Hostels are basic, inexpensive, cheap shared accommodation with beds in dorms or double rooms.they are intended mainly for young independent travelers who need a cheap place to sleep for the night and want to meet new people.

Where are hostels?

In a the majority of towns and cities across the world.

Will I have to share a room?

Generally yes, though many hostels have smaller or even private rooms (which will cost more). There could be anything from four to forty beds in a room. Some may be `bunk beds´

Do men and women sleep in the same room?

In general no, in most hostels the sexes are segregated with separate dorms for men and women. In some hostels, mainly the independent ones, this isn´t the case and you´ll find mixed sex dorms.

What are the showers like?

Mostly you will find separate shower rooms for men and women. Expect a shower room on each floor of large hostels, generally there aren´t any `ensuite´ facilities!

In most cases there will be shower cubicles with locks or at least curtains where you can shower in privacy. In some cases there may just be open shower cubicles or one big open area with showers in it.

Shared shower areas for men and women are known but if this is the case there will almost certainly be separate lockable private cubicles.

What about food?

Some hostels have a cafeteria providing simple inexpensive meals (evening and breakfast). Others have a kitchen which you can use to prepare your own food. There will generally be a continental breakfast (cereal, bread and jam, toast) either included in the price or for a small additional cost.

Do hostels provide towels, soap, shampoo or hair dryers?

No, there are no hotel style `frills´, bring your own

What´s a `sleep sheet´ and do I need one?

A `sheet bag´ you sleep in - you can make one by sewing two sheets together. Some hostels will give you one to use and charge you for it. In some places you can bring your own and save the small cost of renting one. In other hostels you can forget the sleep sheet and just sleep in a sleeping bag. For all a sleep sheet costs and weighs its worth bringing your own - either make one yourself or get one from a camping goods store. Some hostels will not allow you to use your own sleeping bag in case you bring any bugs in with you.

Do hostels have car parks?

Don´t expect city or town hostels to have a car park. Out of town there will probably be a drive where you can park outside.

Are hostels open all year round?

Not all. Some are summer only.

Would it not be cheaper sharing a room in a cheap hotel?

Yes, probably if you´re in a group. You´re less likely to meet other people though.

What´s the difference between a hostel and a pension?

A pension is like a `bed and breakfast´. It´s usually run by a couple who are renting out various rooms in their home. They don´t have dorm accommodation and cost a bit more than hostels.

Is there an age limit in hostels?

No (except in Bavaria where Hostelling International hostels have an `under 26 only´ restriction). Almost all hostels are open to all ages although many hostels are more `youth´ orientated.

What´s a curfew?

Some hostels require you to be back and in bed by a specific time, 12 midnight might be typical. This may restrict your partying, on the other hand it means there won´t be loads of drunk people staggering into your dorm waking people up in the early hours. Most of the hostels you find at Cheap-Hostels-In don´t have a curfew.

Can I book ahead online?

Yes. you will find the largest selection of hostels available online at Cheap-Hostels-In and can reserve a bed anwhere in the world.

Can I stay more than a few nights?

Hostels are intended for people who are travelling so you won´t be expected to stay more than two or three nights. Its generally OK to stay longer but check for any rules first.You can also generally book in for a few nights and then extend your stay if you like the place but let the check in desk know that the next morning.

When should I turn up?

As early as possible in the morning if you haven't booked online! you´d be advised to arrive first thing in the morning and secure a bed. This particularly applies in peak season. Hostels will generally be closed during the day between 10am and 4pm. If you arrive during the day you may have to wait until late afternoon to check in.

To avoid all these problems reserve your room with Cheap-Hostels-In and guarantee there is a bed waiting for you in your chosen destination.

What about crime?

Some hostels have lockers for you to lock up your stuff. Most will lock valuable or passports in the safe for you. You will probably leave your backpack in the dorm, unsecured, it´s unlikely anyone will steal all your dirty washing. The level of security required is higher in towns than in remote country hostels. 99% of the people staying in hostels are trustworthy but inevitably theft is common. Keep valuables at least out of site or with you in a day pack.

What sort of people stay in hostels?

Mainly `backpackers´ who´re travelling by rail or bus. You do get some older travellers and large groups of school children. These groups of school kids are common in Germany, Italy and France and are a disturbing nightmare.

Is there a common room where I can watch TV?

Facilities vary, there are hostels with swimming pools, bars, nightclubs, saunas.. Most will have some area where you can read or chat, a TV isn´t always available. Check out the full detail page for each hostel on Cheap-Hostels-In to determine the facilities available.

Will I get a good nights sleep?

Often but not always, the smaller the dorm the better your chances,

What time will I have to get up at?

Many hostels will want you out the door by 9.30 or 10am. Some do noisy wake up calls at 7.30 am or so.

Are hostels clean?

Mostly you won´t be exposed to any health hazards. Showers aren´t always as pleasant as you´d expect. There are some total dives out there.

All the hostels on Cheap-Hostels-In have been carefully selected so you can book in confidence.

What about `chores´?

Traditionally if you stayed in a hostel you were expected to contribute to the upkeep of the place by doing a task like cleaning a floor or washing up. This is not common these days though in rural hostels it could be expected.