Picking the right hostel can make or break your weekend getaway. While chances are you will not be stuck in a room with psychopathic crazed murderer, leaving Paris with bedbugs and lice seems just as bad. I've had an array of experiences and feel like I have finally gotten a hold on the do's and don'ts of picking your dream hostel without sacrificing your budget or first born child.
- The key to a great place is all about the location. You want to be close enough to the main sites you're interested in but also not in tourist capital. Do your research - ask around and make sure where you are staying is a safe neighborhood. Yes you want to be near the fun and action, but if your place is next door to a *brothel, I advise looking elsewhere. *Yes, I know people who have had this happen.
- Reviews are your new best friend. Do not, I repeat, do NOT set the little sorter button to "price lowest to highest" and pick the first one. While you may not see the difference in a room for ten dollars verse eighteen for a night, the reviews can tell you another story. Make sure to see what people have to say about cleanliness, the staff and location!
- Have a preempt list of what amenities are a must for you. If you can't live with out social media for two days (I know, the struggle) make sure the hostel offers Wi-fi. Most do have complimentary internet or some sort of public computer station. If they try to charge you, find another place. This is 2015... we deserve some proper Wi-fi! Other extras you might want to look out for our complimentary breakfasts, indoor bars -yes some hostels have bars right in the building, but please remember to venture outside the hostel too- and organized activities & tours!
- Look for info on the staff. Finding a place with a helpful staff who can provide you with resources and tips during your visit is like hitting the jackpot. They work there, chances are they know the hottest spots, best tours, and how to get the most out of your visit.
- The BEST part of your hostel stay is of course the amazing travelers you get to meet. With so many interesting people backpacking, passing through in both groups and on their own, you're bound to make some weekend pals. When I stayed in Florence, my friends and I shared a room with a guy (whom we soon named Oliver) from Canada who was doing a culinary apprenticeship across Italy (Food connoisseur + Italy = best roomie ever). He was able to bring us to the most authentic, amazing restaurants we had ever been too. I still dream of the Spaghetti glio e olio I had on my first night in Florence. Point is, you never know who you will meet and how they can add to your story!