You’ve decided to book your tickets to Thailand. But where do you stay? I wouldn’t worry that because Thailand gives you a lot of options. Be it a hostel, cheap, budget or luxury hotels, bungalows, and resorts, one can always find a place to stay without worrying too much.
For the longest time, traditional hotels and lodges were the only options available to travelers who wanted a modicum or privacy. And hostels were considered to be made used only by backpackers and not tourists traveling with friends and family. But times have been changing.
But how do you choose whether to stay in a hostel or a hotel?
For a stress-free privacy option, you should choose a hotel. You’re guaranteed your own space(including washroom) and you can get to choose from well-established hotels from a wide variety of locations.
Hostels are mostly chosen by backpackers or tourists who don’t want to spend most of their time in their room sleeping or relaxing, who generally tend not to spend more than just a couple of days in a place. These tourists would be busy roaming around the town, sightseeing than looking for luxury. They want to find a place where they can stay on a budget, saving some money. Also, since they often travel alone, staying in a hostel can be a good way to meet other backpackers and have some great experiences.
Hostels aren’t those cheap, unwelcoming places anymore.
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Pros of staying in a hostel:
a. It is Affordable. Depending on the number of beds in a room, their prices can vary, but they are still going to be more affordable than any other hotel.
b. You can have Privacy by booking a room with 3 or 4 beds, thereby ensuring that your family can share the room.
c. Amenities: I have seen many beautiful hostels, clean and modern and with great facilities like a common television room, a coffee lounge, and even a library. So it isn’t shabby anymore.
d. Experiences: You get to meet people from different nationalities and age groups.
Cons of staying in a hostel:
a. Privacy: If you choose a dormitory, you’ll not have the same kind of privacy you expect from a hotel room. Your roommates may come back in the middle of a night and it could be noisy. Well, you can’t complain about it, can you?
b. Age limits: Few, if not all hostels have age limits. Few are meant only for the younger lots (not more than 30yrs).
c. Amenities: You may only be provided with a bed and locker and a common bathroom. So, it’s better to forget about nice towels or a nice view.
That said, communal breakfasts, weekend party opportunities, book exchanges and rooftop cinemas can liven up your hostel experience. What would you choose? Hotel or Hostel?
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with AirBNB coming up hostels are getting more and more popular. I haven’t stayed in one though I would like to try – may be on a solo trip.
Tina Basu recently posted…Hope in Life – Step 8 to Leading a Meaningful Life | AtoZ Challenge
You’re right in that it does depend on the plan. When in Canada, the places I went to with parents, we booked through Airbnb but when just my sis and I travelled, we booked a hostel.
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I would choose both. Want to experience both types. Hostel stay does sound good, given I choose a good hostel.
Swathi Shenoy recently posted…Hostel Life
You’ve made me rethink my views of Hostels, Shalini. My next trip to Thailand, or anywhere else, I am going to lok up hostels . Thanks for this information.
I think its a hostel for me if I am on a solo trip and want to meet like minded peeps for conversations and shares. A hotel room if I am on a luxury and quietude kinda holiday! 😉
Whats your take Shalzz?
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Informative post.
Thanks for sharing.
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My mantra is travel in style so the hotel it is for me.
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Having tried out hostels only on my last trip abroad, I would say that the overall experience was different, in a good way. Very informative post and definitely helpful for a first-time traveller.
While I am a hotel guy myself, I definitely understand the appeal of a hostel. Then again, I haven’t left this country this century so who am I to actually comment 🙂
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Harman Singh – The Hero Who Chose Humanity over Religious Beliefs #AtoZChallenge
Yes, hostels are coming up in a big way and there are some really nice ones in Jaipur too. Hostels would be great for solo trips or trips with friends.
Shilpa Garg recently posted…OZiva Protein & Herbs Review + High Protein Indian Vegetarian Recipes
Nice info…Hostel booking..something I never knew about.
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Most hostels have an age limit of 30 years? Now this is making me sad, I should’ve gone last year 🙁
Hotels are kinda sad if you’re going alone. With hostels, that’s not something to worry about.
Sreesha recently posted…Happiness | #AtoZChallenge
I think the first pros of hostel is the prime reason why people choose it over hotel right 😉
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Personally i would love staying in a hostel as one can meet loads of new people and share experiences that you’d never get to try if you are travelling alone
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I think if one is traveling with a lot of luggage, hostels would not be so safe, no? On the other hand if one is traveling in a group, and you are going to be sharing the room with people you know, then it’s not such a bad idea.
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My husband has this block of staying in hostels. There are some good options out there but he just thinks hostel means no privacy ?
I for one love the adventure they present.
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Its not a bad choice as you have described. Never heard of them before. Can try them but dont know if they are good choice with kids.
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I think a solo traveler can go for a hostel, but I now I would chose a hotel even if I was alone 😉
Hostels sounds good. I’ve seen some in Goa. There is one that looks like a prison too! I’ll try that out maybe 😀
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Well, due to the budget on my round-the-world trip, I only stayed in hostels. It was a mixed bag of experiences – some were lovely, but I also stayed in a few real dives! Not that many of the latter, though. There’s a great communal vibe to a good hostel and I did meet lots of people. I stayed in the YHA in Bangkok and clearly it didn’t have this age limit, because on the first night I met two guys in their 70s who were having their big adventure – they were great!
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This is very helpful we dont think of hostels as an option so many times