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
If you have a question about a hostel or hostelling itself, then the answer can be found below. Please also remember that we carried out an in-depth study. For these facts, none of the hostels are exactly the same. So while you are debating on where, you will stay you should always research your options, till you feel you have made the right choice.
Hostels are places, which are mainly for budget travelers, those who wish to save money on their stay, and have more to spend towards their travels, such as for a tour, movie, or buying food, etc. Please don't be expecting special treatment here. This is an inexpensive method of accommodation. You will meet other travelers, who may have gone to a place you are considering as a stop. You may end up sleeping in a bunk bed, with someone below you, who does not share the same idea of proper hygiene as you do. Yet, don't worry about any of this when making your reservation. As, most of the times, people in hostels have proper hygiene. Hostellers will normally say if they enjoyed their stay, so this gives you a good chance, to learn about a hostel that can not be missed if you are stay in a certain city. A lot of aspects of hostels have changed quite a bit since their beginnings. The sole luxury of staying at a hostel instead of a hotel is the price and the people.
All sort of people stay in hostels that are from every inch corner of the globe. Sometimes people are led to believe to believe myths about a particular hostel, which are entirely untrue. Such as; there are age restrictions. Some hostels do have these policies; the majority does not even consider it.
There really aren't any hostels that require you to have a hostel membership to check in, especially the ones on hosteltimes.com. While some give the card holders a discount, they will still give you the same discount, with or without having a hostel membership card upon arrival at the hostel. You may just have to purchase this card to receive some discounts.
Is it possible for me to stay at hostel, in my home country?
Sure, but please carry proof of identity on your person, like other guests. Though, many hostels do not allow for non international travelers to stay at these hostels, some will make an exception, for someone who is really traveling, if he or she has a passport. This will be sufficient to show the staff, that you will be moving on after your stay at the hostel. And not become a long-term resident taking up space in the hostel, which might be needed to accommodate other guests, wanting to stay who are really traveling.
There is no one way of which to describe a typical hostel. As their size, and shape vary 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, or in a room at a family's home. Thus, some hostels provide beds for many people, while others only have a single room. Some hostels are fairly quiet, and peaceful, while others are extremely noisy, and not quite as clean as you might hope. That is the kicker, which makes the whole hostelling experience so rewarding. It really just depends on what you are looking for. With so many hostels, there are going to be more than you think that will fit your needs.
Where as all basic cleaning has been done, such as; vacuuming the floors, or carpets, wiping down the counters in the kitchen, placing clean linen on the beds, and washing the dishes, still some places in the hostel, will always need cleaning. It's not a hospital, so keep in mind how many people are using the facilities. Cleaning is an ongoing process. You can help, by cleaning up after yourself and putting things back the way they were.
Any of your suitcases, which don't have valuables, such as casual clothes, or basic toiletries. Electronics and anything that you value should be locked up. There will always be a space in hostels, for storing any or all of your valuable possessions. Most hostels do not accept responsibility for lost or stolen stuff. Keeping your things secure will lessen the possibility of theft
This is the time when all the hostel guests are expected to return to the hostel. some hostels, it is The time designated by the owner/manager or staff for the guests to be in bed.
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 that you will be coming there, and how long you will be staying, what time you are expecting you to arrive. This alleviates any problem from arising, like there is no space available for you at the hostel. This is especially true, during busy times of the year, such as; Christmas, and summer. Also, you should try to arrive in the morning, so, if there are any problems they could be dealt with and resolved. Still, booking in advance online is preferred. If you are unsure, we'd advise you to do some research of your own, prior to making a reservation. This is for your benefit
Well, basically, it means that you will be staying at a hostel, throughout the whole time you're traveling. This is also known as "backpacking" worldwide. Simply, an inexpensive way of traveling. 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, then other travelers. In some countries it's common for the youth, to take an extended trip abroad. While hostelling, one shall find that their perspective will broaden quite a lot from a regular tourist. As, you will get close to the locals, and take part in their daily routine, and eat their cuisine, no one makes an actual schedule for this type of vacationing. This enough time, for unplanned events. So, with that said, you just need to remember, this is designed for those travelers, who wish to spend as little money as possible, on a place to sleep and more on things to see and do while traveling.
There really are not many hostels that enforce any age restrictions. It would not be right to turn a person away, unless you had a valid reason, such as; a bar is on the property, and no one under 21 should be allowed to stay, for obvious reasons. So, prior to making a booking at a hostel, check its information, as to familiarize yourself with them.
You will be asked to show an ID, so that you can prove your identity, and to be allowed to check in. The whole idea of this is to make sure, that you are not a local resident of the area, who just want to stay somewhere, for less money, as hostels are for those tourists, traveling abroad. Also, there are many hostels that won't let you stay unless you have an international passport handy.
There was a German school teacher who came up with an idea, that later allowed for travelers that were passing through, who stayed in some of the classrooms at his school, and in return for his allowing them to stay, they would sweep the floor around where they slept the previous night and rearranged the classroom in time for class.
Although it is a common practice, for all guests to be quiet, once others have gone to bed, there will be some noise, no matter what, as from people out in streets, and cleaning crews, or from fellow hostellers. Still, in those hostels located in the heart of a mountain or countryside, then you may be able to hear a pin drop. Just be sure to check out such things at the hostel you plan to stay in, or contact travelers that have already been there.
Yes, of course, almost all do. These are ones, in which you will be the one cooking/preparing your food, not the hostel staff. They are usually furnished with a means of storing food, and cooking. Also, it's an ideal place for you to interact with other guests
Well, it all depends on what you consider to be rules, and where you are going to stay. The golden rule is that you must be considerate to other guests, who you will be sharing the hostel with. There are a few unspoken rules, that you should follow, which are commonly known, even without being explained. Again, check with the hostel where you plan to stay, for better understanding of what to expect.
This is the time during the day, which you will be asked to leave, while the hostel management closes the hostel, so they can handle their business matters. Though, this is not a common place, amongst bigger city hostels.
What do I need to bring with me, while hostelling?
You will be asked to show an ID, so that you can prove your identity, and to be allowed to check in. The whole idea of this is to make sure, that you are not a local resident of the area, who just wants to stay somewhere, for less money, as hostels are for those tourists, traveling abroad. Also, there are many hostels that won't let you stay unless you have an international passport handy. and another thing is that you shouldn��t expect to get any soaps, towels etc. while you stay in the hostel.
Most of times, this is discouraged. Because, most hostels now provide clean linen, and blankets. Also, this is a common rule, as to keep any unwanted creatures out of the hostel, and for the safety of the other guests. So, unless you are going to be camping outdoors, leave it at home.
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.
Does the cost of staying at a hostel vary from city to city?
Yes, it will. Because the size, and location will determine the cost. Also, if you decide to stay in a hostel, which is located in a bigger city, then it will cost more, for the cost of living is higher, then in a smaller city.
Do most hostels discourage the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the property?
The Front desk will let you know just ask. you should check with the hostel that you are going to stay in to see if they mention anything regarding this topic. as some have bars on their premises, and others do permit it, there should not be any problems at all unless they mention it.
What is the difference between an independently owned hostel and others?
An independently owned hostel is ran by a single person or by a small group, where as the rest are run by many people or groups. The way they run the hostel is almost same.
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