062 - 10 things to look for when booking a hostel online
In this episode of the Indie Travel Podcast, Craig and Linda Martin share ten things to look for when choosing a hostel from a hostel-booking site.
1. Price. Order the results by price to find the cheapest one in the list easily.
2. Rating. Other people who have stayed in the hostel will have filled in a survey to give an overall rating, given in percentages. Choose a high-rated hostel with a fair price.
3. Atmosphere. The ratings are often broken down into categories such as location, cleanliness and fun. The “fun” rating can give you an idea of atmosphere - a high rating usually means it’ll be a bit rowdier, where a low fun rating tends to indicate a quieter hostel. Staff can really make the atmosphere, so check comments on the site or do a google search for the hostel to see other reviews.
4. Location is REALLY important. Is it near the station or airport or easy to get to? Is there a collection service?
5. Is it an independent hostel or a member of an organisation like HI or YHA? We find independent hostels tend to be better. Also, you might need to be a member of the organisation, or pay an extra charge, if you want to stay at an affiliated hostel.
6. How big are the dorms? Usually, the smaller the better. Shy away from hostels with 100-bed dorms - you won’t get any sleep if they are full. If they have different-sized dorms, how much extra is a smaller one? Would a private room be worthwhile?
7. Are the dorms segregated or mixed gender? A female-only dorm might be a good option for a solo female traveller, but hostels that keep men and women separate aren’t so great for couples. Make sure they have the choice you want.
8. What extras are included in the hostel price? Breakfast, wifi, sheets, towel, dinner, station pick-up, a beer on arrival - these are all things we’ve got from some hostels but not others.
9. What facilities does the hostel have? A kitchen is a must on our mental list, but it might also have a book exchange, a bar, or a swimming pool.
10. What isn’t included in the cost? Some hostels charge you for sheets but won’t let you use a sleeping bag, or provide breakfast for an extra cost. Sometimes showers are extra as well.
You know which of these factors are most important to you, so weigh them up against each other to find the best hostel for you. We often book using Hostelbookers.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to the Indie Travel Podcast and make sure you don’t miss anything else.
Send us any tips you have on travel writing or travelling through the North Island of New Zealand for our listener Claire.
Don’t forget to download a free language guide or two courtesy of World Nomads Travel insurance, which is also our affiliate of the week.
If you like this, please Stumble it!
Looking for more?
Looking for insurance?
Craig and Linda use World Nomads Travel Insurance.Looking for accommodation?
Listen to reviews, book great hotelsLooking for guides?
30% off Lonely Planet Guidebooks2 Responses to “062 - 10 things to look for when booking a hostel online”
Leave a Reply
When you leave a comment, your email address will be added to our email newsletter. No spam, never sold. If you don't want to be added, please say. Images are powered by Gravatar - Get your own.
June 27th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Great tips Linda and Graig!
If someone like to read some more tips. I set up: Seven tips for travelers staying in hostels. http://blog.tfthostels.com/2008/06/seven-tips-for-travelers-staying-in.html
June 27th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Great suggestions. I think first and foremost its important to know yourself before you start booking away. Know what kind of traveler you are, what kind of ammenities you can or can’t do with out, what atmoshpere you can sleep in…geez, do you even plan on sleeping all that much? Choosing a hostel is alot like choosing a friend, you really have to know what you look for in a friend before you get a good one.