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Hostels FAQ
Please e-mail us any question(s) you have which were not answered below. We’ll answer your question and add it to the list for future visitors.
- What is a Hostel?
- Where are they located?
- How do I find them?
- How much do they cost?
- Is there an age limit?
- Are they safe?
- Do they take reservations?
- Do they have curfews?
- What are the conditions like inside?
- Do women and men sleep in the same rooms?
- Do I have to do chores while staying there?
- What’s a sleep sack/sheet?
- Do they provide food?
What is a Hostel?
Hostels can best be described as a cross between a cheap hotel and a dormitory. They offer some comforts, but they are shared with the rest of the guests. Unlike hotels, hostels tend to have
an atmosphere which promotes a sense of community. This community is made up of the various travelers, all with different backgrounds, citizenships, and intineraries.
Where are they located?
Hostels can be found in almost every country in the world. The more popular a destination becomes, the more likely it is to be able to support several hostels per city, if not per province, state,
or country.
How do I find them?
Most guide books have list hostels among accomodations in any given city. They will often be accompanied by a brief description of the hostel, as well as an address and phone number. You can
also request information on hostels from organizations such as Hostelling International. The internet has become a great resource for listing hostels as well. Having the info in a book is good for when
you’re on the road, as access to the internet is not always easy (or cheap).
How much do they cost?
The price of a night’s stay in a hostel depends on many variables, including: location, time of year, and extra accomodations included. In general, you can expect to pay on average about
$13-15 a night.
Is there an age limit?
Although often referred to as youth hostels, there is no age limit for staying in a hostel.
Are they safe?
In general, hostels are as safe as other forms of acommodation. Lockers are generally provided so that you can secure your belongings while away. However, since you are often sharing a room
with other people you don’t know very well, it’s best to exercise caution. Do not leave valuables out in the open, and keep your money (belt) with you at all times.
Do they take reservations?
Most hostels do not take reservations in advance. It’s almost always a first come, first serve basis. Sometimes you can call a hostel a day in advance and get a reservation, but it’s
rare. Therefore, it’s best to always arrive at your new destination early in the morning, rather than at night.
Do they have curfews?
Most hostels have begun shying away from curfews, and allow access to the hostel at any time (except for lockouts - periods when the hostel is cleaned). If a hostel does have a curfew, and you
arrive after that time, you’ll most likely find yourself sleeping somewhere else that night.
What are the conditions like inside?
The exterior and interior conditions of a hostel vary greatly depending on it’s location, who’s running it, and who it’s trying to attract as guests. Hostels located in small third world countries
will tend to be less comfortable, as they match the standard of living in that area. The management of a hostel can have a great impact on how well it’s maintained. There’s a varying degree of what is
considered clean and sanitary. Showers and bathrooms tend to be the area where there’s the greatest difference. Some hostels are definetly more youth oriented, while others cater toward an older
or family-oriented clientele.
Do women and men sleep in the same rooms?
This varies from hostel to hostel. All hostels allow both sexes, however some have one gender floors, while others have men and women sleeping in the same rooms. Since most travelers
understand they’re sharing a room with others, there tends to be a high level of respect between people staying in the same room, no matter what the gender.
Do I have to do chores while staying there?
Rarely will you be asked to do chores while staying in a hostel. If something is asked of you during your stay, you should probably go ahead and take care of the task as a thank you to the
management for letting you stay. Some travelers exchange chores for free nights or food. If you’re running out of money, it never hurts to ask the management if there’s anything you can do to help, in
exchange for a free night’s stay. Most often, you’ll be asked to clean.
What’s a sleep sack/sheet?
A sleep sack is normal bedsheet sewn together to form a sleeping bag. Some hostels require them, if they do not provide you with sheets. Almost all hostels provide a blanket and
pillow.
Do they provide food?
Many hostels will provide breakfast in the cost of a night’s stay. Breakfasts usually include an egg, toast, and a drink. Hostels often tend to offer other food, drinks, and alcohol at a
cost. While convenient, it’s often cheaper to buy such items from a local supermarket, and bring them back to the hostel for consumption.
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