When planning a holiday, most people think of staying in a hotel or a bed and breakfast. However, there’s another option that’s worth considering – a hostel. Hostels offer many benefits that hotels and B&Bs don’t and can provide a unique and memorable experience. The adventure begins with where you stay – so choose somewhere interesting!
1. They are self-catering so you have the freedom to cook whatever you want whenever you want.
The first advantage of staying in a hostel is the self-catering facilities that they provide. Unlike hotels or B&Bs, hostels don’t have set meal times or menus, which means that guests can eat whenever and whatever they want. Hostels usually have shared kitchens where guests can prepare their own meals. This can be a great way to save money on food while travelling, as eating out can quickly add up. In addition to the kitchens, many hostels also have common areas where guests can eat their meals together. This can create a more social atmosphere and provide an opportunity to meet new people while enjoying a home-cooked meal. If you don’t like what is on the menu, you only have yourself to blame!
2. They are flexible so you can stay for as long or as little as you like.
Perhaps you are a solitary, long-distance walker who just needs somewhere to rest your head for the night before continuing on your travels. Or perhaps you looking for somewhere to host that massive family get-together. It really doesn’t matter to the hostels in our network. Stay for as long or as little as you like. If you looking for somewhere that welcomes individuals, check out this individuals welcome page. If you are looking to book out the entire accommodation and fill it with friends and family, look no further than this hire the whole hostel page.
3. Choose between private rooms or a bed in a shared room.
Gone are the days where staying in a hostel means sharing bunks with a stranger (though you can still do that if you want – check out our “backpacker hostels” which are aimed at fun and friendly travellers!) Why not hire out a whole dorm room for you and your group? Many hostels offer en-suite rooms and private rooms nowadays meaning you can relax in the privacy of your own space.
4. They are great places to make new friends – or connect with old ones
Staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts or holidaymakers. All hostels have common areas where guests can hang out, cook meals together, and exchange travel tips and stories. This can lead to new friendships and create a more social experience than staying in a hotel or a B&B. Or if making friends is not your style, why not hire the whole hostel and fill it with the people you love?
5. They are amazing value for money!
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a hostel is that it’s usually much more affordable than a hotel or a B&B. Hostels offer dorm-style rooms with bunk beds, as well as private rooms at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. This makes it a great option for budget-conscious travellers who want to save money on accommodation and spend more on experiences. Check out the camping barns and bothies page for the overall cheapest type of hostel accommodation. Or take a look at the special offers page for the latest deals.