Uncovering the Best Hostel: 4 Tips for Picking the Best Stay For You!

When it comes to budget travel, hostels stand out as an ideal choice. They offer affordability and the chance to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. However, picking the right one can be difficult, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your journey.  Three years ago, I went on a trip where I stayed in Hostels in: Paris, Ghent, Amsterdam, and Lugano. From that trip, I learned what to look for when deciding on places to stay.  To guide you through the options available, here are five tips to help you uncover the best hostels

1. How to Start

When searching for hostels, there are a variety of websites and booking services one can use to find their stay. When booking my trip, the website I used was HostelWorld. What I liked most about this website is its abundance of information. The website is not only easy to navigate but includes a wide variety of information regarding the Hostel’s, making the information search much easier.

2. Location

Once you’ve chosen a website, the next important factor to decide on is where you want to stay. If you are unsure of where you want to stay, but know which country you are interested in, one of the benefits of using HostelWorld is that you can choose to look in specific cities, regions, and countries.

When I was traveling, I was using Eurail to get around Europe, so picking stays was primarily related to train routes, but some were found by using the website. If your main goal for booking hostels is to travel on a budget, consider these two tips:

a) Staying outside of the city center.

While it’s often more desirable to stay in the city, it can lead to prices being higher. My tip is if you do not want to stay in the city, to find somewhere outside the city center, but next to public transportation. When staying in Paris, I stayed outside the city, however, was right across the street from a metro station, which allowed for easy transportation.

b) Stay in a smaller city.

If you are in the country for a few days, staying in a city that is close to the one you are interested in may also be cheaper. The benefit to this is not only the possibility of discovering a hidden gem but can be more cost effective. Public transportation, specifically in Europe, is much more readily available and a great way to get around, allowing location to only be a small obstacle to overcome when planning your stay.

3. Interpreting Reviews

One of the hardest things about deciding where to stay is the uncertainty of whether or not the claims of the hotel/hostel/etc. are true. When searching for the perfect hostel, reviews can be incredibly valuable. Instead of solely focusing on star ratings, delve into the comments for more insights. Look for specifics that matter to you, such as:

• Cleanliness: Is the bathroom frequently mentioned as spotless?

• Staff Friendliness: Do multiple reviews praise the staff for being helpful and welcoming?

• Atmosphere: Are guests sharing experiences about how lively or chill the environment is?

Guest reviews will often tell you if the claims of the hostel are true or not! Look for recurring themes in reviews. If multiple guests mention service inconsistencies, this could be a red flag! I also recommend checking reviews across several platforms to gain a well-rounded perspective.

4. Check for Unique Amenities

One of the benefits of staying in a Hostel, is the community aspect and the ways in which the hostels often facilitate events which allow you to meet others. Hostels today often boast unique amenities that set them apart from the crowd. If this is something you are interested in, look for places that offer things such as:

• Cooking Classes: Engage with local cuisine while improving your cooking skills.

• Exclusive Events: Many hostels hold organized pub crawls, city tours, or beach bonfires to encourage socializing. Some even have unique themes or special events, such as a taco night or craft beer tasting.

• Game Rooms: Unwind after a day of exploration with board games or pool tables, found in hostels that prioritize social connections.

When browsing for accommodations, check the hostel's website or social media pages for details on these offerings. An exciting amenity can greatly enhance your stay and lead to unforgettable memories!

Best of Luck!

By keeping these tips in mind, you can find a hostel that perfectly fits your travel style and budget. Take the time to research, read reviews, and consider unique amenities that can enhance your experience. Happy travels, and may your hostel stay lead to unforgettable adventures and new friendships!