When you think of the word, “hostel,” do you picture drunken college students who can’t afford better accommodations? If you do, you’re not alone; many hostels do tend to have a “party” vibe that attracts young travelers. There are also hostels that are much more family-friendly, where you can take your family to get a good night’s sleep in clean, quiet surroundings. Hostels cost less than traditional hotel rooms in most cases, and they allow you the opportunity to get to meet other travelers, making them a great way to explore your surroundings with your family. Here are some qualities to look for in a hostel that will help you to determine whether it’s family-friendly:
Private rooms
While you might picture dormitory-style accommodations, many hostels private rooms for those who want to travel with their families. If you stay in the dorm-like rooms, chances are that you’ll be separated by sex, which would make the hostel less-than-ideal for families with children of opposite sexes, or even for a husband and wife. Private rooms allow families the privacy that they desire as well as the ability to stay together. They might or might not come with a private bathroom; some will have an ensuite bathroom that is only for the family in the room, but others will have shared lavatory facilities. Be sure to ask ahead of time how it works.
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Self-catering kitchens
One way that hostels allow families to save money on travel is by providing kitchens for guests to use. You’ll share the kitchen with others in the hostel, and you’ll provide your own food to cook. Depending on who you encounter, you might decide to make communal meals, or you might stick with just your own little family; that’s up to you.
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Cleanliness and safety
Obviously, when you call a hostel for more information, the owner will tell you that it is clean and safe. To find out whether that’s accurate, you’ll need to depend on reviews. Your travel agent might be familiar with the hostel in question; if that’s the case, then she can give you some insight as to whether it’s family-friendly or not. Travel websites often have a section where travelers can leave reviews. It would definitely be worth checking these out if you are going to a new hostel for the first time, or if you don’t know someone who has already stayed there.
Family-Friendly Amenities
While by their nature, hostels tend to have fewer amenities than hotels, you’ll find some with lounge areas, game rooms, bicycle paths, swimming pools and movie rooms. These not only tend to tell you that the property is well-maintained, but it will also give your family something to do while not out exploring the local area.
Have you stayed in any family-friendly hostels while traveling? Tell us about your experience!
