What Is A Hostel?
…….The Answer Will Change Your Travels Forever
Source: Hostelworld.com
What is a hostel?
Even if you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you probably know that hostels are a type of shared accommodation that helps your travel budget go further. But what you may not know is that the uniquely social nature of hostelling will transform your trip.
We think this quote from travel blogger @glographics sums up the hostelling experience rather nicely:
“With a hostel, you get to pay half the price for twice the fun.”
If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, allow us to debunk some crazy myths and answer all the questions you might have around what is a hostel. Here’s everything you need to know about hostelling and hostel life. Buckle up, because your travels will never be the same again…
What is a hostel?
No two hostels are alike, but we can promise you one thing: it will never be dull. So what is a hostel?
In a nutshell, a hostel is a budget-friendly type of accommodation that focuses on a shared social experience. Check out the video below for a more in-depth introduction:
Sounds a bit vague, right? To help you get a better idea of what hostelling is all about, we asked our travel community to define a hostel in three words. Here are some of the best ?
Embracing The Unexpected
Literally Adult Playgrounds
Social. Friends. Adventure.
An Experiences Imaginarium
Anything Can Happen
Diverse Social Exchange
Design. Creativity. Interaction.
Price. Location. Social.
Who Stays In A Hostel?
One of the best things about hostelling is that you get to meet people so many different kinds of people from all over the world. You never know who you’ll meet while staying in a hostel, which adds an element of excitement that’s hard to get if you’re holed up on your own in a hotel room.
The Farm Hostel in Bali ? @deniselanai
Our travel blogger friend @amybakerwrites sums up the type of people likely to stay in a hostel quite nicely:
“You never know who you’re going to end up sharing a beer with – I’ve met people cycling from Chile to Alaska, a dude who survived a crocodile attack, a professional touring clown, an 80 year old born again backpacker. I’ve hung out with metal bands, sports teams, politicians, and ex-soap actors. Hostelling gives you a chance to meet people you’d never encounter in your day-to-day life. It’s what makes it unique, and it’s why it’s always my top choice when I travel.”
Away With The Fairies Backpackers in South Africa ? @mariekedutoit
So the short answer is that hostels are for everyone. There isn’t just one type of person that stays in a hostel while they travel. The majority of hostel guests are still budget-conscious solo travellers, backpackers, students, digital nomads, and gap year travellers under the age of 35. But the fact that many hostels are now as luxurious and stylish as hotels means that more and more people are falling in love with social travel.
What Facilities Can You Expect At A Hostel?
Gym &Pool at Hostel Trustever – Rome
If you haven’t seen any pictures of hostels recently, prepare to be amazed. In terms of facilities, many hostels have everything you would expect from hotels and much more besides.
You should always read each hostel’s description carefully on our website before you book, but here are some of the facilities you can expect to find at most hostels…
Luxurious beds
Think private rooms with velvet headboards; dorms with “pod beds” which offer privacy on a budget; bunk beds with double mattresses. You can expect nice sheets, pillows and a duvet – and no, you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. Unless that’s your thing.
Roof Terraces or Outdoor Garden
Outdoor Garden at Hostel Trustever
Oh, hello gorgeous sunsets and stunning views. There are some incredible hostel roof terraces out there, and the best bit is you’ll get to share the moment with your new friends. Just add pizza and beer.
Fun Events
Spin Designer Hostel in the Philippines
Hostels are designed to be social hubs that enable you to have fun with other travellers. One of the ways they do this is by organising LOADS of fun events. These are usually free and can be anything from surfing classes to rooftop yoga sessions, picnics on the beach to an evening of Russian dumpling making.
Fancy Bathrooms
Memory Hostel in Vietnam
Hot water all day long; free towels, or ones you can rent cheaply; en-suite bathrooms for both privates and dorms. Free toiletries, hairdryers, hair straighteners, full length mirrors.
Laundry Facilities
Most hostels will offer daily housekeeping, laundry facilities and maybe even a few encouraging words. It may be boring, but you’ll be grateful for somewhere to wash your clothes and regroup before heading out on the next leg of your adventure. There’s also the option of washing all your clothes in a tiny bathroom sink whenever the stench starts to scare off other travellers…
Swimming Pools
Pool at Hostel Trustever – Rome
Many hostels have swimming pools, and they are the perfect place to relax and make friends. Some even host events such as mermaid pool parties. Yes, that is a thing!
Free Wifi
Did you know many other types of accommodation charge for this basic human right?!Damn them. When you stay in a hostel you’re pretty much guaranteed free Wifi. And often there will be computers in the communal areas for you to use free of charge.
If you have a major Netflix addiction, or you’re a digital nomad, it’s a good idea to read the reviews on our site to find out how good the WiFi is in more remote parts of the world.
Hostel Bars
Purveyor of cheap drinks, new friends and fun times. Some of our best memories involved a hostel bar.
Bistrot at Hostel Trustever.com
Amazing Food and Drink.
You’ll be surprised at just how incredible the food and drink at hostels is nowadays, from barista made coffee to locally sourced vegan curries.
Security
24/7 reception; entry cards for rooms; big lockers for your precious things. It’s a good idea to pack a padlock for the lockers, though you should be able to rent one cheaply from reception if you forget.
Are There Different Types Of Hostel?
If at this point you’re thinking “I’m an introvert who hates partying. Hostels are my idea of hell.” then we need to talk. Yes, hostels can be great for partying. But they can also be great for a more chilled travel experience with people on your wavelength: think rooftop yoga, private beaches, hiking adventures, surf lessons and vegan food.
Hostels come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s just a question of always reading the reviews from fellow travellers before you book to find one that will suit your travel style. Many hostels offer the best of both worlds: A crazy wild bar and an indoor wigwam with Netflix on repeat. A huge cook up in the communal kitchen and chill time in the library.
Where Can You Find Hostels?
EVERYWHERE. The amazing thing about hostels is that you can stay at the heart of some of the world’s most exciting cities; in an exotic paradises with its own private beach; or even under the majesty of the Northern Lights – all on a backpacker’s budget. Check out the location ratings for each hostel on our site to make sure you pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.
After a day of sightseeing in Rome and Trastevere the best place to rest is placed in Trastevere; HOSTEL TRUSTEVER located in Via Francesco Benaglia, 13.
As living a private life, into the heart of Trastevere, nearby Porta Portese Market living the emotion of waking up in the Sunday morning, after a beautiful swim or a, watching outside the most famous market and being involved with careness.
As having dinner in the most famous and gorgeous corners of Trastevere, breathing the typical way of living of local Roman People as well as the Eternal City.
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