About Hostels

Hostels provide an inexpensive, sociable and safe lodging experience. There are several million of them to choose from in all shapes and sizes worldwide. You will find hostels in major cities like New York, Paris, London or Sydney, as well as in rural areas, national parks, points of interest, and in the mountains and the shore.

Ages of hostlers

Hostels no longer cater to backpacking youth groups as in the past, although the majority of guests are between 18 and 30 years old. Some hostels have age restrictions but most are open to guests of all ages including seniors who are taking advantage of cheap rates with lots of time on their hands. Many hostels are now branding themselves as “family friendly” and offer family rates, family facilities and numerous family activities.

Membership or reservations

Membership in an international group of hostels is highly recommended for access to worldwide lodging, membership discounts and benefits. Memberships are valid in your home country as well as worldwide. You have the option of purchasing a temporary membership during a single stay or full annual membership if you are a frequent traveler. Reservations are not required but strongly recommended during heavy travel seasons.

Benefits offered

Hostels offer dorm rooms with multiple beds that may accommodate single or multiple sexes, although some may provide private rooms or suites. They come with shared bathrooms, self-catering kitchens and laundry facilities. You will usually find common areas for socializing, laundry facilities, and sometimes bars, tourist desks, Internet access and Wi-Fi as well. Most hostels provide linens and pillows while some European locations may have breakfast on hand.

Benefits not offered 

Conveniences you will not find in hostels are concierges, room service or daily maid service. You are solely responsible for cleaning up whether in the dorm room or the common areas. It is unusual to find telephones and televisions in the room; however, they do offer television, pay phones, games, vending machines and computers in the common areas. Leave backpacks with non-valuable items such as clothes and toiletries in the dorm or room, but do keep valuables like cameras, passports and money with you at all times for safekeeping.