10 Misconceptions About Hostels, Debunked

Although hostels are known for their dorm-style accommodations, nine out of 10 also offer private rooms and many have en-suite bathrooms. Private rooms give you the privacy you expect from a hotel without sacrificing the social experiences that make hostel stays unique. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, a private hostel room is the perfect balance.

Check out HI San Francisco- City Center (pictured), which is well known for its spacious private rooms.

There are many hostels close to landmarks and city centers. Generator Hostels are often in central locations in Europe. Its Dublin property (pictured) for example, is within walking distance to the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, National Wax Museum, famous Temple Bar district, and is right next door to the Jameson Distillery. Hostel booking engine Hostelworld includes location in its user-rating system, so you can see how other guests rank a hostel's neighborhood.

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Just because hostels are affordable doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice amenities. Many hostels offer Wi-Fi, linens, and community spaces. And, many go even further than that—offering swimming pools, bars, libraries, bike rentals, and other cool extras.

Tasso Hostel (pictured) in Barcelona offers an in-house theater, regular live music and art nights, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security/reception, which is everything (and more) than you get from a standard hotel.

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People who stay at hostels have a reputation for being social, but it doesn’t mean everyone there will be looking to hang out. If you want to make friends, you'll likely have an easy time meeting people in the common areas. But, if you want to be left alone, you most likely will be.

Many common areas at hostels have quiet areas or quiet hours, and often also have libraries, work spaces, or outdoor spots with hammocks and benches where you can enjoy some time to yourself. Hush Hostel Lounge (pictured) in Istanbul even has a garden that offers yoga classes and hammocks on the roof terrace.

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Many hostels offer 24-hour security, safety deposit boxes, and personal storage. The Generator Berlin hostel, for example, offers 24-hour security and has a 24-hour reception desk so you’ll know you and your things are always in safe keeping. And, if you're really worried about safety, you can book a private room and lock your door while you're sleeping or out of the room.

While not all hostels are appropriate for family stays, there are tons out there that are—both domestic and abroad. When looking to book for a family, make sure to look for rooms that have en-suite bathrooms, child-friendly amenities like highchairs or cribs, and fun entertainment options like board games and video games. Since hostel common rooms are geared toward activities, kids will be easily entertained. Some even have family rooms that are private and located on a separate floor.

YHA hostels in England and all the Hostelling International brands are great for families because they have many renovated properties, child-friendly amenities, and separate private family rooms.

Although the increasing popularity of hostels has led to more bookings and busier locations, it doesn’t mean hostels are overcrowded and noisy. Many hostels offer serenity and peace along with a comfy bed.

The Camino Verde Hostel (pictured) in Monte Verde, Costa Rica, is described as the "perfect option for those who crave some quiet time in the countryside, but who require the amenities provided in a town." There are also a handful of great yoga hostels, including Trindade Sea and Forest Hostel in Brazil.

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Hostels are well maintained and cared for—receiving daily cleanings and fresh linens. Today's hostels defy the outdated perception that communal spaces are dirty and unkempt. Freehand Hostels in the U.S. are known for their amazingly clean facilities. In fact, Freehand Chicago (pictured) is one of the most popular U.S. hostels and a favorite in the area due to its immaculate interiors. Still not convinced? You can check cleanliness ratings on Hostelworld to see what other guests have said.

Because so many hostels are well located and have great amenities—pools, free hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and bars—they're often on par with local hotels. And with rates starting at about $20 a night for a shared room, the savings are too significant to ignore, especially if you're traveling on a budget.

This one couldn't be further from the truth. In the U.S., Hostelworld has listings for 241 hostels in 96 different cities. Popular destinations like Miami, San Francisco, New York City, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles even have boutique options. The Freehand Miami (pictured), for example, has a garden patio, pool, free breakfast, free walking tours, free concierge, free shuttle bus, free yoga classes, a top-ranked restaurant and bar, guest kitchen, and 24-hour reception—could you need anything else?

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