Hostels explained: dorms, private rooms and what to check

What is a hostel and how does it differ from a hotel?

A hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation that usually offers beds in shared dormitories. Many hostels also have private rooms, sometimes with en-suite bathrooms. The main difference from a hotel is the shared sleeping space and the social atmosphere.

Hostels often provide common areas, kitchens and organised activities. This makes them popular with solo travellers and backpackers. The exact facilities vary, so check the property description before booking.

You book and pay the hostel or booking site directly. FindMyHotel simply opens partner sites with your details filled in, so you can compare options easily.

What types of rooms do hostels offer?

Most hostels offer dormitory rooms with bunk beds. Dorm sizes can range from small rooms with four beds to larger rooms with ten or more. Some hostels have female-only or male-only dorms, while others are mixed.

Private rooms are also common and may include a double bed or twin beds. These rooms can have a private bathroom or a shared one. The exact bed types and room configurations vary by property.

When you search on FindMyHotel, you can open partner sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com to see the room options for your dates. The booking page will show what is available for your group size.

What should you check about dorm rooms?

Look at the dorm size and bed type before booking. Some hostels offer pod-style beds with curtains and reading lights, while others have basic bunk beds. The booking page usually lists these details.

Check whether the dorm is mixed or single-sex. If you have a preference, filter for it on the booking site. Also note whether the room has an en-suite bathroom or shared facilities.

Many hostels provide lockers for valuables. Bringing your own padlock is a good idea, as not all hostels supply them. Check the property description to see if lockers are available and their size.

• Dorm size and bed type
• Mixed or single-sex dorm
• En-suite or shared bathroom
• Locker availability and size

What practical details should you confirm before booking?

Check the check-in hours carefully. Some hostels have limited reception hours, especially smaller properties. If you arrive late, you may need to arrange a late check-in in advance.

Some hostels have a curfew, meaning the front door locks at a certain time. This is more common in smaller or older properties. The booking page or hostel website will state any curfew rules.

Also look at the cancellation policy and any age restrictions. Some hostels do not allow children or have a maximum age for dorm beds. These details are usually listed under the property's policies.

How can reviews help you choose a hostel?

Read recent reviews about cleanliness, noise and the location. Reviews from the last few months give a better picture of current conditions. Look for patterns rather than one-off complaints.

Pay attention to comments about the bathrooms, kitchen and common areas. These are shared spaces, so their condition matters. Reviews can also tell you about the atmosphere, whether it is social or quiet.

On partner sites, you can filter reviews by traveller type, such as solo travellers or couples. This helps you see if the hostel suits your style. Remember that reviews are opinions, so weigh them against your own priorities.

What facilities make a hostel comfortable?

Common areas and kitchens can make it easy to meet other travellers. A well-equipped kitchen lets you prepare your own meals, which many hostel guests appreciate. Check if the kitchen has basics like pots, pans and a fridge.

Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, but the speed and coverage can vary. If you need to work, look for reviews that mention reliable internet. Some hostels also have co-working spaces.

Laundry facilities are useful for longer trips. Check if the hostel has washing machines and dryers, and whether you need coins or a card. The property description will list available facilities.

• Common areas and social spaces
• Guest kitchen and equipment
• Wi-Fi quality and coverage
• Laundry facilities

How do you compare hostels and save time?

Instead of visiting many websites, you can use FindMyHotel to open several booking sites at once. The site never adds anything to a room rate and does not show prices itself. You see the price on the partner site, exactly as the hostel set it.

Enter your destination, dates and number of guests. FindMyHotel opens well-known sites such as Hostelworld, Booking.com and Agoda with those details filled in. You can then compare the options side by side.

Look before you book. Check the room type, facilities, policies and recent reviews on each site. A few minutes of comparison can help you find a hostel that fits your needs.

Questions and answers

Do hostels only offer dormitory beds?

No. Many hostels also offer private rooms, sometimes with en-suite bathrooms. The availability of private rooms varies by property, so check the booking page for your dates.

Are lockers provided in hostel dorms?

Many hostels provide lockers, but not all. Bringing your own padlock is a good idea. Check the property description or reviews to see if lockers are available and how large they are.

What is a hostel curfew?

A curfew means the hostel locks its front door at a certain time. You may not be able to enter after that time. Curfews are not common everywhere, so check the hostel's policies before booking.

How do I know if a hostel is clean and quiet?

Read recent reviews on booking sites. Look for comments about cleanliness, noise and the location. Filter reviews by traveller type to see if the hostel suits your style.

Can I use FindMyHotel to book a hostel?

FindMyHotel does not take bookings or payments. It opens partner sites with your details filled in, and you book directly with the hostel or booking site. The site is free and never adds anything to the room rate.