 Useful Tips
 Reservation
Recommended Country
Featured Hostel
|
HI - New York Hostel
Situated near Central Park and Columbia University, the hostel is in a historic
Victorian Gothic-style building on Upper West Side. It organizes walking
tours...more
|
 Popular Links
|
|
|
|
Recommend Links
|
|
|
|
About Hosteling |
Frequently Asked Questions |
1. Hostels?
This is an inexpensive method of accommodation. For travelers, who would rather spend more on the exploring the city then accommodation and opportunity to meet new people, within a casual and friendly environment.
2. What does a hosteller look like?
A hosteller looks like you and everyone you have ever meet, or seen in your life. They can be every race, size, religion, or personality.
3. Hostel Membership requirements.
There are no memberships needed for any of the Hostels listed on the Hosteltimes.
4. Is it possible for me to stay at hostel, in my home country?
Many hostels do not allow for non international travelers to stay at these hostels, in the USA, this policy is not normally used in other countries. Please review this on the Hostels micro site.
5. What does a hostel look like?
There is no one way of which to describe a typical hostel. Their size and shape varies, as do their locations, and methods of getting to them. You could be required to climb a step mountain, to get to your hostel, or stay in an ancient castle, in a campsite of a national park. Some hostels are fairly quiet, and peaceful, while others are a fun and lively atmosphere.
6. What is a typical dormitory like?
There is no way to describe what a typical dormitory should look like, as they will differ with each and every hostel you will stay in.
7. How clean are hostels?
Cleaning, is an ongoing process, with so many people traveling thru just take a few moments to clean up after yourself and make sure your general facilities are in proper order.
8. Do hostels have storage for personal Belongings?
The majority of hostels provide a secure place to store your valuables, and documents. Storage is normally available to leave your luggage if you arrive early or are departing late. The receptionist of the hostel where you are staying will have the information you need.
9. Do hostels have a curfew?
Some hostels enforce a curfew this means guest are expected to return to the hostel, or not be allowed in till the office opens the next day. Others enforce a policy regarding when you have to go to your dorm or room. This is something you should review about any potential hostels you will be staying at.
10. Are reservations necessary to stay at a hostel?
You should always book a room at a hostel, prior to checking in. This will guarantee that a bed will be waiting for at your destination. If for some reason or another, you cannot make a reservation online, then you might want to call the hostel, where you wish to stay, and let them know you would like a space.
11. Ensuite?
Each room has its own private restroom, equipped with a sink, toilet and shower or bathtub.
12. Hostelling?
This is popularly known as backpacking worldwide. Both hosteller and backpacker are one in the same; they tend to stay away from home for prolonged periods of time, rather than brief periods. Also, they may see more, and many different things that other travelers wouldn??t dream of doing while on vacation. In some countries, it??s accustomed for the youth, to take an extended trip abroad. During hostelling, one shall find that their perspective will differ quite a lot from a regular tourist.
13. Age Restriction?
Prior to making a booking at a hostel, check to view there policies about any policies they have about age.
14. Necessary Documentation.
You will be asked to show proper identification, some hostels also require you to provide travel documents. As well as an international passport.
15. Who came up with the idea for hostels?
Hostelling began in Germany in 1907, by a genius of a man named Richard Schirmer he started it as a way to travel with his students and to explore and show them there local surroundings From there hostelling has spread around the world. From a man who just wanted to have an affordable place to stay while exploring his homeland
16. Are all the guests loud and inconsiderate?
Hostels provide a space to sleep for numerous people a recommend suggestion is to purchase a pair of headphones or ear plugs to block out outside noise. Try to be respectful of people while they are sleeping and most will show you the same respect in return.
17. Kitchens?
Most Hostels do have Kitchens. You are normally required to cook/prepare your own food. Most Hostels are furnished with utensils, a means of storing food, and a source of heat for cooking. If your putting your food into a community refrigeration system you should always put your name, the date, and room or bed number clearly on the item so as to not get it confused with other items inside. Remember to be respectful and clean up after yourself.
18. Hostel Rules and Regulations.
The golden rule is that you must be considerate. Hostels encourage their guests to clean up after you cook or eat. The rules will normally be listed somewhere near the office. Just look around if you feel you need to know.
19. Lockout time?
This is an opportunity for staff to have access to the hostel typically for cleaning purposes. If your Hostel has a lockout time you will be notified when checking in or asked properly to leave for a certain amount of time. Please inquire with the Hostel your staying at for the specifics on their Lockout Policy.
20. What do I need to bring with me, while hostelling?
Upon checking in you will need to show an Id, or passport, so make sure your personal documents are handy. Some Hostels provide certain everyday living items but better be safe then sorry. We recommend that you bring the following items, food if you plan on eating, personal hygiene products, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel, shower shoes, laundry detergent, a lock for securing important items, and last but not least a good attitude. Other recommendations would be a means of entertainment, walkman or book, an extra pillow and or blanket. Please call the hostel and ask them what will be provided in order to get a better understanding of what you??ll need.
21. Using a sleeping bag?
Most of times, this is discouraged. More and more hostels are providing clean linens, and blankets.
22. What kind of rooms is there?
There may be a private room that has two beds that accommodate one person each. While, the double room has a single bed, in which two people can sleep. but the most common type is the dormitory room. there may be 4 to 10 beds (usually bunk bed) in the room, and sometimes a lot more.
23. What type of experiences will I have at a hostel?
New people, countries, cultures, all of this and more. Who knows you may just find you future spouse, I did. MG
24. Does the cost of staying at a hostel vary from city to city?
Yes, the size, location, facilities, and dorm size will all affect the price..
25. Do hostels discourage alcoholic beverages on the property?
The Drinking rules for each hostel will be varied depending on their specific rules and regulations. Before you arrive or while you are checking in you should inquire about the hostels drinking rules. Typically as long as you are of legal drinking age and are not being a disturbance to other guests they will allow you to drink. Some hostels have bars on their premises while others do not permit any alcohol at all.
26. Independently owned hostel and others?
An independently owned hostel is run by a single person or by a small group. Associated hostels have various locations in different cities or states.
|
|
