What You Need to Know Before Booking a Night at a Hostel

Seared into my memory are the rows of bunk beds stacked uncomfortably close together. Roll over, and you're face-to-face with a stranger also getting a fitful night's sleep. After scoping out the situation, my friends and I claimed our bunks and threw our sleeping bags on top of the bed, covering the single sheet provided. With no lockers to secure our belongings, I curled up with my backpack for the night. Throughout the night, arriving travelers kept turning on and off the lights while those attempting sleep yelled at others to be quiet, inevitably waking others in the process.  Granted, the majority of my hostel experiences weren't like the London experience. I've stayed in hostels where guests gather every night to eat a meal together, and hostels that radiate charm, offering comfortable and immaculate amenities.  But, how do you make sure you pick the right Hostel so you can avoid experiencing a similar horror story to mine?  Photo courtesy of Jacintha Verdegaal   "The idea of the hostel concept is foreign and new to many people. It's a lodging experience," explains Monahan. "If you haven't stayed in a hostel before, expect the unexpected; it's a little cliche, but be prepared for a different type of experience than you ever had staying in a hotel." While many seek out hostels primarily for their affordability, Monahan speaks to the philosophical allure of hostels. Hostels, by design, foster a sense of community. "You have the opportunity to commune with other like-minded people, make connections, and meet fellow travelers," says Monahan. When conceptualizing his Hostel, Monahan had the solo traveler in mind, deciding to offer single beds primarily. "For one, people who are traveling solo don't need a whole hotel room to satisfy their requirements. They can forgo the costs and t