What Makes The Perfect Hostel?

An adventure hostelling in Europe will no doubt take you to a variety of hostels all with different qualities. But what exactly is it that makes an exceptional one stand out from the rest?

Thinking of Everything

These days, most people would probably agree even when they're hostelling in Europe, Wi-Fi is a very valued aspect of their accommodation. Gone are the days when travellers need to head to Internet cafes to check their Facebook and emails. Today, Wi-Fi is easily and cheaply available and many good hostels provide it free or at a nominal charge.

Safety and care of your valuables is imperative for those on a holiday hostelling in Europe. A hostel that has lockers with plugs inside for charging mobiles and other devices is a real plus.

Most hotels provide free towels, of course, but this is something that some hostels also offer. Imagine, as a backpacker, not having to pack a wet towel when you leave – it's a real luxury!

Linen is something else that often comes as standard. Some hostels do charge a small fee, but in some it is provided free of charge. Hand soaps and towels are also other small essentials that make all the difference to a backpacker and are sometimes included.

When hostelling in Europe you will probably find yourself sharing dorm rooms with other travellers. So good, solid bunk beds that don’t squeak when people move are a plus! This is imperative if a good night’s sleep is to be enjoyed by everyone in the room. A hook next to the beds is a great addition and saves people hanging wet towels and other items from the bed frame. Storage under the beds is another great idea, as well as individual reading lights that mean you can relax and read without having to hold a torch.

Some hostels provide a free breakfast and free tea and coffee, which is always well received; as an extra bonus, some offer cheap evening meals, too. Eating in the common dining areas is an extremely sociable aspect and travellers can get to know each other and share their stories and experiences.

A large kitchen with all the cutlery, crockery, pans and extras you might need to self cater is a must, as well as a common room with comfy chairs, books and perhaps a pool table or table football. Complimentary maps annotated with useful information for travellers is also a great idea. A good number of separate showers and toilets will save people waiting to use the toilet when someone is having a shower.

Finally, a pick-up service from the airport or train station can be a very useful addition to a hostel.

All these little extras make life a whole lot easier for travellers and there are plenty of fantastic hostels to choose around Europe that share many of these qualities – and plenty of others besides.