In Defense of Hostels (ft. My Top Five) — MAGGIE DANIELLI PECORINO

Hostels have become such a regular part of my life that I feel no need to discuss them. So it comes as a bit of a shock to me when I realize that people still have negative perceptions about hostel culture.

Then I remember that sleeping in a room with strangers is not exactly normal for most adults, and I am reminded why people question the allure.

Bunk beds are for summer camp, you might say.

Fine. Let me try to change your mind.

Many hostels are nicer than budget hotels.

As someone who earns commission booking hotels, I probably shouldn’t be saying this. But I am a travel advisor for the people.

Hostels are not just for backpackers anymore. With the rise of remote work, the number and quality of hostels is increasing worldwide. Plus, the newness of many makes for a better (and most definitely cheaper) choice than say, a long-neglected Holiday Inn.

This is especially good to note when private rooms are available, which is nearly always. Do not discount this idea for your next trip.

2. Reliable ratings and reviews.

Where you stay can make or break a trip, especially when it comes to hostels. Thankfully, budget travelers like to help each other out, and there is no shortage of resource to help gauge accommodation.

My (and most people’s) holy grail is Hostelworld. Anything rated above 8 stars will suffice. Anything above 9 is sublime. On top of detailed reviews, you’ll find photos, lists of amenities, and room options.

Tips:

Crosscheck Hostelworld with Google reviews if you’re nervous.
Book direct via the hostel website; it’s often a better rate, sometimes with included breakfast.

Support locally-run, individual hostels whenever possible. But know you can rely on the bigger chains (Viajero, Selina, Generator, etc.) for consistency.

3. Community.

I often say that even if I had a higher budget for accommodation, I’d still opt to stay in hostels — and this is why.

People ask how to make friends while solo traveling, and the answer is: you don’t even have to try. You could be frying up some breakfast when someone compliments the style of your eggs, or your shoes, or whatever. And the next thing you know you’re drinking on a boat on some lake you’ve never heard of with people you just met, and it ends up being one of the most fun days you’ve had in some time.

Such is hostel culture.

And if you want your privacy, that’s okay too. No one’s forcing you to hang out. The charge of my social battery comes and goes, but the friends I’ve made in hostels are literally forever.

—

And now, a short list.

I’ve stayed at some odd 50 hostels in upwards of 20 countries. Here are five of my favorites.

Mellow — El Paredón, Guatemala

My first volunteer gig: the sweetest surf town escape — and yes, I say this with completely objective bias. Mellow is a five minute walk from the beach. Chill and remote-workable during the day, lively and social at night. Rooms are far enough away that you won’t be kept up by music if you need some ZZZs. Delicious on-site restaurant. Pool table, surfboard rentals, yoga, great cocktails.

Highlights: the range of nightly events from trivia to proper DJ sets, AC dorms (not all that common in these parts), amazing family dinner.

Rates: dorms from 18 USD/night

(For the party, opt for no other than the one and only Driftwood Surfer. For something a little more bougie, Cocori.)

Apapacho — Mexico City, Mexico

New opening alert. I’d be hard pressed to find a nicer hostel in CDMX. You can really see the love that went (and continues to go) into this place. Housed in a large, very pretty, 100+ year old building in the historic center, but fully modern and well-kept. Social — family dinners, trivia, walking tours — but not a party hostel.

Highlights: biggest, best-equipped hostel kitchen to ever exist, spacious rooftop with panoramic city views, huge bar with an A+ happy hour.

Rates: dorms from 12 USD/night

La Ponderosa — Costa Caribe, Colombia

In the land of grade A hostels that is Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, Ponderosa still manages to stand out above the rest. Sustainable, powered 100% by solar energy, winner of the 2024 Eco Warrior award on Hostelworld. The adrenaline-inducing motorbike journey up the Santa Marta mountains and into the middle of nowhere is a highlight in itself, and the reserve that hosts the property is just magical. If there’s been enough rain, you can even tube down the river all the way to the sea. Rooms and amenities are no frills, but that’s part of the vibe. You come to Ponderosa to get off the grid in nature.

Highlights: absolutely delicious vegetarian meals included in the rate, wifi available for only a few hours each day, forcing natural human interaction. What a concept.

Rates: dorms from 13 USD/night

(For the party, none other than the infamous Rio. For chilling on the best stretch of beach, Mendihuaca Surf Camp. Find the full list of Costa Caribe hostels here.)

Long Story Short Hostel & Cafe — Olomouc, Czech Republic

If you ever find yourself in the small Czech town of Olomouc — and why not? — there’s really only one option. LSS was memorably the nicest hostel I stayed at during my 2022 Eurotrip. It gives more hotel vibes than anything, especially as the social component is not the point here. Quiet, aesthetically pleasing, squeaky clean, and central. Overall, an extremely comfortable space and base to explore this under the radar city. I felt like I could have lived there long term.

Highlights: design, modern facilities, delicious, organic on-site cafe and restaurant with BBQ nights!

Rates: dorms from 19 USD/night

Ostello Bello Firenze — Florence, Italy

This Italian hostel chain prides itself on hospitality and from my experience in Florence, it succeeds. Social, fun, and perfectly located out of the central fray, yet still walkable to everything. Five minutes from the train station. Free welcome drink. Lots of activities. Kind staff. Notably, it’s rare to find a hostel that serves food and also has an operating guest kitchen, and for that Ostello Bello deserves praise.

Highlights: lovely kitchen and terrace, hearty 7 euro buffet breakfast.

Rates: dorms from 95 USD/night, summer. Half-priced in winter. (If this seems unreasonable, it is. But this is how much nice hostels in popular European cities are going for these days.) Book in advance!

ONWARDS,

Mag