Shall we understand what is a “Hostel”  in Europe?

Quick history about Hostels:

• The first Hostel was in 1909.
• It was a German Hostel in Altena Castle created by a teacher, Richard Schirrmann.
• Hostels became popular post-World War II when people stated to travel more.
• Concept of a Hostel: The idea was to provide affordable lodging and a meet point for young travellers.
• Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms and communal spaces, fostering social interaction.
• Nowadays Hostels have changed a lot.

So, what are Hostels like now in 2024?
First of all, Hostels have undergone significant changes, especially post-COVID, due to travel restrictions and hygiene protocols. Many smaller hostels shutted down, allowing larger ones to expand. COVID precautions have also led to more spacious rooms, an increased private rooms options and upgraded amenities in common areas for enhanced hygiene and modern comfort.

Secondly, in today’s globalised world, where travel is more accessible, hostels continue to evolve to cater to diverse travellers. They adapt to new trends, offering a variety of experiences to suit every individual’s characteristics and budgets.

Type of Hostels you can find in Europe:
Hostels come in different shapes and sizes. Budget hostels offer cheap beds with almost no extras, perfect for saving money. Chain hostels have professional staff and great amenities for a comfortable stay. Boutique hostels give that hotel-like vibe but keep the social atmosphere.

• Youth hostels
• Backpacker hostels
• Luxurious/Boutique Hostels
• Party/Events/Social Hostels
• Eco-Friendly Hostels
• Themed Hostels
• Activity Hostels
• Digital Nomad Hostels
• Cheap Hostels
• Family-Friendly Hostels

The nice thing is that you can find the best Hostel that works for you!

What will you find inside a Hostel?
Types of Accommodations
Dorm Rooms

Dorm rooms are shared accommodations with multiple beds in one room. You get a bunk bed, a locker for your stuff, sometimes a safer and shared bathroom facilities or ensuite shared bathroom. Ideal for budget travellers who want to meet people and share experiences.

Private Rooms

A private room in a hostel gives you your own space or for more people with a lockable door. Privacy together with the social vibe of a hostel. You might also find a private bathroom, ensuite bathroom, desk, or even a TV depending on the Hostel. Perfect for those who want privacy, a bit more comfort and still get the sense of community.

Spaces in a Hostel

1) Common Areas

Common Areas are a very important part of a Hostel. It is where you can chill and relax, but also have the first interactions with other travellers. These spaces often have libraries with exchangeable books, music instruments or table games. Everyone is supposed to take care of shared areas.

2) Common Kitchen

A hostel will always have a common kitchen! It is a vital part of a Hostel for travellers. You can save money eating at the hostel and conserving food in the fridge, also it will allow you to only eat out when you consider it important or valuable to you.

Usually hostels give some free food as free olive oil, pasta, cereal, salt, sugar, pepper (It might change from country to country, I’m sure having a good OLIVE oil disposable is almost only in Italy =) ).
It will also be the moment to make lunch or dinner with other travellers, after being away from home, it might be one of the few things to bring you back home while travelling the world: A nice family dinner! Knowing new cultures and tastes, sharing skills and histories.

3) Restaurant/Bar
Many hostels now have also an inside restaurant

You can check the menu online:
YellowSquare Rome menu
YellowSquare Milan menu
YellowSquare Florence menu

4) Rooftops

5) Swimming Pool

6) Co-working spaces

7) Hair Salon

It will depend on the Hostel, but the variety of common places is nice to live the hostel vibe and socialise.

Facilities
Facilities though are very important to have the minimum confort, safety and know what to pack when staying in a Hostel.
Always check them in the websites before booking. =)

• Free wi-fi
• Reception 24h (Not all Hostels, but a majority)
• Luggage storage: free at check-in and storage for rent in any moment
• Laundry: Laundry machines inside the hostel
• Towels: free for private rooms and for rent for dorm rooms.
• Cleaning service in the morning.

A little bit about the social life in Hostels…
When you are in a Hostel, make an effort to participate in the activities and events. These are the moments that provide valuable opportunities to build friendships, which is especially meaningful for solo travellers. These experiences make the stay unforgettable and memorable for life. It also contributes to feeling more connected to the local culture and community, such as being open for locals to enter/live the hostels, but also tours to local shops, workshop and dance class with local people, and much more!
It can actually be said that this is a vital part of hostels that differentiate them from hotels, airbnb and rent houses.

How long can you stay in a Hostel?
Usually you can book in a Hostel for a maximum of 15 nights and they might offer you an extended option with a discount for those who desire to stay longer or had a change of plans at last minute. In Europe it is common to stay no that many days in a Hostel since people take a long time travelling but splitted in many different countries, the so called “Europe Trip”. It’s interesting to consider that however making longer stays and taking time to know places is a new factor in the trend of eco-travelling. It’s often called “slow travel” which means take your time with less footprint carbon emissions and give more to local communities. Read more here in our “Slow Travel article”.

The Bright side of staying in a Hostel?
Staying in a hostel offers a vibrant social atmosphere, ideal for making new friends. It provides budget-friendly accommodations, unforgettable travel experiences. Hostels often offer local insights, activities, events and parties .

The not so bright part of staying in a Hostel
1) Not having table service or room service.
If you are hoping and expecting that kind of service, that is one thing you won’t find in a Hostel. Hostels are more the type of “help yourself” thing. Though, many hostels also help you with your luggage =)

2) Do not stay in a Hostel if you want your own space, do not interact and do not meet new people.
*Even though there are so many common spaces, you can usually find a way to read your book and be at peace by yourself when needed!

It would probably be the only two things for not staying in a Hostel, because to be honest, now people have so many types of hostels to choose from: if you want breakfast included… you can find a hostel with that option. You do not want to share a room or a bathroom, you can also find private rooms. You want a more luxurious spot… and yet Boutique Hostels are becoming a trend and growing in numbers.

It’s more something like: Find the perfect hostels that fits you!

Where to find a Hostel?

• Hostelworld: is the most famous website specific for Hostels.
• Booking.com: You can always find options for all types of stays.
• Hostelz: is a website that compares all Hostel rates and prices avalaible on the internet for you.
• Just search on google filtering by the city you want to stay in and check reviews.
• Go to the Hostel Official website you liked the most in your research. You might find a lower cost and discounts =)

Top 10 hostels in europe according to Hostelworld (2024):

1. St Christopher’s Gare du Nord, Paris
2. Generator Hostel, London
3. ClinkNoord, Amsterdam
4. The YellowSquare
5. Castle Rock Hostel, Edinburgh
6. Ostello Bello Grande, Milan
7. Sant Jordi Rock Palace, Barcelona
8. Czech Inn, Prague
9. Wombats City Hostel, Berlin
10. Isaacs Hostel, Dublin