Does staying in hostels really save money or is it a false economy?

I was talking with my neighbor last week after she got back from a trip to Portland. She stayed in a hostel for $35 a night but ended up spending $60 extra on laundry because the place had no washing machine, and another $40 on earplugs and sleep masks because the room was so noisy and bright. She said by the time she added up all the little costs, she could have just split a budget hotel room with a friend for the same total. It made me wonder if we focus too much on the nightly rate and ignore all the hidden costs of hostels. On the other hand, I've had great hostel experiences in smaller cities where the amenities were better. Has anyone else done the math on this and found hostels still come out ahead?

2 comments

2 Comments

anthony42616d ago

Totally feel for your neighbor, that sucks. I had a similar thing happen in Chicago last year where the hostel was $30 a night but they charged for locker rentals and there was no kitchen, so I ate out every meal which killed my budget. By day three I had spent way more than I would have at a cheap motel. It really does depend on the place though, like I stayed at a hostel in a small town in New Mexico that had free breakfast and a washer, and that one saved me a ton.

chen.james15d ago

The whole system is designed to nickle and dime you no matter what you pick.