Christina has apparently not stayed in a crappy motel OR a hostel recently. The last couple of hostels I’ve stayed in definitely had nicer furniture and more amenities than your average motel. The idea that hostels kick you out in the middle of the day is outdated and increasingly rare. And yes, most people would rather not share a room, but that’s up to the individual. Sharing a room honestly bothers me less than the twin sized bunks. After a month of that, I’m ready to check into a hotel with a king sized bed. If someone new to hostels is reading this, it’s very useful to look at room pictures to find out how easily it is to climb up to the top bunk. Some of the wooden bunks are beastly.

I did forget—I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned it—but hostels don’t usually have daily housekeeping. I don’t know how the Bend ones do it, but a lot of them charge a few bucks for a towel, and usually, you’re required to make your own bed. Not a big deal, but that’s something that has surprised friends of mine in the past when they’ve stayed at hostels.