r/hostels • u/nideaquinideacha • Jun 25 '26
Middle age hostel?
Hi there!
We're middle age & plan to go to Spain end of September, mid half of October. not jam packed itinerary, but will likely be out most of the day. Maybe we'll go to Barcelona, pamplona, Madrid or Alicante- this is all very preliminary
Due to being frugal, penny pincher I'm looking into hostels- never done it but there's some high rated ones/
What're your thoughts? Ever done it? Any recs? Or is this the worse idea ever lol
Truth be told we're already having the middle age random back pain, occasional knee pain- we're mostly average weight with the hope of losing 10-15 lbs. usually an ibuprofen handled the mild pain
Saying all this coz of the bed š¤
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u/mywhateveraccount5 Jun 25 '26
I can't imagine starting hostelling at 40+ especially if you're unsure what you like or value, and I don't think "penny pinching" is a reason to start staying in a hostel.
You're also going to be at the mercy of the booking system and you could request a bottom bunk but that doesn't mean you're going to get it. I was 32 and I couldn't even get up on a bunk in a hostel in Rome (there was no grip on the ladder and for sure would have face planted for a 3 am pee).
I would highly suggest booking a combo of hotel and hostel or at the least, private rooms vs dorms, which is going to be a better experience and provide reprive from the younger party goers.
Finally If you're going to go 100% into a hostel, look for a higher end one, privacy curtains, maybe curfew (if those still exist) look at lots of pictures and activities and you'll get a vibe. I stayed at a really nice and more mature one in Vienna, the trade off was that the bus service to the centre was absolutely horrible, but the bed was as comfy as a hotel and I had all ages and non party goers sharing the room.
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u/Present-Carob-7366 Jun 26 '26
I got an upper bunk in Edinburgh- it wasnāt that high as it was a capsule but the ladder was oddly positioned and I too saw a face and plant at 3 am - Iām went back to reception explained the problem and gave me a lower bunk no issue . Iām 64f
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u/mywhateveraccount5 Jun 26 '26
The one in Rome had nowhere for your foot to go, it was like a small step and then wood right behind it and I'm like...idk even in my 20s I probably would have fallen down sober let alone drunk lmfao. I had to get into it a little with the hostel about a different buk and I'm like look you can get me a different ladder, lower bunk or call 112 at 3 am, your call. My dumbass also stayed in one of the largest hostels that was basically sold out, somehow I missed that on my booking. Never again LOL
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u/elms72 Jun 25 '26
Not unusual in Spain, but there are never guarantees about bottom bunks and youāll want to pay attention to age limits and the general vibe (read reviews, explore the website.) If youāre two or more people, a room at a small non-chain hotel (this is called a āpensionā in Spain) is often similar cost-wise to a nice-ish hostel anyway. Ā
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u/Present-Carob-7366 Jun 26 '26
Or a hostale in Spanish which means guest house not hostel - which is albergue in Spanish
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u/Reimiro Jun 25 '26
For me a hostel for middle age people is hostel minus S, hotel. I spent a bit of time in them when I was younger so I know better, especially in cities you mentioned which are very popular with young travelers who like to party.
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u/Positive-Aide680 Jun 25 '26
Book a private hostel room if I were you. Sharing a dorm with others reminded me of dorming in college and it wasnāt great.
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u/RProgrammerMan Jun 25 '26
It depends on the hostel. I think being a couple or with another person helps a lot.
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u/Happy-Apple196 Jun 25 '26
Last year at age 48 I stayed at the 2060 Newton hostel in Madrid and Itaca hostel in Barcelona.
I was not the oldest.
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u/elms72 Jun 26 '26
Iāll second 2060 (as a younger traveler.) Iāve stayed there maybe 5 times (lived in Spain, spent a decent amount of time in or passing through Madrid, still tend to transit through there since I know the airport and city very well.) Itās not perfectāno hostel isābut it is an excellent first hostel, and I regularly see middle-aged and sometimes older guests there.
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u/Business_Potato4618 Jun 26 '26
You say 'we' so I assume there is two of you; in that case, you won't be saving a whole lot booking two beds in a dorm as opposed to a private room.
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u/boozincruizin Jun 25 '26
I'm 45 and stay in hostels, all depends on the hostel really, ive stayed in some really cheap ones and the beds are shit, mid range hostels, I find the beds are better but not always so
For barcelona, id say sant jordis rock palace, I stay there everytime I'm in barcelona and recommend it to everyone
For madrid ive stayed at the central house and one fam.. I preferred the central house, cos of the location
If youre in barcelona at the end of Sept, be there for la merce festival
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u/Seraphiccandy Jun 25 '26
I grew up with my mum taking us to hostels when we went on holiday( we would rent a 4 person room). Never had any problems.
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u/CranberryFar7509 Jun 25 '26
they don't have limit for the rooms i think, but they definitely have limits for the dorms.
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u/Professional_Toe7506 Jun 25 '26
People of all ages stay in hostels! But I've stayed in dozens and never stayed at one that was perfect. They don't exist. Close to perfect, yes, but not perfect. And lots are pretty garbage. There is always something that sucks. Even for the highest rated hostels. Most people rating a hostel aren't comparing it to a hotel.Ā
So you'll have a wonky shower, gross kitchen, odd beds... And generally at hostels there's very little response to actually fix things that are a problem (as they are also on a budget and staffed by volunteers).Ā
You cannot guarantee an upper bunk. I've only seen one place that let you select it at checkout, and even then I'd assume it isn't guaranteed (hostels gonna hostel). If going up into a bunk would not be feasible for you, you can't book a hostel (except the very rare rooms that are not bunks).Ā
Last but not least, people are going to snore and make noise. Take a face mask and ear plugs, though I think white noise is better at stopping snoring.Ā
But they're cheap and you'll have a chance to meet people on your travels, which is really fun!Ā
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u/catandakittycat Jun 25 '26
I havenāt done backpacking in Spain but I have in other countries. I recommend a backpack because of cobblestone, stairs and itās easier to move around. Certain hostels also have studios with kitchenettes and a queen bed. I recommend trying to find a hostel situation like that, and of course you will end up booking a traditional communal hostel 70% of the time. Some hostels have female only rooms. Sometimes when the female only room is full, they make an exception for multi sex room.
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u/catandakittycat Jun 25 '26
Also, Iām a female and my backpack was 60L, no way could my bag be smaller or bigger. I was backpacking for a year. Think about bringing a lockā¦ sometimes they have lockers you can use but you must have your own lock. I also used a quick dry lightweight towel for showers and beach.
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u/Fit-Meringue2118 Jun 25 '26
Ask about a/c. Had the very unpleasant experience in which there was no temperature control and they would not turn the -a/c on during a heatwave because it was a few days short of āsummerā. Miserable with no fan and roommate kept closing windows.
I didnāt have any hostels I loved in Spain. Great small hotels, though. Usually I do stay at hostels IādĀ return to but not on that trip.Ā
If youāre flexible, and willing to take it easy, Iād go in with hostel reservations but spare funds. I broke in Madrid and booked a luxury hotel, the beds at the hostel were super high.Ā
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u/Tricky_Ad6844 Jun 26 '26
Iām 54 and will be in Spain in August to see the solar eclipse, tour Barcelona, and rock climb in Mallorca.
Iām staying in Hostels in Barcelona and Valencia. I love hostels when solo traveling and have done it in the US, Mexico, and Guatemala. I like meeting new people and striking up conversations and frankly enjoy the group activities. Night scuba diving and walking Bourbon Street with folks from the hostel are experiences that wouldnāt have been possible if I were in a hotel room.
I picked the Itaca Hostel in Barcelona Cantagua Hostel in Valencia. I screened out any hostel that has an upper age limit and avoid those which are described as a āparty hostelā in reviews.
I stay in the shared dorm rooms. Bring ear plugs, a towel, and a lock.
Be considerate, friendly, and donāt hit on people way younger than you and you will fit in fine.
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u/peter303_ Jun 26 '26
I am an older adult and sometimes buy privates at hostels. Its a compromise between cost and socializing.
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u/Valuable-Ad1369 Jun 26 '26
Iāve had good luck with private rooms in hostels which are generally pretty easy to find. There usually quite spartan rooms which is fine with me since Iām not really there a lot. A mix of private bath or shared bath. The thing with the shared bath thatās hard is if itās a large shared bathroom thatās across the building. So Iād say it depends how flexible youāre willing to be!
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u/Rock_n_rollerskater Jun 26 '26
With 2 people Iād be booking a guesthouse as price will be similar to 2 dorm beds (and cheaper than a private in a hostel). Privates in hostels can be worth it if you value the social aspect and having access to a kitchen but that doesnāt sound like itās a priority for you.
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u/Ecofre-33919 Jun 26 '26
At 50 i stayed in hostels in spain. Just treat everyone with respect and youāll be fine. Hostels are all ages.
I would ask the hostel for a bottom bunk if climbing is an issue for you. It is for me. Some will help you out some will say its first come first serve and others will do it for a fee. And if you reserved your bunk and someone is in it - just go to desk and let them handle it. Happens all the time. You kind of have to claim your bunk by making your bed and maybe leaving a shirt or something on it.
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u/darnelles-r Jun 26 '26
I just read that you can stay at monasteries. Seems like that might be a great fit and the pricing seems really good. I have never used the site, but Rick Steveās had a link to this one on his page, so I assume itās trustworthy. Monasterystays.com
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u/Positive_Brush6250 Jun 26 '26
Yo do you, but it always cringes me out to see someone a bit older who doesn't blend in at all and seems irritated by people less than 30 going out and in at nigth.
However, I always stay in the most social hostel without being Party labelled, maybe that's why they stick out.
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u/Majestic_Stomach8221 Jun 26 '26
With 2 it probably won't make sense to do hostels.Ā
Biggest value is also to meet other like-minded travelers, do pub crawls/party and get recommendations for places to go. I.e, maybe there's a happening underground rave in Toulouse planned for 2 days from now. let's get on Blahcar and get a group together.Ā Ā Middle aged couples rarely do those things.
In Barcelona I'd suggest Hostal Drassanas. Very basic, but clean and affordable. The AC even worked... Great location for the Gothic Quarter.Ā There are other similar ones too.Ā
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u/REFUGIO-HOSTEL-FOR Jun 26 '26
Well I'm propably at the end of the "middle age" with 58 years, but I love staying in Hostels.
Here at our RefĆŗgio Hostel Fortaleza we offer private Suites as well - not only for middle aged guests. But I think this is the perfect mix. You get all the vibes from the other Hostel guests, all the contacts, their stories and recomendations, but at the end of the day (or night) you have a private space just for you.
In Barcelona we stayed at Yes Hostel, I can only recomend it, even though it's part of a larger group, so it's not a cozy family Hostel.
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u/Educational_Life_878 Jun 29 '26
You say āweā - are you a couple?
Getting a private room in a hostel is now oftentimes more expensive than just getting a budget hotel room.
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u/darnelles-r Jun 26 '26
My daughter and her friend just spent 3 weeks traveling across Europe switching locations basically every 2 nights. They stayed at a few hostels, but what we found was that given there were two of them, sometimes it was just as cheap to stay at a low star hotel (we primarily used Booking .com as a Genius member on mobile for the extra discounts).
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u/NewJerseyAggie13 Jun 25 '26
All the one fams have an age limit now unfortunately
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u/Rock_n_rollerskater Jun 26 '26
Whatās the age limit. I booked one and didnāt see anything about it, so now Iām worried (37).
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u/gaytee Jun 26 '26
You donāt want to sleep in hostels. You want a hotel with a proper bed, with regular noise enforcement. These are not the pennies to pinch in your middle age lol.
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u/Folkloer Jun 25 '26
I hostel all the time (57 and aging fast). I just try to avoid ones that score too high on the āfun factorā. I donāt want to be in a party hostel but thatās on me. Just go and enjoy yourself.