Hostels in Europe

Does it say per person? If not, it is likely the cost per room. Another key, if the price for a single room is more than for a double, it is likely per person.

It will vary depending on how they list it. You have to snoop around. See what a single bed in a dorm goes for. If the double/triple is a bit more than twice/thrice what the single bed costs, it's the price for the whole room.

If they are indicating single, double, or triple, then you will have a private room, otherwise they would indicate that it is a dorm bed or a bed in a six bed room for example. Normally you would book based on the number of people, you and your husband for instance would require a double, even though you would have only one room and possibly one bed. In fact the room you receive as a double may be able to accommodate 3 or more people, but you pay for a double. As for your situation, with an infant, it may not hurt to ask, you may just need to get a double, if you require a crib or separate bed, they may consider you a triple, basically since you are a bit unique, talk to them. I would also not assume that Hostels are the best or cheapest route to go. In my experience a small family run hotel often has more charm and is cheaper than most hostels for a private room. Hostels are very cheap for a dorm type bed, not so much for private rooms.

I would email them directly and state your need for a private room for 2 adults and an infant. They will email back letting you know exactly what they have to offer and what the price is.

You can try the Hostelling International booking website:
http://www.hihostels.com/web/index.en.htm We have had a 2 person/2 single bed room in Helsinki and a family room in Oslo. If in doubt about family rooms, e-mail directly to the hostel property.

Be sure to price some budget hotels while you are looking. I find when you want a private room, hostels cost as much or more than budget hotels. Normally a double room is what you need and the price includes both of you. Baby will likely be allowed in a double room with the parents.

Be sure to price some budget hotels while you are looking. I find when you want a private room, hostels cost as much or more than budget hotels. Normally a double room is what you need and the price includes both of you. Baby will likely be allowed in a double room with the parents.

Re: "Do we pay double the price listed because there are two of us even tho we share a room?" The booking site should (hopefully) be clear on whether the pricing is per person or per room. I checked the Oslo Haraldsheim inpuyting one male and one female and the pricing returned clearly states a "per room" price: http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Oslo-Haraldsheim-042001.en.htm The Harldsheim prices for a double room as per room: "Double Room, Breakfast Buffet incl. 90.52 EUR (per night, per room)" That said, other hostels may and probably price differently.

Lisa, As the others have mentioned, room pricing in Hostels is typically "per bed" in Dorm rooms and "per room" for private rooms. Depending on the Hostel, private rooms may have two single beds or one double bed. In some cases, they "fabricate" a double bed by pushing two singles together. I'm not sure what type of sleeping arrangements they have for babies? If you want absolute confirmation on that, send a note to the Hostel as they'll be the best ones to answer any questions about their property. As with most Hostels, be sure to pack along Towels and at least one Padlock for Lockers. I often stay in HI Hostels as I find the facilities fairly consistent from one location to the next. With HI Hostels, having a membership provides cheaper rates and preferred booking over non-members. I also stay at independent Hostels on occasion, and so far they've all been good. I usually travel solo, so typically use Dorm rooms. Happy travels!

Lisa, usually hostel reservation engines allow you to enter the number of persons exactly. A double private room is a room for two people. I will suggest, though, that in your travel situation you check also hotels on the same price range. Often you will find that private rooms at hostels cost more than rooms at hotels with similar levels of comfort. They often appeal to the demographics of couples that don't want to share bedrooms anymore but like the ambiance. Not sure most urban hostels are the best options for taking a baby along though.