Should I Stay in a Hotel or Hostel?
When booking any type of trip, whether it be interrailing across Europe or travelling around Thailand, it can be hard to know what type of accommodation is best. Should I stay in a hostel or a hotel? The line separating the two types of accommodation can become a little fuzzy for travellers.
The good news is, that many hostels found in popular tourist areas can offer you private rooms and ensuite bathrooms. Which is perfect for those not wanting to pay big money for a hotel room. So don’t panic! You can pay for privacy if you don’t want to share with strangers. There are even boutique hostel options available, offering most of those usual hotel comforts, with an added benefit of character, personality, and a great social element!
Making that choice of hotel or hostel accommodation can completely change your trip experience. Keep reading to find out the reasons for choosing hostel accommodation while extensively travelling the world.
Let’s start with, what is a hostel?
Hostels are low-budget accommodation that is shared among travellers. Basically, you are booking a bed for the night, not a room (unless the hostel offers a private room option). You could end up in a room with anything from four or up to twenty travellers!
European travellers are much more familiar with the concept of hostels, but it is slowly catching on in the US! Everyone thinks that hostels only attract students or long-term backpackers trying to save as many pennies as they can. Although, this is no longer the case. Flashpackers are now a BIG thing! Even couples and more sophisticated travellers are choosing to stay in hostels.
Despite the many benefits of hostels, be aware that they’re not all equal! Cheaper options are going to be best suited to those party backpackers. We advise doing your research and read the reviews. After all, that’s what they’re for!
Benefits of choosing hostel accommodation
1. Inexpensive
In short, they’re cheap when compared to staying in a hotel. There is a huge difference in £40 a night for a hostel bed and £140 a night for a hotel room. Prices will vary from country to country and will fluctuate during peak and off-peak seasons. Obviously, there won’t be luxuries like phones, tea and coffee facilities or hairdryers. But you may have a TV and other items in common areas for all hostellers to avail of!
2. Be SOCIAL!
This is your chance to meet people! How many people do you know that can say they have friends from all across the world? Hostels are far more social than hotels. The common areas, hostel bars and dorm rooms are great for meeting other travellers who can give you some city tips or destination inspo!
3. Hostels focus on the travellers
I think it’s safe to say, hotels have headquarters based far away and aren’t in tune with the local area. Hostels actually are, as many hostels are owned by locals. The staff can provide you with the best recommendations to ensure you have the best trip.
4. Freebies
Everyone loves a good freebie when travelling on a budget. Seeing that hostels are made to be fun and cater to backpacker’s needs, they may offer free walking tours of a city, movie nights, open mic nights, discounted sight passes and more!
5. Kitchen facilities
Eating out every night while travelling can be very costly. However, when staying in a hostel this doesn’t have to be the case. Most hostels will have fully equipped kitchen facilities, allowing you to save money and cook for yourself! Again, this offers a great social element as you can cook with your new friends!
Still not convinced? Read some more advantages and tips for staying in hostels!
Final word…
When deciding to stay in a hostel or a hotel, try to keep an open mind. You can learn a lot by staying in a hostel. In fact, it will enrich your travelling experience by meeting new friends and experiencing many different cultures. There are more benefits to it than just saving a few £££/€€€’s.
If you book a trip with us, you will stay with one of our hostel accommodation partners. All the accommodation we use has been tried and tested by our team, so you know it’s good!