Hello! This is my first time going to Europe... we will be going from May 17th-June 2nd. I was wondering if we should book hostels the day of or in advance? Should we check out the hostel before or just online? Any suggestions on hostels in France (Paris) and Italy (Cinque Terre, Rome, Florence... unless we come up with better ideas for places to go)?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
You should be ok getting a bunk day of during those dates as it is not quite peak season then but it saves time and headache just reserving ahead. Not all hostels are created equal so you can ck www.tripadvisor.com for reviews. Also some hostels have private rooms if you have interst in those def. reserve ahead.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
I booked our hostels about 2-3 months out as we had an 8 week trip.
Check these sites for rates and reviews, location, etc.
http://www.bug.co.uk/reviews/hostels/Europe/index.htm
We did not have to pay until we arrived at the hostel.
I would advise you to carry a printed confirmation of your reservation with you along with a copy of their web page with address, phone #, etc.
Also reconfirm your reservation a couple of days in advance
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, NC, United States
8 posts
Thanks guys! I will be sure to check those sites out!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
I have been researching/booking hostels through hostelz.com. I am booking ahead, but that's because I need to apply for visas, and having lodging booked generally helps. My friends who went last year (and were U.S. citizens) did not book ahead. They went in late June, and they were fine.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I normally call in the morning to reserve for that night. That gives me flexibility (to decide where I will be each night) and puts me in line ahead of everyone who shows up in the afternoon.
Some hostels are booked up all the time (Burg Stahleck over the Rhine is an example). If you want to stay at one of those, you will need to book as far in advance as possible.