Most of us think of youth hostels as large dormitories filled with noisy teenagers packed with backpacks. This image may be quite accurate, but there is more to youth hostels than you might think. When the summer is over and students return to school, youth hostels, especially those with “family” rooms, can be a convenient and low-cost alternative to hotels.
What is a youth hostel?
According to Hostelling International, youth hostels date back to 1909, when Richard Schirrmann, a German teacher, decided that his students would learn more from their class trips if they had convenient and comfortable places to stay. Schirrmann started by opening a hostel in Altena, Germany. Today, you can find hostels in over 80 different countries and book your stay at one of over 4,000 different youth hostels.
If you visit a youth hostel, you will meet travelers of all ages. Families with babies, student groups, business travelers, and seniors stay in youth hostels.
Should you stay in a youth hostel?
Before booking a youth hostel room, consider the advantages and disadvantages of staying in a hostel.
Pros
Cost
Youth hostels are cheap. Unless you lie on a friend’s couch or find a low-cost Airbnb, you will probably spend less on youth hostel accommodation than you would anywhere else.
Information
It’s easy to discover a particular youth hostel and learn about hospitality. Hostelling International’s extensive and informative website connects you to hostels around the world.
Location
You can find youth hostels anywhere you can imagine. Avid shoppers may prefer downtown hostels, while hikers may choose a rural hostel. You can stay in historic castles, modern buildings, and on top of mountains.
Cultural opportunities
You will meet people from all over the world when you start hosting. You can talk to other travelers and share tips and stories. Perhaps you will get acquainted with someone from your host country while relaxing in the TV room.
Quality standards
Hostelling International has developed global standards for HI hostels. Because each HI hostel is run by a national hospitality organization, there are two levels of inspection, national and international. Most youth hostels are cleaned by staff, not hostel guests.
Some hostels are privately owned and not subject to HI’s quality requirements. If you plan to stay in a private hostel, read the customer reviews before booking your room.
Recreational activities
Many youth hostels have TV lounges, playgrounds, bars and cafes for you to enjoy your free time. In some countries, such as Germany, youth hostels offer themed activities ranging from environmental studies to cultural opportunities. Still others can connect you with local tours, special events, and performances. The attentive reception staff will provide maps and information on the local area.
Breakfast and cooking privileges
Your stay at a youth hostel generally includes breakfast. Most hostels serve breakfast for a set period of time each morning. You may be able to arrange for a portable breakfast if you must leave before breakfast time. Many hostels allow you to use a common kitchen area to prepare food.
Cons
Location
Please note that some youth hostels, while beautifully located, can be difficult to reach by public transport. Others are centrally located, but do not offer parking. Research your transportation options before booking your stay.
Privacy
Lack of privacy tops most travelers’ lists of concerns about hostelling. If you choose to stay in a single-sex or mixed dorm, you won’t be able to close a door and lock yourself away. However, many youth hostels now offer rooms for four people, two people and even singles; they cost more, but offer more privacy.
noise
If you opt for a bed in the bedroom, you may have to deal with a lot of noise at night. Even though youth hostels have a quiet schedule, people come and go until the hostel doors are closed. The common areas of the hostel can also be noisy, thanks to travelers who enjoy social time before going to bed. If you can’t fall asleep unless your room is absolutely silent, the hostel may not be the best option for you.
Safety
If you book a room for one, two or four people, you can lock the door while you sleep. If you are staying in a bedroom, you will need to take some precautions to secure your travel documents and valuables. Buy a money belt and keep your cash, credit cards, and passports on your person at all times. Ask about the lockers when you book your stay; Locker facilities vary from location to location. Some shelters ask you to bring a lock, some have coin-operated lockers, and some do not have lockers.
Accessibility
Some hostels are accessible, but many are not. You will need to contact each shelter to find out if they have wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and accessible beds and bedrooms. Some hostels only offer bunk beds, so it is important to ask about accessibility issues before you arrive.
Age limits
Some hostels, particularly those in Bavaria, Germany, give priority to travelers under the age of 26. If you travel without advance reservations, it can be difficult to get a hostel room during the summer.
Lockdowns / curfew / early departures
Many hostels are only open at certain times. In some hostels, guests are asked to leave the hostel entirely during the day. Ask about closing times when you book your stay.
Most shelters have a curfew; The doors of the hostel will close at a certain time each night.
When you check in, you will probably be able to pay a key deposit and use a hostel key if you want to enter after the front door has been locked.
Typically, you will be asked to check out before 9:00 am If you want to sleep, you will need to consider other accommodation options.
Bedding / bedding
Youth hostels have an unusual bedding policy, designed to keep bed bugs out of your bunk. In a typical youth hostel each bed has a pillow and blanket, sometimes not the most beautiful example of its kind, but a clean, usable pillow and blanket. When you sign up, you can use, or in some cases pay to rent, a sheet and pillowcase. Pick up your bedding from one pile in the reception area and grab a hand towel from another pile. Take these items to your room and make up your bed. Youth hostel sheets resemble sleeping bags; They are like a sack of sheets in which you sleep inside.
Every morning, you must return your used sheets and towels to the common area. If you are staying for more than one night, pick up a new sheet, pillowcase, and hand towel each day.
You will need to bring a bath towel if you plan to shower at the hostel. In the winter months, drying your towel during the day can be a challenge. You may want to invest in a quick-drying travel towel. ( Tip: Bring soap, shampoo, a razor, and other toiletries. Some hostels hand out samples of shampoo and shower gel packets at the front desk, but it’s best to be prepared.)
Showers
Even if you book a private room, you must bring shower shoes. As in many large institutions with multiple showers, hot water can be in short supply.
Counter
Your hostel reception will not be available 24 hours a day. If problems arise, you may need to resolve them yourself or call an emergency number.
Curfew
Most hostels have some kind of curfew. Don’t be late. They really close the doors.
Teens / children
Youth hostels are open to everyone. This means that you will meet babies, young children and teenagers if you stay in a shelter. If you are traveling during the fall or spring, your hostel may be full of school groups. You can minimize your exposure to young and potentially noisy travelers by booking a single or double room. If your ideal vacation is quiet, peaceful, and without children, the hostel is not for you.
Membership
Membership requirements vary by country. Some HI member countries allow travelers who have not joined HI to stay in their hostels, while others require HI membership. If you are considering staying in a youth hostel, ask about the membership requirements.
Popularity
Hostelling is popular with tourists and groups of all kinds. Be flexible when booking your trip. If you travel without advance reservations you may be able to get a bed when you arrive, but you should always have a backup plan in mind in case your chosen hostel is full.
How to book a youth hostel room
There are several ways to book your stay at a youth hostel. You can go to the Hostelling International website and reserve a room online. Research the youth hostels available on the national association websites, because some hostels can be booked online only through your own national hospitality association. In some cases, you will need to contact the hostel by email or fax the staff to make a reservation.
If you are a spontaneous person, you can simply show up at a hostel and ask for a room. Some hostels reserve some rooms for same-day travelers, while others sell out weeks in advance.
It is always a good idea to read independent reviews before booking. Read reviews on websites like VirtualTourist, Hostelcritic or Hostelz to get an idea of what to expect at each hostel.
Make sure you understand each hostel’s cancellation policy. You can lose your deposit if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance.
What Brig
The hostel rooms are comfortable but small. It is better to travel light. You will definitely want to bring the following items:
- Passport
- Cash and credit card (payment preferences vary by hostel)
- HI membership card, if required
- Bath shoes and towel
- Personal toiletries
- Padlock and coins for lockers
- Sheets to sleep in, if the hostel does not rent them
Once you have checked in, the receptionist will give you a key and perhaps an access code to the door. (Don’t lose either, unless you enjoy being locked up.) They will tell you where to collect the sheets and what to do with them the next morning.
Checking in
Before you arrive, find out when the reception of your youth hostel opens. Don’t be late, because you can lose your room. It’s a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak travel season, as some hostels overbook their rooms. Expect to fill out a form or two when you sign up. You will be asked to show your HI membership card if you are staying at a HI hostel where membership is required. You will also be asked to pay for your stay in advance. You may have to pay a key deposit or leave your passport on the desk during your stay.
Solving problems
Most problems can be solved at the reception, especially if they involve check-in, check-out, meals or showers. Nighttime noise problems can be a different story if the reception has limited hours.
Breakfast and Checkout
When you wake up, order, undress your bed and pack your gear before breakfast. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy your morning meal and get out on time. You will miss breakfast if you are late.
Wait for a line at the front desk when the payment deadline approaches. Return your keys, settle your account and enjoy the day.
