Of course, youth hostels aren't perfect. In fact, for many travelers, the disadvantages of youth-oriented lodgings outweigh the positive aspects of staying in hostels.
Let's look at some of these factors.
Cons
- Privacy
Lack of privacy is right at the top of most travelers’ list of concerns about hostelling. It’s true, if you choose to stay in a mixed or single-sex dorm, you won’t be able to close a door and shut yourself away. However, many youth hostels now offer four-person, two-person and even single rooms; they cost more per person than dorm bed space. You can reserve a smaller room, often with its own bathroom and / or shower, and resolve the privacy issue before you leave home.
- Noise
If you do opt for a dorm bed, whether in a mixed or single-sex dorm, you might have to deal with a lot of nighttime noise. Even though youth hostels have quiet hours, you may find that people come and go until the hostel’s front doors are locked. The hostel’s common areas can also be noisy, filled with travelers who are enjoying some social time before settling in for the night. If you can’t fall asleep unless your room is absolutely quiet, hostelling may not be the best choice for you.
- Security
If you book a one-, two- or four-person room, you’ll be able to lock your door while you’re asleep. If you stay in a dorm, you’ll need to take some precautions to secure your travel documents and valuables. You’ll want to invest in a money belt and keep your cash, credit cards and passports on your person at all times. You will also need to ask about lockers when you book your stay; locker facilities vary from place to place. Some hostels ask you to bring a padlock, others have coin-operated lockers, and still others have no lockers at all.
- Accessibility
Some hostels are accessible, but many are not. You will need to contact each hostel to find out if it has wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and, most importantly, accessible beds and bedrooms. Some hostels only offer bunk beds, so it is important to ask about accessibility issues before you arrive.
- Age Limits
Some hostels, particularly those in Bavaria, Germany, give priority to travelers under age 26. If you’re traveling without advance reservations, you may find it difficult to get a hostel room during the summer.
- Lockouts / Early Departures
Many hostels are only open at certain times. The front desk may not be staffed around the clock, and guests may be asked to vacate the hostel entirely during daytime hours. The hostel doors will be locked at a certain time each night. When you check in, you will probably be able to pay a key deposit and use a hostel key if you want to come in after the front door has been locked. It’s always a good idea to ask about lockout times when you book your stay.
Typically, you’ll be asked to check out by 9:00 A.M. If you like to sleep in, you’ll need to consider other lodging options.
- Bedding / Linens
Youth hostels have an unusual bedding policy, designed to keep critters out of your bunk. In a typical youth hostel, each bed has a pillow and a blanket – sometimes not the loveliest example of its type, but a clean, usable blanket. When you check in, you can use – or, in some cases, pay to rent – a sheet and pillowcase. Pick up your bed linens from a stack in the reception area and grab a hand towel from another stack. Take these items to your room and make up your bed. Youth hostel sheets resemble sleeping bags; they’re like a sheet “sack” that you sleep inside. Each morning, you must return your used sheets and towels to the common area. If you’re staying for more than one night, you will pick up a new sheet, pillowcase and hand towel each day.
You will need to bring a bath towel if you plan to shower at the hostel. In winter months, drying your towel during the day may be challenging. You may want to invest in a quick-drying travel towel. (Tip: You’ll also need to bring soap, shampoo, a razor and other toiletries. Some hostels hand out sample shampoo and body wash packets at the front desk, but it’s best to be prepared.)
- Showers
Even if you book a private room, you should bring shower shoes along. Also, as at many large, multi-shower institutions, hot water may be in short supply.
- Front Desk
Your hostel’s front desk will not be staffed around the clock. If problems arise, you may need to handle them on your own or call an emergency number.
- Curfews
Most hostels have some kind of curfew. Don’t be late. They really do lock the doors.
- Teens / Children
Youth hostels are open to all. This means you will encounter babies, toddlers and teens if you stay at a hostel. If you travel during the fall or spring, you may find that your hostel is filled with school groups. You can minimize your exposure to young, potentially noisy travelers by booking a single or two-person room, but you’ll definitely meet up with family groups and students in the common areas and at breakfast. If your ideal vacation is quiet, peaceful and child-free, hostelling isn’t for you.
- Membership
Membership requirements vary by country. Some HI member countries allow travelers who haven’t joined HI to stay at their hostels, while others require HI membership. If you’re thinking of staying at a youth hostel, find out about membership requirements before you leave home.
- Popularity
Believe it or not, you may not be able to book a room at your first, second, third or fourth choice hostel on your travel dates. Hostelling is popular with tourists and groups of all kinds. Be flexible when booking your trip, and don’t forget to look at the many hostels that only reserve rooms by telephone. If you’re traveling without advance reservations, you may be able to get a bed when you arrive, but you should always have a backup plan in mind in case your hostel is full.
Next: What to expect when you arrive at a hostel
