Hostel suggestions
Jan 30th, 2015, 05:47 AM
#1
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Hostel suggestions
I have never stayed in a hostel before- my husband is worried about sleeping with a room full of strangers, everyone who has been to Europe assures me it's not that bad- and it's a part of the experience of getting to know others. Some hostel rates aren't much more expensive for us to just get a 2-bed room to ourselves, but other hostels crank up the price so if we were to sleep in a dorm-type setting which would you suggest for a couple. 4-bed or 14-bed?
Also, any hostels that absolutely blew your mind because of their quirkiness or unique flare?
Our trip currently consists of Ireland, Scotland, London, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Munich...possibly Prague and Krakow.
Thanks!
Also, any hostels that absolutely blew your mind because of their quirkiness or unique flare?
Our trip currently consists of Ireland, Scotland, London, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Munich...possibly Prague and Krakow.
Thanks!
Jan 30th, 2015, 08:13 AM
#2
You really want to re-post on the Europe forum . . . but >>my husband is worried about sleeping with a room full of strangers<<
Since most hostels do have private rooms as well as dormitories - He doesn't have to sleep w/ anyone but you
If I was part of a couple I wouldn't stay in a dormitory but that is just me. Worth the extra ££/€€ IMO
Since most hostels do have private rooms as well as dormitories - He doesn't have to sleep w/ anyone but you
If I was part of a couple I wouldn't stay in a dormitory but that is just me. Worth the extra ££/€€ IMO
Jan 30th, 2015, 09:17 AM
#3
What janisj said, but the choice between 4 and 14 is no choice at all as far as I'm concerned. That's ten more people who may come in late (noisily) or leave early (noisily). Or snore. If you get a private room you can still meet people in the common areas, as you could at a B&B.
Feb 9th, 2015, 06:26 AM
#4
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Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel in Scotland - stayed there many years ago and loved
I don't know if it's still functioning as a youth hostel (and they did take adults) but if it is and you are in the area - it's worth it.
I don't know if it's still functioning as a youth hostel (and they did take adults) but if it is and you are in the area - it's worth it.
Feb 9th, 2015, 10:43 AM
#5
Everyone's different. Like your husband I have zero interest in sleeping in a communal room, regardless of the kind of hostel it is.
If I couldn't afford a private room (at the hostel or low-end hotels) I would shorten the length of my trip to be able to sleep more comfortably and securely.
If I couldn't afford a private room (at the hostel or low-end hotels) I would shorten the length of my trip to be able to sleep more comfortably and securely.
Feb 17th, 2015, 03:00 PM
#6
I have stayed in hostels in many places in the US and Canada.
The best of the hostels are Hosteling International (HI).
https://www.hihostels.com/en?linkid=...FatxQgod9TEA1g
Many HI hostels have private rooms that are mot much more than than the rate for 2 dorm beds.
My favorite HI hostel is the one in Sacramento which is a Victorian mansion.
The best of the hostels are Hosteling International (HI).
https://www.hihostels.com/en?linkid=...FatxQgod9TEA1g
Many HI hostels have private rooms that are mot much more than than the rate for 2 dorm beds.
My favorite HI hostel is the one in Sacramento which is a Victorian mansion.
May 6th, 2015, 10:28 PM
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I haven't done hostels in Europe, just in North America but if you still need information, here are some things that I have learned through experience
1. Location, location, location: you say there are hotel accommodations for similar dollars in some places, but is there a difference in location and convenience? I generally stay at hostels in large cities because the location of the hostel is in a fantastic central location- I could get a similarity priced hotel (for double occupancy) far far away, but hotels in the vinicity of the hostel would easily be 5 times the price. Location and safety are my 2 biggest concerns when looking at any urban lodging.
2. read and read reviews...and then read some more: different hostels, believe it or not, cater to different crowds. Read a few reviews and usually key things pop up. Concerns about security are a big NO for me. Comments about "it was kind of boring and they didn't allow beer pong in the lobby at 3AM" are a big YES to me. I use hostels to sleep and meet interesting people, but I'm not looking to hook up and I really just want to sleep after midnight. You've also got to do enough research about the city or neighborhood to know how to filter out the people who have no idea what they are talking about- I've seen people rate a local neighborhood as "sketchy" because they saw homeless folks, but it's actually an expensive, touristy, party area. The reviewer, as it turned out, was from a small rural community and had never spent an extensive period of time in even a midsized city before. Take everything with a grain of salt, but pay attention to multiple reviews complaining about similar issues.
My preference: hostels that don't allow anyone not registered as guests to come in. That may not matter to you because you'll have your husband with you, but generally in my experience that means there is less traffic and less chance of other people bringing over their hook ups home. (It also usually means that the hostel management is pretty hands on.) I also tend to look for reviews that refer to cleanliness and the bathrooms in particular. I'm not terribly picky, but how a well a hostel is kept up often tells you something about management.
3. Treat it like an adventure. It's not a hotel, don't keep comparing it to one. I've found that the chief complaint from friends and family involve lack of customer service. You've got to take some initiative; the front desk person may have really specific information about the indie music scene, but know absolutely nothing about...I don't know...wine tours. So the best source of information is often fellow guests, not to mention the Internet. Hostels don't have three things that some friends/relatives apparently consider necessities: concierge, valet, and an onsite restaurant. (But, well, I don't often stay at that class of hotel. Hostels are often NICER than the budget hotels I'd be staying in otherwise, and at least half the price).
Strike up conversations with everyone who looks like they'd love to talk- People travel for so many different reasons and you have a good chance of hearing about something completely amazing that you didn't know existed.
4. Rooms are not created equal. My first preference is a dorm room with an attached bath. If that doesn't exist, I choose the dorm with the fewest bunks. Generally, it's worth spending the few bucks to upgrade- this is a big generalization, but in my experience, the people in the huge, cheapest dorm are either in a big, rowdy group, or the party animals that stumble in at 3AM. I'm not sure what to tell you about traveling with your husband in dorms- I've never stayed in hostels with my partner- but you may feel more comfortable in a single sex dorm than in a coed dorm. Few women seem to choose the coed dorm. If you don't want to split up, I'd recommend the private room.
5. To stay in a hostel, you've got to be courteous, but you can be as sociable or as unsociable as you like. I've had roommates I swapped stories with, I've had roommates I never saw (or avoided because I knew they did their pre bar hop drinking in the room.) I've had a good time on group activities, but mostly, I am a solo traveller with less touristy interests than the norm. The point is, use your common sense and respect everyone, but don't put up with crap. Find someplace quiet to veg if that beer pong game in your room isn't your cup of tea- and failing that get those roommates to move their game to the basement. I've been mostly lucky: most of the people I've met in hostels are backpackers who know the drill or open minded older travelers who are easy going and way past their wild binge drinking years.
6. HI hostels: Tomfuller mentions these, and I'm a fan as well. They tend to be well run- the "chain" (or association?) has rules about security and alcohol consumption that they enforce. But you also should research all the other hostels in your destination- there may be a private one that gets better reviews, or has unusual amenities, or has crazy murals in the rooms- and I tend to choose quirky if it's available. On the other hand, HI has a very convenient reservations system and usually copious online information- and that's sometimes very convenient.
Whew. Got a little carried away. Hope this helps someone though!
1. Location, location, location: you say there are hotel accommodations for similar dollars in some places, but is there a difference in location and convenience? I generally stay at hostels in large cities because the location of the hostel is in a fantastic central location- I could get a similarity priced hotel (for double occupancy) far far away, but hotels in the vinicity of the hostel would easily be 5 times the price. Location and safety are my 2 biggest concerns when looking at any urban lodging.
2. read and read reviews...and then read some more: different hostels, believe it or not, cater to different crowds. Read a few reviews and usually key things pop up. Concerns about security are a big NO for me. Comments about "it was kind of boring and they didn't allow beer pong in the lobby at 3AM" are a big YES to me. I use hostels to sleep and meet interesting people, but I'm not looking to hook up and I really just want to sleep after midnight. You've also got to do enough research about the city or neighborhood to know how to filter out the people who have no idea what they are talking about- I've seen people rate a local neighborhood as "sketchy" because they saw homeless folks, but it's actually an expensive, touristy, party area. The reviewer, as it turned out, was from a small rural community and had never spent an extensive period of time in even a midsized city before. Take everything with a grain of salt, but pay attention to multiple reviews complaining about similar issues.
My preference: hostels that don't allow anyone not registered as guests to come in. That may not matter to you because you'll have your husband with you, but generally in my experience that means there is less traffic and less chance of other people bringing over their hook ups home. (It also usually means that the hostel management is pretty hands on.) I also tend to look for reviews that refer to cleanliness and the bathrooms in particular. I'm not terribly picky, but how a well a hostel is kept up often tells you something about management.
3. Treat it like an adventure. It's not a hotel, don't keep comparing it to one. I've found that the chief complaint from friends and family involve lack of customer service. You've got to take some initiative; the front desk person may have really specific information about the indie music scene, but know absolutely nothing about...I don't know...wine tours. So the best source of information is often fellow guests, not to mention the Internet. Hostels don't have three things that some friends/relatives apparently consider necessities: concierge, valet, and an onsite restaurant. (But, well, I don't often stay at that class of hotel. Hostels are often NICER than the budget hotels I'd be staying in otherwise, and at least half the price).
Strike up conversations with everyone who looks like they'd love to talk- People travel for so many different reasons and you have a good chance of hearing about something completely amazing that you didn't know existed.
4. Rooms are not created equal. My first preference is a dorm room with an attached bath. If that doesn't exist, I choose the dorm with the fewest bunks. Generally, it's worth spending the few bucks to upgrade- this is a big generalization, but in my experience, the people in the huge, cheapest dorm are either in a big, rowdy group, or the party animals that stumble in at 3AM. I'm not sure what to tell you about traveling with your husband in dorms- I've never stayed in hostels with my partner- but you may feel more comfortable in a single sex dorm than in a coed dorm. Few women seem to choose the coed dorm. If you don't want to split up, I'd recommend the private room.
5. To stay in a hostel, you've got to be courteous, but you can be as sociable or as unsociable as you like. I've had roommates I swapped stories with, I've had roommates I never saw (or avoided because I knew they did their pre bar hop drinking in the room.) I've had a good time on group activities, but mostly, I am a solo traveller with less touristy interests than the norm. The point is, use your common sense and respect everyone, but don't put up with crap. Find someplace quiet to veg if that beer pong game in your room isn't your cup of tea- and failing that get those roommates to move their game to the basement. I've been mostly lucky: most of the people I've met in hostels are backpackers who know the drill or open minded older travelers who are easy going and way past their wild binge drinking years.
6. HI hostels: Tomfuller mentions these, and I'm a fan as well. They tend to be well run- the "chain" (or association?) has rules about security and alcohol consumption that they enforce. But you also should research all the other hostels in your destination- there may be a private one that gets better reviews, or has unusual amenities, or has crazy murals in the rooms- and I tend to choose quirky if it's available. On the other hand, HI has a very convenient reservations system and usually copious online information- and that's sometimes very convenient.
Whew. Got a little carried away. Hope this helps someone though!
May 7th, 2015, 05:23 AM
#8
Great info, mm. I've only done hostels in NZ, and discovered that while I don't mind sharing a bathroom, I don't do well sharing a bedroom - too much noise. But they are a good option for a lot of people.
I do take issue with one comment. While it may be true that in the US all the cheap hotels are on the outskirts (although I could point to the the Jane in NYC) that's definitely not true in other countries.
I do take issue with one comment. While it may be true that in the US all the cheap hotels are on the outskirts (although I could point to the the Jane in NYC) that's definitely not true in other countries.
May 7th, 2015, 10:34 AM
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"Definitely not true in other countries..."
Yup. Thanks for making that clear, thursdaysd it's not always true in the US either, always a good idea to compare all types of lodging available. I can sleep through most noise but somedays I just want a queen bed and a locking door instead of a bunk!
I'll add money's often not the only factor for me when it comes to hostels- it may be weird, given that I prefer solo travel, but I also like having people around. Hotels feel isolating at times if I'm traveling alone. I think to stay in any kind of shared housing, you must be doing it for the experience as well as for the money- in my experience the acquaintances who have done it solely because it is cheap are not happy nor repeat hostellers!
Yup. Thanks for making that clear, thursdaysd
it's not always true in the US either, always a good idea to compare all types of lodging available. I can sleep through most noise but somedays I just want a queen bed and a locking door instead of a bunk!I'll add money's often not the only factor for me when it comes to hostels- it may be weird, given that I prefer solo travel, but I also like having people around. Hotels feel isolating at times if I'm traveling alone. I think to stay in any kind of shared housing, you must be doing it for the experience as well as for the money- in my experience the acquaintances who have done it solely because it is cheap are not happy nor repeat hostellers!
May 7th, 2015, 10:47 AM
#10
Actually, in other countries, there are other options between full hotels and hostels that tend to be rare in the US. Bed and breakfasts in Europe, for instance, which are nothing like the frou-frou expensive outfits in the US. Pensions, guesthouses, one and two star hotels. All of these are likely to be good for a chat over breakfast.
May 7th, 2015, 11:14 AM
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Hey, good to know! I knew that was true about Germany from parents who lived over there when dad was active Army, but I did not know it was more general as well. I was curious though: to stay in the pensions or guest houses do you need to know the local language or are they generally used to international visitors? (Mom speaks French and Dad speaks German, but alas, I can only pick out a few words here and there). Their advice is to go to the local places to save money and for better food, but I'm a little worried language would be an obstacle.
Europe is on my bucket list- it's just every time I try to plan for a trip there, life happens
Europe is on my bucket list- it's just every time I try to plan for a trip there, life happens
May 7th, 2015, 11:21 AM
#12
Depends on where you are, but I only speak English, American and some bad French and so far I've gotten by in 70 countries. Don't worry about it. If you're going somewhere like Russia or Greece it helps to learn the local alphabet, and everywhere it's good to know the local polite phrases (when you walk into a store in France you should say "bonjour madame/monsieur", for instance). But if you haven't been to Europe before, and start with, say England or France or Germany or Italy you'll be fine. I sometimes suggest people should go to French-speaking Canada to practice close to home, but the Quebecois are actually more reluctant to speak English than the French these days.
If you let it, life will continue to happen. Just go...
If you let it, life will continue to happen. Just go...
May 7th, 2015, 11:36 AM
#13
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Thank you, that's very encouraging. I'm most interested in France and Italy- I actually prefer exploring off the beaten path places over big cities, and I've been worried about the language thing. I really don't enjoy multi-day bus tours.
May 7th, 2015, 11:40 AM
#14
Absolutely no need for a bus tour. Read some of the TRs here.
Also, seat61.com for train info, bahn.de for train schedules, booking.com, eurocheapo.com, hostelworld.com for places to stay.
Suggest reading "Europe Through the Back Door", "First Time Europe", Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Time Out guidebooks. For starters.
If you do want a tour for a first trip I'd look at Intrepid. I haven't traveled with them in Europe but in Asia they have (or had when I last used them) good itineraries and used local transport.
Also, seat61.com for train info, bahn.de for train schedules, booking.com, eurocheapo.com, hostelworld.com for places to stay.
Suggest reading "Europe Through the Back Door", "First Time Europe", Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Time Out guidebooks. For starters.
If you do want a tour for a first trip I'd look at Intrepid. I haven't traveled with them in Europe but in Asia they have (or had when I last used them) good itineraries and used local transport.
