leo107•8d ago

Unpopular opinion: Hostels arent always cheaper than hotels anymore

I keep seeing people act like hostels are the only way to save money on a trip. But last month I planned a 4 night stay in Austin and a private room at a hostel was $110 a night. A budget hotel 2 blocks away was $95 a night with free breakfast and my own bathroom. I get that dorms are cheaper but if you value sleep or privacy the math doesnt always work out. Am I missing something or are hostels getting too pricey for what they offer?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_west58d ago

Is this really worth getting worked up over though? You found one example where a hotel was cheaper in one city on one specific weekend. Thats not exactly a trend, thats just how pricing works sometimes. Hostels have never been some magic budget hack for every single situation. If you value privacy and a private bathroom that much, then yeah hotels are probably better for you. But acting like hostels are dead or overpriced because of one comparison is a stretch.

beth_stone8d ago

Honestly, have you ever actually tried to find a bed in a hostel during peak season in a popular city? I did a full cost comparison for a trip to Barcelona last summer and after adding up the hostel dorm bed plus locker rental, towel fee, and breakfast that wasn't included, it came out to more than a basic private room at a two-star hotel. The hostel was also way further from the main attractions. So yeah, when you factor in the nickel and diming and the lack of privacy, hostels are losing their edge fast.