10 Reasons Why You Should Stay in a Hostel

As an introvert and clean freak, in the past I wrongly assumed that hostels were not for me and only stayed in one in all of my 20s. However my perspective changed in my 30s, when I found myself traveling and living out of hostels for an entire year. I realized that with the quantity and variety of available hostels, it’s possible to find one with the right environment for you. Many of them also have cleanliness and safety standards that put hotels and Airbnbs to shame! 

Today I want to share some reasons why you should stay in a hostel. You probably already know that hostels are cheap (and I’ll elaborate on that), but there are many other advantages of staying in hostels that might surprise you! 

Already convinced of the benefits of staying in a hostel? Then head over to my advice on how to choose a hostel.

Hostels are Cheap

It’s no secret that hostels are much cheaper than hotels or apartment rentals. You don’t necessarily need to sacrifice your comfort to save money, though. A benefit of hostels is that they offer a huge variety of room choices. You can choose from various sizes of dormitories, private rooms, and sometimes even family rooms. Certain rooms are available with private bathrooms as well. 

If you’re traveling on a very tight budget, many hostels offer volunteer programs where you can work a few hours per day in exchange for free room and board. 

The money-saving advantage of staying in hostels is especially apparent for solo travelers. I always lamented the fact that in hotels, I would pay double of what a couple would pay per person.

Hostels are Social: Make New Friends and Connect With Other Travelers

Some of the most interesting and genuine people I’ve ever come across I met while staying in hostels. Hostels are an excellent place to meet like-minded people, which is particularly important for solo travelers. 

Regardless of where you are in life, you can find a hostel that meets your needs. I’ve encountered people from diverse backgrounds and age groups in hostels, including gap year students, solo travelers, families, and retirees. Hostels offer the opportunity to cultivate lasting connections with travelers from around the globe.

Hostels promote a social atmosphere, with common areas specifically designed to encourage mingling among guests. Many hostels also organize activities like walking tours, movie nights, happy hours, and dance lessons. If you’re an introvert like me, joining these laid-back events makes it much easier to meet people. And if parties are your thing you can find hostels that host them. Party hostels allow you to make tons of new friends without even needing to leave the building at night. 

The transient nature of everyone staying in hostels reduces the stakes and eliminates the pressure to make lasting impressions. This fosters a no-BS, judgment-free environment that facilitates deep conversations. This is one of my favorite reasons to stay in a hostel. Say goodbye to meaningless small talk!

Get Good Travel Advice When Staying in a Hostel

Hostels attract people who are passionate about travel, many of whom are skilled in traveling long term and on a budget. When staying in a hostel, you’ll pick up a lot of good travel hacks by connecting with other guests. Those who have been in the area for a while can offer invaluable insights into where to eat, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and the cheapest local tour operators. You’ll also meet people who can provide the inside scoop on destinations on your upcoming itinerary.

Don’t overlook the hostel staff as a valuable resource for advice. Staff are often seasoned travelers themselves and well-acquainted with the local area. They can offer recommendations that you won’t find online or in guidebooks, and they’re typically more than happy to chat with you!

Hostels are Safe

Hostels are safe to stay in and usually located in central and secure locations. The staff are trained to ensure the safety of young travelers who venture out at night. Whether you choose to go out or not, they’ll keep an eye on your well-being. During check-in, hostel staff usually brief you on local concerns to make sure you are well-prepared. Hostels take safety seriously and typically have 24-hour staff, security systems, and cameras in common areas.

Hostel staff can also be a lifesaver in helping you get medicine and proper treatment if you get sick. This is invaluable especially for solo travelers. Illness and injury can be very difficult to navigate when traveling alone. Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions we take, we’ll all get sick at one point when traveling.

You Can Live Cleanly When Staying in a Hostel

The majority of the hostels I’ve stayed at were cleaned multiple times a day and were more hygienic than your typical hotel or Airbnb. The high turnover of guests means that the staff is constantly cleaning. One hostel even politely requested that I organize my belongings better, because apparently having my things spread out on my bed was an eyesore…ouch.

Spend Time in Huge Common Areas

What hostels lack in dorm space they make up for with amazing common areas. When staying in a hostel you’re bound to find a spot that fits your current mood. Hostels usually offer a blend of lively and tranquil areas to pick from.

If you’re looking to chill, hostels offer a variety of spots to choose from including libraries, Netflix lounges, workspaces, and peaceful living rooms. Social areas include bar and lounge areas with music playing. Certain hostels even feature outdoor spaces with gardens, pools, and terraces; offering a perfect blend of socializing and relaxing.

An often overlooked hostel social hub is the kitchen and dining room. I’ve met the most people there, as I’m always snacking and eating!

Enjoy Amazing Amenities When Staying in a Hostel

A stay in a hostel can be surprisingly luxurious, but without the hefty price tag of a high-end hotel. I’ve stayed in hostels with infinity pools, poolside restaurants, fitness rooms, rooftop bars, and meticulously manicured gardens. 

Hostels offer practical amenities too, including book exchange, laundry service, tour booking, private shuttles, and kayak and bike rental.

Travel Flexibly When Staying in a Hostel

Hostels are built around a community of travelers. They cater to guests who have a spontaneous, flexible travel style and provide services accordingly. 

With the 24-hour staff in most hostels, you can arrive at any time. If you get there before the official check-in time, hostels are usually more than willing to store your bags and grant you access to common areas. On several occasions when I arrived early in the morning, I was greeted with a friendly offer of coffee and directed to a cozy couch or hammock where I could take a nap until my bed was ready!

For late departures (for example if you’re catching a night bus), hostels typically allow guests to linger in common areas even after the official check-out time. Hostels also offer bag storage. This service is convenient if you’re taking a short trip nearby and have plans to return in a few days.

Lastly, hostels understand that plans can change, and it’s pretty easy to shorten or extend your stay or switch rooms.

Cook Your Own Healthy and Cheap Meals in Hostels

As much as I love to eat out, doing so 3 times per day is hard on both my body and wallet. Fortunately hostels usually have fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to prepare everything from a snack to a full meal. In each kitchen, you’ll often find a box of “freebies” — items left behind by fellow travelers looking to lighten their load.

If you don’t want to cook, the fridge still comes in handy for storing leftovers and cold drinks. Many hostels also offer free filtered water, coffee, and breakfast!

Get a Tattoo or Haircut When Staying in a Hostel

When staying in a hostel you can get a tattoo or haircut. Or, just watch someone else get one. 

Hostels are home to talented individuals offering various services, and they often function as informal marketplaces. I’ve seen traveling tattoo artists at work alongside fellow guests. Other goods and services you can find in hostels are: haircuts, artisanal jewelry, artwork, freshly baked bread, and high-quality camping gear sold at a bargain by someone flying home. I’m always inspired by the resourcefulness of my fellow hostel guests.

I hope I’ve convinced you of the benefits of staying in hostels and that you will give it a try! Did any of these reasons to stay in a hostel surprise you? Let me know in the comments, and happy travels!

Ready to book your stay in a hostel, or just curious to do some browsing? I recommend using Booking.com, which I’ve found gives the most competitive prices and largest number of options for hostels. I also recommend Hostelworld, which sometimes shows properties that are not listed on other platforms.

For more information on hostels, read my article on how to choose the best hostel for you. Also head to my Travel tips page for more tips that will help you prepare and budget for your travels.

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