What's it like staying a youth hostel? noisy? no privacy? do you have to be young to stay there?

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gummydad

all hostels are different - some give you a private room, some you can pay extra for a private room, some have a bathroom for each room, some are dorm style with a community bathroom. in general, the more you pay, the more privacy there is. some are really nice, some are not so nice, but in general, they're decent and and clean and not dirty. some have age restrictions, others don't. your best bet is to get "let's go europe" or whatever country you're going to visit - they have a listing of all hostels in every possible city you'd visit, along with addresses and phone numbers. be sure you call the morning you will be staying there. most don't take reservations ahead of time - you have to call that morning. and most fill up pretty quick, so be sure to call at like 8am to get a spot. you can call ahead of time to find out info and plan where you want to stay, but again - most won't take your reservation until the morning of. if you forgot to call - don't sweat it, you can usually find one that still had openings but it will require more calling around. in general, i preferred to stay at hostels instead of hotels - you pay ALOT extra for a hotel for not very much added luxery/privacy/convience. hostels are WAY worth it and a great bargain. have a great journey!

karenmay57

At eighteen I backpacked around Europe and stayed mainly in youth hostels. Yes, they can be noisy and lack privacy but at that age it didn't matter to me. The experience was so fun. I met tons of interesting people from all over the world. Everyone there was in their late teens to late twenties. There was a curfew also, which a lot of folks broke by sneaking in the windows. If you have a strong sense of adventure and are a bit street savvy, this might be the way to go. It's pretty cheap and safe, but as with any kind of travel you need to be aware at all times, and don't leave your valuables out for people to steal, because they will. Bottom line if you are into luxury and privacy, don't stay at youth hostels.

Dion B

I have stayed in a load of hostel in my time , you just have to chequeck them out , you can do this online , the YHA are the best ones that I have found , you dont have to be young to stay in them , and you can get private rooms as well as doom rooms , so it all do to you .

Sarah

no but it helps. conditions vary from youth hostel to youth hostel. most are ok, but be really careful with your stuff and take a padlock in case one is not provided for your locker.

sarcasticquotemarks

It depends on the youth hostel: some of them are brilliant, some only slightly less hospitable than hell, some are age-restrictive, some let anybody in. All I can say is if you're really concerned do some research online first, there are plenty of sites which give reviews by previous guests (but as always with the internet take what you read with a pinch of salt) then go to it and have fun.

Charli

If you stay in a YHA hostel then they all have to be of a high standard and they are given a star rating. They will be clean and well kept. You will share a room with other people in a dorm room or you can pay a little bit more and get a double or twin room. There will usually be a shared bathroom although for a little more money there are usually one or two rooms with en-suite. In YHA hostels you will find people of all ages. A certain level of noise has to be expected from people coming and going but YHA (youth hostel association) will be better than others. If you dont want noise and young people dont to go the generator hostel, picadilly backpackers or any st christopher inns as they are all tailored for young travellers.

DGeneration

I went in a hostel this year for the first time; It was'nt bad!! Not noisy, privacy not very much but if You book a room only for You You've not problem;
There are many Young people but isn't a problem..

owenmurdoch

In order, nice.no, yes,no

constant traveler

I always feel that hostels are sorta a way of life. If you want to experience other people and cultures as you travel, there simply isn't any better why to do so than to stay in a hostel.

athena2uk

I travelled around USA, Australia and New Zealand living in hostels and generally found them to great places to meet people. Some are very noisy but generally those in city centres. Smaller ones are better. Also you learn from other people the best ones to stay in. Lack of privacy can be a big thing but they do have single rooms in some hostels and most people are out all day so theres usually space then. At night there is an unwritten rule that you don't turn the lights on if someone is in bed and you keep the noise down and snorers sleep in the lounge! The oldest person I met in a hostel was 65 and the youngest was part of a family at 18mts old. Both slept inthe big dorms. I enjoyed travelling around and living in hostels whilst travelling as its all part of the experience but I wouldn't like to live in one permantely- like longer than 6 months.

big pup in a small bath

The one I stayed in was perfectly fine but I cannot say with certainty that that is the norm. Maybe you should try a few searches on the web - perhaps there is a guide like there is to hotels somewhere - but you could just bite the bullet and stay for one night and decide whether or not to move on the next day. Hopefully there would be facilities to lock up any valuables - so nothing too bad should happen to you

t d

They vary enormously. Some are crowded and noisy, others very pleasant with private rooms. You donÂ´t have to be young.

They can be great places to stay because you can meet people in them quite easily, wheras more expensive places tend to be quite isolating.

TravelDog

Just to add to whats been said above: Some hostels have age restrictions so its bets to best to check this before you book.

One of the best soures for information on London Hostels is: http://www.TravelStay.com

or you could try: http://www.bugeurope.com/reviews/

oceansoflight777

I stayed at one in Anchorage, Alaska, many years ago. There were people of all ages. Men, women, and couples had separate rooms. Seems like there was a specific lights out time. As I recall, there was lots of talking and noise. Not real easy to sleep there.

emily_jane2379

Totally depends where you stay. You don't have to be hold. If you book make sure you get a name and booking number, I've had trouble with lost bookings, do book if it's busy and you have a lot of stuff, or don't fancy trekking around. Some are very basic, many to a room and shared facilities with no shower curtains. I've found that smaller ones are usually more friendly and helpful, I went to an amazing one in Minnaepolis with adult size bunk beds, chandeliers and a piano, there's often basic kitchen facilities- but check if thiis is important to you- and don't expect it to be clean! Have a great time!!

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