100hostels

Better hostels. Better trips. Field notes from 200+ stays across 26 countries.
Get the bookTips for guests

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.

Tropical coast — hostel-hopping scenery
Mountain overlook — high-altitude stays
Coastal town — local hostel neighborhoods
City edge — urban hostel routes

HOSTELS BY COUNTRIES*

*In terms of quality/price ratio as experienced as of March 2025.

Southeast 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

  1. Meeting like-minded travelers
  2. Feeling welcomed, not foreign
  3. Making new friends
  4. Budget-friendly stays
  5. Insider local tips

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

G

WORST OF HOSTEL EXPERIENCE

  1. Missing hygiene essentials
  2. Excessive rules that kill the vibe
  3. No communal gathering space
  4. No local guidance or maps
  5. Squeaky beds and doors

These are the most appreciated feelings when meeting fellow travelers.

F

BEST OF GUEST ENCOUNTERS

  1. Caring and sharing guests
  2. Respectful of vibes
  3. Language exchange
  4. Skill sharing
  5. Travel stories & road trips

These are the least appreciated feelings when meeting fellow travelers.

G

WORST OF GUEST ENCOUNTERS

  1. Packing too early in the morning
  2. Not respecting privacy
  3. All time on phones
  4. Making noise / snoring without care
  5. Complaining online instead of talking

Ready for the adventure?

If. not now. when?

Need some feedback?