How to choose a good Hostel

Good apartments and hostels are always difficult to distinguish and choose from, amidst a plethora of available options.

With the advent of applications like Airbnb and the ability to review each hostel, the process of finding a suitable accommodation has become easier, faster, and with better results.

Depending on how you travel, you will choose the appropriate hostel. If you are travelling alone, perhaps the best option is a hostel where there will be other travellers so you can have company, chat, and exchange views.

Below, we offer you some personal tips to help you make the best possible choice when booking a hostel for your stay during a trip abroad or even domestically.

 

The cheapest is not always the best

Okay, price is certainly one of the first things we look at when choosing accommodation. But it shouldn't be the only one!

Travellers who are on a tight budget usually choose the cheapest hostel.

Unfortunately, the cheapest apartments are usually dirty, the beds are uncomfortable, and the showers are so filthy that they certainly don't entice you to wash.

We advise you to pay a little extra and stay in a decent hostel where you will at least have the basic comforts on a trip.

[ Find the best HOSTELS on AIRBNB! ]

 

Location

The location of the hostel is of paramount importance. In no case would you want accommodation quite far from the Points of Interest of each city.

Prefer central hostels or apartments that have nearby public transport such as the METRO – ideally available 24/7!

 

This way you won't encounter any problems with getting to and from all the important places you should visit.

 

Breakfast

If you choose a hostel with breakfast, then make sure it satisfies you and isn't just a slice of bread with honey.

Having visited many hotels and hostels, breakfast has sometimes disappointed me and other times thrilled me.

Clearly, in hostels, we don't have high expectations for breakfast, but since we are paying for it (if that option is available), then it should be worth the price!

Several hostels have a breakfast room where they serve breakfast like hotels, at specific times (usually 7-10 am). If this doesn't suit you, then simply don't add breakfast to your stay and purchase local products from the surrounding market.

[ Find the best HOSTELS on AIRBNB! ]

 

Choose a late check out

I avoid any hostels or hotels that have a check-out policy before 11 am.

Choose a hostel that will allow you to check out from at least 12 pm onwards.

This will be particularly helpful on your last day in the city and when preparing your belongings.

 

Lockers – safe

It is truly very annoying to visit a hostel and find it doesn't have a space with a private locker or safe.

It's not just for keeping your money, but you can also put personal items in there to be 100% safe.

 

Free WiFi

A hostel with free WiFi is always my first choice. The internet is not only for browsing social media, but you can also upload photos from the places you are exploring and stay informed about your current location.

Common area – bar

 

A common area and a bar add value to the hostel and give you the opportunity to relax near your room.

 

Common areas in a hostel improve interpersonal relationships – this way you will have the chance to exchange views about the area you are visiting with other travellers.

 

Staff

Lastly, I've left the hostel staff. Often there is no management personnel at all in the hostel! There might be 20-30 rooms and no one in charge to resolve simple issues, such as a lack of hot water!

What makes hostels stand out, beyond the basics of hospitality, is the support they provide to travellers and people visiting an area for the first time.

It is very important that the hostel views you as travellers and not just as units leaving money.

For us at Travelo.gr, the above elements are very important when we research to book a hostel or hotel.

[ Find the best HOSTELS on AIRBNB! ]