Decisions are hard, especially when there are so many options to choose from. The same can go for choosing the right hostel for your stay in a foreign place, but there are many ways to help you narrow down your choices and choose a hostel that’s the best fit for you.

First of all, why choose a hostel in the first place rather than a hotel or Airbnb? Hostels might be a better fit for a variety of reasons: hostels are known for being much cheaper accommodations and they are typically a great social hub to meet like-minded travellers.

I stayed in my first hostel in February 2023 and have stayed in three more since, so I’ve gotten a solid handle on things to look for when deciding on the right place to stay (read all about my first experience in a hostel here!). Some people are able to quickly book accommodations without much research, however if you’re a planner like me, there are many things to take into account.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time hostel-goer, here’s a comprehensive list of factors to help you choose the perfect hostel for your needs:

1. Read Reviews

Reading reviews on sites such as Google, TripAdvisor, or Hostelworld is a great way to find first-hand accounts of people’s hostel experiences. Look through both the positive and negative feedback to make yourself aware of any potential issues. You’ll quickly be able to determine how clean the rooms and public spaces typically are, how quiet/loud the noise level is, and what the community vibe is like. Reviews can also tell you how secure the property is, including things like the quality and availability of lockers, surveillance, door cards/codes, etc.

Sure, you could quickly glance at a hostel on Google and see that a place has thousands of 5-star reviews, but actually reading through the comments could tell you that it’s a more social, party-based hostel with a lot of noise. So, if you don’t like a lot of noise, you would know to choose a different hostel. On the other hand, if a place looks really nice but you’re looking for a more social experience, reviews could tell you the atmosphere is not set up well for meeting new people.

Keep in mind that individual experiences vary and everyone has different preferences, so look for consistent themes in reviews to make an informed decision.

2. Facilities, Amenities, and Atmosphere

You can easily find what facilities and amenities are offered at a hostel by looking at its website, and you can read reviews to learn more about their quality. Some amenities that might be essential to you are laundry, active vs. quiet common spaces (i.e. common spaces with a bar versus a quiet reading room), kitchens, etc.

For example, if you are planning to budget travel and cook a lot of your own meals rather than go out to restaurants, then a hostel with a full kitchen rather than a microwave and fridge might better suit your needs. Another thing to consider is, will you be staying there for a long period of time and need to do laundry? If so, seeing if the hostel provides washing machines could be beneficial.

Something else to check is the hostel’s policies, such as cancellation, check-in/out times, and any additional fees. Flexibility can be crucial in case your travel plans change unexpectedly.

In addition, some hostels organize social events, providing ample opportunities to meet other travellers. These can include activity nights, pub crawls, or discount tours. Others might offer extra services like free breakfast, airport transfers, or bike rentals. These small perks can add value to your stay, save you money in the long run, and make your travels more convenient.

3. Compare Prices

First, I would like to preface, hostels have become more expensive in recent years. Many places are still trying to recover from Covid, and prices are likely not going to drop at this point. However, when compared with hotel prices, you will still save a lot of money.

Hostel prices greatly depend on the city/country you’re visiting. In some countries you can find beds as cheap as $10 a night, while some US cities can be up to $80+ a night. The amount you’ll pay also depends on various room factors: the amount of beds in the room, if it’s shared or private, and if it’s female-only or mixed. The less beds in a room, the more expensive it is, and obviously a private room will cost more than a shared room. In addition, female-only rooms are typically a little more expensive than mixed, which doesn’t really seem fair, but unfortunately that’s how it is. Consider your budget and the level of comfort/privacy you desire.

Once you know what kind of room you want, you can compare the prices of that type of room across various hostels. I’ll typically have multiple browser tabs open on my computer or phone to easily click through and compare rates.

Also, as a side note, always book your accommodations directly on the lodging’s website!! Never on third-party sites. If something goes wrong, it’s a hassle to fix and you could potentially be left stranded for a night. Booking sites also sometimes take extra unnecessary fees you can easily avoid by booking direct.

4. Location, Location, Location!!

The location of a hostel is another essential element to consider. The most important question is—especially as a solo traveller—is the neighborhood safe? You might find accommodations that are really cheap and fit your budgeting needs, but they could be in a dangerous part of town. Be sure to do research on what neighborhoods to avoid no matter where you travel.

Another location question to contemplate is, is the hostel close to downtown/areas you want to explore, or is it on the outskirts? If it’s quite distant, is there an easy way to get from your hostel to the places you want to go? I’ve found many hostels are in relatively central areas, but of course there will always be a few outliers. So, be sure to check the distance between the hostel and your destinations.

Other things to think about include: What attractions are around? If you’re sensitive to noise, is it in a party district with lots of bars and nightclubs or near a loud railroad? Is it close to public transportation to easily get to and from your accommodation? Are there lots of restaurants or a grocery nearby? Accounting for these factors can save you a lot of time and money on commuting and can ensure you have a restful sleep during your stay, helping you make the most of your time at your destination.

There are many factors that can go into choosing the right hostel, especially if it’s your first time staying in one and you’re wary about the experience. Rest assured, hostels are known to be very safe and full of lots of friendly, like-minded travellers. Of course, you always need to do your research to ensure a place is the right fit for you. By reading reviews, learning about the facilities/amenities, comparing prices, and checking out the location, you should be able to pick a hostel that fits what you’re looking for.

When it comes down to it, sometimes you just need to trust your instincts. You might find yourself drawn to a certain hostel because of its vibe, amenities, or atmosphere. If something feels right, it often is.

With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and enhances your trip. Remember, a hostel isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s a gateway to unforgettable adventures and lifelong memories.