How to Choose a Good Hostel

What Makes a Hostel “Good”?

Not all hostels are created equal. Some are amazing—comfortable, social, and well-run. Others… not so much.

I’ve stayed in multiple hostels across Europe, and over time, I’ve developed a checklist for finding the best ones for myself. 

Choosing a good hostel isn’t just about price for me (although it’s mostly about the price and finding a good balance). It’s also about comfort, atmosphere, and avoiding potential travel nightmares. If you’re deciding between a hostel or a hotel, here’s what sets them apart.

The best way to find and book a hostel is through trusted platforms like Hostelworld and Booking.com, where you can compare reviews, prices, and amenities. But sometimes, booking directly through the hostel’s website can give you extra perks or discounts.

In this guide, I’m not walking you through the actual booking process, but rather giving you ideas on what to look for in order to find the best hostel for your needs, how to spot red flags before booking, and how to read reviews the right way.

What to Look for in Hostel Photos Before Booking

A hostel’s photos can tell you a lot about what your stay will be like. Hostels, like any other businesses, know how to stage their pictures to make rooms look bigger and brighter than they actually are, so it’s important to look closely.

What I check when looking at the hostel photos:

1. Check if the beds look sturdy

This is my number one! Flimsy metal bunk beds that shake every time someone moves can ruin your sleep. If the bunks look solid (especially wooden ones) it’s a good sign.

I also check what the ladders look like, in case I need to take a top bunk. I hate those thin ones that dig into the sole of your foot!

2. Look for privacy curtains on bunk beds

Privacy curtains make a huge difference in dorms, I love them! If there’s no choice for a capsule or pod, this is my second favourite.

If a hostel doesn’t have them, you might need to create your own privacy by hanging up a towel or travel blanket.

3. Check how much space there is around the beds

If the dorm looks too cramped, it might mean tripping over backpacks and shoes every time you need to go to the bathroom at night.

Some places will cram as many beds as possible into one room, and it can make the room very stuffy.

4. See if there are bedside power outlets, lights and shelves

Many hostels don’t show outlets in photos, but if each bed has a small shelf, chances are there’s also a charging outlet nearby. This is useful for keeping your phone close while you sleep, but I’ve still invested in a long 3-meter charging cord.

A bedside light isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but definitely a nice-to-have!

5. Look for windows, especially in summer

No windows or poor ventilation can mean hot, stuffy rooms—especially in warmer months. If you’re traveling in the summer, check if there’s air conditioning (actually, good luck trying to find this! 😂) or at least a window that you can open. For me, the room temperature is essential for good sleep!

6. Check the bathrooms and showers

Look for photos of the bathroom setup. It’s not so much about how many there are compared to beds (as people often have such varied schedules that there usually aren’t queues), but more about where they are located and what they are like: ensuites in the rooms (handy, but noisy), along the corridor, on a different floor… 

Check also if there is space for clothes in the shower area. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference. No one wants their clothes getting soaked on the floor.

As a bonus as a female traveller, I try to check whether the sink is inside the same space as the toilet if I’m travelling around my period and want to use my mooncup.

7. Kitchen for cooking

Does the kitchen look like you could cook a decent meal? Or is it just fridge with a microwave on top?

Other Things to Consider Before Booking

Laundry facilities can be a lifesaver

If you’re traveling long-term, having onsite laundry can be extremely convenient. Some hostels have self-service machines and other ones that are operated by the hostel staff. If the hostel doesn’t offer laundry, check if there’s a laundromat nearby.

This obviously isn’t a big deal if you’re only travelling for a short period of time, but as someone who stays on the road for months, it’s a big deal.

Female-only dorms are worth considering

In my opinion, female dorms tend to be quieter and more comfortable. They also reduce the chances of dealing with snoring roommates, which is always a bonus in my eyes.

Think about the kind of atmosphere you want

Some hostels focus on co-living and quiet spaces, while others are designed for socialising and nightlife. 

Tip: If a hostel has a bar inside, it likely attracts a more party-oriented crowd. If that’s what you’re looking for, great! If not, you may want to find a more relaxed place (that’s me, I’m one of those people). Hostels aren’t just for young backpackers—travellers of all ages, including families and couples, stay in them too.

Understanding hostel etiquette can also help you have a smoother stay.

Location: what do you want to do? 

I stayed in a really nice co-living/working hostel/space in Klaipeda, but it was so far away from the centre of the city! It wasn’t the best place for sightseeing, as it took me about 25 minutes to walk to the centre. But it was ideal for getting some work done on my blog.

I also prefer dropping back into the hostel and taking a nap/chilling in the middle of the day, rather than spending the entire day outside, so a central location is a must for me.

How to Read Hostel Reviews the Right Way

Reviews are one of the best ways to tell if a hostel is worth booking, but you need to know how to spot red flags and filter out misleading reviews. Take these tips from someone who’s worked in hostel reception and seen the guests who have left certain type of reviews!

1. Start with the lowest reviews first

I always check the 1-star and 2-star reviews first. Some complaints are minor, but if multiple people mention bad security, cleanliness issues, or staff rudeness, that’s something to take seriously.

But see below why you should always take reviews with a grain of salt!

2. Understand the review platform

• Hostelworld reviews tend to be from experienced hostel travellers, so they know what to expect. Reviews from actual guests who stayed at the property.
• Booking.com reviews often include people who expected hotel-like service, so some complaints might not be relevant. So if someone is complaining about the lack of free shampoo, I’m not going to give it much weight.  Same as Hostelworld; reviews from actual guests who stayed at the property.
• Google Reviews can be hit-or-miss since anyone can leave a review, even if they haven’t stayed there.

3. Reviews can be fake

I’ve seen it happen in a few places: the management will offer you free shots if you leave a good review.

It’s good to know that they can be faked or “bought”. If a place has a lot of 10s without any explanations or justifications, I become suspicious.

4. Check reviews from the same time of year you’re traveling

If you’re visiting in July, a review about cold rooms in December isn’t useful. Look for reviews from travellers who stayed in the season you’re travelling.

5. Read the most recent reviews

I like to check a few recent reviews before booking a hostel. Filtering just 1- or 2-star ones can bring in older reviews, and the place might have well changed management, or cleaning staff. If the recent ones don’t mention the problems from low reviews, you’re probably good.

6. Look for bed bug mentions (but don’t panic too soon)

One report of bed bugs doesn’t always mean there’s a problem—it could have been a one-time issue that was quickly resolved.

Good places will handle bed bugs swiftly and discreetly, they are an inevitable part of tourism business with people coming and going from all over the world. 

However, if multiple reviews over different months mention bed bugs, that’s a reason for me to avoid the hostel.

7. See how the hostel responds to negative reviews

If the hostel replies professionally and offers solutions to any negative reviews, that’s a good sign. If they get defensive or rude, it might indicate poor management. 

I’ve actually once turned down a volunteering position when I saw the responses the management left even on good, constructive reviews.

I prefer no replies at all, over rude ones!

How to Pick the Best Hostel

Finding a good hostel isn’t necessarily just about the cheapest price—it’s about comfort, location, and avoiding bad experiences.

Quick recap:

• Look at photos carefully to check bed sturdiness, privacy, and space.
• Read reviews properly by checking for recent complaints, bed bug mentions, and how management responds.
• Pick the right atmosphere based on whether you want a quiet stay or a social experience.

A little research goes a long way in ensuring a great hostel stay!

For everything you need to know about staying in hostels, check out this guide.