/r/hostels

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A community for everything hostels! Post your questions, ask for recommendations, share stories, and use your experiences to help others.

NO ADVERTISING - Until further notice, we are not allowing hostels, guesthouses, hotels, or other accommodation types to advertise on this subreddit. This rule may change so please check back from time to time.

A community for everything hostels! Post your questions, ask for recommendations, share stories, and use your experiences to help others.

NO ADVERTISING - Until further notice, we are not allowing hostels, guesthouses, hotels, or other accommodation types to advertise on this subreddit. This rule may change so please check back from time to time.

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/r/hostels

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0

Dorm etiquette

If you have a severe snoring issue stay tf out of the dorms and book a private!!!!!

It's 01h and I've been staring at the ceiling for HOURS bc of this dude's incredibly loud obnoxious snoring. I want to punch him in his fucking head and tell him to wake tf up😡😡😡

6 Comments
2025/02/04
00:53 UTC

1

hostels in lisbon portugal party

looking to stay in a hostel lisbon portugal this weekend wondering which ones offer the best parties/nightlife opps.

0 Comments
2025/02/04
00:29 UTC

1

Madrid Hostel Recommendations (24M Solo Traveler)

Hi guys,

I'll be in Madrid by the end of April 2025. This is my first time travelling by myself (I'm 24y). I'm currently between one of the options below:

- The Hat

- The Loft Hostel Madrid Lavapiés

- The Central House Madrid Lavapiés

- TOC Hostel

- Room00 Gran Vía

I want a hostel with social activity but at the same time don't wanna stay at a party Hostel.

Could u guys help me? Tks in advance

3 Comments
2025/02/03
21:26 UTC

2

Hostel recommendations in Egypt (M31)

Hi

I'm going solo to Egypt in March and I want to find hostels with a good vibe to meet new people and hangout.

Need recommendations to Cairo, Luxor and Dahab

0 Comments
2025/02/03
09:27 UTC

3

Onefam Notting hill or Waterloo?

So after a ruff start to 2025 i decided to book a 9 day vacation in London but Im torn what Onefam hostel I should pick between the two or should I split?

So looking for inputs and recommendations, will be going in early march so will be low season. Also wonder if they share night events like in Barcelona as that makes the decision matter a little less. Prio is a fun and social visit with great people to se London with.

Cheers!

4 Comments
2025/02/01
23:10 UTC

6

Suggestions for Party Hostels in Eastern Europe (specific cities in post) + Berlin

Hello!

I (22F) am planning a solo trip in July/August to Eastern Europe this summer and would appreciate suggestions for party hostels in the cities below. The more social the better -- I'm an introverted person who needs a bit of pushing (which is a nice way to say peer pressure lol) to go out and I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone a bit haha.

Here's the cities that I plan to visit:

  • Berlin
  • Krakow
  • Dubrovnik
  • Split
  • Tirana
  • Belgrade
  • Sofia (+ maybe some other cities, so you can leave suggestions for good party hostels anywhere in Bulgaria)
  • Bucharest

Thanks!

10 Comments
2025/02/01
07:56 UTC

2

Bringing a Small Portable Fan to Turn On While Sleeping

Hello everyone!

So I'm in the early stages of planning a central/eastern European trip this July/August, and was doing some research on hostels. I've noticed a lot of them (especially in Germany) don't offer air conditioning in the rooms.

A side effect of the medication I take is that I tend to get hot and sweat a bit easier than others, and this is aggravated by sleeping in air-conditioning-less environments. And if I get too hot while sleeping (especially if I'm jetlagged) I wake up feeling super nauseous which is never fun lol.

I lived in a dorm during my freshman year of university that didn't have A/C and I found there having a travel fan as well as a clip on small fan to place next to my bed helped a lot with regulating my temperature. Would it be rude to use something like this in a hostel dorm? I used it in a capsule hotel last year when I was extremely hot but I've never stayed in a hostel dorm so I'm not sure what the etiquette is and I don't want to disturb others lol. I know that most of the rooms will likely have openable windows and large room fans but I know that because of my medication side effects that probably won't be enough, especially if there is a heat wave.

Thanks for any advice :)

1 Comment
2025/02/01
07:45 UTC

0

hostel

how you guys deal with hostel stress with studies mainly with intolerable roommates?

5 Comments
2025/01/31
17:38 UTC

3

Hostel pre-registration?

Hi, so I hostel in london (generator) wants me to complete a pre-registration. Is that a thing? It wasn't mentioned anywhere on booking nor on their website and they did not reply to my message yet. Is that a standard, legit practice?

3 Comments
2025/01/30
22:56 UTC

6

Advice on starting a hostel business

Hey guys so after years of travelling and spending time in hostels, I’m thinking of starting my own. The location I’m thinking of is Sliema, Malta. Would love any input from hostel owners/employees/travellers. Looking to get some logistical tips as well as any traveler insights I might have missed. Thank in advance!

2 Comments
2025/01/30
22:36 UTC

0

hostels in syria/iraq

yeah gonna go next month and can’t find much information online, any recs would be greatly appreciated 🙏

0 Comments
2025/01/30
18:35 UTC

3

Party Hostels in Croatia/Budapest/Prague

Hey, I am currently planning a trip to Europe this summer (2-3 weeks in July). My trip will be as followed :

  • 5 days in Split
  • 3 days in Hvar
  • 5 days in Budapest
  • 5 days in Prague

I want to go to Party Hostels, since my goal is to party every night on this trip. I want to know if you have any recommendations ! (The more feral, the better)

For now, I thought about trying :

  • Booze and Snooze in Split
  • Villa Skansi in Hvar
  • Carpe Noctem / Hive in Budapest
  • Madhouse in Prague

So if you have been to any of those I would love a return !

3 Comments
2025/01/30
15:41 UTC

0

Hostel for five in London?

Going to London in July with friends! Any Hostel recommendations? I’ve heard Generator is good… Any opinion or recommendation will be appreciated! Cheers!

1 Comment
2025/01/29
20:07 UTC

2

Working whilst travelling

Hi all,

I’m an online Maths tutor and have grown my business to fund my lifestyle in U.K.

I want to travel to SE Asia at the end of 2025 and experience hostel life and meet great people ideally. (Also I love the idea you can get decent hostels for £10 a night)

BUT I WANT TO KEEP 4/5 students to have a ‘business purpose’ and also means I can bring in money to extend my travels.

  1. Is it true you can get good hostels for £10 per night?

  2. I’d teach 4/5 hours a week on a Sunday evening, do most hostels have private areas where I could use my laptop and teach my students?

If any digital nomads have any tips I’d appreciate it!!

2 Comments
2025/01/29
18:47 UTC

19

Party Hostels

Hey, wondering if you guys can provide a list of all the party hostels you guys stayed at? I’m planning on going basically everywhere later this year. So places of some fun hostels in America, Europe, Africa, South America and Mexico would be great!

40 Comments
2025/01/29
10:39 UTC

8

hostel small talk etiquette, please help!

Hi, I’ll (f22, if that’s relevant) be staying in a hostel in London in February as a first time solo traveler, and I’ve been a bit anxious about the small talk/meeting people aspect of it. I would like to meet people there, but I come from a central european country where small talk is pretty much nonexistent and I tend to overthink social interactions a lot, so I’m a bit unsure about what to do and what is appropriate. For example, when I first come into the dorm, how much should I say? Is just “Hi” okay? Should I introduce myself, ask others questions? How do I not seem rude/stand-off-ish, but also not overbearing? Any advice/reassurance would be most appreciated!

9 Comments
2025/01/28
10:39 UTC

3

Does wombats hostel take debit?

Hi! I’m solo travelling to London from Canada and I would like to stay in wombats hostel because I am on a budget but I am wondering if they take debit or cash. I am of age but I do not have a credit card. I really don’t want to be turned away from an accommodation in a foreign country because I don’t have a credit card. Thanks!

9 Comments
2025/01/27
16:54 UTC

18

First-Time Hostel Stay – Black Male, 35, Traveling to Europe: Need Advice

Hi everyone,

I’m a 35-year-old Black male from the U.S., and this summer, I’ll be traveling to Europe for the first time. My itinerary includes Amsterdam, Madrid, and Berlin, and I’m considering staying in hostels. However, I’ve never stayed in a hostel before, so I’m looking for advice. • Am I too old for hostels? I’ve heard they can be very social, but I don’t want to feel out of place. Are there hostels better suited for older travelers or first-timers? • As a Black male traveler, is there anything specific I should be aware of when staying in a hostel? For example, would you recommend mixed dorms, or should I stick to male-only dorms for comfort and safety?

I’m excited but a little nervous, so I’d love to hear any tips, suggestions, or personal experiences, especially from fellow solo travelers or Black travelers who’ve stayed in hostels.

Thanks in advance for your help

6 Comments
2025/01/26
15:42 UTC

1

Naples Hostel Recommendations: Ostello Bello Napoli vs. 6 Small Rooms? Other Suggestions for Social, Community-Vibe Hostels?

Naples hostel recommendations? Ostello Bello Napoli or 6 Small Rooms? Other suggestions for social, community-vibe hostels?

Hi everyone! I’m a 24-year-old female visiting Naples this May as part of my 2-month Euro-backpacking trip. I’m currently booking hostels and am torn between two options: Ostello Bello Napoli and 6 Small Rooms.

Ostello Bello seems like my usual pick—very social, lots of solo travelers, and tons of activities. However, I’m worried it might feel too big, especially since the upstairs bar is open to the public. I’m concerned it might be harder to connect with people or find that close-knit, community vibe. I also couldn’t confirm whether they organize tours, which is something I value.

On the other hand, 6 Small Rooms looks cozy and homey, with a more communal/family atmosphere due to its smaller size. They also offer some tours, which is a big plus. That said, it doesn’t seem to be as hyped online, so I’m not sure if I’ll find many young solo travelers to connect with.

Overall, I’m looking for a hostel that strikes a balance: social and friendly with a community feel, where I can meet people to grab pizza or drinks, share dinners, and explore nearby spots like Sorrento together. For context, the other hostels I’ve booked for this trip are all quite social and popular (e.g., Yellowsquare, Onefam), so I’m open to trying something different here, as long as it meets the criteria above (community vibe, people to travel with, social but not a heavy party scene—I enjoy partying, but I’m not looking for a place where everyone’s just there to party).

TL;DR: Choosing between Ostello Bello Napoli and 6 Small Rooms for a 3-night stay in Naples. Looking for a hostel with a community feel, social atmosphere, and opportunities to meet travel buddies. If you’ve stayed at either, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Additional recommendations are welcomed and appreciated! :)

1 Comment
2025/01/24
09:46 UTC

8

First time staying in a hostel in Portugal, what etiquette should I be aware of?

Heyo!

My boyfriend and I are travelling to Lisbon & Porto in early March and I wanted us to try staying in a hostel instead of an airbnb by ourselves this time. I love meeting new people, making new friends and often miss the energy of a group trip when we travel just the two of us. I've heard so many fun stories from friends staying in hostels too.

Are there usually kitchens, dining rooms? Are people encouraged to cook their own food there or is it more like a hotel where you pretty much exclusively eat out or get takeout? How common are group dinners?

How would sleeping arrangements work for a couple? Could we share a single bed in a shared dorm room or is that bad optics because of the implications? Can we still participate in hostel activities (what would some of those be?) if we got a private room, or is getting a shared dorm a worthwhile part of the social experience?

We are f/m late 20s/early 30s. Very into health & fitness and don't drink alcohol. I'm open to partying sober though (my bf is much less into partying and clubs haha). It'll be my first time in Europe.

I'm hoping to use this experience to make solo travelling and staying in hostels seem a little less scary in the future (something I want to do for the independence of it.)

Does anyone have any recommendations for hostels in Lisbon or Porto, or specific things to look out for in ones I'm researching?

Ty for reading ^^

7 Comments
2025/01/23
16:56 UTC

3

Social hostel in Japan to make friends and explore Tokyo?

Looking for these kinds of hostels in Japan, know anything?

1 Comment
2025/01/23
06:46 UTC

3

Looking for hostels in Porto (March)

Hey all! My girlfriends and I are looking for a safe, friendly, fun vibes hostel in Porto, Portugal. We would love something social and close to nightlife. We also love wine, the outdoors, flea markets, and good eats. Please send suggestions!!
1 Comment
2025/01/23
01:15 UTC

3

What permits/licenses would I need to open a hostel in El Salvador?

I had the idea to open a backpackers hostel/spiritual retreat at my family’s home in Los Planes, El Salvador. I think the location is prime, 15 minute drive from city center. Right across the street from public transport. About 30min from airport. 2 hours from the Guatemala border, 3 from the Hondures border. I have my citizenship already, however I don’t know what kind of licenses or permits I would need. We have been in the hospitality business for many years, having multiple successful Airbnb and short-term rental endeavors. We have the property already listed on airbnb and it’s been fairly successful, but I think a hostel could help us maximize our space and profit. Any tips, advice and suggestions would be helpful

1 Comment
2025/01/20
00:55 UTC

12

Hostelworld group chat

Hi does anyone knows how to join Hostelworld group chat without booking from Hostelworld!!!

I am going to Copenhagen and Stockholm, is it possible to join the group chat?

14 Comments
2025/01/15
16:59 UTC

2

Generator Amsterdam

Weirdest question, but necessary. Aside from the private bathrooms in the rooms, are there more toilets that are accessible inside the hostel? I’m nervous with my chronic illness that sharing a bathroom with four flatmates is stressing me out. I just want to make sure there’s back up places since public restrooms are already not really a thing there. Going to be studying abroad but just want to be prepared..

2 Comments
2025/01/14
06:49 UTC

1

Suggestions for Hong Kong

I’ve traveled to a few countries before but stayed in hotels and Airbnb only. It’ll be my first time at a hostel. What are some good hostel recommendations in HK? I’ll be travelling in the third week of February.

I’m trying to find something along Wan Chai, Causeway Bay or the East Rail Line. I like places that are quiet, mostly residential and not too touristy. Helps me live and experience the place like a local rather than a tourist.

Ideally, looking for tips from someone who has been there recently and stayed in a hostel. I have a few on my shortlist already so using this to get some insight or suggestions.

I’d also like to know some general etiquette of staying in a hostel so I don’t become a problem for other travellers.

0 Comments
2025/01/13
09:07 UTC

0

Making noise to wake up someone snoring is way more annoying than the worst snoring

Rant over.

2 Comments
2025/01/13
07:37 UTC

14

How do you access your clothes and toiletries at a hostel?

I'm going on a trip to Europe as a solo traveller and staying in hostels for the first time. I'm just wondering how some things work...

Do they usually store your suitcase in a room? If so, do you just go to the room every time you need to get something out of your suitcase? Or how does it work?

A side question: do you think it's essential that my suitcase locks? My current suitcase only has one zipper so you can't put a padlock on it (and there's no built in locks). Is this a risk?

Thank you in advance!

7 Comments
2025/01/13
06:26 UTC

13

How do you change clothes in mixed dorms at a hostel?

Hi everyone, I’m new to the whole hostel thing and I'll be staying in mixed dorms which has me wondering how do you change clothes when the bathroom is too small or doesn’t have space to get dressed?

I’ve heard some people just change under their bedcovers, but honestly, I feel like I’d get tangled up and make it way more awkward than it needs to be. 😅 Would it be okay to ask my roommates to look away for a minute while I'm changing, or is that considered rude?

Would love to hear how others handle this! Any advice for a first-time hostel-goer would be amazing.

26 Comments
2025/01/13
01:07 UTC

5

Work Housing Hostel New York

I (F,23) really want to work at a hostel in New York City in exchange for housing. Is this possible? How long could I do this for? I would want to do this for at least a few months. Does anyone have any advice? I’ve done some research, and I’ve found WorldPackers. Is WorldPackers legit? Does anyone have advice/experience with this? It seems more oriented towards people interested in working and living in other countries, is that accurate? Do yall recommend emailing/calling to reach out to hostels directly and ask about a work/housing exchange opportunity?

Thanks!

6 Comments
2025/01/12
23:05 UTC

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