Hostels
"What To Expect, Things To Do, And Not To"
Hostels are ideal for backpackers as they are a social environment where independent and group travellers can relax, plan onward travel, and sort themselves out for a low price. Hostels are better than hotels as they have many more amenities and much more information available. They will have a laundry which will be vital after a couple of weeks rotating your boxer shorts through every possible permutation or reusing the same damp towel. They can provide cheap internet access and arrange activities sometimes at discount prices.
Living along side and sharing amenities with fellow travellers demands a certain level of respect for each one another in order for hostels to operate effectively.
A major contention point is food preparation and hygiene. The vast majority of hostels provide basic cooking facilities and food storage space which can be greatly contested in high season. Most hostels require you to label your food when in the fridge or on shelves and rely on people being honest about their food. Generally backpackers are respectful of other people's food, but if food does go missing it is usually better to tell the hostel staff than go accusing. It is also expected that each cook washes up what he or she uses to prepare their food. It is generally acceptable to eat your food before washing the utensils you have used such as pots and pans, as long as you wash them up promptly after finishing your meal.
At the end of your stay the hostels do ask that you strip your bed sheets and place them into the laundry baskets provided. This is done as a matter of courteously but would be enforced if you did not comply. It is not unheard of that hostels ask for a deposit on sheets for your stay but this is uncommon.
All hostels ask for no drugs or alcohol. This is strictly enforced as it can lead to further trouble. Hostels are meant to be a place of sanctuary for travellers and usually reserve the right to keep deposits or even remove you from the premises.
Do not be too noisy after the quiet time cut off point. If you are loud after this time, especially in a dormitory, you can guarantee there will be someone you will upset.
Hostels generally ask for a quiet time curfew normally around 11 o'clock.
Room OptionsIf you are looking for the cheapest stay then a dormitory is best. These can be as large as twelve, but the more you share with the lower the price. The typical size of dormitories ranges from 4-12 backpackers.
Shared rooms are for two people. You can be assigned a random person to bunk in with or you can go with a friend but be charged more for staying with someone you know. You can pretend not to know your partner and take a gamble of being in the same shared room but it is a risky game.
Single rooms are the most expensive option. These can be a double bed or a single. Sometimes you will get a tv and sometimes en suite facilities but this depends in the hostel.
All accommodation is based on shared bathroom facilities except possible single rooms if you are lucky.
Hostel Security
Hostels are very security conscious but with so many backpackers coming and going it is easy for items to get "lost". Common sense plays a big part in security especially in dormitories. Always keep your valuables i.e. passport, money, and camera with you as much as you can and if you do leave them at the hostel for the day ensure they are out of sight. It is wise to take pad locks for your rucksack so they cannot be opened and even a bicycle chain to chain your bag to the bunk bed is not unheard of.
Expected AmenitiesLaundry, Local Information, Activity Services, Internet Access (Pay per Minute or sometimes free access), Television Room, Kitchen, Bathrooms, Games Room, Bike Hire.
Hostels do vary depending on location or company chain but always provide the basics.