All about hostels!

If the only thing you know about hostels is from the 2006 horror film "Hostel" - you are not alone!

This was all I knew, too, about these fantastic lodging options until a few years ago. Now, they are my favorite way to stay.

Why?
1. The price.
They are almost always significantly cheaper than a hotel.
This is especially true in compact, crowded cities such as New York and Paris.
Last winter a friend and I decided last-minute to go to NYC for new years eve. We were able to book a hostel in midtown Manhattan for around $50 each for 1 night. (Most hotels in the city will run AT LEAST $200-300 on new years eve and other holidays).

2. The experience.
In my opinion, there is no lodging option that is as is culturally interesting as staying in a hostel. Often full of travelers from all over the world, it's a very easy way to meet new people. You are all there for the same reason, and have a lot in common, despite your ethnic differences. I've met some fascinating and fun people this way.


If you've never stayed in a hostel before, you probably have some questions.

Most hostels offer several different room options: private dorm, 4 person dorm, 8 person dorm, and 16 person dorm, etc. The more people in the room, the cheaper the rate. It can also be convenient if you're traveling with a few others; you can all share a 4 person dorm, for example.

There are always lockers-- either in the rooms or in the lobby area. Most have free WiFi and computers for travelers' use. They sometimes have bars, laundry rooms, breakfast in the AM, game rooms, etc.

My experience is that they also provide a lot of services and information about the city/area you're staying in, more so than a more expensive hotel.

So, even if you're squeamish about sharing a room, enjoy the experience in a private (2 bed) room.

My favorites:

Meetingpoint Hostel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
De Beau Hostel, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Candy Hotel & Hostel, NYC, USA

I always book on either hostelworld.com or hostels.com. The ratings on these sites are usually accurate and very useful. In the past, I've found it's better to book the higher rated options; they are usually in a more central area and will save you $ on transportation costs.

Get to it!
~Melissa