First Time Hostel Experience

Well, I am 59 and I like hostels. I have found that it is important to do a lot of research so you can tell what you are getting into. What you are looking for means a lot, too. I don't like the dorms for a lot of reasons, so I usually book a private room. Sometimes I have to pay for two if there are no single rooms, but it works for me. I have stayed in hostels in Germany (not Bavaria because of age restrictions), Dublin Ireland, and Paris. I had good experiences but I wasn't expecting much except cleanliness, safety and a cheap sleep. Oh, yes, don't forget your earplugs!

I had my first hostel experience just about a month ago.
I stayed 4 nights in NYC and one noght in Rome.
The hostel in NYC, Chelsea international was good, over all. The hostel was outdated, an old bathtub and old paint and carpet. Most of the hostels have bunk beds, I satayed on top one and the ladder was very tinny and made of steel. I have hard time climing that ladder barefoot.
I felt safe , my roommates seemed to be honest.Some of them left their backpacks right there in the room and nothing was stolen.There were small lockers inside and also bigger ones in a different room my the office.This hostel was the only one I found in nYCthat had luggage size lockers.There are a few web sites you can check out, people wrote reviews and you can see some picture sof the hostels. Also you can check a specific hostel review on tripadvisor.com
The problem I had in this hostel was the bedbugs.I think they hide in my jeans and they acted up about 2 days after.

All hostels are different - but I'd say overall they're safe and secure. Yes,you will have to share a washroom, usually the dorm rooms range from 4-12 beds, almost always bunk beds. Several hostels also have private rooms available for a higher price. Most hostels I've stayed at have a
public kitchen and several offer a continental breakfast. Some have curfews, most that I've stayed at do not. Hostels do not have star ratings, but I make sure to check reviews on websites like hostelworld.com and hostelz.com. I almost always stay at hostels when I travel to Europe, especially in the larger cities where hotels cost much more. I find it's a great way to meet people from around the world. Many have a luggage room where you can safely leave your luggage while you are out that day. It's really personal preference - I'm young-ish and just want a place to sleep. However if you want comfort and privacy, stick with hotels.

Hey FA. As you could probably guess it all depends on what might be available to see near your company-paid hotel. As you well know, other than airfare, hotels are the most expensive part of travel. And a nice hostel can run close to a 2-star hotel in Europe. So if there are enough sights within a day trip of your hotel I'd just save the cash. Otherwise compare the hostel costs against a 2-star hotel. The difference is that in a 2-star hotel you'd get your own room. The bathroom, etc. will probably still be down the hall.

"Bed Bugs" are a concern but I know I've caught 'em at even some of the finer hotels of the world. So I'm okay with that. Not that I like Bed Bugs...but I can deal!

I have stayed in one in the US and two in Europe. They are generally friendly, cozy places. I stayed in one in Amsterdam a few weeks ago that was not very friendly or cozy. It was a new hostel and had an institutional feel to it. The hostel in Prague I stayed in was wonderful. The crowd does tend to be young. I am 57 and felt slightly out of place hosteling. But, generally they are fine.

Hi FA, To answer a few of your questions:

Do hostels have a rating like hotels? Not exactly. However, Hostelling International (HI) is a worldwide organization of hostels. Hostels that are part of this network are subject to certain standards. To use these hostels, you generally become a member of the HI association in your home country. You then pay a fee each night to stay at a member hostel. Some HI hostels allow non-members to stay at a higher fee. The website for HI USA is
http://www.hiusa.org/
From this site, there are links to all the hostels worldwide. You can see pictures and details of some of the hostels and in some cases you can book online.

continuing ...
2) What can you expect? It will vary from hostel to hostel. Some hostels are not open during the day (e.g from 9am to 5pm). You need to leave in the morning and return after 5pm. Usually you will be in a dorm with bunkbeds, but some hostels also have single or double rooms. Some hostels include sheets and for others you either bring your own or rent. Some hostels have a curfew. The bathroom is usually down the hall. Sometimes breakfast is included, sometimes not. Sometimes there are lockers where you can lock your pack up during the day, sometimes not. The majority of people staying at hostels will be people in their 20s, but you will see families and people of other ages as well.

I have stayed at hostels in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Australia,etc. Aside from the snoring bunkmate, I've never had a bad experience. Keep your valuables with you at all times (e.g. put your moneybelt in a plastic bag and take it in shower).

I kept my passport and wallet locked in my locker whenever they weren't in my pockets. Most of the people in hostels I stayed in, in Europe left their stuff out. I am more cautious than that, it only takes one dishonest person to practically end your trip.....

Thanks for the great tips! I'm learning a lot!

A friend suggested I try out a hostel here to see if I like the experience. She thinks it will end all curiosity. And change my mind. If I really hate it, I'm only an hour's drive away from home!
The thing is, hotels in the UK can be costly considering the CAD Vs Pound. I'd blow my entire expense account for the day, times two, on just accomodation! Not cost effective!
I really want to visit a friend but she's deep in "Mommy Mode" with toddlers plus a new baby so I wouldn't want to burden her with my stay. So, looks like I have to at least look into hosteling for a couple nights.

Maybe I'll really like it and it will open up a whole new world! Think positive!
Thanks, everyone! Keep those tips coming!

I like hostels. Like hotels or colleges there are a variety for all tastes. Some are party havens with a boisterous crowd and not as clean. Others are very well kept and quiet; they cater to people who want budget-oriented basic accomodations.

A good place to check is message boards. You can see the twenty-somethings' discussion of where the best party spots are. Those are the ones I avoid.

Your questions: yes, generally safe, yes, shared washrooms, sometimes a community kitchen often a dining room with cheap meals, sometimes your own room, often dorms or 4-8 bed rooms, yes, single beds, ratings based on services so would be a one-star hotel, yes, worth savings.

My worst experience at a hostel wasn't the end of the world. The good one's were great.

Look for the word "fun" in descriptions of hostels. That can be a code-word for "party time." I am an adult and have stayed in hostels probably a dozen times over the years. I have learned to avoid: "fun," coed dorms, sketchy locations, and hostels with negative ratings. Having some sort of membership may be helpful, but isn't usually required.
The best hostel in my experience is the one in Menaggio on Lake Como. It comes with a big breakfast and a terrific view. People of all ages stay there. It has a dining room and serves full dinners for an extra cost.
I've stayed at the YMCA in Bath, England. It is a little more expensive if you have a single room, but they are available--it's really a double room with bunkbeds, but rented as a single.
In the USA hostels have been good, in my limited experience. The one at Ft. Baker in San Francisco comes with a world-class view, parking, and easy access to the city and Bay Area.