Comments on: 12 Ways to Avoid Staying in a Bad Hostel

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:14:10 +0000

Hi Guys

I run a Hostel in Scotland, and i think it would be useful for people reading this blog to understand that NomadicMatt is talking about International Hostels. IH Hostels are normally located in big cities around the world. Most Hostels outside of the cities while still having bunkrooms, private rooms, common areas and communal kitchen most likely won’t provide breakfast. Also check where you are booking there are subtle differences in Hostels, so check the name are they a Hostel, IH Hostel, Backpackers or Boutique Hostel. They all provide a different service, for example traditional Hostels will have a lock out during the day, where as a Backpackers won’t. Also lets not dis push button showers we are all trying to save the planet guys… Peace and love 😉

By: Rose

Rose — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 03:09:04 +0000

As a cautionary sidenote to checking out online reviews – make sure the hostel has at least 20 or 30 reviews listed. To play it safe, I don’t even look at hostels with under 50 reviews, 5 star rating or not. I’ve seen hostels with reviews raving on how excellent everything was, but there were only five or six reviews. Makes me wonder if the hostel owner bribed his entire family and employees to write glowing reviews.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 17:15:52 +0000

Anyone with good recommendations for good,friendly hostels with private rooms for families with older children in China? Especially Beijing & Xiamen.

My girls are experienced travelers, mature and love meeting new people. We’ve shied away from hostels in China before because we had the feeling that families weren’t welcome. . . . any thoughts on this?

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 12:07:13 +0000

In reply to Alek. Ha! That's one way to do it!

By: Alek

Alek — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 13:31:32 +0000

A little different point than the original topic, but the way I pick my hostels is, first, to read the worst reviews, and then consider how well they state their opinion, consider what they ‘re whining about, and then decide whether or not the negative things are an issue for me. The best one I saw was at Casa de Amigos in Granada. I was looking for an inexpensive place with a friend. The bad review read:

“All the owner wants to do is sit in the kitchen of one of the houses, listen to music, smoke hash and chat with coeds. Terrible”

Needless to say, I booked it that minute. I wasn’t disappointed. The bad review was spot on.

By: Kay Rodriguez

Kay Rodriguez — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 13:19:44 +0000

Kitchens are great and I’d say lockers are a must-have. I’ve known too many people who didn’t lock their things and found huge wads of cash missing later! Also, the check-out time thing is definitely something important to remember, especially if you’re keen on sleeping in (like I am some days) or you have an afternoon/nighttime departure.

By: John Unger

John Unger — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 23:42:03 +0000

The first time I ever stayed at a hostel was in San Francisco. After being asleep for a few hours after a night of bar hopping, I woke up to the soothing sounds of two dogs fighting in the hallway; apparently, traveler’s pets don’t always get along as well as people do. I honestly didn’t do the hostel thing too much after that, but it’s inspiring to hear stories from people who have actually found the nice ones out there!

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 07:13:09 +0000

I can definitely agree about the common room. That is both crucial and essential. I have stayed in a lot of hostels that are poorly designed and you rarely interact with other travelers or it is in an unnatural way. A common room is a great way to allow people to interact and get to know one another.

By: mike

mike — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 22:31:37 +0000

Its obviously not ALL about the money, but you can save big with free wifi, breakfast included, free water refills and free coffees. I tend to look out for these and if I go large on these items, I can get away with having to pay for just one additional meal on any given day and not much else – it all adds up. In fact, I think I might even be MAKING money on some days with the number of free pancakes and coffees I wallop down throughout a day. The cost of a $6 dorm bed is quickly eroded with such freebies!

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:36:57 +0000

In reply to Alise. What were the names of the hostels?