I'm assuming it's nothing like those movies

[effex]

Hey, folks! A question - does anyone here have any advice re: staying in hostels? I'm poking around the internet for tips and tricks (and will eventually remember to check my copy of Wanderlust and Lipstick), but firsthand experience is always a plus.

Relatedly - holy shit, hotels in DC are expensive.

Comments

[mllesays]

Are you traveling alone? If so, I'd highly recommend a single-sex room if possible. Earplugs are a definite must. Expect to be jam-packed right on top of everybody else — there's often little to no room between bunks. See if you can leave your bags with the front desk while you go out, so you don't have to leave them in the room unattended. Also, I'd recommend looking for the hostel that has the most planned activities and sense of community (do they do movie night? community dinner night? etc.). Even if you can't participate, this means the people will be nicer and the whole feel will be a lot more pleasant. And bring shower shoes!

[effex]

It'll be me and my baby 19 year old sister so, yeah, I'm thinking a single-sex room is definitely the way to go.

And thank you! The place I'm looking at meets the planned activities/movie nights criteria + has smaller (4-person) rooms with lockers in (don't actually know if this is unusual), I'm starting to feel pretty confident about it.

[adds shower shoes to packing list]