Are Hostels Right For You?
Hostels aren’t always the laid-back social hubs they appear to be. Between the crowds and the occasional theft, they demand flexibility and street smarts, and a tolerance for some unexpected inconveniences. However, with a few tricks, they can still deliver unbeatable value for those looking to travel on the cheap. Let’s start with 10 challenges of staying at a hostel.
1. Noise Isn’t Optional
Late-night arrivals and spontaneous partying are common in dorms. Soundproofing is rare, and quiet hours often go unenforced. Earplugs won’t help if a bunkmate sets five alarms. In party cities like Bangkok, restful sleep in a hostel is more of a gamble than a guarantee.
2. Security Can Be Shaky
Unlike hotels, hostels often rely on shared lockers or basic keycard systems. Therefore, theft of electronics or wallets isn’t uncommon. Even with personal locks, your items are rarely out of reach for a determined thief. The risk is high in pickpocket hotspots like Barcelona.
3. Cleanliness Varies Wildly
A spotless hostel is not the norm. Dozens often share bathrooms, and beds may not be sanitized between guests. Reports of bedbugs or stained mattresses surface frequently in budget options. Low-cost hostels in Southeast Asia tend to draw complaints in reviews for hygiene lapses.
4. Zero Privacy
Personal space barely exists in a 10-bed dorm with shared bathrooms and open storage. Changing clothes or answering phone calls can feel awkward. Some hostels have curtain-divided bunks, but many don't. The constant presence of strangers makes privacy a luxury rather than a standard amenity.
5. Social Pressure To Interact
Not every traveler wants to socialize after a long day. Yet many hostels push communal activities, shared meals, and nightly events. Opting out can feel isolating or even rude. Hostels in Budapest, for example, are known for party culture, and introverts may feel isolated.
6. Age Gaps Can Be Awkward
While hostels welcome all ages, most guests skew young, often under 30. Older travelers may feel excluded from group dynamics and activities. Some hostels even enforce unofficial age limits. Also, the atmosphere at party-heavy spots like Ibiza may feel like a college dorm.
7. Booking Doesn’t Guarantee Quality
A 4.5-star rating on a booking site doesn’t always reflect reality. Reviews can be manipulated, outdated, or based on low expectations. Photos might hide broken furniture or overcrowded rooms. Even top-rated hostels in cities like Rome sometimes suffer from inconsistent maintenance.
8. Shared Bathrooms Are A Gamble
Some hostels in popular areas like Amsterdam have notoriously outdated or cramped restroom facilities. You might compete with 15 people for two stalls and one shower. Also, cleanliness depends entirely on other guests’ habits and the cleaning schedule.
9. Rules Can Be Arbitrary
Some hostels often enforce inconvenient rules. Their policies may also change without warning or be poorly communicated. If you’re not aligned with their structure, your stay can become frustrating fast. This is often the case in Japan’s capsule-style hostels with rigid check-in routines.
10. Staff Isn’t Always Professional
Hostel employees are often young travelers working short-term gigs for discounted stays. While some are, others may lack training or accountability. Miscommunication or even rudeness aren’t rare, and you may face inconsistent service quality at more casual hostels.
So, hostels aren’t for everyone, and the challenges can add up. But if you’re prepared, there are smart ways to turn a chaotic experience into a rewarding one. Let’s look at 10 ways to do this.
1. Choose Hostels With Curtains Or Pods
Privacy is a game-changer in shared dorms. Look for hostels offering beds with curtains or capsule-style bunks, which are common in countries like South Korea. These setups provide a quiet retreat and personal lighting. Moreover, early booking increases your chances of getting one.
2. Pack For Comfort And Safety
Bring a quick-dry towel and flip-flops for the shower. A travel sheet or sleeping bag liner adds peace of mind over questionable mattresses. Furthermore, noise-canceling earbuds can help you sleep. These items are especially helpful when dorms are packed.
3. Use Reviews Strategically
Don’t just check star ratings: read recent reviews for consistent mentions of cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere. Travelers often flag issues the listing doesn’t disclose, like late-night noise or unreliable Wi-Fi. Sites like Hostelworld also allow sorting by traveler type, helping you avoid mismatched vibes.
4. Book Smaller Dorms When Possible
Four- to six-bed rooms balance between affordability and reduced chaos. Fewer roommates mean less noise and shorter waits for showers. These rooms also tend to attract slightly older, more respectful travelers. In cities like Vienna or Vancouver, the price difference is often minimal.
5. Engage With Staff Early
On arrival, strike up a conversation with the reception team. They often have the best local tips and hidden food spots. Friendly rapport can lead to perks like free room upgrades or early check-ins. Some staff often double as event organizers and city guides.
6. Attend Free Or Low-Cost Events
Many hostels organize walking tours or game nights. These activities are opportunities for meeting fellow travelers without forced interaction. Participation also helps you get oriented in unfamiliar cities. In places like Krakow, hostel-run pub crawls and food tours often rival pricier commercial versions.
7. Store Valuables Smartly
Always use lockers, even for small items like chargers. If lockers aren't provided, use a slash-resistant daypack and keep it close at night. Avoid storing valuables under the pillow or in open bags. Smart storage habits can prevent travel disasters in theft-prone cities.
8. Wake Early For The Best Facilities
Shower queues are common after 8 a.m., so getting up early means cleaner restrooms and a quieter breakfast. You’ll also avoid the rush for shared appliances like kettles or microwaves. This time window will make mornings more efficient and enjoyable.
9. Respect The Unwritten Code
Keep noise to a minimum after lights out. Pack quietly in the morning, and don’t hog power outlets. Small courtesies go a long way in communal living; other travelers often notice and reciprocate. You’ll also stand out for all the right reasons.
10. Treat It As A Cultural Experience
Hostels attract guests from different countries with different traveling styles. Use that diversity as a learning opportunity. Share snacks, stories, or travel tips with your hostelmates from other continents. Conversations in lounges can be fulfilling in international hubs like Cape Town.
