Hostels vs. Hotels: Things You Need to Know during study abroad
What distinguishes a hostel from a hotel? The distinction between the two forms of living while traveling has grown more blurred, notably in Asia and Europe, where hostels are trendy. When planning your vacation, there are a few critical differences between hostels and hotels to consider. If you are a college student wanting to study abroad and looking for the best choices to stay in while traveling during your studies, this guide will assist you in identifying significant issues and determining which option is best for you. Also, we have discussed the pros and cons of both that will help you decide in a better way.
Staying at a hostel
A hostel is a type of low-cost accommodation shared by travelers. When a guest makes a reservation at a hostel, they generally make a reservation for a bed for the night, not a room. The guest's bed may be in a room that has three other beds or up to twenty beds at times.
Pros of Hostels:
Inexpensive
Hostels are an affordable alternative to hotel accommodations, particularly when compared to staying in a hotel. Although costs vary by region and hostel, most hostels worldwide are less expensive. However, there are less costly hostels in South America and more expensive cities such as Washington, DC.
Group Travel
Hostels enable everyone to share a spacious room. Indeed, some hostels accommodate up to twenty people in a single room. Having this option may be a lot of fun, especially if you are planning a group vacation, and it removes conflict about who gets to share a room. When I studied abroad, my friends and I took a trip from Thessaloniki, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey, and we all stayed in this hostel with about 15 beds in one of their rooms.
Offer Interesting Activities and Events
At hostels, there is usually something entertaining going on, from excursions to parties. For instance, there are some hostels connected to nightclubs. If you stay at a hostel, you are unlikely to be bored in the evening. Most hostels have activities each night that will help their guests mingle with one another. This is perfect for solo travelers.
Free WIFI
Who doesn't like free wifi? The majority of hostels provide free access to their guests. If they do not then the cost is usually inexpensive or usually only provided in the lobby.
Location
Hostels are usually situated in the perfect locations for sightseeing. Generally, hostels are surrounded by restaurants and nightclubs. Being in the center of everything could save you money on transportation.
Cons of Hostels
Lack of Privacy
If you stay in a hostel, you will almost certainly not have a private room. You'll share a room with up to twenty individuals, many of whom may be unconcerned about having roommates who value their privacy. Although some hostels provide private single and double rooms, they are frequently in great demand and may be unavailable during your stay.
Bathroom for Each Floor
Hostel restrooms are dorm-style, with one on each level, similar to a college dorm. Private toilets and showers are only available in a minimal number of hostels.
Theft Risk
Due to the shared nature of the accommodation, your things may get stolen by other visitors. Usually, there are lockers, but hostels not having lockers could increase the risk of having your stuff stolen. If you have expensive items and do not want to risk those items getting stolen, you should try to find hostels that state that they will provide you with a locker.
Some Hostels Are Noisy
When reserving online, carefully read reviews but keep an open mind. If your room is next to a bar or communal space, you may experience late-night noise. You are also sharing a room with other individuals who could potentially cause a disturbance.
Staying at a Hotel
A hotel is an establishment providing accommodation, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists. The following section discusses the advantages and disadvantages of booking a hotel while traveling.
Pros Of Hotels
Security
Hotels protect you as well as your belongings 24 hours a day. Guests do not have to share a room with strangers. There is usually a safe deposit box in your room to store your valuable items. The hotel's personnel are ready to check on you regularly.
Room service
You will not encounter difficulty if hunger strikes late at night. Usually, hotels have 24-hour room service.
Great amenities
Other hotel amenities include a luxury spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Hotels are great to escape from daily life and are an excellent way to relax from stress. There will be attendants who will take care of all the household duties.
Free WIFI
Who doesn't like free wifi? The majority of hotels provide free access to their guests.
Location
The majority of hotels are situated in the perfect locations for sightseeing. Generally, hotels are surrounded by restaurants and nightclubs. Being in the center of everything could save you money on transportation.
Cons Of Hotels
Costly
Hotel rooms are prohibitively expensive, especially when staying for an extended amount of time. Even if you are fortunate enough to afford it, the rooms may be placed in separate locations or buildings, severely limiting team contact.
Expensive Laundry
Hotel rooms usually do not have a washer/dryer. If you want laundry services from your hotel, be prepared for the overpricing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is your choice to choose whether a hotel or a hostel is a better fit for you. If you are on a budget and do not mind sharing shared spaces with strangers, a hostel is an excellent alternative. If money is not a problem and you dislike the thought of being surrounded by strangers for the duration of your visit, a hotel could be a good option. If you are a solo traveler or traveling with other individuals and like the idea of easily meeting other travels, then booking a private room in a hostel might be the best fit for you.
Booking sites that will help you find a great hostel.
Booking sites that will help you find a great hostel.
Stay tuned for our next blog on how young travelers are no longer looking at hostels or hotels as an option; instead, they are looking at Airbnbs.