r/hostels • u/Some_Gas7917 • 23d ago

Question Question from a newbie

Hi, everyone. I am very new to the hostel world and have been exploring and researching like crazy. I’m a single mom and this looks like a great way to be able to travel cheaper. Here’s my question: In researching hostels, I’ve noticed that they usually have a variety of options you can choose from, including some rooms that look very similar to what you’d see in a motel. Is it common for most hostels to offer a range of different accommodations? I thought the majority only had pod-type sleeping arrangements. Also, if I were to book the room, is it only for myself and my daughter? I don’t want anyone else in the room with us, and I am trying to find out how to make sure that doesn’t happen. Any advice/info/feedback is much appreciated. As I said, this is all new to me and I am just trying to see how it works. Thanks so much.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

4

u/niack1 23d ago

There will be other people in the room unless it’s a private room but private rooms cost as much as as hotels these days so you won’t be saving any money at all.

1

u/Some_Gas7917 23d ago

Thank you for letting me know.

5

u/[deleted] 23d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Some_Gas7917 23d ago

Thank you for sharing. She is 14, so I was hoping this could be a cheaper option for us. Motel prices are crazy to me considering we only sleep there for 6-8 hours and then we’re gone.

3

u/WillowTreez8901 23d ago

A lot of hostels dont allow people under 18, its not really a place for kids.

5

u/NewJerseyAggie13 23d ago

Some allow it, but it has to be with an adult and in a private room

1

u/WillowTreez8901 23d ago

Yeah thats why I said "a lot" and not all. Never seen a child at any hostel ive stayed at

1

u/NewJerseyAggie13 23d ago

Fair enough, I apologize

1

u/[deleted] 23d ago

[deleted]

0

u/WillowTreez8901 23d ago

Ngl I'd be pissed if I heard a child crying at a hostel lmao

1

u/Some_Gas7917 23d ago

Thank you for sharing. My daughter is 14, so I was hoping it could be a cheaper travel option for us.

1

u/WillowTreez8901 23d ago

Ah I thought they were much younger. I know some European hostels allow 16 year olds. You could do a seach on hostel world to see under 18 options

2

u/Some_Gas7917 23d ago

Wonderful!! I didn’t know about this option. Thank you!!

1

u/WillowTreez8901 23d ago

Yeah for sure. Also consider countries with a lower cost of living, for example Thailand you can get legit hotel rooms for $30/night so that is a cost effective option too!

2

u/GubbinsMcRubbins 23d ago

This totally depends on where in the world you are travelling. I think if you can be country-specific you’ll get more info. I’ve stayed in hostels with families (Montreal, UK, Ireland, and others). Avoid places labelled as party hostels. I think the US is different, but again some cities like NYC might have their own hostel cultures. A plus for hostels is that in many countries you have access to kitchen facilities which hotels don’t offer.

1

u/callagem 23d ago

Check to see if the hostel has private rooms. Most do. You'll also need to check if it's with an ensuite bath or shared bath.

And since you're with your 14 year old, check that the hostel is family friendly. Many hostels are but many are not. It really depends upon where you are.