10 Tips for Choosing the Best Hostel

During my travels over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of first-hand experience, which I’ll share with you. Hopefully, it’ll help you find the best hostel for yourself.

1. Check ratings and reviews

One of the things you’ll find most helpful when choosing a hostel are public reviews from travellers who’ve stayed there before you. Pay attention to what people particularly highlight about the hostel, because it will help you find the one that suits you best.

2. Put quality before price

If you’re travelling long-term, it’s worth considering quality over price. Sometimes there can be a big difference between a hostel that costs five euros per night and one that costs ten euros per night. Hostels that cost a bit more are usually of better quality in every aspect. Especially in tropical destinations, you can expect to sleep without air conditioning in the cheapest hostels, or on very uncomfortable beds. Unless this is something that is not an issue for you, it is worth spending a few euros more and considering saving elsewhere, because then your experience will be much better.

3. Check if the hostel organises events

The best hostels are the ones that don’t just offer a place to sleep, but are an experience in themselves! The backpacker hostels I’ve stayed in a few times would organise different activities every evening of the week, like pub quizzes, karaoke, or cooking classes.

Some hostels also partner up with tour providers. This way, you can book an activity directly at the hostel, and the organisers will pick you up there and drop you off when it’s done. You can usually read whether a hostel offers this in the description on their website.

4. Living room or common area

My favourite hostels have always been the ones that had a large space to hang out. There are usually also board games, guitar, couches, people reading, talking, socialising and playing cards. If you don’t feel like exploring the surrounding area for a day, you can relax in a shared space and share travel adventures with other travellers. That's when you also learn the most interesting stories that have happened to others, get some ideas for your trip, and sometimes you can make close friends and continue your journey with them.

5. Privacy and curtains on beds

While hostels are great for meeting new people, they’re not exactly ideal if you’re after a bit of privacy now and then.

Especially in Asian countries, more and more hostels are opting to put curtains on each bed. Even though you can still hear people moving around the room, it gives you a much greater sense of privacy. If you can’t find a hostel with curtains, but that’s something you’d like, there are ways to make one yourself. For example, I used to carry a bit of string with me, which I’d tie around the bed and hang my sarong on to serve as a curtain.

If privacy is really important to you, look into single room options, which are much cheaper than those in hotels. In Asian and South American countries, you can get a private room for as little as 15 euros, but you can still hang out with other travellers in the common area.

6. Check if it’s a party hostel

Party hostels are very specific hostels that are not suitable for everyone. If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, these definitely aren’t the hostels for you. There you can expect parties and loud music well into the night. Hostels usually make it clear in their descriptions if they’re party hostels, and upon arrival, you’ll often need to sign to confirm you’re okay with the noise.

However, if this is something you’re looking for, choose this option because you’ll have a great time. These types of hostels organise different events every night, mostly related to drinking, and are a great opportunity to meet new people.

7. Location

Sometimes a hostel can have it all—great atmosphere, low price, comfortable beds, but it lacks one key thing, and that is location. Some hostels are quite hard to reach, as they’re located far from stations and ports, and in the end, you’ll spend more on a taxi than on the accommodation itself.

It’s best if the hostel is in the heart of the action, so everything else is within easy reach. This way, you can head out on foot to explore the city or area you’re staying in, discovering sights, restaurants, markets, and bars. Many hostels usually offer a free map, and the friendly receptionists are happy to share some tips on where to go nearby.

It’s also a good idea to check reviews, as you’ll often get first-hand insights on whether other travellers felt safe in the area, especially at night, and how easy it is to reach the hostel if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

8. The possibility of locking valuable objects

When staying in a hostel, it’s really important to have the option to lock up your belongings. It’s a good idea to always keep your money, passport, and other valuables locked away.

I haven’t come across many hostels that don’t have some form of secure storage for your belongings. State-of-the-art hostels already have cards to unlock and lock your electric lockers. You can borrow a lock and key from some. You usually need to pay a small deposit for that. Of course, if you lose your card or key, you won't get your money back.

That’s why I believe It’s best to carry your locks with you. This way, you’ll know your stuff is safe in a locker, especially if you’re in a shared room. You can usually check if the hostel has lockers in the hostel description online.

9. Kitchen

When you’re in a new destination, one of the greatest pleasures is trying the local food and cuisine, but it can get expensive in the long run. What’s the solution? A hostel with a kitchen! Shop for local food at the market, support the community, and make tasty meals for yourself in the kitchen. You could even organise an event where each traveller prepares a dish from their country.

10. Be mindful of sustainability and the environment

Although hostels are generally a more sustainable option than hotels, some are specifically designed with the aim of promoting the environment and sustainability. Among them are Hostelling International hostels. When you travel, you’re leaving a carbon footprint behind—so why not consider staying in a sustainable HI hostel?

I think hostels are the perfect choice for solo and young travellers, as well as those who are young at heart. They’re a great choice for long-term travel, especially when you’re on a tighter budget and want each day to feel like a new adventure. Keep these tips in mind when choosing a hostel and go for what matters most to you. In nearly every case, I’m sure you’ll make at least one good memory from the experience.