Hostels for a Newbie

Hostels 101


For the first time backpacker, the word hostel can conjure up images of characterless, large, industrial rooms with dozens of beds full of homeless people and managed by nuns. This can’t be farther from the truth. In fact, the hostel is the social epicenter and refuge for those traveling on a budget. Nowadays, most hostels don’t have a curfew, are independent and full of character.


What to Expect

• Significantly cheaper prices than a hotel.
• A bed in a dormitory style room with access to a shared bathroom and shower.
• A common area with books and a television.
• A social atmosphere.
• A generally young crowd.
• Sometimes a small breakfast consisting of cereal and toast.

• A towel. Some hostels provide towels for a rental fee, some don’t.
• A padlock. Many hostels provide lockers for your valuables.
• Earplugs. If there are ten people in your room, chances are one will snore.

• The party hostel. Expect a young, raucous crowd and a bar. A great place to meet people and drink all night. Much of the time cleanliness and service take a backseat to unadulterated fun. A few examples: The Pink Palace and The Flying Pig.
• The YHA/HI Hostel. These are members of international hostel organizations and abide by very strict rules. Usually very clean, but sometimes sterile. Expect a long list of rules and regulations, but also peace and quiet.
• The mom and pop Hostel. A happy medium between the craziness of the party hostel and the sterile atmosphere of the HI hostel. Independently owned, very welcoming, and full of friendly travelers. A great example is Sir. Toby’s in Prague.

• Private rooms. These rooms usually have one, two or three beds that are booked together.
• Mixed dormitory rooms. These are coed rooms that have an indefinite number of beds. When you book they will let you know how many beds are in each room. Usually the less beds the more expensive the rate.
• Single sex dormitory rooms. The same as a mixed dorm, but either all male or all female.

• For additional information, visit the Eurotrip Hostel Forum.
• To find a hostel, click Booking on the menu above.