Don’t get put off by Kangana Ranaut’s hostel experience in ‘Queen’ (although you have to admit she enjoyed it later and made good friends, too)!
Perhaps the most common misconception concerning hostels is that one has to be literally just hatched out of the egg (in other words, very young!) to be eligible to stay at one. I met a 63-year-old Finnish woman in Bari recently, who was absolutely fascinated to learn that I frequently stay at hostels; she’d been under the impression that age was a deterrent. Yes, that was certainly so many moons ago The Times They Are A-Changin’ and now, one doesn’t need to be a card-carrying member of some youth hostel chain (as was the case earlier) or be of a certain age.
But why do adults opt to stay at hostels, instead of B&B’s or budget hotels? Apart from the price factor (hostels are way cheaper than other forms of accommodation, so, if you’re on a budget and yet passionate about seeing the world, this is for you), hostels are generally located near train stations which, in Europe, means they’re not too far from the local sights of interest or the town centre.
But there’s more – much more. All hostels have a ‘common room’, which is either a lounge or just the kitchen area, where you can get to meet people from various countries and different walks of life. And if you’re travelling by yourself, it’s so easy to find like-minded companions to share a meal, go on a city walk, or visit an attraction with.
Like-minded companions
Equally, if you choose to be yourself, you’re left free to do that; all I’m saying is – you have an option. For instance, Merja (the Finnish woman I mentioned) came to Bolzano to meet me and we shared the room with two other women: an Italian and a Portuguese. We all got along so famously that not only did we have a leisurely breakfast together, Giulia (the Italian) then immediately took us off for kaffee und kuchen at a small cafe none of us would have discovered on our own. Cake at 10.30 in the morning! But Merja and Giulia had trains to catch that noon, so off we went, and we had such a rollicking time together. Needless to mention, we’re still in touch!
However, as I said, if you choose to be on your own, that’s no problem either. Bear in mind that hostels will almost always have a selection of books lying around, left by other fellow travellers, so while you may be alone, you certainly won’t be lonely! Many hostels also have pool tables, and board games, or organise some evening events.
Are hostels safe?
Next biggie question: Are hostels safe? By and large, they are. You need to do some quick Google research of your own, to be certain the hostel isn’t in a dodgy area. Moreover, I’d draw the line at sleeping in a 12- or 16-bed dormitory, or in a mixed dorm; yes, indeed there are mixed dorms, but most hostels will also have a male/female-only option. So, the onus is on you to be careful what you book for. That said, hostels do have CCTV cameras, and some are staffed 24 hours. I recommend you keep your passport and money with you at all times, NOT in the suitcase or locker because that’s just foolish! Sleep with your wallet under your pillow; take it with you in the bathroom when you go to shower. And that’s it.
I mentioned prices earlier. Do remember that hostels have fluctuating rates as well, just as hotels do; the closer you are to a holiday or event, the more likely prices will be higher.
Also, I’ve found it’s infinitely better to book directly through the hostel than using any other booking site. This way, you also establish a rapport and can list any special requests.
Not all hostels provide breakfast; some categorically don’t, whilst at others, there may be an extra charge. Wise to check on this early in your planning so that you don’t get a rude shock later.
Another very important point to remember is that many hostels charge for towels; so, if you can carry one along, you’ll save on that expense. I’ve also found that some Italian hostels don’t provide soap/shower gel, go figure!
I’ve spent the last few months hostelling my way across some European cities, so here’s a list of where I’ve stayed and my experiences.
(Main Picture on top: River view, Alplodge, Interlaken)
Stay Swanky, Zagreb, CROATIA
Address: Ilica 50, Zagreb 10000
Tel: +385 14004248
Email: hello@stayswanky.com
Website: www.stayswanky.com
Price: 46 euros in a six-bed female dorm +1.59 euros city tax per person, per night. I opted to stay in a private room, which came to 50 euros per night (yes, lucky me; didn’t opt for the breakfast, hence the cheaper price)!
This hostel is among the friendliest I’ve ever stayed at! Sven is most kind and helpful and makes your entire check in process as well as stay, a breeze.
Female/male dorms available, with curtained beds. The dorms are rather cramped and small, to be honest and the bathroom is outside, across the corridor, so I opted to stay in a private, en-suite room; also cramped, but at least you have your privacy. Despite the small size, all amenities are provided and there are radiators as well as air conditioners in the room, which are sorely needed in minus temperatures! The hostel is also happy to provide extra quilts, should anyone need it.
Pros:
- Very friendly and helpful staff.
- Towels, shower gel, and hair dryer included in the price.
- Welcome drink offered
- Daily room cleaning and towel change available.
- Free coffee/tea (truly excellent cappuccino) available throughout the day, plus a voucher for one welcome drink.
- Breakfast available at an extra nine euros; book a day in advance.
- Location: Unbeatable! Just a five-minute walk from Ban Josif Jelacic, the main square. The tram stop is right outside the hostel.
- Free wifi; good, strong connection.
- 24-hours staffed Reception.
- Good security: access to each set of rooms is through a key card at the main door.
Cons:
- Room size can feel cramped.
- The common kitchen is outside the main hostel and down into the basement (can get chilly getting to it in winters). Again, it’s a cramped space and not too clean, I’m afraid.
- Dorms are not en suite
- No lift.
WOT New Hostel, Lisboa, PORTUGAL
Address:Rua de O Século 150, 1200-437 Lisboa.
Tel: +351 213 471 506
Email: newlisbon@wotels.com
Website: www.wotels.com
Price:19.80€ in a six-bed en suite female dorm + 4€ city tax, per person, per night. Private room was at 50€.
This is supposed to be the newest Lisbon hostel in the group and the claim is that it’s in the city centre. Well, it’s in the Bairro Alto area, yes – but that’s a widespread area! The hostel is at least a 15–20-minute walk from Chiado (pronounced ‘Shiado’), which IS the city centre. Moreover, it seems to be along a residential street, which means that although there are streetlights, the area is pretty deserted; I wouldn’t recommend staying out late and walking back alone at night.
Pros:
- Reasonably clean
- Welcome drink offered
- Breakfast included in price
- Free wifi
Cons:
- The hostel looks old and dilapidated.
- Towels not included – extra 2€
- Although there’s hand soap in the bathrooms, there’s no shower gel – go figure!
- NO heating! Therefore, NO cooling in the summer.
- No lifts.
- Basic kitchen; none too clean.
- Staff among the most unfriendly I’ve experienced in a hostel! Moreover, they’re quite terrible at giving directions, which means I walked a long way for absolutely no reason!
- Traffic: the hostel seems to be on the main, one-street that connects to Chiado, hence, there is traffic noise.
- Location not the best.
Youth Hostel Bolzano-Bozen, ITALY
Address: via Renon 23, Bozen 1-39100
Tel: +39 0471300865
Email: bozen@jugendherberge.it
Website: www.ostello.bz
Price: 32 euros in a four-bed en suite female dorm + 1.70 euros city tax per person, per night.
Don’t be confused by the name: Bolzano is on the Austrian-Italian border so that’s the Italian name, whereas Bozen is how the Austrians refer to it.
One of the cleanest hostels I’ve been to. There’s a large common room for all guests to use. The kitchen is clean and well-equipped. The rather spacious dining room is downstairs. Our room was really cosy; the lower bunks are much more comfortable and have their own bedside tables, while it’s quite an ordeal climbing the narrow rungs of the ladders to the top bunks. Everybody gets a cupboard here (with hangers), not just a locker. Folding chairs are also provided. Great view of the Dolomites from the rooms, although there’s no balcony as such.
Pros:
- Breakfast included; quite a filling one.
- Very clean facilities. Laundry room available.
- Location: Excellent! Three-minute walk from the main train station; about 5-6 minutes walk to the city centre.
- Free, strong wifi.
- Lift on the premises.
Cons:
- Don’t be too alarmed that the staff aren’t too sociable; that’s just the Germanic way.
- Slight noise disturbance as the hostel is across the main bus station.
- No shower gel.
- Towels available at a price (3euros).
Ostello Degli Elefanti, Catania, Sicily, ITALY
Address: via Etnea 28, Catania 95131
Tel: +39 0952265691
Email: info@ostellodeglielefanti.it
Website: www.ostellodeglielefanti.it
Price: 23€ in six bed female dorm + 1.50 euros city tax per person, per night.
This hostel has the most gorgeously painted ceilings ever, preserved from centuries gone by. Almost each room is a work of art (the public spaces only, not the dorms).
The hostel is located near Piazza Duomo and the famed fish market eateries, so it’s the furthest end of via Etnea.
One of the friendliest hostels and the easiest to make friends in, as there are plenty of games happening on site in the evenings; lots of books available to borrow and read. The rooms are large, with a sitting space as well. Each bed has its own locker; most sensibly, there is no narrow ladder to climb to the top bunks but rather, wide steps that make it easy to do so and can also be used to keep shoes/bags. Every room has balconies, so you can watch life on via Etnea go by.
Pros:
- Breakfast included in price.
- Free pasta dinner every night at 8PM!
- Lots of common facilities
- Free wifi
- Location: via Etnea is the main avenue of Catania.
Cons:
- The bathrooms are not cleaned well enough and stink!
- Dorms are not en suite
- Staff attitude can be dodgy; some are really friendly; some have a bad day every day.
- No lift
The Yard Hostel, Catania, Sicily, ITALY
Address: Viale XX Settembre 11, Catania 95128
Tel: +39 0952270959
Email: info@theyardhostel.it
Website: www.theyardhostel.it
Price: 23-24euros per person in the six-bed female dorm + 1.50 euros city tax per person, per night. private rooms between 60-80 euros.
As you enter the hostel, the lobby is the common meeting space, a small, cheerful room. Female, male and mixed dormitories available here. The female dorms are six-bedded, while the mixed dorms are four-bedded. Rooms are spacious; curtained beds; individual lockers. The common bathroom is really big as well. The entire hostel is bright, airy and kept very clean. The private rooms are well-kitted out and look more like regular hotel rooms than what one would expect from a hostel.
Pros:
- Spacious rooms; clean.
- Friendly staff.
- Location – just a two-minute walk from Villa Bellini, the main park in the city centre. (This hostel is at the opposite end of Degli Elefanti.)
- Good security: automatic gate at the entrance, you need to be buzzed in.
Cons:
- No breakfast.
- Towels are available at a price (3euros).
- Private rooms are expensive, compared to B&B’s in the city.
- Dorms are not en suite
- No lift
Ostello Bello, Lake Como, ITALY
Address: Viale Fratelli Rosselli 9, Como 22100
Tel: +39 031570889
Email: booking.como@ostellobello.com
Website: www.ostellobello.com
Price: 54.70€ in a five-bed en suite female dorm + 2€ city tax per person per night.
Do remember to take a train from Milano station and get off at San Giovanni. From there, you can take a local bus or walk about 10 minutes to get to the hostel,
The common area here is spacious, naturally lit and cheerful looking. Free coffee/tea/cookies available! It’s really easy to meet some nice people here and make friends to hang out with. The dorms are decently sized, comfortable beds.
The biggest plus point is that Ostello Bello is a chain spread across Rome, Napoli, Milano, Firenze, Genoa, Como, Ligura, Assissi and Palermo – if you stay at any one hostel, you subsequently receive a 10% discount on all future stays (do keep checking the website, because Ostello Bello is currently offering a 20% off).
Pros:
- Super clean
- Friendly, efficient staff; quick responses to emails
- Towels, shampoo, soap, included in price
- Breakfast included
- Pasta, fresh fruit, spices freely available.
- Welcome drink offered
- Pet-friendly only for private rooms
- Free wifi
- Location: five minutes walk from the famous Lake Como
Cons:
- No lift
Atmos Luxe, Milan, ITALY
Address: via Privata Paolo Cezanne 1, Milan 20143
Tel: +39 3297324764
Email: info@atmosluxe.com
Website: www.atmosluxe.com
Price: 40€ in a four-bed ensuite female dorm + 2€ city tax per person, per night. Private room 120€
It took quite a deal of walking to eventually find the hostel. However, the staff are super friendly, and someone is always available on WhatsApp. Erika goes out of her way to help guests, as does the other lady; for instance, I got given small soap and shampoo bottles.
The room is small, but cosy.
Pros:
- Very clean hostel
- Most comfortable bedding ever
- Hospitable, friendly staff
- Towel included
- Lift on the premises
- Free wifi
Cons:
- Breakfast not included
- Location: if you have a few days in Milan, it’s well worth the effort, but if you’re here for just a day or two, it’s cumbersome, because from Milan Malpensa, you need to get to Cadorno station, then take the green line metro, get off at Romolo station four stops away, cross through a park (not safe at night) and eventually arrive at the hostel. From Atmos Luze to the Cathedrale is also quite involved. The hostel is in the Navigli area, though, so if that is your aim, you couldn’t do better than stay here. Navigli is an area of inter-connected canals and it’s become quite a happening night spot with myriads of dining options.
The Hostello Verona, ITALY
Tel: +39 3478180072
Email: info@thehostello.com
Website: www.thehostello.com
Price: 35 euros in an eight-bed en suite female dorm + 2 euros city tax, per person, per night.
I’m afraid I don’t have anything good to say about this hostel; my recommendation would be – avoid it! If you’re checking in after 9PM, the hostel provides door codes to allow you entry – but this effectively means there is no check on guests, no documentation taken, nothing, so the security is abysmal. I had booked a lower bed and had an email confirmation of the same, but there was a girl in the bed already in the bed assigned to me and the hostel staff just shrugged it off – essentially, if something like this (or worse) happens, you’re on your own! The dorm rooms are large, but cheerless; uncurtained beds, which means there is no semblance even of privacy! The bathroom is en suite (part of the room) and there was an awful smell of drains. I also saw a bug on the floor!
Pros:
- Towels provided, but you have to ask for them.
- Common kitchen downstairs, past Reception. Free teabags/sugar available.
- Lift available
Cons:
- No breakfast.
- Hygiene factor is VERY dodgy.
- Location: It’s far from the city attractions! You have to take bus number 80 or 81 to get to the hostel from Porto Nuova train station (bus stop is near the hostel) or, if you’re arriving late night as I did, pay 35 euros for a taxi.
SPiS Kiruna, SWEDEN
Address: Bergmastaregatan 7, Kiruna 98133
Tel: +46 98017000
Email: booking@spiskiruna.se
Website: www.spiskiruna.se
Price: 33 euros (375 SEK) per person, per night, in a six-bed female dorm. (My cousin was travelling with me and we were ecstatic to find on arrival that we’d been given a double room instead; see what I mean about contacting the hostel directly?!)
The SPiS is a superb hostel, and I can’t praise it enough! It’s one of the cleanest hostels I’ve ever come across! There is a lounge area just like the living room of some home, where all guests can hang out. The entire place is kept warm and cosy so that even when you’re snowed under – as we were – we still feel snug when inside. Most thoughtfully, there are a variety of snacks such as chips, cookies, cup noodles, which one can buy; as Kiruna is among the northernmost points in Sweden (most people come here to experience the aurora borealis), there can be heavy snowfall, which means access to any restaurant or supermarket is cut off. There’s a large and well-equipped kitchen downstairs. The double room had an en suite bathroom and twin beds; a tight fit for two people but privacy is more important!
Pros:
- Very helpful and friendly staff.
- Very clean hostel.
- Amazing pricing, when you consider it’s Sweden!
- Breakfast included in price.
- Towels, soap, hair dryer included.
- There’s a sauna on the premises!
- Free, strong wifi.
- Location: The bus stop is in front of the hostel, although one does have to wade through snow to get to it. This is the only hostel in Kiruna so everybody (bus/taxi drivers, tour companies) knows it. There’s a church in the vicinity and a couple of restaurants about a ten-minute walk away.
Cons:
- Can’t think of any!
Alplodge Interlaken, SWITZERLAND
Address: Marktgasse 59, Interlaken 3800
Tel: +41 338224431
Email: info@alplodge.ch
Website: www.alplodge.com
Price: 37 euros (35 CHF) in a four-bed dorm + CHF 2.50 city tax per person, per night
As you can see, I didn’t specify the type of dorm here – this is where I too made a mistake by assuming I’d be allocated a female dorm. However, this hostel has only mixed dorms! And so, the first night, I found to my horror and embarrassment that I was in a four-bed dorm with three strange men! It was too late to do anything about it as it was already night by the time the guys came in, but I did dash off an email to the hostel staff. (Incidentally, two of my roommates were Vietnamese college students and they were ever so sweet; we got quite friendly later.)
Hedi is a very sweet girl and super helpful, so the next day she shifted me to a private room at CHF 90 per night! (Yes, I know – wildly expensive, but there was no other option.) However, I absolutely fell in love with my room! It was small, but en suite very cosy, well appointed, with windows overlooking the river nearby and – everything was so, so clean! Despite the price, I honestly wished I could stay here another couple of nights.
Pros:
- Helpful staff
- Lift available
- Laundry room available
- Free travel card for public transportation within Interlaken provided by hostel
- Free, strong wifi
- Location: the hostel overlooks a river; the views from the private rooms are terrific.
Cons:
- Breakfast not included in the price; it’s at an additional CHF 15
- Towels only provided for private rooms, else, available at CHF 5.
- The private rooms are quite highly priced for a hostel.
- Dorms are not en suite
- Location: Although the hostel isn’t far at all from Interlaken West train station and therefore, the city centre, there are a couple of winding roads to take to get there and it can be confusing the first few times.
