How to Choose a Good Hostel When Traveling Solo: The Ultimate Guide
Choosing the right hostel when traveling solo can make or break your experience. Whether you're looking for a social atmosphere, a good night's sleep, or simply a place to rest between adventures, the hostel you choose plays a crucial role in your trip. Over the years, I’ve stayed in both amazing hostels that created lifelong memories and some not-so-great ones that left me wishing I had done a bit more research.
In this guide, I’ll share the key things to consider when booking a hostel for solo travel, along with tips to help you avoid those hostel horror stories. From reading reviews to checking out social media and joining online communities, these tips will help you find the perfect hostel for your next solo adventure.
1. Prioritize Reviews – But Read Them Carefully
One of the most important things you can do before booking a hostel is to read reviews. Hostel booking sites like Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor are great for getting a general feel of a place, but it’s important to read reviews with a discerning eye.
What to Look For:
Consistency: If a hostel has mostly positive reviews with only a few bad ones, chances are it’s a solid option. However, if you notice a pattern of the same complaint—dirty bathrooms, poor security, or rude staff—take that as a red flag.
Recent Reviews: Always check the dates of the reviews. A hostel that had glowing reviews two years ago might not be the same today. Make sure you're reading the most recent reviews to get an accurate picture of the current conditions.
Specific Details: Look for specific details about things that matter to you. If you care about cleanliness, find reviews that mention it. If you're all about the social scene, focus on what people say about the atmosphere. One of the biggest mistakes I made in choosing a bad hostel was ignoring reviews that mentioned cleanliness, thinking it wouldn’t bother me. It did.
2. Check Social Media and Reddit
Aside from the typical booking websites, social media can be a goldmine for discovering what a hostel is really like. Many hostels have active Instagram or Facebook pages where they post photos of their facilities, events, and guests. This is a great way to get a sense of the atmosphere and whether it fits what you’re looking for.
Tips for Using Social Media:
Instagram: Check the hostel’s official Instagram page and look at photos tagged by guests. This can give you a real, unfiltered view of what the place looks like.
Facebook: Hostel Facebook pages often feature reviews, event details, and posts from travelers who have stayed there. Join any relevant hostel or travel groups to ask for recommendations from people who have visited recently.
Reddit: Search for the hostel or destination on Reddit, where fellow travelers often share detailed and honest reviews in subreddits like r/solotravel or r/backpacking. Reddit threads can be an invaluable resource for finding out more about a hostel's vibe, cleanliness, and location, as well as whether it’s solo-traveler-friendly.
3. Pay Attention to Hostel Activities and Social Atmosphere
One of the best things about staying in hostels, especially when you’re traveling solo, is the social atmosphere. Many hostels organize activities like pub crawls, group dinners, yoga classes, and walking tours, which are fantastic opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Some of my favorite nights out while traveling have started with hostel-organized events. These activities take the pressure off trying to meet people and create a natural, friendly environment to make connections.
What to Look For:
Hosted Activities: Hostels that host regular social activities, such as communal dinners or events, tend to have a lively, social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet other solo travelers.
Common Areas: A hostel with a good common area (think lounges, rooftops, or shared kitchens) naturally encourages people to hang out and interact. When choosing a hostel, look for reviews that mention the common areas and their vibe.
Balance: While a social hostel can be great, think about whether you want a party atmosphere or something more laid-back. Some hostels can be very party-centric, which is fun if that’s what you're into, but if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, you might want to choose a more relaxed option.
4. Consider the Location – But Don’t Sacrifice Safety for Convenience
A hostel’s location is another important factor to consider. You want to be close to the action—whether that’s city sights, public transportation, or nightlife—but not at the cost of your safety. Some hostels may offer cheap rates but are located in less-than-ideal neighborhoods.
How to Choose the Right Location:
Central vs. Residential Areas: Staying in a central location can be convenient, especially if you're visiting a new city for a short time. But be aware that central hostels might be more expensive and noisier. On the flip side, hostels in more residential neighborhoods might offer a quieter, local experience but could require a longer commute to tourist attractions.
Safety: Always research the safety of the area where the hostel is located. Reviews often mention if a neighborhood feels unsafe, especially for solo female travelers. You can also check travel forums or ask locals on social media.
Proximity to Public Transportation: A hostel near a bus, metro station, or major transport hub makes it easier to get around. Especially if you’re planning day trips, easy access to transportation can save time and hassle.
5. Research Hostel Amenities Carefully
The amenities a hostel offers can really affect your stay, so it’s important to be clear on what’s included and what’s not. A hostel might offer the basics like a bed and Wi-Fi, but if you want extras like free breakfast, a laundry service, or even a secure locker, make sure to double-check what’s available before booking.
Important Amenities to Consider:
Free Breakfast: A hostel offering free breakfast can save you money and time in the morning. Even if it’s simple (toast and coffee), it’s a great way to fuel up before starting your day.
Wi-Fi: Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi, but make sure it’s available in the rooms, not just the common areas. Poor Wi-Fi can be frustrating, especially if you’re relying on it for navigation or working remotely.
Security: Does the hostel have lockers where you can store your valuables? Are there safes in the room? Secure storage is a must, especially if you’re traveling with electronics or important documents.
Laundry: For longer stays, having access to laundry facilities is a huge bonus. If a hostel doesn’t offer laundry, find out if there’s a nearby laundromat or service.
Pro Tip: Don’t assume that all hostels provide the same level of amenities. Reviews often highlight whether the Wi-Fi is reliable, if the lockers are big enough, or if the showers are clean and spacious—these are the kinds of details that can make a difference.
6. Be Picky – But Not Too Picky
Here’s the reality: no hostel is perfect. While it’s important to be picky and choose a hostel that meets your basic needs (clean, safe, social), it’s also important not to overthink it. I’ve stayed in some great hostels where the atmosphere far outweighed minor inconveniences like small rooms or noisy neighbors. On the flip side, I’ve ignored obvious red flags in reviews (like complaints about cleanliness or rude staff) and paid the price with a less-than-enjoyable stay.
Strike the Right Balance:
Avoid Common Red Flags: If you see multiple reviews mentioning the same issue—especially when it comes to cleanliness, safety, or rude staff—take it seriously. You can overlook a couple of bad reviews, but consistent complaints are usually a sign that the hostel has deeper issues.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Minor inconveniences like a small bathroom or a lack of air conditioning might not be dealbreakers if the hostel has a great atmosphere and a friendly vibe. Decide what your non-negotiables are and be flexible on the rest.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about a hostel, book for one or two nights first. This gives you the option to move if it doesn’t meet your expectations, without being locked in for your entire stay.
7. Follow Your Gut Instinct
Finally, trust your gut when choosing a hostel. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. On the flip side, if a hostel gives you a good vibe and checks all your important boxes, go for it! A lot of solo travelers have their best experiences in hostels that offer a mix of comfort, community, and adventure.
Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Perfect Hostel for Solo Travel
Choosing a good hostel when traveling solo is all about striking the right balance between comfort, safety, and social atmosphere. Take the time to read reviews, check social media, and explore online communities like Reddit to get a real feel for a place before you book. Hostels offer an incredible opportunity to meet fellow travelers and create lasting memories, especially if you choose one with activities and social spaces designed to bring people together.
Remember, a bit of research goes a long way, and being picky about where you stay doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. In fact, choosing the right hostel can be the difference between a memorable trip filled with new friends and a long, lonely
