What to look out for when booking a hostel
Who only sleeps in five-star hotels or luxury resorts often knows in advance that they are in good hands. However, those who go more on a budget tour can sometimes face unpleasant surprises. Nothing is more annoying than a bad sleeping spot, so if you are busy with planning a trip and booking hostels? Keep these tips in mind and everything will be fine.
Common area
The reason you prefer a hostel over a hotel is the coziness and interaction with other travelers. Even if you are not in a dorm but have a private room, you still benefit from the atmosphere of a hostel. When booking, check if there is a common area with some couches, chairs, a TV, and possibly some computers. Some hostels even have a (small) bar or café, which is really nice.
Kitchen
Ideal for keeping costs down because you can just shop at the local supermarket and store all your stuff here. Especially if you are traveling for a longer period, it is almost impossible to eat out every night. And also here, cooking together is bonding, so who knows, you might meet your new best friend while stirring in the pots.
Early check-out times
You should avoid hostels where you have to check out before 10 AM. You need your sleep and if you have been away from home for months, you don't want to get up at the crack of dawn every day. Good hostels understand that and are flexible with their check-out times.
Wifi
Very important, we can't live without wifi. Fixed computers are nice too, but WiFi is preferred so you can check your own phone. It's especially nice if WiFi reaches the rooms and dorms, check that in the reviews.
Online reviews
Very, very important, before I book anything, I read the reviews on multiple sites. Some sites even indicate how often someone has written a review, so you know if you are dealing with an experienced traveler or a first-timer. Also, take a good look at the content; if someone gives a bad review because the baseboards weren't painted perfectly, you know the writer is a complainer and you don't necessarily need to know the rest of their opinion.
Group activities
Sounds very silly, but especially if you are traveling alone, it is nice to know that there are groups you can join. In December, I am going to celebrate New Year's Eve in Rio and before I booked, I emailed the hostel I had in mind to check if they were organizing something special that evening. They were, and I find that a very reassuring thought.
Lockers
If you have booked a bed in a dorm, it is vital that there is enough space to store your valuable belongings. Almost all hostels have a locker per bed, but I have had hostels that didn't have that, and then I left and went looking for another place without preparation.
Check the room
So if you are going to book a room ad hoc without doing extensive online research first, ask if you can take a look at the room or dorm beforehand to make sure you are not placed among the cockroaches.
