Why I Still Love Hostels
John’s Note: I’m excited to announce Hostel Bookers as a new partner here at Travel Rinse Repeat. As always, all the content and opinons in this post are my own.
If you visit this site with any regularity, by now you know that the majority of my travel is work related – in other words, it’s business travel. And I’ll be completely honest – it’s a pretty comfortable way to travel. Frequent first class upgrades, picking my favorite 2012 model rental car off the lot each week, and staying in well appointed, business oriented hotels are all de rigeur for me. Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Hyatt – I’ve collected over 200 nights in hotels like these since I started traveling for work.
But I have a confession: despite the comfort that hotel rooms offer, when I travel outside of work I still prefer staying at hostels. How is that possible? For most, the thought of hostels evokes dirty showers and snoring bunk mates.
So after living the pampered life at business hotels, why do I still stay prefer hostels?
Hostels Are Growing Up - Not all hostels are total dives or party central for 19 year old backpackers. Some hostels have grown up as more travelers outside the gap year crowd have discovered their benefits. I’ve found plenty of hostels that offer clean, quiet accommodations that cater to a more adult crowd, with amenities to match. Gas stoves, rain shower heads, fluffy towels, and impeccable design are the new norm at many hostels.
Image courtesy of Miss Sophie’s Prague
They Provide Comfortable Working Environments – This one may come as kind of a surprise – most people probably don’t associate hostels with good working environments. But when I was working from Granada, Nicaragua, my hostel was the perfect place to get some work done. Not only was it relatively quiet during the early morning when I was most active, it was also one of the few places in town that offered fast, reliable wireless internet.
Hostels Are The Low Cost Alternative - This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but hostels are cheap! Spending less on accommodations each trip allows me to extend my travel, traveling longer and cheaper than if I were staying at the big hotel brands I stay at when work is footing the bill.
Location, Location, Location – My hostel in Seattle was literally across the street from Pike Place Market. In Cuzco, I was staying just steps from the Plaza de Armas, arguably the heart of the former Incan capital city. Sure, some top notch hotels also have premium locations, but their small size allows hostels to be more nimble when selecting the prime locations.
Atypical Lodging – I’ve stayed in a hostel that was on a boat and another that was in a former prison. Spending the night at an accommodation like this isn’t just lodging – it’s an experience. The big guys (Marriott, Hilton, etc) would never attach their names to properties like this – it’s too risky for them.
Meeting Other Travelers – This is by far my favorite aspect of hostels. A lot of my travel is done solo, and 90%+ of the friends I’ve made while on the road were staying in my hostel. It’s hard to find a better atmosphere than a hostel bar for bringing travelers together. Meanwhile, hotel bars and lobbies (in my experience) are mostly filled with lonely middle aged men nursing their beer or cocktails while silently glued to Sports Center on the television. It’s just not the same.
Simply put, hostels are a great way to travel. Sure, I miss the chocolates on my pillows, tiny bottles of shampoo, and club lounges of the major hotel chains, but there is so substitute for the camaraderie and general vibe one can pick up while staying in a hostel.
26 Responses to Why I Still Love Hostels
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I’m still a fan of hostels for affordable lodging. When I travel, I’m out seeing the city all day anyway, so fancy hotels aren’t necessary.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Trapped: Stuck inside the Mall of America for 12 hours
I can definitely agree with this. When I travel for work, I can end up spending a lot of time in the hotel room but when I’m traveling on vacation, I want to spend as much time as possible out seeing the city!
I’m still a fan of hostels.. the ones that are growing up that is. Totally agree with you on all points!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Travel Costs: 1 Month in Australia
Thanks Kieu. I made the mistake of staying at a party hostel in Buenos Aires and since then I’ve always gravitated towards the more grown-up versions.
I’m with you 100%! I’ve stayed in hostels more in recent years – in my 30s – than I did when I was a single backpacker. You’re totally right about opting for budget accommodations in order to extend your overall trip; that’s how we do, too
Francesca recently posted..A slice of Pure Michigan at Ludington State Park
I didn’t stay in a single hostel until I was 22…I guess I missed all the ‘prime’ years for it, but I still think they’re a great way to go.
love this! we definitely agree.
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
I’ve only stayed in a few. I have a lot more hostel stays in my future. Glad to see you view them positively!
Ava Apollo recently posted..Prepping for Long-Term Travel: How to Sell a Household of Furniture on Craig’s List in One Week
Yes you are! I think you’ll have a lot of fun in them.
We definitely have a special place in our hearts (and budget) for hostels. I think some people have a blurred vision of how great hostels can truly be. Not all are dingy rooms piles with drunken foreigners. Thanks for spreading the light.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Our Life Revealed by our iPhone.
It’s a light worth spreading, Tawny. The more demand we create for these types of hostels, the more we’ll start to see them pop up around the world.
I have only stayed in a few hostels in my day, but I’ll admit they were good experiences. I’ve often wondered if my addiction to hotels has ruined me on these forever. Now I’m thinking maybe not…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Napa Valley Lodge – Yountville
Haha it can be a bit of a change of pace for sure, DJ. I still spend the majority of my time in hotels (for work travel) but staying in hostels is actually pretty exciting for me as they present new and interesting surroundings and offer a different experience from the hotels that I experience each week.
I haven’t stayed in a hostel in a few years. How do you find the grown up ones? I travel a lot for work and I like staying in places different than my normal work hotels because otherwise the vacation feels too much like when I am working…
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Photo of the Week – Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark
I always scour the review sites Raul. I typically avoid ‘backpacker’ or ‘youth’ hostels and places that have several bed-dorms. 3-4 bed dorms are the sweet spot for me. Sometimes I opt for private rooms in hostels too, which are still significantly cheaper than hotels and can be quite nice. Newer hostels tend to be nicer too as they’re starting to recognize this market of grown-up travelers who aren’t wanting to drop hundreds of dollars a night on hotels.
I definitely enjoy a mix of lodging options on the road. One of those aspects is staying in a hostel or two for all the reasons you explained above.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Angkor Wat photo essay including Phnom Bakheng and Bayon
Mixing it up is key for me. Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, guest houses, etc. On my longer trips of several weeks, I’ve been known to throw in a luxury hotel every two weeks or so just to have a place to relax, sleep in, etc.
Alright, John, I have to say that I’ve NEVER stayed in a hostel. Your descriptions have me second-guessing that decision. After all, if you, a spoiled business traveler, can enjoy them then why can’t I? I’m still on the fence, but at least it’s not out of the realm of possibility for me.
Leah Travels recently posted..Seeing Egypt the Russian Way: Scary Planes & Friendly Camels
I think you could do it Leah, you just have to ease into it. I think you’d love a private room at one of the newer, nicer hostels, especially if you’re not planning on spending much time in the room itself.
I love that with such detailed websites now it’s so easy to get others opinions on hostels before staying! Easy to figure out if the place is as advertised.
Liz recently posted..Tips From a Local – San Francisco
Agreed! It makes finding a clean, reliable place really easy.
I spent two years in hostels and it`s nice to have time in hotels now. And while I will only do dorms occasionally I would definitely consider private rooms so I could keep the social aspect of hostels.
Ayngelina recently posted..Food Friday: Farm to table
I can imagine that after two years you’re probably ready for some privacy!
Great post. I love to mix hostels up with hotels depending on where I travel. I’ve met some of my best international friends in Hostels and had amazing experiences. One thing most people don’t realize is that most Hostels offer private rooms in addition to dorms. I love meeting new people but have trouble sleeping around strangers, so a private room in a hostel is the perfect mix.
- Nomad
NomadTravels recently posted..Travel Hacking – Nomad Style 2
There’s no denying hostels are a great place to meet folks while traveling, even in a private room.
I still love hostels too. I’m a mega introvert so it’s a little bit surprising but I enjoy being surrounded by other people who are excited about their travels (provided they’re not all super young). I like to do a mix of low/high travel.
30Traveler recently posted..Top 10 Ways to Save Money in New Zealand: Travel Tips