What Hostels Are:
Hostels,
also called simply backpackers, are a cheap way to lodge safely with
like-minded travelers around the world. Hostels usually feature
security, social life, showers and rooms with multiple bunks. Some
hostels are bare bones beds and baths at $8 per night; some are almost
luxurious. Read on to learn all about staying in hostels, what to
expect, and finding and reserving the best bed for you. We'll largely be
talking about European hostels, though Latin and US places have basic
similarities. See a FAQ, too.
Who's Staying in Hostels:
These places are populated by young and young-at-heart backpackers and a few (usually older) budget businessmen. Flashpackers sometimes choose single rooms.
You'll also find couples on weekend breaks in European joints. Most of
your fellow guests will be international, with less Americans than you
might expect.
What's a flashpacker?
Read a FAQ for more
What Hostels Have:
Hostels
always have dorm rooms with multiple beds, shared bathrooms, a check in
area, a cooking/food area and a sometimes secure spot for your pack.
They've usually got common areas for socializing, even if just picnic
tables in a courtyard. Laundry facilities are often offered -- sometimes
bars, tourist desks, and internet access, too. Most hostels have linen
and pillows. European digs may have breakfast. Some places have
(sometimes seriously sweet) suites and private rooms.
Photos:
What Hostels Don't Have:
Backpackers'
don't have concierges, daily in-room maid service or bedspreads.
They're seldom spotless, and they have waaaay less bed bugs
than your mother thinks. They seldom have in-room phones and tv's, but
often have tv, pay phones, games, vending machines and computers in a
common area; some have no towels (lame!), or require towel deposits.
Management doesn't supply, but may rent, locks for in-house lockers.
Photos:
What Staying in Hostels Is Like:
Backpackers' lodgings are usually very social. Some are party palaces where sleeping is not paramount, like Amsterdam's Flying Pig Backpackers, and some keep sleep tops, like New York's Chelsea Hostel. In any backpackers', someone will come in late and flip on bedroom lights (guaranteed). Expect so-so showers (bring flip flops). Some lamer places lock you out in midday to (ostensibly) clean. Backpackers' with curfews are usually quietest and pretty safe (more on safety at bottom).
Learn more: Frequently Asked Questions
Finding Good Beds (Sleep or No Sleep?):
Read reviews (lists below) before reserving. BUG Europe posts user and staff reviews.Hostelworld.com posts sometimes suspect user reviews. HI
is like AAA -- the places meet certain standards. And we comb all of
the sites and personally visit tons o' spots to compile top ten lists by
country and city:
Some of our fave places: Brisbane Bunk, best in 2006 | Hostel de Maria, Guadalajara | Blue Mountains YHA (Katoomba, Australia) | San Francisco's Adelaide
Reserving and Paying:
Most backpackers' take reservations through one main hostel booking engine -- choose the reservations site you like best (I *love* TFTHostels booking search engine). If you've usedHostelworld.com,
you'll lose a deposit if you cancel the first night (more on problems
below). You can reserve HI (Hostelling International) places through HI
country sites, but the sites are often a pain. If reserving through
individual hostels' sites, ensure credit card transactions are secure.
See where to book:
Speaking of credit cards, bear in mind that some joints won't take plastic at the desk.
Hostel Check In:
Clerks may ask for a key deposit; get it back when you return the key. You may also be asked to leave your passport
at the desk as a deposit, or a bigger cash deposit if you won't. Front
doors are often locked at night, and you need to check in by whatever
hour required or chance being on the street despite your prepaid
reservation. Pick up towels and locker locksat check-in if you have to rent them. Get the full curfew scoop at check in.
Hostels Safety and Curfews:
Hostels
usually take security as seriously as do hotels; in fact, it can be
harder to sneak into a hostel than a five star hotel. Lock
your backpack and lock it in a locker, but don't overly worry about
your personal safety. Follow some travel safety tips and you'll be fine.
Hostel curfews
are becoming more rare, though they're by no means a thing of the past.
If one exists at your hostel, it may just mean the door is locked after
a certain hour... or it may mean you're locked out. Find out! And find
out more: read Hostel Curfews Explained."
Last Hostels Tips:
The "best" hostels don't vary that much, though we named one best in 2005,
and then heard that the owners fired the manager and changed things;
most powerhouses stick to their proven MO, though. Big size does not
mean best. Read reviews.
What About Hostel Discounts?Backpackers' lodgings aren't big on the discount thing. However, HI, YHA and Nomads usehostel discount cards and some hostel booking services
offer slight discounts which may save you a buck on one night, and you
can often negotiate a deal if you're staying for a few weeks or months.
About Hostels' Discount Cards
About Student Discount Cards
Hostels Reservations and Money ProblemsSome (sometimes sketchy) backpackers' lodgings won't refund money
if you don't cancel each night 24 hours in advance. Some will refuse to
refund anything if you cancel any nights past the first night if you've
already checked in and paid -- politely and firmly insist, especially
if you're checking out 'cuz the stay was bad.
Bottom
line: find out policy before you pay if you can; hostels' staffs
generally don't answer email, so pre-visit contact can be a pain. We've
let you know what our personal experiences have been in our individual
reviews.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe most frequently asked hostels questions are answered in this hostels FAQ -- check it out to understand lock outs, curfews, sleeping arrangements and more hostels FAQs. And understand bed bugs and travel, too (don't worry!).
Get some backpacking Europe tips, learn all about Eurail passes and more vital student travel info in the links below, and enjoy the trip!
Booking Hostels
Student Travel Discounts
Backpacking Europe
source: http://women-clothes-store.blogspot.com
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