The Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying at a Hostel
If you’re trying to decide whether a hostel is the best option in terms of travel accommodations, it’s important to remember that no one hostel is the same. The words “luxury” and “hostel” may not go hand in hand, but there are just as many unique benefits as there are drawbacks when it comes to hostels. So, what are the pros and cons of a hostel environment?
Advantages: Location & Affordability
Most hotels may seem like palaces when compared to hostels, but hotels usually can’t provide the variety and flavor that hostels around the world offer road-weary backpackers and travelers. With that in mind, here are some of the benefits that go along with choosing hostels.
Price: This is first and foremost on the “pros” list, because it’s also the most attractive draw to hostels. On average, hostels cost 50% to 70% less than other forms of accommodation. In fact, the going rate for hostels in countries like England, France, Ireland, and Germany is $15 to $20 a night. That’s compared to $200 a night for low-end hotel accommodations.
Location: Because hostels are usually converted from older homes and apartments, they’re centrally located in major cities. Most chain hotels can’t say the same due to strict building codes and restrictions. Not only that, but most hostels have a unique charm due to their age, as well as in-house owners that can point you in the right direction.
Dining: Travelers that stay in hostels always have their budget in mind. Because of this, most hostels come equipped with full kitchens. So not only can you save money on your accommodations, you can cut the cost of eating out too. Additionally, all-exclusive hostels offer free continental breakfasts.
Disadvantages: Lack of Privacy & Security
With advantages must come disadvantages and hostels have their share. For those less open-minded travelers, the drawbacks of staying in a hostel might just be enough to change travel plans from backpacking to hotel hopping.
Privacy: Unless you’re traveling with close friends or loved ones, staying in a hostel is an eye-opening experience. Rooms of both the bath and sleeping variety are commonly shared in hostels, so if having privacy is your idea of the best vacation, you might want to go with a hotel.
Curfew: Due to the safety concerns of other travelers, most hostels have a curfew. This is because hostels are very open in terms of common rooms and shared spaces. So, in order to make the likelihood of trespassers entering the hostel after hours a non-issue, fairly strict curfews are mandatory.
Theft: Stolen property has become less and less of an issue with hostels in the past few years, but it’s still a concern. If you have random roommates, carrying valuable belongings with you is the safest bet, but it’s also extremely inconvenient. Additionally, because of the nature of hostels, there aren’t any insurance policies in place for stolen belongings.
With the right frame of mind and an adventurous spirit, staying in a hostel might end up being your favorite part of traveling. Pros and cons aside, it’s at least worth a shot. And if you find you don’t like it, you’ll probably be able to find a nearby hotel.
Guest contribution by Miles Davis.
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I was not aware that most hostels will be equipped with their own kitchen for your convenience. My husband and I are thinking about taking our vacation together, and we are looking for advice to choose the right place and accommodation. I will always want to stay in a hostel, so I will talk with my husband about that experience to see what he thinks.
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I’ve seen the movies so I’ll give em a wide berth eh? 😉
In my heady college days I stayed at Hostel all over the country. There are good ones, and bad, so the information in the article is spot on.
I stayed at a couple of hostels while touring Europe a long time ago, and they were very, very nice.