Have you ever stayed in a hostel? I recently took the plunge and stayed in one for the first time on my trip to Paris. Today I thought it would be fun to share my honest thoughts on the experience, including whether or not I would do it again. So let’s get into it!
But first of all – what is a hostel?
A hostel is a cheap type of accommodation typically used by backpackers. They’re a lot cheaper than hotels and most will organise events for you to meet fellow travelers. Usually you will be sharing a room with other people, although some will offer single rooms, too, suiting every budget.
Most hostels will require you to be over 18 to stay there, so do bear that in mind.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at St Christopher’s Inn Canal during my four days in Paris, and I would definitely stay again! St Christopher’s Inn actually have two locations in Paris, with a similar price of around thirty euros per night when I visited. I chose the canal option because it was by the water and had some great views!
Most hostels will also have a restaurant or bar, which is, of course, really handy! St Christopher’s Inn offers 25% off all food for their customers so I had most of my evening meals there. The food itself was nice enough and the service was great!
The location was also ideal, as it was only a five minute walk from the Metro. From there it was around half an hour to most of the main attractions so not too bad! This also meant that at night it wasn’t too loud, as it was fairly out of the way.
Overall, my stay here was a positive one and I’d love to return.
Pros
Now let’s have a look at some of the pros of both my stay, and hostels in general!
1. They’re cheaper
Let’s face it: this is the main reason most of us look at hostels. They’re a lot more budget-friendly than even one star hotels, which leaves more money for exploring! This is especially true when you know you won’t be spending much time there – when I travel I tend to just sleep and get ready in my accommodation, so, if you know you won’t be spending much time there, why spend more money than you need to?
2. You can meet fellow travelers
This was another thing which drew me to a hostel! I’m not the most extroverted person, but I was really keen to get out there and meet new people, which is exactly what I did. Most of the people I was staying with kept to themselves but, if you book through Hostel World, there’s so many opportunities to meet others. They set up a group chat for everyone staying in the area and then you can connect further on other platforms such as Instagram! I met so many awesome people during my stay, and they were all owed to Hostel World.
3. Different room types
One of the best things about hostels is the wide range of room types available! Most will let you choose between female only and mixed genders rooms, which is perfect for making sure you’re comfortable. You can also choose the number of beds, typically ranging from around four to ten people. Some will even offer private rooms, ensuring there’s something to suit everyone’s needs.
During my stay, I opted for a ten-bed, female-only room – and I had absolutely no issues.
4. Extra security
Interestingly, I felt a lot safer staying in a hostel then when I stayed in a hotel in Palma. This does come down a lot to who you’re put with but I think on the whole there’s something much more comforting knowing you’re with so many other people and not isolated by yourself. Also, lots of hostels will have 24/7 security for your peace of mind, as well as lockers you can use!
In St Christopher’s, there were two different types on offer – the free ones in the room as well as separate ones downstairs you could use before and after check in/out.
Cons
Unfortunately, though, there are a few downsides to staying in hostels, which I’ll be exploring now!
1. The bathroom situation
I think the main thing which held me back from staying in a hostel before was the whole shared bathroom situation. There’s just something about sharing a bathroom with strangers which gives me the shivers (especially brushing your teeth when someone else is on the sink next to yours – that’s something I never want to experience again).
The showers at my hostel were also a little questionable – they’d turn off every twenty seconds, which was slightly annoying, but manageable.
2. The bunk beds
Bunk beds might be fun when you’re a child, but when you’re an adult? Not so much. I was horrified to discover I’d been allocated the top bunk, which was a nightmare trying to navigate. I still remember looking at the ladder and wondering how on earth I was supposed to get up there – but I managed!
Still, I’d definitely recommend messaging your hostel to ask for the bottom bunk if possible. There’s no harm in asking – the worst they can say is no!
3. You have to bring more stuff
This is quite a minor point but, when you’re travelling light, everything adds up. It’s a good idea to bring a few extra items with you to a hostel – flip flops, an eye mask, ear plugs, a towel – as well as a suitable padlock. The one I brought with me actually ended up being too small, so please make sure to bring a reasonably sized one!
It’s also important to note that some hostels require you to bring your own bedding. Luckily mine didn’t, but it’s crucial to check this beforehand so you don’t end up without any bedding!
So – would I do it again?
Honestly, despite the minor inconveniences, I know that next time I travel alone I’ll definitely be staying in a hostel. I was a little apprehensive beforehand but after experiencing it for myself I can safely say it’s worth pushing yourself to meet some new people and save some cash in the process! You never know who you might meet…
Have you stayed in a hostel before? Would you consider it? Let me know in the comments!
Until the next adventure,
Ceri
Across the Great Planes 
I’ve never stayed in a hostel before either so I learned a lot from reading this post! Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I’m so glad to hear it was helpful! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I’ve been to a Hostel but the beds were different. So, it’s interesting, and love the extra security to be safe.
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Yes there are a lot of different bed types available, I think it does depend a lot on where you stay! Definitely. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I’m glad to hear there was 24/7 security, as that would be my main priority! Sounds like a great way to save money and meet fellow travellers. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Yes same – I was a little worried about it but it was excellent! It definitely is. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I haven’t stayed in a hostel for the longest time (I think the last time I was a teenager on a school trip). I remember it as being a great experience but then again being much younger can factor into that! I am not sure I would try it again but the one you went to sounds like a really decent experience overall!
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I can’t imagine staying in one on a school trip! I really liked the one I stayed in though, it was so much better than I was expecting. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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Some hostels are definitely better/worse than others, but overall I like them. If I go to Paris again, I will look at this hostel – I could only seem to find 1 in Paris but did only look on Hostelworld x
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Oh definitely, I think I might have gotten really lucky haha! I’d definitely recommend it – I booked through Hostelworld but I do think it can get booked up months in advance. Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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I’ve never stayed in a hostel before, but I like that you listed the pros and cons of staying in one. Like you, I don’t think I would like the bathroom situation or sleeping in bunk beds x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it – and that I’m not alone with that, haha! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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I stayed in a hostel during a school trip once but that’s the only experience I have. Really informative post x
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I bet that was interesting! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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Staying at a hostel can be cool. I tried it ones. But sometimes the facilities can be a bit uncomfortable. So I prefer hotel better.
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It definitely can! I definitely agree that the facilities can sometimes be lacking – but it’s a great way of saving money! Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
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Yay! Glad you had that experience. I have been staying in hostels for years and still do for the social aspects. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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It was honestly great, I can’t wait to do it again! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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I’ve stayed in many hostels in Paris. I stayed on one called Friends Hostel once and it had triple bunkbeds! Never again haha!
Corine x
https://skinnedcartree.com
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Omg – I could never haha! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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Interesting info. As I don’t travel alone much this would never be an option for me but good to know they are safe and clean.
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Thank you! Yes definitely ideal for solo travellers. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I haven’t stayed in a hostel in years, but have a lot of fun memories from my first trips abroad and staying in hostels. I totally agree with all of your points. There are some minor inconveniences, but for the price and the chance to make friends it’s so worth it!
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I’m so glad you’ve had positive experiences too – I think the people you meet along the way can really leave a mark on you. Now that I’ve done it I won’t be going back! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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It sounds like St Christopher’s Inn is a great hostel! I haven’t stayed in a hostel before, but they do seem like a good budget-friendly option.. I’m not a fan of sleeping in bunk beds either!
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Oh it definitely is, I’d really recommend it – and giving hostels in general a go. The bunk beds can take some getting used to though haha! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Thanks for sharing your experience of staying in a hostel, I have not stayed in one since I was a child, but I don’t know where I would do it because I have had stories of peoples belongings been taken 🙂
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Oh I get that – I was worried about that too so I did do a lot of research into places with the best safety facilities etc before I left! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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