Hostel Age Limits: Who Can Stay in a Hostel (And Who Can’t)?

When I started traveling more seriously at the ripe age of 20, I assumed that hostels were only for young people. You know—the classic gap-year backpackers, the party crowd, the budget-conscious students hopping between European capitals (back then Interrail was still a thing).

But over time, I realized that’s not entirely true. Hostels aren’t just for broke university students—they can be for almost anyone.

That being said, not all hostels allow everyone. Some have age limits, some cater to certain types of travellers, and others are open to anyone who enjoys communal travel.

So if you’re wondering: “Can I stay in a hostel?”—this guide will break down the misconceptions and help you figure out if a hostel is the right fit for you.

Misconception 1: Hostels are only for young people.

This is probably the biggest misconception, at least from my experience. When I tell people I’m staying in a hostel, I get the occasional raised eyebrow—as if I’m “too old” to be sleeping in a bunk bed.

Some assume that once you hit your 30s, you should automatically upgrade to hotels or Airbnbs because that’s the “adult thing” to do. Spoiler: It’s not. 😂 (Another spoiler: everybody fakes being an “adult” anyway, none of us have a clue.)

That being said, some hostels do have age limits, typically 18-30 or 18-35 in Europe. These are often party hostels, where the focus is more on socialising and nightlife than on getting a good night’s sleep.

Some may see age restrictions as unfair, but hostels cater to specific traveller experiences, like party hostels for younger crowds or quiet hostels for older travellers. Sometimes the experience is not explicitly written out, but you can kind of suss it from the possible age limits or ages of the reviewers (available in Hostelworld reviews). Age limits should always be spelled out in the description, though.

Misconception 2: Can Adults & Seniors Stay in Hostels?

If you’re over 40 (or even 60!) and wondering if you’ll be out of place in a hostel, the answer is: It depends on the hostel.

One of my favourite hostel experiences was in La Palma, in the Canary Islands (Vagamundo). 

I expected the usual mix of backpackers, but most of the guests were in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s! It surprised me—especially since the hostel didn’t advertise itself as senior-friendly. La Palma is a very popular destination for hikers (specifically German, for whatever reason) and it was funny seeing a 50-something-year-old guy fill his water bottle with red wine for the day.

The truth is, older travellers can absolutely stay in hostels—and in many cases, they make the best travel companions. Some of the most interesting conversations I’ve had was with an OG hippy who hitchhiked from France to India in the ‘70s! I’m pretty sure you can’t find that in a hotel lobby bar.

I’m also convinced, that the older you are, the more you care about others and leaving the place (be it kitchen, toilet, shower) nice for the next user.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about trying a hostel, book a private room first. It’ll give you a chance to experience the atmosphere without the full dorm-life commitment.

Misconception 3: Can Couples Stay in Hostels?

When people picture hostels, they often assume they’re for solo travellers or groups of friends. But can couples stay in hostels? Absolutely!

While dorm rooms are one bed per person (please don’t try to share a bunk—it’s awkward for everyone 😬), most hostels have private rooms for couples too.

If you book your accommodation together, most hostels will try to place you in the same bunk bed, or at least close or next to each other. If you have separate bookings, it is a good idea to notify the reception ahead of time that you’re travelling together and would like to stay in the same room. 

Misconception 4: Can Introvert Solo Travellers Stay in Hostels?

I’m an introvert—which means I love getting to know new people, but I also need time to recharge all alone.

For years, I thought hostels wouldn’t work for me because they seemed too social, chaotic, and overwhelming. Turns out, I was completely wrong.

I actually love travelling more now that I can be social when I choose to. I don’t get depressed or sad like I would just staying on my own in a hotel.

The key is to choose the right hostel. I avoid large dorms (8-12 beds) and party hostels and instead look for:

🔹 Smaller dorms (4-6 beds) for more privacy.
🔹 Hostels with curtains on the beds (sometimes takes a while when browsing all the options and looking at pictures, but this is the sacrifice I’m willing to make!).
🔹 Common areas with quiet spaces for reading or working.
🔹 No-party hostels that focus more on relaxation.

💡 Tip: Request a bottom bunk, bring noise-canceling headphones, close the curtains (or hang a towel or a scarf if you’re in a pinch) and voilà, you have your own little recharge cocoon.

Misconception 5: Can Families & Kids Stay in Hostels?

Before I volunteered in a hostel, I never would have thought that families would book hostels. But when you see a family of 4 sharing breakfast with other travellers, you realise how staying in a hostel makes for a richer experience for the kids!

Imagine travelling with your family and being able to be exposed to other nationalities and cultures while you’re at it! I’ve noticed that in some traveling families, the kids speak better English (or another foreign language) than their parents. 

It’s amazing to see teenagers translating for their families, helping with check-ins, and making friends in different languages. 

I wish I had had that opportunity to practice languages when I was younger!

I wouldn’t recommend this with very young children (and most hostels might not even allow under-18s even when coming with their parents), but teenagers and older would be a good fit.

I’ve seen families book private rooms and also whole dorms just for them. If it’s a mother-daughter combo for example, they might just share the dorm with others.

Another reason families might choose hostels over hotels is the cost savings—since most hostels have fully equipped kitchens, you can cook your own meals instead of eating out. That is not to say you shouldn’t sample some local cuisine, but at least you won’t have to do it for every single meal!

Misconception 6: Can 17-Year-Olds Stay in Hostels?

A lot of the time in Europe, the hostels will have rules about under-18 (and sometimes under-16) customers. In most European countries, hostels legally can’t accommodate minors in dorms unless they’re with a guardian. This is usually for legal reasons, insurance policies, and liability concerns.

Some allow minors in private rooms, but always check first! Even then it might be hard to get accommodated if you’re travelling without a guardian.

Party hostels are almost always 18+, and if a hostel has on-site bars or pub crawls, minors might not be allowed—even in private rooms.

Who Should Not Stay in a Hostel?

While hostels are incredibly diverse and welcoming, they’re not for everyone. If you fall into any of these categories, you might be better off in a hotel, Airbnb, or private rental.

❌ If You Need Total Privacy → If you’re someone who hates sharing spaces, hostels will probably feel overwhelming. Private rooms are an option, but you’ll still be sharing common areas, kitchen and most likely bathrooms.

❌ If You’re a Very Light Sleeper → Even in quiet hostels, there’s always noise. People checking in late, plastic bags rustling, roommates snoring … If any noise at night drives you crazy, a dorm might not be ideal. (Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help, though!)

❌ If You Expect Luxury Amenities → Hostels are budget-friendly, meaning you won’t find all the amenities a hotel might give you. If you’re still uncertain on how the two are different, head over to my article about the differences between the two!

❌ If You Don’t Want to Interact with Others → You don’t have to be super social to stay in a hostel, but completely avoiding human interaction is difficult. Even in the most private setups, you’ll still be in shared spaces.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about hostels, ease into it. Start with a private room or a smaller, quieter hostel. Some boutique or hybrid hostels offer a hotel-like feel but with hostel prices.

So, Who Can Stay in a Hostel? (Spoiler: Almost Everyone!)

Hostels aren’t just for gap-year backpackers or party-loving twenty-somethings. Whether you’re a solo introvert, a couple on a budget, a traveler in your 30s, or even a family, there’s probably a hostel that fits your style—if you choose wisely.

✔ Young backpackers? ✅ Absolutely.
✔ Older travelers? ✅ Yes, boutique and quiet hostels are ideal.
✔ Families? ✅ Yes, private rooms work best.
✔ Couples? ✅ Of course! Book together and communicate with the hostel.
✔ 17-year-olds? ✅ Sometimes—but check policies first.
✔ Introverts? ✅ Yes! Smaller dorms, quiet hostels, and beds with curtains help.

The key to a great hostel experience isn’t just about your age—it’s about choosing a place that matches your travel vibe. Read reviews, check policies, and don’t be afraid to try a hostel that fits your needs. 

Who knows? You might just find that hostels aren’t just a place to sleep, but a whole new way to experience travel.