Hostels are traditionally a place that helps out the usual
backpacker type travelers. The environment is friendly,
and inexpensive. The rooms are usually filled with four
to ten bunks each. Kitchen facilities are for all guests.
We also offer showers, a communal room with television, and
a washing machine for your dirty clothes. There are some
hostels that have swimming pools, camping spots, game rooms,
etc.
Most hostels that are a part of Hostelling International
(which used to be International Youth Hostel Federation)
have rules and standards they abide by. Some are as follows:
midnight curfew and mid morning until late afternoon lockout,
all guests are forced to leave the property. You are allowed
to leave your things there if you like. There are many Hostels
Internationals that now offer 24 hour access. Sometimes they
may ask you to do some little chores. The Non-HI hostels
mostly don't believe in the lockouts, and curfews. Lots of
hostels do not let the co-ed rooms exist but occasionally
they do.
You can get a membership card at HI hostels. Most HI hostels
do not ask for memberships, but they may charge $3 extra per
evening for non-members. That charge will be put towards
you're soon to have membership. You will get a stamp every time
you pay the $3, until it is paid off. If they are not
affiliated with HI they won't ask for membership. If you are
under 18 in the U.S., it is a $10 membership fee. If over 54,
it is a $15 fee and $25 for those that carry loads. In some
other countries it is a little cheaper.
There are beautiful settings for some hostels. There are a
few castles turned into travelers' quarters and in Prague you
can stay in Vaclav Havel's old cell in a past political
prison. Some hostels are better than others naturally.
Most will recommend the ones they have enjoyed the most.
All in all they are great places to meet new faces.
Hostel Finder
Hostels general Info.
