Choosing a good hostel is often much harder than choosing a good hotel because hostels share facilities with other travelers. The cheaper the hostel, the lower the quality tends to be because guests are often those who prefer to spend less rather than pay for comfort, and budget hostels usually have fewer cleaning staff.
Here are some tips of how to find a good worthy hostel, summarized from a 15-year budget traveler who has explored 100 countries. Just remember that you should not expect the cheapest hostel in the city to offer a comfortable stay.
1. Strategic Location
Choose a hostel that is close to a bus, train, or metro station so you do not have to walk too far. It should be in the city center or near the main square, a supermarket, and affordable places to eat. Avoid hostels located on a hill because walking uphill with luggage can be exhausting.
2. Safety First
The area should be safe to walk around, even at night. The hostel must have a good security system where only guests can enter the main door, and rooms should have locks. There should also be clear emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
3. Free and Fast Wi-Fi
A good hostel provides unlimited Wi-Fi that is strong even inside the room.
4. Not Too Big
A smaller hostel with fewer than 20 beds is more comfortable. With fewer guests, it is easier to connect and make friends.
5. Small Dorm Rooms
The best dorms have no more than six beds, and four beds is ideal. Avoid large dorms with 12 to 30 beds or triple bunks. If a twin room is available at a reasonable price, paying one or two dollars more for privacy is worth it.
6. Female Dorm Available
Solo female traveler is safer staying in an all-female dorm. It is usually cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable when changing clothes.
7. Spacious and Bright Rooms
Beds should not be too close together. There must be enough space to walk around without tripping over luggage. The room should have a window facing outside to allow fresh air and help laundry dry faster.
8. Not a Party Hostel
Avoid hostels that describe themselves as party hostels. They are usually noisy, full of young people who drink and stay up late.
9. Reasonable Price
It does not have to be the cheapest, but the price should match the quality and facilities offered.
10. Daily Cleaning Service
A daily maid service keeps the hostel clean and comfortable. It is much better when everything is ready, so I can just rest.
11. Reading Light and Power Outlet at Each Bed
A reading light is useful for guests who like to read at night without disturbing others. A power outlet beside the bed is important for charging devices safely.
12. Personal Locker
Every guest should have a locker that can be locked. It should be large enough for a daypack and a laptop, or even a full backpack of around 90 liters.
13. Comfortable Beds
The bed should be clean, soft, and quiet. The mattress should not sag in the middle, and the frame should not make noise. The minimum size should be a single bed of 90 by 180 centimeters. Clean white sheets and a thick blanket in cold areas are perfect.
14. Proper Bunk Bed Height
A person on the lower bunk should be able to sit comfortably without hitting their head. The upper bunk should not be too high, and there should be a ladder and safety rail to prevent falling.
15. Good Bed-to-Bathroom Ratio
The best ratio is one bathroom for every five beds. Bathrooms for men and women should be separate.
16. Clean and Functional Bathrooms
Bathrooms should be spacious, clean, and dry. The shower should have strong water pressure, proper drainage, and a working flush. Toilet paper should always be available.
17. Hot Shower All Day
Hot water should be available 24 hours, especially at night or in cold weather.
18. Separate Bathrooms for Men and Women
This is important because men are usually less tidy in shared bathrooms.
19. Breakfast Included
Free breakfast is a nice bonus. It helps when you wake up hungry and restaurants outside are still closed. Bread, coffee, cereal, or eggs are simple but appreciated.
20. Well-Equipped Kitchen
Cooking your own food saves money. A good hostel kitchen should have working appliances, clean pots and pans, dishes, utensils, and basic items such as salt and cooking oil.
21. Good Building Condition and Design
The building should be solid and comfortable. The floor should not be uneven, and the walls should not be so thin that you can hear your neighbors snoring. Good insulation keeps the room warm. The design does not have to be fancy, but it should look pleasant.
22. Friendly and Helpful Receptionist
The receptionist should be friendly, speak English, and know the local area well. They should also be firm in reminding noisy or messy guests to follow the rules.
Read Google Reviews Carefully
How can you know if a hostel has the facilities and quality that meet the 22 points above? By checking guest reviews on Google. You need to be detailed, observant, and patient when choosing one hostel out of hundreds that best fits your standards.
My suggestion is to choose a hostel with a rating above 4. Always read the worst reviews first so you can prepare for the worst condition and decide whether the negative points are still tolerable for you. If most reviews are positive and the few bad ones are things you can accept, then that is the right hostel to choose.
Bad Hostel WiFi? No Problem!
Hostels are often crowded, making the WiFi slow and frustrating when you need to browse your itinerary. But do not let that stress you out! Use Eskimo eSIM, which works in over 140 countries and comes with 2 year data validity, so your remaining data will not go to waste and can be used for your next trip. Eskimo eSIM offers 5G speed and unlimited data, perfect for digital nomads who need reliable internet for work.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a hostel and a hotel?
A hostel usually offers shared facilities such as dorm rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, which makes it more affordable but less private than a hotel. It is designed for social interaction among travelers.
How early should I book a hostel before my trip?
It is best to book at least two to three weeks in advance, especially during high season or in popular tourist cities. Early booking gives you more options and better prices.
Is it okay to stay in mixed dorms?
Yes, but it depends on your comfort level. Mixed dorms are usually cheaper, but if you prefer more privacy or feel safer with same-gender roommates, choose a female or male-only dorm.
How can I make friends while staying in a hostel?
Join group activities, hang out in the common area, or join hostel-organized tours or dinners. Most travelers are friendly and open to meeting new people, so just start a casual conversation.
