Hotel Versus Hostel: Which Works Best?

One of the toughest parts of planning a trip is deciding where to stay. Do you want the peacefulness of your own hotel room or the vibrancy of a local hostel? Here are some tips to help you decide.

Hotels — Why They Work 

As stated above, hotels are far and away the more peaceful option after a lively day. They’re quieter (usually) and you don’t have to share a bathroom with people you don’t know.

They’re also a tad bit more secure, with locks on the doors. Hostels typically provide you with a locker that can, let’s be honest, be easily broken into if someone is determined enough.

On the other hand, hotels are also a lot more expensive than your average hostel. Expect to be paying near or more than $100 a night, especially if you’re touring a place during its busy season.

Hostels — Why They’re Better 

Hostels are excellent for anyone looking for immersion. You’re likely to be surrounded by other travelers and locals that work there, so if you’re the sociable sort they’ll work great for you.

They’re also cheaper, sometimes running only $20 per night, though you give up a lot of privacy to save a few bucks. You’ll likely share showers with other guests, so bring your sandals, and you could get stuck bunking with a drunken snorer.

On the positive side, though, you’re likely going to have some extra travel buddies while you’re there as most people staying in a hostel are friendly and looking to interact and explore with others.

Overall, both options work great but anyone looking to get a better feel of a local area should stick with the hostels. It’s a better experience in the end.