What is a hostel?
And other Hostel Questions.

What is a hostel?
A hostel is a low priced accommodation that offers a bed, pillow, blanket, and bathing facilities, usually in a dorm style. Most hostels require that you have your own sheets (learn how to make a sleep sheet) and towels. If you do not bring your own, it may be possible to rent them from the hostel.

Types of Rooms/Beds
Most hostels offer private rooms and/or dormitories. Private rooms are usually singles, twins or doubles though some properties also offer triples. Dormitories vary in size but generally range from 4 beds to up to 20 beds. Most dormitories offer bunk-beds though some offer a selection of bunks and regular single or double beds. Most hostels have a communal shower / toilet facilities which are generally provided not too far away on the same corridor. You may sometimes request a single sex room (all male or all female) or a co-ed room (both genders share a room). Another thing to request is a lower or upper bunk, if you have a preference and if they assign individual beds. Some hostels just assign you a room and you take any available bed.

Who can stay at hostels?
Student groups, families, couples, independent travelers, college students, seniors citizens, etc. may stay at hostels. Most hostels require that guests be at least 18 years old or they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/chaperone.

How much does it cost to stay in a hostel?
Adult prices range from $5.00-$30.00, with the most common prices being between $15.00-$20.00. Large, popular cities tend to be a bit pricier than smaller towns. Hostels in Eastern and Southern Europe tend to be on the low end of the price range. Dormitories are the cheapest with anywhere from 10-20 people in a room. Many hostels also have 6, 4, 2, and 1 person rooms or offer special rooms for families--each at an increasing price.

Where do I leave my backpack when I'm out exploring?
Some hostel have lockers or luggage rooms where you can store your backpack while you are out exploring during the day. Many have hostels with rooms locks (so it cuts down on who has access to your room). Most people generally leave their backpack on or under their bed while they are out during the day. Keep essentials like your passport, money/credit cards, camera, and any other valuable items with you at all times in your money belt or day pack while you are out. Some hostels also offer lockers either free of charge or for hire so that people staying on dormitories can lock up their valuables. There may also be luggage rooms by the front desk.

What kind of services/amenities do hostels offer?
Here are examples of what some hostels offer:
Free continental breakfast and/or coffee & tea
Laundry facility access
Kitchen access
Discounted meals
Bicycle rental
Internet access
On-line booking
Satellite television, VCR & video library
Pool tables
Travel & reading libraries
Bookings for backpacking tours, day trips, city tours, walking tours, etc.
In-house bar and/or restaurant
Train station and/or airport pick-up
Sheet, blanket, & towel rental

Book/Look for a hostel