By Finding a good hostel is like dating—most are meh, some are disasters, and once in a while, you find one that makes you believe in magic. But since you can’t swipe left on a bad hostel once you’ve checked in, let’s go over how to avoid disappointment before you arrive.
1. Cheaper Isn’t Always Better (Unless You Enjoy Questionable Hygiene)
Ah yes, the ultra-budget hostel: rock-hard mattresses, showers that probably haven’t seen bleach since 2004, and that one guy who snores loud enough to shake the bunk beds.
Sure, saving a dollar sounds nice—until you’re lying awake wondering if that stain on the wall is just a stain or something sentient. Spend a couple of extra bucks and get a hostel where you won’t need a tetanus shot afterward.
2. Free Breakfast: It’s Not Really Free, But Take It Anyway
A “free” hostel breakfast usually means stale toast, some mystery cereal, and coffee that tastes like regret. But hey, food is food. Even if it’s terrible, it’s free terrible food, and that’s what matters. Load up, pocket a banana for later, and reduce your food budget.
Bonus points if the hostel also offers free dinner or, better yet, free coffee all day—because nothing bonds travelers like caffeine and questionable life choices.
3. Early Checkout? No Thanks, I Like Sleep
If a hostel demands you vacate by 10 AM, run. Nothing ruins a trip like being kicked out before you’ve even regained full consciousness. The good ones let you check out at 11 AM or noon, because they understand the reality of hostel life: no one is waking up voluntarily at sunrise.
Also, flexible check-in times? A blessing. If you show up at 6 AM after an overnight bus and they say, “Your bed is ready, come in!”—that’s your new favorite hostel.
4. Push-Button Showers: Because Bathing Should Be a Workout?
You know those showers that make you push a button every 10 seconds like you’re on some kind of game show? Yeah, no thanks.
I get it, water conservation is important. But I’d rather not spend my shower constantly slapping the wall just to rinse my hair. Read the reviews—if people mention “push-button showers,” brace yourself for irritation.
5. No Lockers? No Stay.
If a hostel doesn’t offer free lockers, they basically don’t care if your stuff gets stolen. And if they charge you for security? That’s just highway robbery disguised as “policy.”
Bring your own lock and double-check hostel reviews—because finding out too late that “lockers aren’t available” is a fun way to lose your laptop.
6. Free Wi-Fi That Actually Works (Or Just Forget About It)
Yes, most hostels say they have free Wi-Fi. But do they have usable Wi-Fi? That’s the real question.
Some hostels generously provide Wi-Fi in the lobby only, which is fantastic if you enjoy live-streaming your suffering while crammed onto a couch with ten other travelers. Others have such slow speeds that sending an email feels like transmitting Morse code.
Check the reviews. If “Wi-Fi doesn’t work” comes up repeatedly, just assume you’re staying in an internet dead zone.
7. A Bar: Not Mandatory, But Helpful for Socializing (a.k.a. Drinking with Strangers)
If a hostel has a bar, congratulations, you’ve found an easy way to meet people. If it doesn’t, make sure it has some kind of social atmosphere—game nights, organized outings, or at least a common area where people actually talk to each other.
Otherwise, you’re just paying for a cheap bed in a place where no one interacts. And at that point, you might as well book a hotel and enjoy the silence.
8. Common Areas Are Non-Negotiable
A hostel without a common area is just a sad, cheap hotel. You need a place where travelers can hang out, bond over shared travel trauma, and collectively complain about that one guy who snores like a chainsaw.
Extra points for board games, pool tables, or random guitars that no one really knows how to play.
9. Organized Activities (Because Awkward Small Talk is Easier with a Shared Task)
Walking tours, pub crawls, group dinners—hostels that actually plan activities make it ten times easier to meet people.
Because let’s be real: it’s way easier to start a conversation while making free pancakes than it is while awkwardly sitting in a dorm room pretending not to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations.
10. Staff That Actually Know What They’re Doing
The best hostels have staff who act like they want to be there. They know the city, they’re actually helpful, and they don’t look like they regret every life choice that led them to this job.
If the staff acts like they’re actively avoiding eye contact? Yeah, good luck getting decent recommendations.
11. Location Matters (Unless You Love Wasting Time on Public Transport)
That “super cheap” hostel that’s an hour outside the city? Not a deal. If you have to take three buses and a train just to get anywhere interesting, you’re not saving money—you’re signing up for a commuter lifestyle.
Before booking, Google the address. If the reviews say things like “bit far from the center,” that’s code for “Prepare to spend half your day commuting.”
12. Know Your People: Backpackers vs. Digital Nomads
Some hostels cater to backpackers—loud, chaotic, full of people who think 3 AM is a great time to have deep conversations about life. Others cater to digital nomads—quiet, full of people hunched over laptops, pretending they’re being productive.
Pick wisely. If you’re a backpacker, don’t book a “co-working hostel” unless you enjoy getting death stares for existing. If you’re a remote worker, don’t book a party hostel unless you enjoy trying to write emails while someone drunkenly sings karaoke outside your door.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Dumb, Read the Reviews
Hostels don’t need to have everything on this list—but they should have most of it. The best ones understand their guests and actually try to create a good experience. The worst ones just take your money and give you a bed (sometimes barely that).
So do your future self a favor: READ THE REVIEWS. If people say “this place is a disaster,” believe them. If they say “best hostel ever,” believe them. And if the only review says, “It was okay,” well… you’ve been warned.
Happy hostel hunting. Try not to end up in a place that smells like regret. 🚀