Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help you find the answers you need for a hassle-free experience and useful information about your stay!
What is a hostel?
A hostel is an affordable, good-quality accommodation option that offers a comfortable night's sleep in a friendly atmosphere at an affordable price. Hostels also provide a perfect way to get to know a country, at low cost, and to meet many like-minded travellers using the shared facilities such as the bar or lounge, and the kitchen.
Hostels offer a wide variety of accommodation options including shared rooms (either single-sex or mixed) and private rooms. Private rooms are becoming increasingly popular at our hostels, making our hostels open to families and couples as well as individual travellers and groups.
What are “HI Assured Standards” and “HI Quality”?
The HI Assured Standards define the levels of welcome, comfort, cleanliness, security and privacy that you can expect at any HI hostel, anywhere in the world.
HI-Q, the HI Quality Management System, complements the well-established HI Assured Standards and focuses on the management and operation of the hostels. It integrates “best practices” from quality systems worldwide, adapted to the specific needs of hostels. HI-Q enables hostels to continually improve and maintain high standards to ensure you have a great hostel experience.
Only those hostels that successfully complete the program will be certified and have the right to display the distinctive Hi-Q logo — look for it at the hostels you visit.
What types of facilities can I expect to find in a hostel?
Hostels are ideal for meeting new people and you will find shared facilities such as a shared lounge, a self-catering kitchen, bar, restaurant, library, TV lounge and laundry facilities. Hostels also offer many services such as internet access, activity tours, discounts on attractions and performances — and of course advice from the local staff. The specific facilities and services that each hostel offers can be found on the hostel's page.
Who can stay in a hostel?
Hostelling International welcomes everyone, regardless of age, race, nationality, skin colour, religion, gender, class or political opinions.
Families are welcome to stay in a large number of our hostels, but please check directly with the hostels as certain conditions may apply, for example it may be necessary to book a private room.
Groups (10+ people) are also welcome at many of our hostels and are specially catered for.
Do hostels organize tours and activities?
Our hostels have a wealth of information and knowledge about the local area and the environment. Many hostels arrange a wide variety of tours and activities themselves. If tours or activities are not arranged directly by the hostels, they can provide you with information so that you get the most out of your stay.
Can I bring my pet when staying in a hostel?
Pets are welcome at some hostels. Please check with the hostel before booking, either by reading the hostel's page or by contacting the hostel directly.
What types of facilities are provided for wheelchair users?
Many hostels offer wheelchair access, and specially adapted rooms are becoming more common. We recommend that you contact the hostel for specific details before booking, as many hostels are located in historic buildings that cannot be easily adapted. Contact information for the hostel can be found on the Location tab on the hostel's page.
What about my safety and security?
The safety and security of our guests is very important to us. Most of our hostels have lockers or safes in their rooms where you can store your valuables. Some may require you to bring your own padlock or rent/buy one at reception. Those hostels that do not have in-room locker facilities usually have a safe at the front desk where they allow guests to store their valuables. We advise our customers to make sure they have adequate travel insurance before they travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend that you always obtain adequate travel insurance before embarking on your journey. Hostelling International does not offer travel insurance directly, but works with World Nomads to give HI customers a discount on their purchase.