What are your experience in hostels? France in particular.?

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lcmcpa

I stayed in hostels for months in Europe. In Vienna I had a very small private room in what was a former bunker. In Italy it was a huge room with many beds. In London it was a single room. Most of them included breakfast. It was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You are usually forced to vacate the room during the day, which turns out to be a positive. It was far more fun and enriching than the hotels I stay in now.

marechal_00

I've never tried them but I can imagine it's a lottery ticket: you might get a good one and you might get a nigthmare...

Oh Nooooo!

I've stayed in them in Austria, France, Holland and Italy. (and maybe some other places?) Sometimes, you have your own room, especially if you're traveling with friends. But, there's always the possibility that someone else could check into your room, so that makes things interesting. Sometimes, you stay in one large room with everyone else. Think red cross shelter! You almost always share a bathroom with a bunch of other people. I've never stayed in one that didn't separate males and females.

I've never had a bad experience in a hostel although some are nicer than others. I've always liked that you come in close contact with people. You'll most likely have a lot in common with the people you've staying with.

I never felt unsafe, but I definitely wouldn't leave anything laying around that I didn't mind parting with. My biggest fear was theft, but it never happened. In most places where you share a room, you have lockers or something like that. Worst case scenario you could take your stuff and lock it up in a train station locker.

A bad thing about a lot of hostels is that you're locked out during the day and have to take your things with you most of the time. I stayed in one that BLARED music at about 6AM to get everyone up and on their way out. Damn, it was COLD that morning!!! And dark!!! For the most part, I'm excited when I'm out there, though, and ready to hit the streets bright and early.

Some also have curfews, but I've never stayed at one that did.

paia423

I had a great experience in Paris, and an OK experience in Italy. Go to www.hostelworld.com for more info. Each hostel is different, but in general they feel like big dorms. Ironically the worst hostel I ever stayed at was in NYC. Trust the reviews that other people have given to find a hostel that you feel comfortable in.

oliver p

Hostels or backpackers are a great place. Save money, meet great interesting travelers, have a kitchen (most) and learn. They are all over Europe, international hostels or also called YHA's are found on the www and there is a great website www.hostelz.com or www.hostelworld.com to find them in any country and city. Hostelz.com is better, because they have the lonks to the individual places, so you can hook onto their websites and get more info. Most places are safe for you and your belongings. They have lockers or deposit boxes for your stuff. I am in Spain right now, staying at an YHA in a room with 2 beds. Some have single rooms too, but most dormitories come with a number between 4 and 16 beds. The prices depend on the season, how big the room is etc. But after all, spending nights at hostels, you safe a lot of money, change info and exp. and have a great time

MsAdviseALot

You really really need to watch the movie "Hostel".
That will get your motor running.

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