Whats It Like In A Backpacker Hostel?
by James on Aug.24, 2009, under Around the World
Im a 23 year old Australian male going to New York and LA in feb, but have never stayed in a backpacker hostel. I always stay in normal accomadation with other people but am going to be staying in a hostel on my own and was wondering what its going to be like. Are they fun or just a way of saving money on accomadation? I would like to hear your stories. Thanks!
Tremblant living provide exclusive chalet and condo rentals at the number one ski resort on the east coast. Visit Mont Tremblant for your next vacation.
3 Comments for this entry
August 24th, 2009 on 12:54 pm
I love staying in hostels, most of them are pretty nice. Hostels are a great way to meet people from all over, I have friends all over the world because I stay at hostels. The US does not have as many as some of the European countries, and ours are set up a little different. However almost all of them have a kitchen, common room and so on. You best bet is to check out some of these websites, they have pictures, information on amenities and some will even let you book online. Take time to read the travelers reviews these can be very helpful when picking a place:http://www.hostels.com/en/us.htmlhttp://www.hiusa.org/http://westernhostels.org/http://www.maxinfous.com/hostels.htmhttp://www.hostelfest.com/hostels/united…http://www.hostelhandbook.com/usa/index.…http://www.vipbackpackers.com/Regions/Un…http://www.realadventures.com/youth-host…http://www.realadventures.com/youth-host…
The dorms are always the cheapest; you will want to bring a lock for your locker so you can put your stuff up. Most dorms have a bathroom, and several bunk beds. We have done this many times and love it. Great way to meet people! Some hostels have just male or female dorms and some are co-ed so if you think this is going to be a problem check with the place before you go and see what the arraignments are. A lot of hostels also offer private rooms; these are of course a bit more than renting a bed however you will have some privacy and a private bath which is nice. These usually book up first so if you want a private room book early! The private rooms are just like hotel rooms, only no TV in the room but that is what the common room is for.
There is also something called Couchsurfing. Which is a great way to travel for cheap and a wonderful way to meet fellow travelers and locals of the city you will be going to. What Couchsurfing is, is a website that links people who like to travel and are willing to open their homes to other travelers so they have some place, they do this for FREE! I have hosted several people in my home and I have also traveled all over the US staying in other people’s homes and I just love it. I have never had issues with stealing, crazy people or anything like that. This website allows you to read peoples profiles and you send the request. Some people are even willing to meet you just to show you around the city! Hey even if you don’t stay with someone, at least meet a local and have them show you the town! This site is just wonderful and again just like with staying in Hostels I have met some wonderful friends. It’s worth taking the time to check it out:http://www.couchsurfing.com/
Overall the hostels are nice, and a lot of fun. You will have a great time, just smile and greet people you will be amazed at how easy it is to talk with fellow travelers. Oh yeah if you stay in the dorm bring a small flashlight or pen light. Trust me better than turning all the lights on when you come in late and waking everyone up! Welcome to the US and have a wonderful trip!
August 24th, 2009 on 1:09 pm
Normal accomodation = hotel? Well, I have stayed in a hostel in Korea as well as Australia (oh yeahhh). If you are taking a private room in a hostel, then yeah the room is probably the size of your bedroom. There are different sorts- like private with ensuite bathroom or shared bathroom. Or the dorms where there are two or three double decker beds in a room which you share with strangers. But usually all these “strangers” have their own stories to share. And it can be fun- when YOU also take the initiative to greet them, say hi and where are you going, where are you from,etc… Sometimes these people can share tips about the best places to go and stuff. It can be fun, it can be private, it can be what you yourself make it to be! But prices vary. The dorm ones are obviously the cheapest. But of course, if you are not yet too opened up to the idea and still worry about your privacy, take a private room- pay a bit more. But still able to mingle with other travellers! I am sure you will have a blast!!
Do check out the reviews and the facilities that are provided at the hostels though. Some hostels have internet access, some dont, that kinda stuff. =D Ta~
August 24th, 2009 on 1:24 pm
I stayed in a couple of hostels in Japan and New Zealand – each one is different.
There are two options, and the way you feel about them will depend on what you enjoy.
The first option is a dormitory, which will likely be the same as a college dorm room, except there’s a dozen people in the room instead of 2-4.
The other option is a private single or double room, which is like a small hotel room.
Some hostels are all party, all the time. They have people stumbling in drunk, barfing, yelling, turning on lights, etc. Others are more quiet. You really have to research the one you stay at.
The private ones are usually nice. You may get loud noise from neighbors, but most are quiet enough.
For example, the one in New Zealand was a dorm style. It was loud. People stole my food from the fridge. The staff was rude. They were drunk, or always talking about getting drunk. It was annoying.
The one I stayed in Japan was a private single room. It was wonderful. It only cost $400 for the entire month, and the room came with a TV, desk, free wi-fi, stereo, bed, and dresser. There was a great full window that had a view of the landscape. It was generally quiet. It was exactly like a hotel room, except the bathroom and shower was communal.
So, it depends. If you enjoyed college dorms, you’d like the dorm hostels. If you want something cheap but hotel like, get a private room.
Good luck.