10 Tips of What to Look for in a Hostel

Maze Backpackers - Monday, November 29, 2010

Thankfully, backpacking these days does not mean sleeping with one eye open in bed bug ridden, noisy, dirty conditions. To the contrary, most backpacker accommodation in the fair city of Sydney is welcoming, hygienic, safe and thorough in its offerings to backpackers, travellers, students and all sorts of other people.

So, if the situation is different and hostels are now modern and convenient, what should you look for when choosing backpacker accommodation?

  • A hostel that has a good website is a huge bonus. You will be able to investigate the hostel’s location, offerings and rates before arriving in the city or town. Also, hostels with effective websites have the facility for you to book a bed ahead of your arrival.
  • Accommodation does not have to be expensive. You shouldn’t have to pay top dollar for good quality lodgings. Of course, there may be different standards of room and numbers of people with whom rooms are shared and these will be priced accordingly. But, even if you choose to share a dormitory room, the price that you pay should be adequate for you to have a comfortable, clean and enjoyable stay.
  • When backpacking, atmosphere is important. The hostel should cater for young people and understand the needs of travellers who are looking to have fun! Good hostels will go to lengths to create a fun, relaxed and welcoming vibe but will also strike a balance between being ‘in your face’ and completely leaving guests to their own devices.
  • Location, location, location! Choose a hostel that is well located for transport and attractions. In a stunning city like Sydney, it is also a bonus if the hostel is a scenic location with some incredible views.
  • Look for a hostel that has modern amenities. Depending on how much time you plan to spend at the hostel itself, consider whether the establishment offers internet access, flat screen TVs, washing and ironing equipment…whatever it is you may need or want to make your stay all the more easy and enjoyable. You should always expect a hostel to be clean and safe.
  • You should expect to be offered some freebies – breakfast (depending on the room tariff), DVDs, bed linen, possibly some meals and food and drink vouchers. Be sure to investigate and ask about bonuses (including free things) that are thrown in.
  • Very often, backpackers will also be looking for work. Quality hostels will help guests with job access – they may have a jobs board, tip offs as to organisations that may be employing, good links to recruitment agencies and access to job preparation resources.
  • As well as work, another major concern of many backpackers is social in nature and very often involves nightlife! The best hostels will be able to give advice about where to go (and where not to go) and may even have organised events on site and off that are conducive to partying into the small hours. Tell the staff the sort of night you are after and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
  • Partying aside, it is likely that you will also want some down-time or maybe, you are not interested in a clubbing/pubbing experience at all. The hostel should have facilities for guests to relax and unwind; in Sydney an outdoor area to read, take in some sun or have a chat with friends is a big plus. Check out what is on offer before you book.
  • Staff are very important people. They should be friendly, helpful and be able to give you great advice on all sorts of things, including ideas of where to go and what to do to make the most of your time in Sydney and give you the kind of visit you want to have!

There is some high quality backpacker accommodation in Sydney. In fact, many Sydney hostels defy the stereotype of ‘youth hostels’ – they offer quite an extensive range of services and features and are designed so that guests have a comfortable stay in a welcoming, fun and positive environment. Don’t accept grotty, uncomfortable accommodation that is questionably fit for human habitation. Do a little research and you are sure to find some quality digs that offer fun, safety and are well located and good value.