Hi! I am getting closer to my trip to Europe, so I need to start booking accommodations. I'm just wondering- is it safe to use a site like hostels.com or hostelworld.com? It seems in a few cases so far that there are better rates off these engines than offered from the independent sites- is that normal/trustworthy? Because it seems kind of too good to be true...
if you have any experience with these sites, it would be greatly appreciated!
Danielle
danielle,
I never use sites like the ones you mentioned for booking Hostels. If I'll be staying at an HI Hostel, I book directly on their website. In some HI properties, having a membership is required but I always renew that every year so that's not a problem. If staying at an independent Hostel, again I book directly on their website.
I prefer to eliminate the middleman and deal directly, as there's less chance of problems. I use the same method when dealing with budget hotels.
Happy travels!
They're both completely reliable. They also serve some hostels that don't have their own booking facilities.
I've used HostelWorld multiple times and have never had an issue. Plus, I think they're waiving their booking fee for this month (December).
I have used both many times and never had any issues.
So, yes it is safe to use them.
I booked my hostel in Dublin, I believe, on Hostelworld as it was the only way to do it. I didn't have any problems booking and I would assume it's safe to use. One of my friends spent a couple of months in Germany and used that same site for all her travels around Europe.
Another vote for hostel world. I first used it about ten years ago and still using it today. Never any issues!
Both are reputable as far as I know, although I prefer to use hostelz.com or the hostel's own website to book.
