhead lighting at night
- Be quiet during regular sleeping hours
- Clean up after yourself in public areas
- Respect other people and their privacy and personal space
Meeting Fellow Travelers
Hostels are great for meeting other people, but don’t force it. Communal spaces, scheduled activities, and dining are simple opportunities to connect with other travelers. Hostel living areas are where many long-term friendships are formed.
Security Tips
Even in the safest hostels, be simple-minded in taking precautions:
- Lock your stuff away in the provided lockers at all times
- Avoid leaving valuables in communal areas
- Copy essential documents stored separately from originals
- Trust your gut if it doesn’t feel right
- Bond with your hostel roommates – they tend to watch out for one another
Final Thoughts
Finding a really nice hostel entails some research, but it’s well worth it. A good hostel is more than just another accommodation for you; it’s where your adventures begin, a meeting place for incredible travelers, and the backdrop for your most profound travel memories.
Make time to sift through review sites, examine its location, and analyze what factors contribute to the price. And do feel free to call the hostel if you have any questions-they should encourage that, and it’ll be a preview of their customer service before you actually land.
Keep in mind that your dream hostel may not be someone else’s dream hostel. Think about your personal style of travel, the budget you have, and what you intend to get out of it: whether a place to lay your head at night and chill, or ambrosial juices of interaction through which you stick your head and meet fellow travellers, you have a hostel waiting for you!
Safe travels, and enjoy your Samesun hostel adventures!
