First time staying at a hostel: What to expect

Rooms

Typically, you can choose between a private room, or the cheaper option of a bunk in a shared dormitory. Most backpackers elect to stay in the dorms because they are less expensive and more social. It’s common for hostel beds to come equipped with basic sheets and a pillow, an outlet, a reading light and curtains for privacy.

Usually hostels will specify quiet hours in the dorms, but it’s common for travelers to move in and out of the room during the night. If you’re a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs, especially if you’re staying in a more lively hostel. Party hostels have a reputation for having the most noisy dorms at night, so keep that in mind when booking. In popular tourist areas, you can usually find an hostels with a wide variety of target customers, so just do your research and pick one that best fits the experience you want.

Most hostels also have some kind of locker/safe dedicated to each guest in the rooms where you can store valuables. See “security” below for more info.

Facilities

Many hostels feature a bar, lounge or other common area for their guests to enjoy. These areas are great for meeting other guests or hanging out after a long day of activities. Keep an eye out for happy hour at the hostel bar, or even communal dinners hosted by the staff.

Some hostels come equipped with basic exercise equipment in a gym for guests. Think dumbbells’ and a pullup bar vs. a fully-stocked gym. However, even the most basic gym can be a welcome site in the middle of a long backpacking trip.

Bathrooms

Hostels usually provide shared bathrooms and showers, similar to those of typical college dormitory. Plan to bring your own toiletries and a pair of flip flops / slides for the showers.

You can usually pay a small fee to rent a towel at the front desk, but we would recommend packing your own microfiber towel. Bringing your own towel will save you a lot of money over the course of your trip, and you won’t need to rely on renting every time you shower.

Services

The best hostels offer a variety of services to their guests. Many hostels organize group activities for guests, and almost all hostels are a great source of information about their surrounding area. Always talk to the front desk about things to do nearby, and ask for advice on transportation to your next location.

Often times hostels can help you book things right at the front desk. This service can cover things ranging from activities to transportation to your next destination.

Most hostels also offer laundry onsite or will recommend a service nearby.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of your hostel is entirely dependent on the type of hostel you book. Do your research ahead of time, and make sure to book a hostel that fits the vibe you’re going for. Some hostels are very relaxed, while others cater to the party scene.

In general, the best hostels are known to be lively and social. Most backpackers rely on hostels for meeting other travelers and learning more about the local happenings. When browsing potential hostels on Hostelworld, we recommend paying particularly close attention to the “Atmosphere” rating.

Security

Most hostels will provide guests with some sort of locker to store their belongings in. It’s less common for hostels to provide lock, so be sure to pack your own padlock. We recommend a combination lock, so that you are protected from potentially losing your key.

While some hostels employ a 24-hour front desk, others will lock their doors past a certain hour every night. In this instance, your room key will also serve as your key into the building, so make sure to bring it with you whenever you leave.

For the most part, hostels are just as safe as any other type of accommodation. Just keep your wits about you and practice general travel safety.