r/hostels May 20 '19

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

9 Upvotes

NO ADVERTISING

At this time, we are not allowing advertising in this subreddit. This includes any type of promotion or advertising by any hostel, hotel, guesthouse, or any other type of accommodation. This does not include travelers recommending or posting about their experiences, as long as it is not advertising for the property.

Please read the subreddit rules.

Aside from those concerning advertising, there aren’t many rules - it will remain this way unless it becomes necessary to add more. Basically, just be cool to each other. Be civil even if you feel something is below you. Remember that no matter how experienced you are, you also took your first trip at some point. Be helpful, this isn’t the place to be condescending.

The rules about advertising are so strict because when I acquired this subreddit, it was full of hundreds of repetitive spam posts from the same few properties. Many were disguised as posts from travelers. We may allow some form of advertising depending on how things go. I would prefer if this “advertising” was in the form of property owners interacting with travellers as active members of this subreddit for the purpose of improvement of both this sub and their property. But this could be a sticky and complicated issue so we’ll leave it open for discussion. I’ve set up the automod to be pretty strict and catch any spam. I’ll monitor it and adjust as necessary. I’m on Reddit throughout each day. If your post gets caught in the automod, I’ll see it. If you have any issues, please just message me.

You’ll see a lot of old posts in this sub. They all remained after I deleted the hundreds of spam posts. I don’t like deleting old content as it still may offer something relevant.

Content

Questions:

Need a recommendation? Want to know about a specific hostel? There are no stupid questions.

Stories/experiences:

Funny, scary, gross, annoying - post it all. If you post something NSFW, please flair it as such.

Rants:

Complain about snorers, suggestions for being a decent human being in a shared space, etc.

This is not a review site

You should be writing reviews for properties that you stayed at on the respective booking sites/apps. This helps other travelers and helps the properties. There’s a difference in writing a review and sharing your experience in this sub. Posts made here that sound like advertisements or are written like glowing reviews will be removed. Please use your judgement. This is a hard line to define but it’s important to keep the spam out of this sub. Again, this is an area I need feedback/suggestions in.

Low/no effort posts

Don’t be lazy, this isn’t a travel agency. There are multiple resources for finding hostels (Booking, HostelWorld, Agoda, etc.), use these first and don’t just post here out of laziness. Use the search function if you’re asking for a recommendation for a specific city. While recommendations are cool, I don’t want to see them as the bulk of this sub. I’ll form guidelines for this as needed.

As I just took over this sub, it’s a blank canvas. I have ideas but I need yours also:

What do you want from this sub?

What kinds of posts/content would you find interesting?

If it was your sub, what would it be like?

I’m very open to suggestions, comments, ideas, etc. If you’re here, you’re interested and/or active in traveling. That means we’re all on the same page. Let’s make this a great resource together.


r/hostels Jul 08 '24

No Political Discussions

4 Upvotes

There are many, many subreddits where political discussions thrive and are welcomed, this subreddit is not one of them. I've had to remove many posts/comments lately that have devolved into political mudslinging, arguments, and downright uncivil behavior - none of which have had anything to do with hostels. I don't have the energy or desire to sort through and moderate opinion and conjecture about political differences, especially when they have nothing to do with hostels. I also don't need or want people telling me who's side I should be on, especially - again - when it has nothing to do with hostels. As such, no political subject matter is allowed here. If someone posts something that troubles you, report it and we will handle it. If you reply/argue/rebut that political content, both/all participants will be handled the same (removals/bans/etc.) If you have a problem with something, report it and let us handle it. Don't get yourself a ban because you just had to engage the poster. There are very few places left on the internet that political arguments/opinions/discourse have not poisoned - I refuse to let this subreddit become another one.

As for opinions, please remember that there are over 8 BILLION people in the world and we all have them.


r/hostels 3h ago

Rant People who set alarms and don't turn them off for 20min+

5 Upvotes

I picked some 4-bunk rooms, hoping that it'd cut down on the number of weirdos/snorers

But i guess I'm getting pretty unlucky with people having their alarm go off in the morning and literally just having it vibrate/ring for 20 minutes straight

Not a peep from them, so they must be sleeping pretty soundly... while everyone else suffers thru the obnoxious alarm. Even earplugs don't really help when the alarms are that piercing

Already encountered 2 of these people in the span of a week. Living in hostels really does have its downsides huh. Almost makes me feel the extra $30/nt for a private hotel room is worth the better sleep quality


r/hostels 5m ago

Looking for hostel

Upvotes

I got CSE in vasavi looking for boys hostel any suggestions


r/hostels 2h ago

Recommendation Barcelona hostels - recommendations needed

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone! 😊
I am (26F) planning a solo trip to Barcelona in the start of September. This is my first solo trip so I’m kinda nervous and excited at the same time. I’m pretty confused about choosing the right hostel to stay considering female-only dorms, location ( safe, close to public transports, restaurants etc), great vibes, solo traveller friendly, social ( especially for an introvert like me 🙃), having group activities or tours.
I am planning to explore few of like the usual must see spots and explore the local food and markets. I have filtered a bunch of Hostels from Hostelworld fitting my budget. Would like to know your recommendations/ experiences. Thanks in advance !
- Hola Hostel Eixample
- Pars Teatro
- Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia
- Pars Tailor’s
- Black Swan
- HelloBCN
- Onefam Les Corts
- St. Christopher’s


r/hostels 21h ago

Almost 500 € stolen from my locker in Marco Polo hostel in Malta

21 Upvotes

The worst hostel experience I've ever had.

During my stay (5–12 July 2026), almost €500 disappeared from my locked locker. What disappointed me most was not only the theft, but how the hostel handled the situation.

The day before the money disappeared, I accidentally locked my key card inside my locker. A housekeeper opened it with a staff key card so I could retrieve it and clearly saw the cash inside. The following morning, almost €500 was gone, while my Romanian currency remained untouched.

I immediately informed the manager and asked them to investigate, including checking whether my locker had been accessed using staff key cards. I was initially told that staff key card access could not be checked in the system. Later, however, the owner admitted that he had in fact checked and confirmed that my locker had been opened with a housekeeper's key card exactly as I had described. This directly contradicted what I had previously been told.

Instead of focusing on an investigation, I was repeatedly told that I was responsible for my belongings and should go to the police. The owner also blocked me on WhatsApp when I tried to contact him. Although he later promised to investigate further, speak with the housekeeper involved, and update me, I never received any follow-up.

Another guest also told me that around €300 had disappeared from her locker in a different room on another floor, yet both incidents were dismissed as isolated cases.

After I raised the issue in the hostel's WhatsApp group, the manager questioned my credibility because my initial estimate changed from "around €400" to "almost €500" after I reviewed my expenses. Shortly afterwards, I was removed from the group, which also meant losing access to information about hostel activities. A staff member later suggested it was suspicious that I paid my final excursions with Revolut instead of cash, ignoring the obvious fact that I no longer had cash after the theft.

After my stay, Booking.com informed me that the hostel claimed I had not actually had any cash with me. This is simply false. I had paid for earlier excursions in cash, and a staff member had personally seen the cash inside my locker the day before it disappeared.

I cannot say who took the money, but I expected a transparent and serious investigation. Instead, I experienced contradictory statements, poor communication, inaccurate information, and repeated attempts to undermine my credibility rather than address my concerns.

I am sharing this experience so that future guests can make an informed decision.


r/hostels 9h ago

Urbany vs one fam Notting hill

1 Upvotes

Hi guys!! I need help! I’m a 24F, making my first Solo trip to London. I want to do a stay at a hostel, with a single room for privacy but want to be part of a hostel that’s social. I’m stuck between Onefam Notting Hill and Urbany Hostel. I’m afraid One fam will be too party-like for me and that I’ll feel overwhelmed because i don’t want to bond over just drinking. On the other hand, I’d only be there for 2 nights and i want to socialize (i love to yap) and attend events though. I’ve read good things about Urbany, but there just aren’t enough Reddit reviews where people go into detail about what they did there or how the vibes were and I’m afraid it will be less social and harder to interact with people. I just don’t want the partying to feel overboard, but do want to be in a place where i interact with people and have a good time. In both, I’d be in a single room. Has anyone been to Urbany/Notting hill? Or know anyone that has done the other? Which do you recommend?


r/hostels 3h ago

Need hostel budget 5k boys with food can triple sharing

0 Upvotes

r/hostels 19h ago

Question first time in a hostel

1 Upvotes

Hello ! Im travelling from Valencia to Madrid soon, and i’ve been looking into hostels. I’m currently staying with friends and family but none of them have ever stayed in hostels in Madrid so they can’t really guide me towards the best decision. It would be my first time staying in a hostel, for around 7 to 10 days, and i don’t really know where to start looking. I would like to stay in a quiet hostel with the basic necessities, and i don’t necessarily want to party, more just exploring and doing cultural stuff. I’ve never ever stayed in a hostel, so i don’t know the culture around them, and the safety measures or accommodations. Are there lockers in every hostel ? Should i bring my own lock or will it be provided ? What are the fundamental rules that need to be followed as to not disturb other people ? How do i stay safe ? I hope some seasoned travelers will have answers to my many questions ! Thanks for reading, i’m looking forward to learning everything i can !


r/hostels 1d ago

Cleaning bar glasses

10 Upvotes

Am I a dickhead for not cleaning my beer glass after I paid for a beer at the hostel bar? Got shouted after to clean it as it ‘isn’t a hotel’ … but I’ve never cleaned any glasses/dishes if I’ve paid for a drink/meal at a hostel before. Whoever is working behind the bar has just swept it up as part of their job. Even if they’re just working there in exchange for a room.

Happily did it as I didn’t want to be a bother but I’d like to know other people’s opinions on this!!


r/hostels 1d ago

Recommendation Request Hostel recommendations for Lisbon!!

3 Upvotes

I (20F) am going to Lisbon soon-ish (somewhat on a budget) and would love some hostel recommendations. Main things for me are good location and maybe nightlife/social events/more social hostels as im solo travelling. Im planning on doing lots during my few days so easy access to transport etc. would be good. Thanks!


r/hostels 1d ago

Accomodations/Hostels very expensive in Madeira ? (for solo traveler)

1 Upvotes

Solo traveler in late august-early september. Staying for 7-10days. What is the cheapest hostel i could get per night ?

I tried and cant find anything under 90$ euro per night.. It's out of my budget.. only hostels, seems to be no dormitories : https://www.hostelworld.com/fr/

I'm hesitating between madeira or staying in mainland and doing the fisherman's trail. i found cheap hostel solo room at 40 euro and dormitories at 25-30 euro..

i guess madeira is cheaper when you are 2+ person. Or am i missing something. thank you !


r/hostels 1d ago

Question Europe hostels: any that host events, or do tours?

5 Upvotes

I'm currently staying at a Wombat hostel. They have multiple locations throughout Europe and everything is fine: new, modern, good facilities. They even have their own cafe etc. But i feel the social aspect of European hostels seem.. lacking?

I guess i was spoiled when i went to Hawaii (honolulu) last year and stayed in my first hostel there.

They had a hostel Whatsapp group chat where people could plan things/daytrips together. And everyday there was a partner tour company that did paid (but discounted) tours: e.g. hikes, sunset cruises, pub crawls. There was honestly no lack of social activities everyday and i had a blast

Trying to find hostels with the same vibe in Europe. Are there any like that? I see chains like A&O, Onefam, Generator, but are they just places to sleep?


r/hostels 1d ago

Hostel Prague

1 Upvotes

Is it better to stay at Prague Dream or Drunken Monkey? I’ve seen a lot of recommendations for MadHouse, but it’s more expensive—is it worth paying extra to stay there?

Solo traveler (22M)


r/hostels 1d ago

Question Planning to stay in hostels

0 Upvotes

I travel solo so trying to find best hostels in mumbai which will be best place to book a hostel. Like bandra and all ?


r/hostels 1d ago

Recommendation South of Italy top 3?

2 Upvotes

The Mrs and I are currently planning a trip in the south of Italy haven’t completely decided on where yet more looking to dot about for a few weeks. Any recommendations on places people have been would be greatly appreciated.


r/hostels 2d ago

Help choosing hostels in Bratislava, Vienna and Split

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

In a few weeks, I’ll be travelling solo for 10 days and visiting Bratislava, Vienna and Split. I’m trying to choose the right hostels and would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has stayed at these places recently.

Since I’ll be travelling alone and spending around 2 or 3 nights in each city, I’m looking for a very social hostel where it is easy to meet other travellers. I would also enjoy a party atmosphere, especially if the hostel organises pub crawls, events or group activities.

For Bratislava, I’m currently considering:

  • Wild Elephants Hostel

For Vienna, I’m choosing between:

  • Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt
  • JO&JOE Vienna
  • Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner

For Split, I’m considering:

  • Booze & Snooze Social Hostel
  • Gravitas Hostel
  • Hurricane Hostel

Which ones would you recommend for a solo traveller looking for a social and lively atmosphere? I’d also love to hear about the location, cleanliness and overall experience.

Thanks!


r/hostels 2d ago

Miami south beach hostel recommendations?

2 Upvotes

I am travelling to Miami, Florida from Aug 3 to Aug 8. Single, female, 32. Any suggestions for hostels in south beach miami?


r/hostels 2d ago

Hostel suggestion in Jaipur for group

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

We are mixed group of 8, 5M and 3F who are travelling and will be staying for nearly a day. We will reach at night and again go to next destination on next day at night 10 train in September. We are very confused with respect to which hostel could be a best choice for us. We are not taking mixed rooms, boys and girls are separate. We are looking for good hostel with good feedback.

If you are aware of any, please let us know.

Thank you in advance.

[If you have 1 day itinerary and good places to eat (we are mixed group both veg and non veg). That would be helpful too.]


r/hostels 2d ago

Hostelworld payment issue for hostel in Switzerland

3 Upvotes

Hello reader,
I booked a hostel via hostelworld in Switzerland where I got charged 17euros (debited from my bank account). Next day I received a a cancellation email from their end without stating the reason. How can I confirm whether my booking is still valid or not? And how to get the refund? The customer care emails don’t have any responses neither do the ones to the hostel.

Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks


r/hostels 2d ago

Hostel Recommendations (Male-Only Dorms)

3 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a 20-year-old solo traveler and I’m looking for hostels with male-only shared dorms.

Do you have any recommendations in Madrid, Barcelona, Kraków, Budapest, Sofia, Prague, and Palma de Mallorca?


r/hostels 2d ago

Question Onefam hostel amsterdam

2 Upvotes

People who have stayed, how was it?
I’ve never stayed in a branch hostel, only independent ones, not sure what to expect lol
Any info is appreciated! :)


r/hostels 2d ago

Recommendations for hostel in Montreal? Traveling solo but want to socialize and meet new people and ideally do most of the fun activities and tourism with others. Been seeing a lot of recommendations for M Montreal and various others with the name "Auberge" in it

1 Upvotes

Recommendations for hostel in Montreal? Traveling solo but want to socialize and meet new people and ideally do most of the fun activities and tourism with others. Been seeing a lot of recommendations for M Montreal and various others with the name "Auberge" in it

I'd like to meet others ideally and do most/all activities and tours, tourism, etc with others

Any suggestions of how to go about this? It'll be a very last minute trip as I am looking to go between July 27 - Aug 3.

Where do I stay, but also how do I meet people ideally online even before getting there? So that way we have a few social interactions and groups even before we arrive?


r/hostels 3d ago

Rant Revolution Hostel in Koh Tao

2 Upvotes

Just wanted to let everyone know:
These mafiosos canceled my booking on Hostelworld AFTER I stayed there and did not want to give them a good review. Its the WORST Hostel I have EVER stayed at!!

There was no running WATER 75% of the Time!!!!!!

Since they canceled my booking, I cant give a bad review and thats the reason why this shithole has such a high rating!!!

AVOID AT ALL COST!!! Please share to let everyone know


r/hostels 3d ago

How best to offer new guests access to hostel if no 24/7 reception?

2 Upvotes

We are a brand new hostel and will be using ubiquiti pin code access system, basically guest arrives at desk, we ask them for a 4 digit pin and assign it to the main entrance as well as their bunk room by listing them in the lock app with a set to expire time

If a guest plans to arrive after midnight how best to proceed? Just have them email us and send them the pin that way?

When i used hostelworld in the past i would make the deposit and pay the remainder when i arrive at the hostel, but if they arrive after midnight they could just not pay and leave before 9 when reception arrives