If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you may be curious about what actually happens behind the usually colorful construct and engaging description in a booking website. While no two hostels are the same, many hostels all around the globe share more commonalities than you might expect. From shared dorm rooms to community activities, the real heart of hostel life lies in the characteristic experience it provides. Apart from just offering low-budget accommodation for travelers, the secret life behind hostel doors also offers the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world.
The Shared Experience
In most hostels, guests share a dorm room with other travelers, although private rooms are also commonly available. The dorm rooms typically are furnished with bunk beds, usually with 4, 6 or even 12 beds. Some hostels, especially in Europe, will have larger dorms with 20 or more beds. Dorm sharing aims at providing a cost-effective place to rest, while also fostering new friendships. Some could argue that the shared dormitory is where most of the hostel life takes place; stories are shared, friendships are forged, and a sense of community is fostered among traveling strangers.
Common Areas in Hostels
Common areas are another significant part of hostel life. Beyond bedrooms, hostels offer a variety of public spaces like lounges, kitchens, bars and game rooms – designed to encourage socializing among guests. In these spaces, travelers share meals, trade travel tips, and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. In many hostels, these communal areas become the heart of the hostel, a hub of culture exchange, buzzing with activity until the early hours of the morning.
Activities in Hostels
Another component of hostel life that isn’t always visible from the outside is the range of activities offered. Many hostels organise events, like pub crawls, walking tours, cooking classes, or movie nights, to offer guests an opportunity to connect with each other and the local culture. These events often provide unique experiences that are tailored to the destination, providing an invaluable look into the local lifestyle and customs.
Hostel Staff
A prominent feature of hostels is the distinctive nature of their staff. These individuals are usually travel enthusiasts themselves, and their main objective is to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for guests. Aside from cleaning rooms and checking in guests, they organise and guide activities, share insider travel tips, and even act as impromptu therapists to homesick travelers. A warm and engaged staff can often be the determining factor in whether a guest enjoys their stay at a hostel.
The Hostel Community
Behind closed doors, the hostel community thrives through shared experiences and communal living. From solo backpackers, groups of friends, to digital nomads, everyone comes together to forge an ephemeral but deeply enriching community. Despite the occasional clashes that come with close quarters, most guests find the experience of living in such a diverse and multicultural environment both exciting and worthwhile, enhancing their travel experience with memories and bonds that last a lifetime.
Conclusion
So, what really goes on behind closed doors in a hostel? A lot, it turns out. Lifelong friendships, unique experiences with local culture, and a vibrant sense of community all form part of the secret life of a hostel. It’s a melting pot of cultures where stories are shared, experiences exchanged, and hospitality norms challenged. Here, the world comes under one roof, and it’s always much more than just a place to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hostels safe?
Yes, the majority of the time hostels are safe. Many have safety measures such as lockers for personal belongings, CCTV in common areas, and keycode or card access to dorms. However, as with any accommodation option, it’s important to be vigilant about your belongings and personal safety.
Are hostels clean?
While cleanliness varies depending on the individual hostel, many are just as clean, if not more so, than a standard hotel. Hostel staff usually clean common areas and bathrooms several times a day, and bedding is changed frequently.
Do hostels provide bedding?
Yes, most hostels provide bedding and some hostels even offer towels either for free or for a small rental fee.
Can families stay in a hostel?
Yes, many hostels offer private rooms specifically suited for families. It’s always best to check the available room types and age restrictions before making a booking.
Are hostels co-ed?
It depends on the hostel. Some offer co-ed dorms, while others offer separate dorms for men and women. Many also provide private rooms.
