For a better hostel experience.

Unleash the potential of your trip with a better hostel experience.

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Amyn. I’ve stayed in over 100 hostels across 17+ countries, and each experience has been uniquely amazing. My goal is now to help enhance hostel stays for both guests and owners.

The hostel system is simple yet powerful, hosting travelers from around the world. It is indeed a viable alternative to hotels.

This website showcases the main features of hostels, offers tips on optimizing your experience, and helps you avoid beginner mistakes. Hostel owners can also find perspectives to enhance their guests experience.

hostel stays

countries

people met

What is a hostel?

According to the dictionary, a hostel is an ‘establishment which provides inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as students, workers, or travelers.‘

This definition might limit the perception of hostels as merely places to stay. In reality, hostels can serve as a great starting point for exploring a new city or country, offering a more comprehensive travel experience.

There is no universal formula for the perfect hostel because each one adapts to its environment, as well as the owner and guests themselves.

Get ready to explore the world like never before with the upcoming book, 100 Hostels. Dive into the vibrant world of hostels, where unique experiences and unforgettable connections await.

This guide isn’t just about where to stay—it’s your ultimate playbook for optimizing travel, saving money, and immersing yourself in local cultures. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a first-time adventurer, this book will transform the way you see the world, one hostel at a time.

Your next hostel adventures start here!

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HOSTEL GUESTS

Hostels provide a unique experience compared to other forms of accommodation, such as staying with friends or family, Couchsurfing, Airbnb, and hotels. The rules in hostels can be written, spoken, or implied, and their enforcement often depends on the season and the diligence of the guests.

The most crucial period for a hostel is its launch. The vital atmosphere is not yet established, yet this period will define its image and the type of visitors it will attract. A hostel’s reputation can evolve for better or worse.

A hostel is a good starting point for a journey. It offers the experience of a temporary flat share with strangers, who may become friends based on shared interests. The optimal place to socialize is the common kitchen, where sharing a meal enhances both the dish and the experience.

A cheaper night’s stay is not always the best option, as additional costs can add up. There is a threshold below which cost-cutting is not worth the compromised experience.

The atmosphere of a hostel is often different upon return due to various factors, such as the transient nature of guests. Guests can play an important role as atmosphere stimulators.

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HOSTEL OWNERS

Hostels ultimately showcase human cooperation. They are ecosystems that adapt to their local cultural environment, the personality of their owners, and the behaviors of their previous guests. The rules in hostels can be written, spoken, or implied, and their enforcement often depends on the season and the diligence of the guests.

The most crucial period for a hostel is its launch. The vital atmosphere is not yet established, but this period will define its image and the type of visitors it will attract. A hostel’s reputation can evolve for better or worse.

Cooperation is optimal when a common order is established. Elements like ecology or the mindset of backpackers—whether young and adventurous, partygoers, hippies, or those seeking tranquility—often serve as unifying factors.

Any traveler can volunteer to contribute to the management and harmony of the hostel. In return, they may receive accommodation and sometimes meals.

The resemblance between a hostel and a coworking space is striking, so it’s not surprising that new concepts are emerging, such as coliving, which merges the two. Hostel owners can play an important role as atmosphere generators.

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HOSTELS BY COUNTRIES*

*In terms of quality/price ratio as experienced as of August 2024.

Southest Asia

Thailand the most fun
Cambodia the cheapest
Vietnam the most all-inclusive

Latin America

Ecuador the most fun
Colombia the cheapest
Mexico the most all-inclusive

South America

Ecuador the most fun
Colombia the cheapest
Peru the most all-inclusive

Europe

Spain the most fun
Portugal the cheapest
France the most all-inclusive

BeST OF & WOrst of

These are the most appreciated features of hostels, regardless of country or local culture.

F

BEST OF HOSTEL EXPERIENCE

Meeting like-minded travelers
Starting point for city exploration
Feeling less like a foreigner
Making new friends
Cost-effective stay
Last-minute booking
Proactive website
Local insight
Access to kitchen
Shared resources

These are the least appreciated features of hostels, regardless of country or local culture.

G

WORST OF HOSTEL EXPERIENCE

No soap, bin, or hygiene facilities
Too many rules that kill the mood
No communal space
Missing basic condiments
No shampoo holders
Faulty doorbell
Not providing city maps/guidance
Squeaking beds/doors
Pressuring guests to leave reviews
Painful ladder in bunk beds

These are the most appreciated feelings when meeting fellow travelers.

F

BEST OF GUEST ENCOUNTERS

Caring and sharing guests
Respectful of vibes
Language exchange
Skill sharing
Travel experiences
Road trip
Business connections
Life stories
Social activities
New insights

These are the least appreciated feelings when meeting fellow travelers.

G

WORST OF GUEST ENCOUNTERS

Pack things too early in morning
Not respecting other’s privacy
Throwing stuff down toilets
All time on cellphones
Overestimating profitability
Overusing hot showers
Making noise/snoring
Complaining online/onsite

Ready for the adventure?

If. not now. when?

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